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1224519

	registered interest
	date	14/07/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	British Council: Educational Exchanges
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the role of the British Council in providing foreign exchange opportunities for UK students.
	tabling member constituency	York Outer
	tabling member printed	Julian Sturdy
	uin	73813
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/07/2020 answer text <p>The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural and educational opportunities, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office recognises the importance of its work in providing a variety of foreign exchange programmes for UK students to widen their career prospects. The Council delivers or part-funds eight schemes for UK students to study or work abroad. For example, over 2,000 students participate annually in the Language Assistants programme, which supports UK students and recent graduates in taking up a placement in a school to assist in English language teaching. Between now and 2025, the British Council is aiming to provide international mobility opportunities to over 125,000 UK students and researchers.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 21/07/2020 16:56:29 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4079 label Biography information for Julian Sturdy

1063953

	registered interest
	date	19/02/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Antarctic: Marine Protected Areas
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he will take to advance proposals to create an Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary in the Weddell Sea, following the failure to reach an agreement on such proposals at the meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources in autumn 2018.
	tabling member constituency	York Outer
	tabling member printed	Julian Sturdy
	uin	223125
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/02/2019 answer text <p>The UK remains engaged with a range of developments to help secure early adoption of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Weddell Sea. British scientists are participating in scientific expeditions to the Weddell Sea during this Antarctic season, and in a series of international scientific workshops and meetings, to further develop the scientific case for the MPA proposal. The UK is also continuing to engage with counterparts from other Member States in the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources to find a way to move forward on this, and other outstanding, MPA proposals.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 27/02/2019 16:11:31 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4079 label Biography information for Julian Sturdy

1201144

	registered interest
	date	08/06/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Hong Kong: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Chinese counterparts on the human rights situation in Hong Kong and the potential effect of that situation on future trade with China.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	56055
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/06/2020 answer text <p>On 8 June, the Foreign Secretary spoke to Chinese State Councillor and Minister for Foreign affairs, Wang Yi. He set out the UK's deep concern at China's proposal to impose national security law in Hong Kong, which is in conflict with the high degree of autonomy, and rights and freedoms, protected under international law by the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also discussed how the UK and China could work together on areas of mutual interest, including on climate change and trade.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 16/06/2020 15:36:39 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1200643

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Hong Kong: Human Rights and Press Freedom
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect (a) journalists and (b) human rights defenders in Hong Kong.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	54949
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2020 answer text <p>We expect the Hong Kong authorities to abide by international human rights laws and practices. The UK remains committed to upholding Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms underpinned by the Joint Declaration and the &quot;One Country, Two Systems&quot; framework set out in the Basic Law. In a call with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 8 June, the Foreign Secretary made clear that Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms must be preserved in line with China's international obligations under the Joint Declaration. Officials have also raised issues of concern regularly at senior levels with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.</p><p>In our six-monthly reports to Parliament, we have regularly highlighted the importance of freedom of the press and set out our views on specific incidents of concern. We will of course continue to do so, including in the next Six-monthly Report which the Foreign Secretary intends to publish soon.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 09/06/2020 15:38:27 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1199629

	registered interest
	date	02/06/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	USA: Police
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on (a) the murder of George Floyd and (b) the policing of citizens in the US.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	53490
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/06/2020 answer text <p>The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have been clear that the death of George Floyd was appalling, inexcusable and deeply distressing. We are aware that a suspect has been charged and there is a federal review underway. We would hope and expect justice to be done.</p><p>The violence we have seen is clearly very alarming. People must be allowed to protest peacefully - peaceful protest remains a vital part of a democratic society and we understand the strength of feeling around this issue.</p> answering member constituency Aldridge-Brownhills answering member printed Wendy Morton grouped question UIN 53491 question first answered 08/06/2020 10:54:29 answering member 4358 label Biography information for Wendy Morton
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1199630

	registered interest
	date	02/06/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	USA: Police
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on discriminatory policing practices against BAME people in the US; and what the outcome was of those discussions.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	53491
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/06/2020 answer text <p>The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have been clear that the death of George Floyd was appalling, inexcusable and deeply distressing. We are aware that a suspect has been charged and there is a federal review underway. We would hope and expect justice to be done.</p><p>The violence we have seen is clearly very alarming. People must be allowed to protest peacefully - peaceful protest remains a vital part of a democratic society and we understand the strength of feeling around this issue.</p> answering member constituency Aldridge-Brownhills answering member printed Wendy Morton grouped question UIN 53490 question first answered 08/06/2020 10:54:29 answering member 4358 label Biography information for Wendy Morton
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1194497

	registered interest
	date	11/05/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Infectious Diseases: Disease Control
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had at the United Nations on resolutions to prevent future pandemics.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	45316
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/05/2020 answer text <p>The UK is leading with partners and allies to: support an effective and co-ordinated global health response led by the World Health Organisation, reinforce the resilience of vulnerable countries, pursue a vaccine, and support the global economy. The Foreign Secretary spoke to the UN Secretary-General on these priorities on 5 May. The UK is working together with international partners to achieve these objectives, including with the G7, G20, the UN and other multilateral institutions, in order to ensure a stronger institutional response to the current crisis, and greater resilience against future threats. Officials in Geneva and New York are in regular contact with the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes on their contributions to the crisis response including future crisis preparedness. This included co-sponsoring a Mexican resolution in the General Assembly on access to medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 19/05/2020 14:29:52 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1147737

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Diplomatic Service
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many and what proportion of the members of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service are (a) serving overseas and (b) have served overseas in each year since 2010.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	293642
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>The table below provides the number and proportion of Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service serving overseas each year since 2013:-</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p>Mar-13</p></td><td><p>Mar-14</p></td><td><p>Mar-15</p></td><td><p>Mar-16</p></td><td><p>Mar-17</p></td><td><p>Mar-18</p></td><td><p>Mar-19</p></td><td><p>Aug-19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Number of Diplomatic Service members posted overseas</p></td><td><p>1600-1699</p></td><td><p>1400-1499</p></td><td><p>1400-1499</p></td><td><p>1400-1499</p></td><td><p>1400-1499</p></td><td><p>1500-1599</p></td><td><p>1700-1799</p></td><td><p>1600-1699</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Proportion of Diplomatic Service members posted overseas</p></td><td><p>48%</p></td><td><p>47%</p></td><td><p>47%</p></td><td><p>45%</p></td><td><p>45%</p></td><td><p>48%</p></td><td><p>52%</p></td><td><p>51%</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>The statistics above exclude FCO Home Civil Servants who are working in an overseas post. Up until 1st April 2015, Department of Trade staff (former UKTI) were included in FCO staff headcount.</p><p>We are unable to provide headcount information prior to 2013. As reported in the 2012/13 FCO Annual Report and Accounts at page 29, in February 2013 the FCO realigned previous staffing figures, adopting a new methodology in line with Office for National Statistics guidelines.</p><p>Numbers have been released in bands rather than absolute values in line with current publication policies for FCO headcount.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 08/10/2019 13:01:23 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1147738

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	EU Countries: Diplomatic Service
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many members of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service work in the institutions and bodies of the EU.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	293643
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/10/2019 answer text <p>There are fewer than 5 Foreign Commonwealth Office members of Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service working in the institutions and bodies of the EU.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/10/2019 15:45:20 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1147739

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	South East Asia: Diplomatic Service
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his Department has budgeted for the (a) establishment and (b) operation of a permanent British diplomatic mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	293644
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>The UK has close connections with the ten countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and we are rightly looking to strengthen our links with this important region of the world after we exit the EU.</p><p>The new UK Ambassador to ASEAN is expected to take up the role in Jakarta this autumn, with the Mission fully established and operational by the end of the current Financial Year. The Mission is co-located with the British Embassy in Jakarta. The estimated budget for establishing it is £700,000; the full costs will be known once the necessary works have been completed. It is estimated that the annual budget for operating the Mission, once fully established, will be approximately £750,000.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 08/10/2019 12:49:50 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1122630

	registered interest
	date	24/04/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	China: Animal Welfare
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has held with his Chinese counterpart on the Shanghai World Dog Show 2019 and animal welfare in that country.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	247116
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2019 answer text <p>I have not raised this issue with my Chinese counterpart. However, the Government is committed to raising standards of animal welfare at home and abroad. The sale and consumption of dog meat is legal in many countries, including China, and there are no international norms, laws or agreements governing this. We believe that it is necessary to work with governments around the world to gain agreement on animal welfare standards, and to phase out cruel and inhumane practices. There is no suggestion that the event will break any local or international laws.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 29/04/2019 16:10:16 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1174019

	registered interest
	date	28/01/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Apprentices
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what proportion of staff employed by his Department are apprentices.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	9043
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/02/2020 answer text <p>As of 31 December 2019, the Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office (FCO) employed 112 apprentices, of whom 62 work for our Trading Fund, FCO Services. We expect a further 51 staff to enrol on an apprenticeship by 31 March 2020.</p> answering member constituency Tamworth answering member printed Christopher Pincher question first answered 03/02/2020 17:15:51 answering member 4075 label Biography information for Christopher Pincher
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1092644

	registered interest
	date	21/03/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Ilois: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2019 to Question 233007 on Ilois: Finance, on what dates were the visits organised by the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration between 2000 and 2016 to allow Chagossians access to their homeland; and how many Chagossians participated in each of those visits.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	235302
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/03/2019 answer text <p>Between 2000 and 2015, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office funded a total of 10 visits, involving 164 Chagossian participants, to the British Indian Overseas Territories. A breakdown is included below:</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Year</p></td><td><p>Month</p></td><td><p>Number of Chagossians</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2006</p></td><td><p>September</p></td><td><p>56</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2008</p></td><td><p>February – March</p></td><td><p>8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2008</p></td><td><p>November</p></td><td><p>6</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2009</p></td><td><p>October - November</p></td><td><p>18</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010</p></td><td><p>(dates not available)</p></td><td><p>7</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>March</p></td><td><p>12</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>June</p></td><td><p>4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>November</p></td><td><p>15</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013</p></td><td><p>October – November</p></td><td><p>20</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>April – May</p></td><td><p>18</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>(no visits)</p></td><td><p>0</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>On 16 November 2016, I announced the UK's decision to fund a package to improve support for Chagossians. This included an expanded programme of visits to the British Indian Oceans Territories.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 26/03/2019 16:55:19 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1089464

	registered interest
	date	15/03/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Ilois: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2019 to Question 230807 on Ilois Finance, how many visits £312,899.37 has financed, and how many Chagossians have to date (a) expressed interest but not yet participated and (b) participated in those visits from (i) Seychelles, (ii) Mauritius, (iii) the UK and (iv) other countries.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	233007
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/03/2019 answer text <p>76 Chagossians have participated in five Heritage Visits to date which have been funded by the Support Package. This breaks down by country:</p><p> </p><p>Seychelles: 7<br>Mauritius: 18<br>UK: 51<br>Other countries: 0</p><p> </p><p>There have been 156 initial expressions of interest who have not participated in a Heritage Visit. Not all went onto complete questionnaires, and of those who did, not all met the requirements to participate in a Heritage Visit.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 20/03/2019 16:02:30 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1086673

	registered interest
	date	11/03/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Ilois: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2018 to Question 170339 on Ilois Finance, how much of the £40 million fund for Chagossians has been allocated to date; to whom that funding has been allocated; and for what purposes that money has been allocated.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	230807
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/03/2019 answer text <p>​£312,899.37 of the £40 million fund has been spent to date, largely on implementing an expanded programme of Heritage Visits for Chagossians to the British Indian Ocean Territory. Officials are continuing work to identify areas for broader support package funding. The bulk of the funding will be allocated once we have a clear assessment of need, and an agreed mechanism for effectively and fairly disbursing funds in collaboration with the Chagossian communities in the UK, Seychelles and Mauritius.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 14/03/2019 16:00:17 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1086679

	registered interest
	date	11/03/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	British Indian Ocean Territory: Environment Protection
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Chagos Conservation Trust has returned any unspent funds that were provided by his Department for the purposes of the Chagossian Outreach Programme; and how much in total (a) was and (b) remains to be provided for that programme.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	230811
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/03/2019 answer text <p>The Chagos Environmental Outreach Project (later named Connect Chagos) ran from March 2012 to December 2015. In total just over £330,000 was provided by the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration to the Chagos Conservation Trust and Zoological Society for London for the delivery of the programme. At the end of the programme, an underspend of £16,745 was reported. The British Indian Ocean Territory Administration is in discussions with the Chagos Conservation Trust about options for the use of this underspend. No additional funding remains to be provided.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 14/03/2019 16:01:34 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1064109

	registered interest
	date	19/02/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Apprentices
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what proportion of the staff employed by his Department are apprentices.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	223520
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/02/2019 answer text <p>As of 31 January 2019, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) employed 99 apprentices, of whom 57 work for our Trading Fund, FCO Services. This is 1.69 per cent (an increase of 0.34 per cent from January 2018) of the total of FCO and FCO Services UK-based staff worldwide, and 2.59 per cent (an increase of 0.59 per cent from January 2018) of our staff working in the UK. We expect a further 22 staff to enrol on an apprenticeship by 31 March 2019.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 25/02/2019 17:11:11 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1196530

	registered interest
	date	18/05/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Kashmir: Politics and Government
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Government of India on Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	48403
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/06/2020 answer text <p>We are in regular contact with the Indian Government regarding the situation in Kashmir. The Foreign Secretary most recently spoke about Kashmir with India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on 20 April. Our longstanding position is that it is for India and Pakistan to identify a lasting, political resolution that takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to mediate or prescribe a solution.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 02/06/2020 08:05:11 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1195508

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Kashmir: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Indian counterpart on internet communication between UK citizens with friends and family in Indian-administered Kashmir during the covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	46633
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/05/2020 answer text <p>We are in regular contact with the Indian Government regarding the situation in Kashmir. The Foreign Secretary most recently spoke about Kashmir with Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar on 20 April. We remain concerned about ongoing restrictions on internet services in India-administered Kashmir and call for these to be lifted as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 18/05/2020 16:10:45 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1183871

	registered interest
	date	10/03/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	China: Press Freedom
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affair, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China 2019 survey findings on intimidation and harassment of journalists in China.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	27534
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/03/2020 answer text <p>We are deeply concerned by the credible findings of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China's Annual Report. On 2 March, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad publicly set out his concerns that more foreign journalists in China are facing visa restrictions, and more are being harassed, intimidated and monitored by the authorities.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 19/03/2020 16:08:57 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1175582

	registered interest
	date	03/02/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	India: Nationality
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies on international human rights of (a) recent protests against and (b) allegations of mistreatment of people arrested under the Government of India's Citizenship Amendment Act.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	11491
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/02/2020 answer text <p>The British High Commission in New Delhi and our network of Deputy High Commissions across India are following reports on the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens, as well as the Government of India's response. We raise our concerns with the Government of India where appropriate. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon discussed the Government of India's intent with the CAA, and public response to the legislation, with India's Minister of State for External Affairs on 19 December 2019. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials also raised the issue with the High Commission of India in London on 14 January.</p><p>India has a proud history of inclusive government and religious tolerance. Post-election, Prime Minister Modi promised to continue this under the guiding principles of &quot;together with all, development for all, trust of all&quot;. We trust the Government of India will provide reassurances to its citizens who are expressing concern about the impact this legislation may have. We will continue to monitor the situation.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 06/02/2020 15:36:02 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1175583

	registered interest
	date	03/02/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to promote (a) human rights and (b) secular government throughout the world.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	11492
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/02/2020 answer text <p>The UK is committed to protecting and promoting human rights throughout the world through both bilateral and multilateral engagement, by working with and supporting human rights defenders, who play an essential role in upholding and promoting respect for human rights, democratic freedoms and civil society. We regularly raise concerns about countries that do not comply with their human rights obligations at the UN Human Rights Council, the Council of Europe and other multilateral fora; the UK has provided recommendations at every country's Universal Periodic Review since it began in 2008.</p><p>Additionally, we work to support democracies across the globe, whether secular or otherwise, as the system that best allows for societies that are more secure, more prosperous, and better equipped to meet the needs of their people. Effective democracy allows people to discuss and debate issues freely, to challenge their governments and to make informed decisions. Through our work with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and others, the UK works to strengthen democracy and to create inclusive, accountable and transparent democratic systems across the globe.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 06/02/2020 16:17:18 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1168740

	registered interest
	date	20/12/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	India: Nationality
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect on the human rights of Muslims in India of that Government's recent decision to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	282
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/01/2020 answer text <p>The British Government and the British High Commission in New Delhi are following the human rights situation across India and raise issues with Indian officials where appropriate.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/01/2020 09:39:07 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1168743

	registered interest
	date	20/12/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Persecution of Christians across the Globe Independent Review
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his timescale is for implementing the recommendations of the Bishop of Truro’s Independent Review for the Foreign Secretary of FCO Support for Persecuted Christians; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	284
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/01/2020 answer text <p>The British government is committed to implementing the recommendations from the Bishop of Truro's Review. The recommendations have been divided into short, medium and longer term priorities and we have already implemented a good number of them. This includes recently appointing a Director General level champion for Freedom of Religion or Belief and marking Red Wednesday in support of persecuted Christians and members of other minority groups. Some of the recommendations will take longer to implement and many will require an ongoing effort to embed into the working practice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other Departments.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/01/2020 09:44:12 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1168744

	registered interest
	date	20/12/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will (a) reappoint and (b) adequately resource the Prime Minister's Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	285
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/01/2020 answer text <p>Rehman Chishti MP has been reappointed as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Funding has been agreed for the office which should adequately cover travel and administrative costs.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/01/2020 09:46:15 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1168472

	registered interest
	date	19/12/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Kashmir: Politics and Government
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) humanitarian and (b) political situation in Indian-administered Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	107
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/01/2020 answer text <p>We are following the situation in Kashmir closely. Events in Kashmir can have regional and international implications and we urge calm and caution from all. We encourage the Government of India to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the people of India-administered Kashmir are being met. It is important that individual rights are fully respected and that there is constructive dialogue with affected communities. We have raised our concerns, including on the continued use of detentions and restrictions on communications, with the Government of India,​ most recently during Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon's meeting with Indian MEA Minsiter Muraleedharan on 19 December.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/01/2020 09:09:14 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1168473

	registered interest
	date	19/12/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	China: Uyghurs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the human rights situation affecting Uighur Muslims in China; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	108
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/01/2020 answer text <p>We have particularly serious concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang including the extra-judicial detention of over a million Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in “political re-education camps”, systematic restrictions on Uyghur culture and the practice of Islam, and extensive and invasive surveillance targeting minorities. Reports indicating that forced labour is being used and children are being forcibly separated from their parents add to the growing body of evidence about the disturbing situation that Uyghurs and other minorities are facing in Xinjiang.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/01/2020 09:12:29 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1167185

	registered interest
	date	29/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Kashmir: Cluster Munitions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 24 October 2019 to Question 5006, for what reason he did not provide an assessment of the accuracy of reports on the use of cluster munitions by Indian security forces against civilians in Kashmir.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	7130
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/11/2019 answer text <p>We recognise the concerns surrounding the reported use of cluster munitions by Indian security forces in Kashmir, however ​it is difficult to judge the accuracy of information relating to incidents across the Line of Control. We strongly discourage states from using cluster munitions and urge non-States Parties such as India to accede to the Cluster Munitions Convention without delay. We continue to urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and improve channels of communication.</p><p> </p><p>​</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 04/11/2019 17:41:56 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1167186

	registered interest
	date	29/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Cluster Munitions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether it is Government policy that the use of cluster munitions against civilians constitutes a grave violation of human rights.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	7131
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/11/2019 answer text <p>Attacks directed against civilians constitute a breach of international humanitarian law, irrespective of the weapon used. We discourage states from using cluster munitions, and urge states not party to the Cluster Munitions Convention to accede without delay.​</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 04/11/2019 15:30:11 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1156075

	registered interest
	date	24/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Kashmir: Cluster Munitions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of claims made by the Pakistani Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari in a letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that India has used cluster munitions in Kashmir.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	5006
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2019 answer text <p>We are aware of reports of the use of cluster munitions by Indian security forces. We discourage states from using cluster munitions, and urge non-States Parties such as India to accede to the Cluster Munitions Convention without delay.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 29/10/2019 13:23:57 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1156076

	registered interest
	date	24/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Kashmir: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of reports of alleged human rights abuses in Indian-administered Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	5007
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2019 answer text <p>​We recognise that there are human rights concerns in India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. We encourage all states to ensure domestic laws are in line with international standards. Any allegations of human rights violations and abuses are deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly, transparently and independently.</p><p>We are in regular contact with the Governments of India and Pakistan and have discussed the situation in Kashmir, including the issue of human rights. We will continue to monitor the situation in Kashmir closely.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 29/10/2019 13:26:53 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1156077

	registered interest
	date	24/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Kashmir: India
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to acquire accurate information on the situation on the ground in Indian-administered Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	5008
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2019 answer text <p>​We are following the situation in Kashmir closely and are in regular contact with the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan. The Prime Minister has spoken to both Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Khan about the situation in Kashmir. The Foreign Secretary has spoken to the Indian Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar. The Minister for South Asia has discussed the situation with the Indian Minister for Minority Affairs and engages regularly with the Indian and Pakistani High Commissioners. In addition our High Commissions in New Delhi and Islamabad are also engaging the Indian and Pakistani Governments and monitoring events and developments closely. Events in Kashmir can have regional and international implications and we continue to urge calm and caution from all.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 29/10/2019 13:30:23 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1138804

	registered interest
	date	15/07/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	China: Uyghurs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of reports of Uighur Muslim children in western Xinjiang being separated from their parents; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	277175
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/07/2019 answer text <p>Reports about forced separation of children, including Dr Adrian Zenz's report of 4 July 2019, add to the growing body of evidence about the disturbing situation that Uyghurs and other minorities are facing in Xinjiang. We assess that there could be more than a million Uyghurs and other minorities who have been or are currently detained extra-judicially in detention camps in the province. As Mr Field explained in a Westminster Hall debate on 29 January 2019, these detentions have split up families and have had a significant impact on the children of those detained.</p><p>We also frequently raise our concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang bilaterally with the Chinese Government and in multilateral fora. Most recently on 3 July at the 41<sup>st</sup> session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, we noted our increasing concern at the growing use of detention camps in Xinjiang and re-iterated our call on China to allow UN observers unrestricted access.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 23/07/2019 16:10:55 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1201303

	registered interest
	date	08/06/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Jerusalem: Palestinians
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Israeli Government on the eviction of Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Worsley and Eccles South
	tabling member printed	Barbara Keeley
	uin	55926
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/06/2020 answer text <p>The UK is concerned by the continued demolition of Palestinian property by Israeli authorities. In all but the most exceptional of circumstances demolitions by an occupying power are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The practice causes unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians and is harmful to the peace process. We instead urge Israel to provide a clear, transparent route to construction for Palestinians in Area C.</p> answering member constituency Braintree answering member printed James Cleverly question first answered 16/06/2020 14:56:18 answering member 4366 label Biography information for James Cleverly
	tabling member	1588 label Biography information for Barbara Keeley

1193742

	registered interest
	date	06/05/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Repatriation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans his Department has to repatriate people with non-UK passports that have indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Wolverhampton South West
	tabling member printed	Stuart Anderson
	uin	44035
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/05/2020 answer text <p>From the outset, our priority for the charter flight programme has been getting British travellers home. But after we launched the charter flight programme, it became clear that there are people with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) who normally reside in the UK, and want to get back, particularly in countries such as India and Pakistan. So where possible, we are working to help vulnerable UK residents with ILR. This is beyond the scope of our standard consular assistance, which is usually just for UK nationals. But these are exceptional times. We are seeking to help vulnerable people with ILR wherever possible, provided that they have lived in the UK within the last year.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 18/05/2020 16:14:03 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4742 label Biography information for Stuart Anderson

1196472

	registered interest
	date	18/05/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	India: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help Indian nationals who are ordinarily resident in the UK to return from India during the covid-19 outbreak.
	tabling member constituency	Wolverhampton North East
	tabling member printed	Jane Stevenson
	uin	48636
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/06/2020 answer text <p>Helping British travellers who need and want to return to the UK is one of the Government's highest priorities. Since the outbreak in Wuhan, we estimate that over 1.3 million people have returned to the UK via commercial routes - the majority supported by our work to keep vital routes open.</p><p>As of 19 May, we have bought back over 14,600 British travellers from India on 64 flights since 8 April. We do not have any further charter flights planned, though we continue to keep this under review. Our objective remains to bring home British travellers who want to return to the UK, as soon as possible. From the outset, our priority for the charter flight programme has been getting British travellers home. But after we launched the charter flight programme, it became clear that there are people with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) who normally reside in the UK, and want to get back, particularly in India and Pakistan. Where possible, we are working to help vulnerable UK residents with ILR provided that they have lived in the UK within the last year. This is beyond the scope of our standard consular assistance, which is usually just for UK nationals, but these are exceptional times.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 02/06/2020 16:32:32 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4750 label Biography information for Jane Stevenson

1147407

	registered interest
	date	01/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Diplomatic Service: British National (Overseas)
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of the number of detainees abroad who hold a British National (Overseas) passport who have been provided with consular assistance in each year since 2010.
	tabling member constituency	Wolverhampton North East
	tabling member printed	Emma Reynolds
	uin	292900
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/10/2019 answer text <p>​Since 2010 the FCO have responded to 139 requests for assistance from British Nationals (Overseas) who were arrested or detained. As of September 2019 the FCO is providing ongoing assistance to 45 British Nationals (Overseas) who remain in detention.</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Category</p></td><td><p>New Detention Cases</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010</p></td><td><p>15</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>17</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012</p></td><td><p>13</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013</p></td><td><p>14</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014</p></td><td><p>20</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>10</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>15</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2017</p></td><td><p>15</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2018</p></td><td><p>10</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2019</p></td><td><p>10</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Grand total</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>139</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table> answering member constituency Pendle answering member printed Andrew Stephenson question first answered 07/10/2019 13:16:49 answering member 4044 label Biography information for Andrew Stephenson
	tabling member	4077 label Biography information for Emma Reynolds

1110231

	registered interest
	date	08/04/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	India: Detainees
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many UK detainees are awaiting trial in India; and how many have been in detention for (a) longer than six months (b) longer than one year and (c) longer than two years.
	tabling member constituency	Wolverhampton North East
	tabling member printed	Emma Reynolds
	uin	242123
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/04/2019 answer text <p>​I can confirm that as of November 2018, we were aware of 44 British Nationals in detention in India, of which 19 individuals were yet to be sentenced. The period of detention prior to sentencing varies from a few days to more than two years.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 11/04/2019 16:29:35 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	4077 label Biography information for Emma Reynolds

1173494

	registered interest
	date	27/01/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Climate Change Convention: Glasgow
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what progress has been made on preparations to host the UN climate change summit in Glasgow in late 2020.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	8263
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/01/2020 answer text <p>​The 2020 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) will be a major international moment in 2020. Its successful delivery is a top priority across HMG and is being led by a central Cabinet Office COP 26 Unit. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will be working in partnership with a number of other government departments such as the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to deliver a successful summit.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 30/01/2020 17:23:29 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1173495

	registered interest
	date	27/01/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Egypt: Diplomatic Relations
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to improve diplomatic relations with Egypt.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	8264
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/02/2020 answer text <p>​The UK-Egypt relationship is important and wide ranging, including security, foreign policy, trade and investment, economic reform, education, healthcare, and cultural cooperation. We work closely with the Egyptian authorities to counter shared threats from terrorism, to promote the safety and security of around 500,000 British citizens who visit Egypt each year, and to support longer-term reform.</p><p>Earlier this month, the Prime Minister welcomed President Sisi and seven of his Cabinet Ministers to London for the UK-Africa Investment Summit. During his visit, President Sisi delivered the key-note speech at the Summit, held talks with the Prime Minister and was received by HRH the Duke of Cambridge. The visit also included a Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation and deals worth over £3 billion.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 03/02/2020 13:35:14 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1173496

	registered interest
	date	27/01/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran: International Law
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help ensure Iran complies with international law.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	8265
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/02/2020 answer text <p>The United Kingdom engages consistently, both in bilateral and multilateral settings, to encourage Iran to act in accordance with international rules and norms. We have made clear our long-standing concerns over Iran's nuclear programme, its missile proliferation activity and its support for proxy groups and militias across the region. Such support is in contravention of UN Security Council resolutions and in many cases against the wishes of the people and the governments of the states in which the proxies operate. We will continue to hold Iran to account for its actions, including by working with European partners to sanction Iranian entities that contravene international rules and norms; there are over 200 EU sanctions listings in place against Iran. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is an important pillar of the wider global non-proliferation architecture and in all our security interests. The UK has consistently called on Iran to return immediately to compliance with its commitments and to now engage in good faith with the dispute resolution mechanism under the deal. We have also taken action at the UN, bilaterally and alongside our European partners to press Iran to fully uphold its obligations under international human rights law, in particular the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. We continue to call on Iran to respect international norms in relation to British dual nationals held in detention in Iran, and to release those held immediately.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 03/02/2020 13:38:08 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1173500

	registered interest
	date	27/01/2020
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Lebanon: Politics and Government
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps he has taken to help ensure a secure and stable Government in Lebanon.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	8269
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/01/2020 answer text <p>I spoke with former Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri on 9 December 2019 about the situation and with new Lebanese Foreign Minister Dr. Nassif Hitti on 28 January. Members of the International Support Group for Lebanon – including the UK – met in December 2019. The group reiterated its support to Lebanon and was unified in calling for the swift formation of a Government capable of meeting the aspirations expressed by Lebanese and capable of delivering the urgently required economic reform; it also reiterated that the right for peaceful protest must continue to be respected. The UK's Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa visited Lebanon on 12 December 2019 and met with senior Lebanese authorities, including President Aoun, to discuss the current situation.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 30/01/2020 17:01:21 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1149274

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Armed Conflict: Children
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support children in conflict zones throughout the world.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	554
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2019 answer text <p>​The UK is firmly committed to protecting all children affected by conflict and in particular ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers. The UK is the largest single financial contributor to the Office of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), contributing £800,000 over the last five years to her Office and £450,000 for the 2019/20 financial year in support of her mandate. The UK is an active member of the United Nations Working Group on CAAC which leads the international response on child protection, supporting the SRSG's work by applying diplomatic pressure to listed governments and armed groups.</p><p>In 2018, the UK endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, a political commitment to reduce the impact of conflict on education, and the Vancouver Principles, a political commitment to operationalise child protection during the conduct of United Nations peacekeeping operations. We continue to support these key instruments. The UK is mainstreaming child protection into its own military deployments through bespoke training. Through the Department for International Development, we are one of the largest bilateral donors to &quot;Education Cannot Wait&quot;, an initiative which protects access to education for children in conflict zones.</p><p>In November 2019, the UK will host an international conference on preventing sexual violence in conflict. A key focus will be how we can better support children born of sexual violence in conflict, including tackling stigma.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 22/10/2019 15:51:23 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1149281

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	China: Uyghurs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the (a) governance of and (b) humanitarian situation in (i) Uighur and (ii) Xinjiang province, China.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	560
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/10/2019 answer text <p>​We have serious concerns about the human rights and humanitarian situation in Xinjiang, where there are credible reports of over a million Uyghurs and other minorities being detained in so called &quot;re-education camps.&quot; British diplomats in China visit Xinjiang regularly, most recently in May, in order to see the situation at first-hand. Their observations have supported much of the recent open source reporting, including reports of widespread surveillance measures, restrictions targeted at specific ethnic groups, and restrictions on the ability to freely practice religion.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 21/10/2019 15:18:58 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1148148

	registered interest
	date	03/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	China: Uyghurs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Chinese counterpart on the treatment of the Uighur people by the Chinese Government.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	294157
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/10/2019 answer text <p>On 26 September during an Urgent Question on Hong Kong I set out the UK’s serious concerns about the credible reports of over a million Uyghur Muslims being held in so-called “re-education camps”. As I stated in the House, we will continue to ensure that these concerns are expressed directly with Chinese authorities. We also raise the issue multilaterally: the UK recently co-hosted an event on Xinjiang at the UN General Assembly where the Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, called for China to allow UN observers unfettered access to the region. The former Foreign Secretary highlighted our concerns about Xinjiang with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his last visit to China. The former Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific did the same with Vice Minister Guo Yezhou during his last visit to China.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/10/2019 15:49:45 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1148152

	registered interest
	date	03/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	China: Uyghurs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) governance and (b) humanitarian situation in (i) Uighur and (b) Xinjiang province, China.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	294161
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>“It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.”</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 08/10/2019 13:54:18 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1148027

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Egypt: Diplomatic Relations
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the strength of the UK's diplomatic relations with Egypt.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	293554
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>The UK wants Egypt to succeed as a stable, prosperous and democratic country. The UK-Egypt relationship is important and spans a wide range of fields, from foreign policy, to trade and investment, economic reform, education, and healthcare. British companies continue to be one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment into Egypt. The Government works closely with the Egyptian authorities to counter shared threats from terrorism, to promote the safety and security of over 450,000 British citizens who visit Egypt each year, and to support longer-term reform. A close relationship enables us to register concerns where we have them, for example on human rights. British Ministers regularly meet their Egyptian counterparts. I visited Cairo last month for discussions on a wide range of bilateral issues.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 08/10/2019 12:57:02 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1148028

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Marine Environment: Conservation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his policy is on the UK's role in global ocean conservation.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	293555
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>The UK's vision is to achieve a clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse ocean. As set out in the Government's 25 Year Environment Plan, we will work domestically and internationally to deliver this vision and our commitments under UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water, the objective of which is to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. At the UN General Assembly in September, the Prime Minister called for urgent action to halt the loss of biodiversity as part of global efforts to tackle the drivers and impact of climate change. Action on climate change is linked to ocean conservation – tackling acidification, deoxygenation, temperature and sea level rise. The UK's nomination, in partnership with Italy, to host COP26 in 2020 in Glasgow is expected to be formally confirmed at COP25 (the &quot;Blue COP&quot;) in Santiago in December. We will seek to build on the outcomes from COP25 and ensure that the ocean remains high on the climate agenda.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 08/10/2019 12:52:06 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1146105

	registered interest
	date	25/09/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Human Trafficking
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what role his Department plays in the prevention of human trafficking.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	290932
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/10/2019 answer text <p>​The Government is committed to realising Sustainable Development Goal 8.7, the eradication of all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking by 2030, and has made tackling modern slavery and human trafficking a foreign policy priority.</p><p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office works closely with bilateral partners to counter modern slavery and human trafficking. For example, the UK has signed Memoranda of Understanding on aspects of combating modern slavery with Malta and the Philippines, and has contributed to the improved effectiveness of law enforcement authorities, including in Bangladesh, Ethiopia and the Philippines. In cooperation with other Government departments, the FCO supports a range of projects in this area, including on child labour, children in conflict, those working in the garment and construction industries, and safe migration. We also drive forward the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking in multilateral fora, including in the UN, Commonwealth, Council of Europe, and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Call to Action to End Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking launched by the UK at UNGA 2017 has now been endorsed by nearly 90 countries, showing a growing international consensus to tackle these heinous crimes. The Government wants to harness this momentum to deliver further tangible progress towards delivering SDG 8.7.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 02/10/2019 09:23:26 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord

1144444

	registered interest
	date	03/09/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Kashmir: Politics and Government
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to encourage dialogue between the two nations and to help ease tensions in Kashmir.
	tabling member constituency	Woking
	tabling member printed	Mr Jonathan Lord
	uin	286198
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 09/09/2019 16:37:33 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4090 label Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord