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47069

	registered interest
	date	04/04/2014
	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
	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 counterparts in Commonwealth governments regarding Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast East
	tabling member printed	Naomi Long
	uin	195354
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>As I made clear to the House in the adjournment debate on this subject on 2 April, combating violence and discrimination against LGBT communities forms an integral part of our tireless efforts to protect and promote human rights internationally. We have raised our deep concern about the Anti-Homosexuality Act with the Government of Uganda at the highest levels. Since that debate, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Skegness (Mr Simmonds) has raised the issue with the Ugandan Foreign Minister on 3 April.</p><p>Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act runs counter to the Commonwealth's commitment to equality and respect without discrimination on any grounds. The Foreign Secretary wrote to the Secretary General of the Commonwealth on 1 March to ask him to work with us to review the worrying trend on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in some Commonwealth member states. I discussed the issue with the Commonwealth Secretary-General on 19 March. We also use Commonwealth fora, such as the Commonwealth Law Ministers' meetings (CLMM), to raise concerns. Our High Commission in Kampala continues to discuss the issue with Commonwealth High Commissions.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	3920 label Biography information for Naomi Long

47247

	registered interest
	date	07/04/2014
	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
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which 10 consultancy firms were paid the most by his Department in the last financial year; and how much each of those firms was paid.
	tabling member constituency	Nottingham East
	tabling member printed	Chris Leslie
	uin	195575
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2014 answer text For the past financial year (2013-2014) the 10 organisations paid most by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for consultancy and the associated spend figures were as follows: ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION & DEVELOPMENT (OECD) £285,579.00 DLA PIPER UK LLP £148,283.34 CBRE LTD £103,412.14 FIELD FISHER WATERHOUSE £52,940.75 FONNEGRA GERLEIN S.A £50,745.43 SAMSON AND MCGRATH £34,136.41 ACCENTURE (UK) LTD £29,892.00 DTZ CONSULTING AND RESEARCH £28,700.00 HOGAN LOVELLS INTERNATIONAL LLP £26,153.81 HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS £21,061.27 answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 29/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	422 label Biography information for Mr Chris Leslie

47595

	registered interest
	date	08/04/2014
	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
	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 has taken to assist in the return of occupied Ukranian government buildings to the Ukranian government.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	195734
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>The occupation by armed groups of government buildings in towns in eastern Ukraine is a further dangerous escalation of an already dangerous situation. On 14 April the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) made a statement condemning these acts and said that it was important that the EU gave a clear, strong and united response. He also called on Russia to repudiate these lawless acts.</p><p>On 17 April, the Foreign Secretary welcomed the commitments made in talks between the EU, US, Ukraine and Russia in Geneva; that all illegally armed groups must be disarmed, all illegally seized buildings must be returned to legitimate owners, and all illegally occupied streets, squares and other public places in Ukrainian cities and towns must be vacated. He said that rapid implementation was essential. On 23 April, he spoke about this issue with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, urging Russia to take steps to fulfil the Geneva Statement and to de-escalate the situation in eastern and southern Ukraine, including making a clear public statement calling for illegally armed groups in eastern Ukraine to disarm and vacate occupied buildings. He also invited Russian diplomats to join efforts by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Monitoring Mission in the eastern Ukraine.</p><p>The British Government will continue to work closely in support of the government in Ukraine, and encourage Ukraine's political leaders to continue to respond to events calmly and with determination, in order to harness the united efforts of all Ukrainians to work together for a successful future.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

47596

	registered interest
	date	08/04/2014
	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
	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 about the British Indian Ocean Territory resettlement feasibility study.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	195738
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>The feasibility study has now begun in earnest and the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Administration continue to welcome views on it. Since the summer of 2013, BIOT officials have carried out three consultations, receiving responses from all major groups representing Chagossians and others with an interest. There will be further key consultation as the study progresses. We have also consulted with the Governments of the United States, Seychelles and Mauritius.</p><p>In November, the Senior Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to look at this issue transparently in response to the Chagos Islands (BIOT) All Party Parliamentary Group's (APPG) debate in the House of Lords. I have exchanged several letters with the Chair of the Chagos Islands (BIOT) APPG about the study and I have also discussed the study with the Mauritian Foreign Minister during a meeting at the African Union Summit in January. I subsequently wrote to the Mauritian Foreign Minister inviting the Mauritian Government's engagement, which they have declined.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Mark Simmonds question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1393 label Biography information for Mark Simmonds
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

47597

	registered interest
	date	08/04/2014
	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
	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 of the Russian annexation of Crimea on the Moldovan government's commitment to signing an Association Agreement with the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Torbay
	tabling member printed	Mr Adrian Sanders
	uin	195756
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>The Government of the Republic of Moldova began to negotiate an Association Agreement with the EU in January 2010. Negotiations concluded in June 2013 and the text was initialled at the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit in November 2013. Throughout this period, the Moldovan government has been clear in its wish to achieve signature of the Association Agreement as early as possible. This position has not changed in recent weeks.</p><p>The Conclusions of the European Council held on 20 and 21 March 2014 confirmed the aim of the EU to sign the Association Agreement no later than June 2014. The UK is working with our European partners to ensure the conditions are in place to meet this deadline, including through the appropriate Parliamentary scrutiny.</p><p>The UK supports Moldova's choice of European integration, which will help to bring greater stability, prosperity and democracy to all Moldovan citizens. We have been clear in dealing with Russia that Moldova should be able to make its own choices, including on European integration, without pressure from third countries.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	237 label Biography information for Mr Adrian Sanders

47598

	registered interest
	date	08/04/2014
	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
	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 has taken to draw attention to the persecution of Christians in Vietnam; and what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Vietnam on that matter.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	195903
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>We highlight Vietnam as a country of concern in the annual Foreign and Commonwealth Office human rights report published on 10 April.</p><p>Our assessment is the Vietnamese government is allowing more space for religious expression and has increased the number of churches and places of worship approved for use in 2013. In general the Vietnamese are able to practise the religion of their choosing and a number of prominent Ministers, including the Prime Minister, are openly Buddhist.</p><p>The authorities take a harder line when religious groups are involved in political movements, with persecution taking place in this context.</p><p>Our Embassy continues to promote freedom of religion and belief in this atmosphere and meets with leaders of all faiths. In January they accepted a petition by families of Catholic activists on trial and supported an EU statement calling for the Vietnamese to uphold freedom of expression in these cases. Staff also attended meetings, alongside other EU Member States, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling for greater transparency over allegations that authorities had intimidated Catholics in Nghe An province.</p><p>We also make sure to raise our concerns at a Ministerial level at every opportunity – be it through the annual UK-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue in October 2013 or the Foreign Secretary's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh earlier this month. The UK also runs projects deisgned to allow greater scope for civil society to develop and receive basic protections when raising their concerns and pursuing their beliefs.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

47599

	registered interest
	date	08/04/2014
	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
	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 counterpart in Laos about the persecution of Christians in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	195902
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>Our recently re-opened Embassy in Vientiane regularly raises human rights concerns with the Lao government, including their adherence to their international human rights commitments that protect freedom of religion and belief. Laos has seen some improvements in religious freedom over the past decade with a reduction in the number of long-term Christian prisoners of conscience. However, we are aware of cases of Christians being arrested for proselytising. The EU raised these cases at the last EU-Laos Human Rights Dialogue in February 2013 and we will press for it to be raised at the next EU-Laos Human Rights Dialogue which will take place in Brussels in May 2014. We continue to work with the EU and other like-minded partners to raise our concerns about religious freedom with the Lao government.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

47600

	registered interest
	date	08/04/2014
	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
	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 Pakistan expressing disapproval of the recent decision in that country to prosecute a nine month old child for planning a murder.
	tabling member constituency	East Londonderry
	tabling member printed	Mr Gregory Campbell
	uin	195863
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>This is a matter for the Pakistani authorities. However, I am pleased to hear that charges against the child have now been dismissed by a judge.</p> answering member constituency Faversham and Mid Kent answering member printed Hugh Robertson question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1415 label Biography information for Sir Hugh Robertson
	tabling member	1409 label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell

47601

	registered interest
	date	08/04/2014
	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
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department has updated its advice given to UK nationals in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and Gabon or who are considering visiting those countries following the recent outbreak of Ebola in the region.
	tabling member constituency	East Londonderry
	tabling member printed	Mr Gregory Campbell
	uin	195864
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>We have updated our travel advice for the following countries to notify travellers about the recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease: Guinea, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania and Cote d'Ivoire.</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice</a></p><p>We advise people travelling to the affected region to check the health advice issued by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).</p><p><a href="http://www.nathnac.org/ds/map_world.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.nathnac.org/ds/map_world.aspx</a></p><p>We will continue to monitor the situation in each country to ensure that our travel advice is up to date and accurate.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Mark Simmonds question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1393 label Biography information for Mark Simmonds
	tabling member	1409 label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell

47602

	registered interest
	date	08/04/2014
	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
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on which actors are currently involved in, or have helped to facilitate, recent violence in Kessab.
	tabling member constituency	Wrexham
	tabling member printed	Ian Lucas
	uin	195816
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>We understand that a wide range of groups have been involved in the fighting, including Ansar al-Sham, and Sham al-Islam, as well as the al Qaeda affiliated al-Nusra Front.</p> answering member constituency Faversham and Mid Kent answering member printed Hugh Robertson question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1415 label Biography information for Sir Hugh Robertson
	tabling member	1470 label Biography information for Ian C. Lucas