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450382

registered interest
date	03/02/2016
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	Libya: 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 steps the Government is taking to support the House of Representatives in Libya, Tobruk and General Haftar to take over the running of the state of Libya.
tabling member constituency	Shrewsbury and Atcham
tabling member printed	Daniel Kawczynski
uin	25778
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/02/2016 answer text <p>The UK strongly supports the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) signed at Skhirat on 17 December by the majority of the Libyan delegates to the UN facilitated political dialogue, and by a wide range of representatives of Libyan society, municipal leaders and political parties. The Agreement paves the way for a Government of National Accord (GNA) and was unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council Resolution 2259. The House of Representatives, which endorsed the agreement with some reservations on 25 January, has a key role under the LPA. To ensure a lasting peace in Libya, we urge all parties to quickly take the necessary steps outlined in the Agreement, including the agreement of key leadership positions, to create a Government of National Accord based in Tripoli. Only a unified national government can begin the difficult work of establishing effective, legitimate governance, restoring stability and tackling the threat posed by Daesh.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 08/02/2016 15:51:23 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	1566 label Biography information for Daniel Kawczynski

450385

registered interest
date	03/02/2016
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: Religious Freedom
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 make representations to the government of Egypt on the imprisonment of Mohammed Hegazy in that country.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	25732
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/02/2016 answer text <p>We are concerned about the case of Bishoy Armia Boulous, formerly Mohammed Hegazy, who was arrested in December 2013 and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment in June 2014 for ‘disturbing the peace by broadcasting false information’ after filming clashes between Muslims and Christians in Upper Egypt. We are aware of his continued imprisonment and reports that his treatment whilst in prison has been in breach of his human rights. We have raised his case with the Egyptian Embassy in London and will continue to raise concerns about such cases with the Egyptian authorities.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 08/02/2016 17:58:06 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

450386

registered interest
date	03/02/2016
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: Religious Freedom
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made representations to the government of Egypt on the convictions of Islam al-Beheiry and Fatima Naaot in that country for contempt of religion.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	25733
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/02/2016 answer text <p>We are aware of the cases of Islam al-Beheiry and Fatima Naaot and are following both cases closely. We have raised the importance of freedom of religious belief and freedom of expression with the Egyptian authorities on a number of occasions and will continue to do so.</p><p>We deplore all discrimination against religious minorities and constraints on their freedom to practise their faith. The Government of Egypt has clearly stated its commitment to protecting the rights of minorities and of the need for religious tolerance; it is important that these rights are respected.</p><p>In November 2015, My Rt Hon and noble Friend, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Baroness Anelay and I met Non-Governmental Organisations to consider what more could be done to help Christians and other persecuted minorities in the Middle East. I also met with the Secretary for Relations with States within the Holy See's Secretariat of State to discuss this. In December the UK, in partnership with the Egyptian Grand Imam, launched a new scholarship for Al-Azhar graduates to pursue doctoral studies at British universities. The scholarship aims to promote mutual understanding among a new generation of Muslim and non-Muslim scholars.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 08/02/2016 15:38:29 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

449827

registered interest
date	02/02/2016
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	Bahrain: Torture
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 the Government has made of the effectiveness of the technical assistance programme for the Bahraini police and prisons service in preventing the use of torture in police stations and prisons in that country.
tabling member constituency	Carshalton and Wallington
tabling member printed	Tom Brake
uin	25324
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/02/2016 answer text <p>We are aware of ongoing allegations against Ministry of Interior personnel, and we have expressed our concerns to the authorities.</p><p>The Government of Bahrain has previously committed to consider ratifying the Optional Protocol of the Convention Against Torture. The UK strongly supports this and we have been working with the authorities to share best practice on torture prevention measures. We also ask the Government of Bahrain to allow a visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture.</p><p>We believe that UK support to Bahrain’s reform programme is the most constructive way to achieve long-lasting and sustainable reform in Bahrain. While it will take time to see the full results, UK support is having a direct, positive impact on areas of concern. All Foreign and Commonwealth Office programmes and project work is routinely monitored and evaluated to inform and improve future assistance.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 09/02/2016 14:03:10 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	151 label Biography information for Tom Brake

449830

registered interest
date	02/02/2016
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: Armed Forces
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 the government of Iran on the 15 per cent increase in its budget for the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps; and what assessment he has made of the potential implications of that increase for regional security.
tabling member constituency	Romford
tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
uin	25335
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/02/2016 answer text <p>We remain concerned about Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) activity in the region, and most recently raised our concerns about regional security with Iran on 20 January in Tehran. The IRGC is a proscribed organisation by the EU, listed due to actions relating to Iran’s support for terrorism and human rights reasons.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 05/02/2016 12:25:25 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

449837

registered interest
date	02/02/2016
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: Religious Freedom
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 discuss freedom of religion with his Iranian counterpart.
tabling member constituency	East Londonderry
tabling member printed	Mr Gregory Campbell
uin	25470
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/02/2016 answer text <p>I discuss many issues with my Iranian counterparts. I have repeatedly called on the Iranian Government to end all persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith, and to guarantee the human rights of all Iranians, regardless of belief, and I will continue to do so.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 05/02/2016 12:21:01 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	1409 label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell

449838

registered interest
date	02/02/2016
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: Armed Forces
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assurances he has sought that the lifting of international sanctions on Iran will not result in an increase in overseas operations by Iran's Quds Force; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Romford
tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
uin	25450
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/02/2016 answer text <p>Sanctions related to Iran’s human rights record and support for terrorism – including those on Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) members and entities sanctioned for these reasons – are not affected by the nuclear deal. They remain in place and will continue to be enforced. The IRGC, which includes the Quds Force, is still a sanctioned entity. The lifting of financial and economic sanctions represents a real opportunity for Iranians to make positive decisions about their country's future and its role in the region.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 08/02/2016 14:13:20 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

449839

registered interest
date	02/02/2016
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: Languages
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 duration of ambassadorial postings (a) where HM Ambassador is a speaker of the official language of the country to which he is posted (b) where HM Ambassador's primary foreign language is not that of the country to which he is posted.
tabling member constituency	Bristol North West
tabling member printed	Charlotte Leslie
uin	25452
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/02/2016 answer text <p>The majority of Heads of Mission have a tour length of three or four years, unless they are posted to a hardship or conflict post where the tour may be shorter. Around 100 Heads of Mission roles require language skills and are designated “speaker slots”.</p><p>We offer language training to Heads of Mission where this is required. The FCO Language Centre was re-opened in September 2013 to renew the focus and investment in languages as a core diplomatic skill to ensure that we get the right people with the right skills in the right jobs to deliver our foreign policy objectives. The Language Centre gives us a strong platform to grow our language skills as an organisation and develop a pipeline of talent to fill language slots on a continuous basis. It is essential that all our Heads of Mission have the necessary skills, including languages, to do their jobs. Many of our Heads of Mission will return to Posts where they have existing language capability, in these cases we will provide top up or refresher training. Our Head of Mission Appointment Boards take into account language skills as part of the overall assessment of suitability for a role. In some cases the best candidate may not already speak the language and for these roles we will provide longer training to reach the requisite level. We encourage all those who have undergone language training to maintain their language skills throughout their careers.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 09/02/2016 14:09:01 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	3933 label Biography information for Charlotte Leslie

449963

registered interest
date	02/02/2016
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: 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 discussions he has had with democratic opposition parties in Iran; and what his Department's policy is on working with opposition parties to achieve greater political stability in that region.
tabling member constituency	Romford
tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
uin	25513
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/02/2016 answer text <p>I have had no recent discussions with opposition parties in Iran. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office works across the region with a range of stakeholders in support of regional security.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 05/02/2016 12:23:45 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

449968

registered interest
date	02/02/2016
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	Yemen: Military Intervention
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether UK personnel were involved in checking the target selections for any (a) deliberate and (b) unintended breaches of international humanitarian law during the recent Saudi Arabian military action in Yemen.
tabling member constituency	Argyll and Bute
tabling member printed	Brendan O'Hara
uin	25398
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/02/2016 answer text <p>The UK is not a member of the Saudi Arabia-led military Coalition. British personnel are not involved in carrying out strikes, directing or conducting operations in Yemen or selecting targets, and are not involved in the Saudi targeting decision-making process. We have deployed a small number of military personnel serving as liaison officers in Saudi Arabia's headquarters to provide insight into Saudi operations. They remain under UK command and control.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 09/02/2016 14:05:19 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	4371 label Biography information for Brendan O'Hara