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1140844

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2019
	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	Somalia: 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, what recent discussions he has had with his US counterparts on (a) the accuracy of its reporting of civilian casualties due to US drone strikes and (b) the lasting effect of US drone strikes on civilian populations in Somalia.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	280178
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2019 answer text <p>The Secretary of State will build on the work of his predecessor and continue to have regular engagement with his US counterpart on counter-terrorism activities. We have not sought to make an independent assessment of the accuracy or impact of US strikes in Somalia; this would be challenging, given the difficult security environment. The main cause of civilian casualties in Somalia is the insurgency and indiscriminate terrorist activity of Al-Shabaab. Support from the US and others to the Federal Government of Somalia's efforts to counter terrorism is critical to limiting Al-Shabaab's capability to inflict harm.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 30/07/2019 14:57:41 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1140845

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2019
	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	Italy: Shipping
	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 Italian counterpart on (a) the seizure of international NGO vessels and (b) its potential violations of international maritime law.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	280179
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/07/2019 answer text <p>The United Kingdom and Italy participate frequently in discussions on Mediterranean migration, most recently at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 15 July, the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 18 July, and at an informal Ministerial meeting hosted by France on 22 July. These discussions include the role of NGO-operated Search and Rescue vessels and relevant international maritime law. There are divergent views amongst EU member States. The United Kingdom supports a predictable mechanism for the disembarkation and relocation of rescued migrants, and for all signatories to meet their obligations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.</p> answering member constituency Tamworth answering member printed Christopher Pincher question first answered 31/07/2019 12:44:55 answering member 4075 label Biography information for Christopher Pincher
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1140846

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2019
	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	Ahmed Mansoor
	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 his Emirati counterpart on the prison conditions of the Emirati prisoner of conscience Ahmed Mansoor.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	280180
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2019 answer text <p>The case of Ahmed Mansoor was previously raised by our officials with senior Emirati officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The UK urges all countries to comply with their human rights obligations. Our close relationship with the UAE allows us to discuss important issues such as human rights and where the UK has cause for concern, we raise these concerns at official and Ministerial level.</p><p>​</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 30/07/2019 14:42:23 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1138059

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Hungary: Academic 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 recent discussions he has had with (a) his Hungarian counterpart and (b) other EU counterparts on (i) the closure of the Central European University and (ii) restrictions on academic freedom in Hungary.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	275713
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/07/2019 answer text <p>The British Embassy in Budapest have discussed this with the Hungarian government on various occasions, stressing that Central European University's (CEU) relocation to Vienna is a great loss for Budapest and Hungary. We regret that the Hungarian government and CEU could not find a mutually acceptable solution as a vibrant and diverse education sector brings substantial benefits to any country.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 19/07/2019 13:40:26 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1138060

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Somalia: Weapons
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support the Government is providing to the Somali Government to counter the proliferation of weapons within Somalia and prevent access to weapons by terrorists.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	275714
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK plays a leading role in upholding and strengthening the UN Somalia sanctions regime in our capacity as drafters for all UN Security Council Resolutions on Somalia. The sanctions regime is central to international efforts to promote peace and security in Somalia, including through addressing the threat of Al-Shabaab. The regime includes an arms embargo with certain exemptions for humanitarian protection, the African Union Mission in Somalia, and the development of the Somali security forces. Within these exemptions, safeguards are in place to manage proliferation of arms. Our Embassy in Mogadishu regularly engages with the Somali authorities on the importance of compliance with the regime and to support the development of effective weapons and ammunition management. More broadly, the UK has an extensive programme of support to security sector reform in Somalia, helping Somalia take responsibility for its own national security and reduce conflict and terrorism.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 16/07/2019 13:42:36 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1132891

	registered interest
	date	18/06/2019
	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	Aung Marm Oo
	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 Burmese counterpart on the charges of unlawful association against the journalist Aung Marm Oo.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	266124
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/06/2019 answer text <p>Press freedom and the rule of law are fundamental to any democratic society, and journalists must be allowed to work freely and without intimidation. The British Ambassador has been clear in making this point, and recently raised this case with Burma's Minister for International Cooperation. The UK will continue to work hard to support media freedom within Myanmar.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 26/06/2019 13:26:34 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1064409

	registered interest
	date	20/02/2019
	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	Cellou Dalein Diallo
	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 his Department has made of the adequacy of the safety of Cellou Dalein Diallo in Guinea.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	223934
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/02/2019 answer text <p>The outcome of the February 2018 Guinean municipal elections has been heavily disputed, resulting in an increase in political tensions in the country. In this context, we are aware of reports of shooting at the vehicle convoy of the opposition party leader, Cellou Dalein Diallo, in Conakry late last year. Together with EU and other international partners we are monitoring the situation closely. The international community continues to urge dialogue between the political parties and essential preparation for forthcoming legislative elections. Peaceful elections will be essential to reassuring investors and other partners, and not least the people of Guinea.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 25/02/2019 16:11:49 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1054624

	registered interest
	date	01/02/2019
	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	Sanctions: EU Action
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the Prime Minister's oral contribution of 5 September 2018, Official Report, column 169, what progress the PM has made in pushing for new EU sanctions regimes against those responsible for cyber-attacks and gross human rights violations.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	216171
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2019 answer text <p>The UK has actively supported proposals for three new EU thematic sanctions regimes in order to strengthen our international resilience to hybrid threats. These regimes are in different stages of development in the EU.</p><p>The chemical weapons regime was adopted at the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 October, and on 21 January the EU adopted the first listings under that regime in response to the use of chemical weapons in Salisbury and Syria. These actions demonstrate the resolve of the UK and our allies to tackle the proliferation and use of chemical weapons in contravention of global norms.</p><p>We welcomed the October European Council conclusions which gave a mandate for work on EU cyber sanctions. We are coordinating with EU partners to support the development of a cyber sanctions regime. We are also very supportive of ongoing policy discussions following the Dutch initiative to establish an EU global human rights sanctions regime. This will strengthen the EU’s ability to tackle human rights violations and abuses, wherever they may occur, and allow the EU to respond quickly and appropriately.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 07/02/2019 16:50:14 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1054626

	registered interest
	date	01/02/2019
	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	Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
	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 her oral contribution of 5 September 2018, Official Report, column 169, what progress she has made in working with international partners to empower the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to attribute chemical weapons attacks to other states beyond Syria.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	216172
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2019 answer text <p>As set out in the statement of 13 December 2018 [HCWS1177] by the Foreign Secretary and his predecessor’s update to the House on 9 July 2018, the UK was at the forefront of significant successful diplomatic efforts last year to secure, fund and implement decisions to enable the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to attribute responsibility for chemical weapons attacks in Syria, and more widely at the request of an affected State Party. In accordance with the terms of the June Decision, on 15 November 2018, the Director General of the OPCW set out the measures that the OPCW will implement to provide technical expertise on attribution to requesting States Parties and set out his proposals to establish independent, impartial, expert arrangements to assist with this. We continue to work with international partners in supporting the OPCW Director General and the OPCW Technical Secretariat to put in place structures and staffing to take forward their mandated attribution work, a significant step forward in international efforts to end use of chemical weapons.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 07/02/2019 16:32:59 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1050472

	registered interest
	date	29/01/2019
	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	Evan Mawarire
	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 Zimbabwean counterpart to ensure that Evan Mawarire is given a fair trial in accordance with international law.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	213985
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/02/2019 answer text <p>I raised the need for all those arrested to be given a fair trial with the Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Moyo on 30 January. Our Ambassador has reinforced this message in Harare, in meetings with Home Affairs Minister Mathema on 23 January and Foreign Minister Moyo on 25 January.</p><p>Following his recent arrest, the British Embassy have been monitoring Pastor Evan Mawarire’s court hearings. We were pleased to see he was released on bail on 30 January.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 04/02/2019 16:07:48 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1050475

	registered interest
	date	29/01/2019
	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	Zimbabwe: 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 discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) South Africa, (b) Botswana, (c) Namibia and and (d) Malawi on the situation in Zimbabwe.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	213986
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/02/2019 answer text <p>I travelled to South Africa on 30 January and raised Zimbabwe with key regional interlocutors, emphasising the need for urgent action by the international community.</p><p>I also attended the EU-AU Ministerial meeting in Brussels on 21 January and discussed a range of issues, including Zimbabwe at the meeting.</p><p>I will continue to raise the political and security situation in Zimbabwe with key counterparts, including those from Commonwealth states, as I did with the Foreign Minister of Mozambique on 3 February.</p><p>​</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 04/02/2019 16:08:49 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1050477

	registered interest
	date	29/01/2019
	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	Zimbabwe: Detainees
	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 Zimbabwean counterpart to ensure that individuals detained by the military and the police during the recent unrest are given a fair trial in accordance with international law.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	213987
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/02/2019 answer text <p>I summoned the Zimbabwean Ambassador on 17 January to express our concern at the ongoing situation there, and to urge the security forces to stop using disproportionate force and to investigate any cases of alleged human rights violations and abuses. On 30 January, I spoke to Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Moyo, repeating our calls for an end to human rights violations and abuses and a full investigation into all allegations, including arbitrary arrests.</p><p>We will continue to call on the Government of Zimbabwe to investigate all allegations of human rights violations and abuses and urge them to follow the due process of law.</p><p>The British Embassy team continue to attend court cases in Harare and Bulawayo and are in regular contact with the legal teams of a number of individuals who have been arrested.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 04/02/2019 16:09:49 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1050158

	registered interest
	date	28/01/2019
	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	Mali: Armed Conflict
	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 his Department has made of the accuracy of reports that climate change is exacerbating conflict in Mali; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	213279
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/01/2019 answer text <p>​We agree that climate change is exacerbating conflict in Mali and the broader Sahel region, particularly by increasing competition over land and resources. The causes of conflict in Mali are, however, wider than climate change and include in particular issues around governance, demography, terrorism and organised crime.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 31/01/2019 15:48:09 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1041352

	registered interest
	date	14/01/2019
	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: Brexit
	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 is spending on a public information campaign to prepare people for the potential effects of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	208224
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/01/2019 answer text <p>The Government has a duty to inform citizens and businesses about how leaving the EU might affect them, and to advise on the steps they may need to take to prepare for EU Exit.</p><p>We have developed a cross-departmental public information campaign to help achieve this. Over the coming weeks, we will be using a range of channels to direct UK citizens, businesses, EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU to a dedicated area on <a href="http://gov.uk/" target="_blank">GOV.UK</a> at Gov.uk/EUexit</p><p>Information on the costs associated with this campaign will be released in due course as part the normal data transparency releases by the Cabinet Office.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 17/01/2019 16:15:49 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1020461

	registered interest
	date	05/12/2018
	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	Overseas Aid
	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 his Department's ODA-funded projects are listed on the Department for International Development's Development Tracker website.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	199344
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/12/2018 answer text <p>We list nearly all of our ODA-funded programmes on gov.uk and on the Department for International Development's Development Tracker website. Information on a small number of policy programmes is not in the public domain due to the need to protect national security and the safety and security of beneficiaries, partners or partner governments.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 10/12/2018 16:27:14 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

994016

	registered interest
	date	24/10/2018
	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	Sudan: Radicalism
	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 his Department has made of (a) the level of the presence of Islamist extremist cells and jihadist training camps in Sudan and (b) the accuracy of reports of an Al Qaeda Club operating openly at the University of Khartoum.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	183308
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2018 answer text <p>We are aware of historical reports related to the presence of extremist groups in Sudan, including the presence of Al-Qaida. The Government of Sudan has in recent years taken steps to address the presence of such groups, and to meet the bilateral requirements set by the US Government for Sudan to be removed from the US State Sponsor of Terrorism List. We continue to encourage the Government of Sudan to address drivers of radicalisation and ensure that all forms of extremism are tackled in compliance with human rights standards. Through bilateral engagement including our biannual Strategic Dialogue we continue to raise issues of concern and discuss areas where we could work together on a range of issues, including counter terrorism and countering violent extremism.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 29/10/2018 15:33:03 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

993618

	registered interest
	date	23/10/2018
	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	Saudi Arabia: Textbooks
	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 his Department has made of the progress made by Saudi Arabian education authorities in removing from school textbooks (a) incitements to commit jihad, (b) passages describing Christians and Jews in a derogatory manner and (c) passages encouraging extremist ideologies likely to incite hatred of religious minorities within Saudi Arabia.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	182713
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/10/2018 answer text <p>​The British Government strongly supports the right to freedom of religion or belief, which is restricted in Saudi Arabia. Our views are well known.</p><p>A major component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is educational reform. As the Saudi Minister of Education recently commented, this will take a number of years. During the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the UK in 2018, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will enable a partnership in developing educational curricula.</p><p>We closely monitor freedom of religion or belief issues in Saudi Arabia.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 26/10/2018 10:13:53 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

993620

	registered interest
	date	23/10/2018
	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	Sahel: Terrorism
	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 his Department has made of the effectiveness of the joint G5 regional stabilisation force that was targeted by a suicide bomber in June 2018 at its headquarters in Sevare.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	182714
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/10/2018 answer text <p>The UK strongly supports the G5 Sahel Joint Force and condemns the attack against the Force's Headquarters in Sevare in June 2018. The UK has contributed 15.5% of the €100m of EU support to date for the Force, as well as £2m in bilateral funds. We assess that the G5 Sahel Joint Force is having a positive impact against the Islamist terrorist threat, evidenced by a number of effective joint operations since November 2017. The challenge is nevertheless significant and it is urgent that the Force becomes fully operational and the international community makes good on pledges of financial support for the G5 Sahel Joint Force.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 26/10/2018 13:35:49 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

993621

	registered interest
	date	23/10/2018
	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	Sahel: Terrorism
	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 his Department has made of the accuracy of reports that Algerian and Sudanese Islamist jihadists are present in central and northern Mali where the joint G5 regional stabilisation force operates.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	182715
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/10/2018 answer text <p>The UK strongly supports the G5 Sahel Joint Force and condemns the attack against the Force's Headquarters in Sevare in June 2018. The UK has contributed 15.5% of the €100m of EU support to date for the Force, as well as £2m in bilateral funds. Since October 2012, there have been reports of significant numbers of foreign terrorists, including Algerian and Sudanese fighters, operating in Gao and Timbuktu. We assess that the G5 Sahel Joint Force is having a positive impact against the Islamist terrorist threat, evidenced by a number of effective joint operations since November 2017. The challenge is nevertheless significant and it is urgent that the Force becomes fully operational and the international community makes good on pledges of financial support for the G5 Sahel Joint Force.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 26/10/2018 13:34:11 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

988750

	registered interest
	date	16/10/2018
	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: Business
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which projects on business and human rights his Department has funded in each of the last five years; and what the total spend of each such project was in each of those years.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	180124
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2018 answer text <p>For the 2018-19 financial year, the department intends to spend through the Magna Carta Fund a total of £107,000 supporting business and human rights projects. Information for projects relating to business and human rights in previous financial years is not readily available; we will write to the Hon Member in due course.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 22/10/2018 14:46:24 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

987836

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2018
	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	Business and Human Rights Steering Group
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the (a) membership and (b) remit of the Cross-Whitehall Steering Group on Business and Human Rights is; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	179152
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/10/2018 answer text <p>​The Cross-Whitehall Steering Group on Business and Human Rights is chaired jointly by officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Business Energy and Industry Strategy and is attended by representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Department for International Trade, UK Export Finance, the Home Office, the Department for International Development, the Department for Exiting the European Union, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Government Equalities Office, the Department for Communities and Local Government, Crown Commercial Services, and with the Devolved Administrations. It builds on the commitments which the UK Government made in response to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights report 'Human Rights and Business 2017: Promoting responsibility and ensuring accountability'.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 18/10/2018 13:57:19 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

987837

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2018
	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	Business and Human Rights Steering Group
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, on how many occasions the cross-Whitehall steering group on business and human rights has met since the publication of the updated National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	179153
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/10/2018 answer text <p>Since the update of the National Action Plan, the Cross-Whitehall Steering Group on Business and Human Rights has met five times and also liaise between its meetings.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 18/10/2018 13:59:22 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

987838

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2018
	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: Business
	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 (a) the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and (b) UK businesses on updating the national action plan on business and human rights after the UK leaves the EU.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	179154
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/10/2018 answer text <p>Our shared focus is implementing the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights as it stands and on sustaining the UK's high standards in protection of human rights. There is no intent to review the Plan before at least 2020. Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy officials liaise frequently on the Plan and its implementation. We are clear that any future development of the Plan, must be informed by wide consultations, including with business representatives, about our approach and the delivery of commitments, so officials intend new engagement early in the New Year.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 18/10/2018 14:01:11 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

987839

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2018
	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: Business
	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 potential effect on the implementation of the updated national action plan on business and human rights of the UK leaving the EU; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	179155
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/10/2018 answer text <p>Foreign and Commonwealth officials discuss the implementation of the National Action Plan regularly at working level, with officials from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, and through the Cross-Whitehall Steering Group on Business and Human Rights, taking all relevant developments into account.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 18/10/2018 14:06:45 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

987841

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2018
	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	Cameroon: Elections
	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 how (a) free and (b) fair the elections in Cameroon were on 7 October 2018.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	179156
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2018 answer text <p>The African Union's Election Observation Mission found that the elections were conducted in a relatively orderly manner in most of the country but violence affected polling in the Anglophone regions. I was concerned by reports of violence and casualties on polling day in Anglophone regions and by how difficult it was for citizens to vote there. I called on all parties to follow proper procedure for tallying results and exercise restraint.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 22/10/2018 16:09:17 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

987842

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2018
	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	Cameroon: Violence
	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 the escalation of violence in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	179157
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2018 answer text <p>We are aware of reports of increase in violence in the Anglophone region, especially in the lead up to the Presidential elections which took place on 7 October. The situation there is such that it is difficult to obtain an accurate account of what is happening or verify social media reports. We continue to engage with the Government of Cameroon on this and wider issues and deliver the message that we want to see an end to violence and a meaningful process to address the core issues in the Anglophone region of Cameroon. We will also continue to underline that all parties have a responsibility to work for peace and stability and to use only legal and peaceful means to voice grievances.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 22/10/2018 16:10:33 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

987843

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2018
	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	Cameroon: 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 merits of the recommendations made in the recent report by Amnesty International on violence and human rights violations in Anglophone Cameroon; and if he will discuss those recommendations with his Cameroonian counterpart.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	179158
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/10/2018 answer text <p>We have noted Amnesty International's recent report on the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. We are deeply concerned by this and other reports of violence in the region. It remains incredibly challenging to secure access to the region to obtain an accurate account of what is happening on the ground. Reporting in social media is equally challenging to verify. The British Government wants to see an end to the violence, political prisoners released and a meaningful process of national dialogue to address the core issues. All parties have a responsibility to work for peace and stability and to use only legal and peaceful means to voice grievances.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 23/10/2018 15:06:55 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

964482

	registered interest
	date	03/09/2018
	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	Overseas Aid
	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 improve the transparency of its Official Development Assistance after the publication of the Aid Transparency Index 2018.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	169155
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/09/2018 answer text <p>​I refer the Hon. Member to answer of 11 July 2018 (PQ 160284).</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 11/09/2018 14:08:36 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

964483

	registered interest
	date	03/09/2018
	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: Humanitarian Aid
	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 effect of the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen on the time taken for humanitarian aid to reach Hodeidah port.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	169156
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/09/2018 answer text <p>The UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) facilitates commercial imports into Yemen's Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and Saleef, and is an important mechanism taking into account the arms embargo enacted by UN Security Council Resolution 2216. UNVIM only applies to commercial vessels.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 11/09/2018 15:30:32 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

964484

	registered interest
	date	03/09/2018
	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: International Assistance
	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 improvements in the efficiency of the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	169157
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/09/2018 answer text <p>​The UK is providing £1.3 million this financial year to the UN's Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) to facilitate commercial shipping and assure the Coalition that weapons are not coming into Yemen on large commercial ships docking at Red Sea ports. We have also deployed UK maritime experts to Djibouti to further boost the inspections process, increasing the proportion of ships physically inspected more than ten-fold (from 8 per cent to 90 per cent).</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 11/09/2018 15:32:07 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

964947

	registered interest
	date	03/09/2018
	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	Canada and Saudi Arabia: Trade Agreements
	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 Canadian counterpart on trade relations between that country and Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	169160
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2018 answer text <p>The Foreign Secretary and officials have been in touch with both Governments to express our concern over the dispute and its potential implications. We have and will continue to urge restraint and de-escalation through the appropriate diplomatic channels.</p><p>The Government continues to promote human rights across the Middle East, both bilaterally and with key international partners such as Canada. The UK frequently expresses concerns on human rights issues to Saudi Arabia at the most senior levels. We can only bring about the changes we would like to see by working with countries. We do not shy away from raising legitimate human rights concerns, and we make this point very clearly in public and in private.</p><p>The UK is a close partner to both Canada and Saudi Arabia and enjoys positive and constructive diplomatic relations with both countries. It is in the UK’s interest that we have both public and private conversations on matters of mutual concern.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 06/09/2018 15:53:56 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

964948

	registered interest
	date	03/09/2018
	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	Middle East: 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 he is taking to support his Canadian counterpart in promoting human rights across the Middle East.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	169161
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2018 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and officials have been in touch with both Governments to express our concern over the dispute and its potential implications. We have and will continue to urge restraint and de-escalation through the appropriate diplomatic channels.</p><p>The Government continues to promote human rights across the Middle East, both bilaterally and with key international partners such as Canada. The UK frequently expresses concerns on human rights issues to Saudi Arabia at the most senior levels. We can only bring about the changes we would like to see by working with countries. We do not shy away from raising legitimate human rights concerns, and we make this point very clearly in public and in private.</p><p>The UK is a close partner to both Canada and Saudi Arabia and enjoys positive and constructive diplomatic relations with both countries. It is in the UK’s interest that we have both public and private conversations on matters of mutual concern.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 06/09/2018 15:56:43 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

964950

	registered interest
	date	03/09/2018
	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	Canada and Saudi Arabia: 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 assessment he has made of the effect of recent changes in diplomatic relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia on the Government's relationship with those countries.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	169162
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2018 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and officials have been in touch with both Governments to express our concern over the dispute and its potential implications. We have and will continue to urge restraint and de-escalation through the appropriate diplomatic channels.</p><p>The Government continues to promote human rights across the Middle East, both bilaterally and with key international partners such as Canada. The UK frequently expresses concerns on human rights issues to Saudi Arabia at the most senior levels. We can only bring about the changes we would like to see by working with countries. We do not shy away from raising legitimate human rights concerns, and we make this point very clearly in public and in private.</p><p>The UK is a close partner to both Canada and Saudi Arabia and enjoys positive and constructive diplomatic relations with both countries. It is in the UK’s interest that we have both public and private conversations on matters of mutual concern.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 06/09/2018 15:58:50 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

964951

	registered interest
	date	03/09/2018
	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	Israa al-Ghomgham
	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 Saudi Arabian counterpart on the forthcoming trial of Israa al-Ghomgham in that country; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	169163
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2018 answer text <p>​We are monitoring closely the case of Israa al-Ghomgham and other political activists. We continue to raise our concerns on human rights with the Saudi authorities in private.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 06/09/2018 15:59:59 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

921873

	registered interest
	date	11/06/2018
	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: Humanitarian Aid
	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 counterpart in Saudi Arabia on the flow of humanitarian aid through Hodeidah port.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	152087
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/06/2018 answer text <p>We are in constant contact with the Coalition about the campaign in Yemen, as part of our diplomatic effort to find a solution which brings political stability to Yemen and ends cross-border threats to Yemen's neighbours. On Hodeidah, we have set out clearly international concerns on the importance of maintaining the flow of humanitarian supplies. I discussed this with my Saudi counterpart over the weekend. The Coalition have made clear that they recognise the humanitarian imperative and are prioritising the humanitarian response.</p><p>We are now doing everything we can to work with the UN, non-governmental organisations and the Coalition to respond to humanitarian needs in the days ahead.</p><p>We continue to urge all parties to facilitate access for essential imports of food, fuel and medical supplies into the country including through Hodeidah port.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 14/06/2018 15:06:51 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

921874

	registered interest
	date	11/06/2018
	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: Humanitarian Aid
	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 humanitarian situation in the Hodeidah region in Yemen; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	152088
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/06/2018 answer text <p>​It is crucial that humanitarian and commercial imports continue to flow through Hodeidah and Saleef ports, which service the vast majority of Yemen's food needs. We urge all parties to facilitate access for essential imports of food, fuel and medical supplies into the country including through Hodeidah port. As in all aspects of the conflict, all parties must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 14/06/2018 15:09:05 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

825413

	registered interest
	date	18/01/2018
	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: Protest
	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 human rights of the actions of the Iranian government during the protests that took place in that country from 28 December 2017.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	123556
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/01/2018 answer text <p>The Foreign Secretary has made clear that the Iranian people should be able to freely express themselves and to demonstrate peacefully within the law. We look to the Iranian authorities to permit this. We are concerned by reports of mass arrests and deaths in custody, and by restrictions on freedom of expression, in particular the suspension of popular messaging application, Telegram.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 24/01/2018 10:06:20 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

825414

	registered interest
	date	18/01/2018
	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: Internet
	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 took in response to the restrictions placed by the Iranian Government on the instant messaging service Telegram; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	123557
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/01/2018 answer text <p>On 11 January, the Foreign Secretary discussed Iran's response to the protests with Foreign Minister Zarif. In addition, on 5 January, we supported the proposal to discuss the protests at the UN Security Council where we set out our human rights concerns strongly.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 23/01/2018 14:20:57 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

823408

	registered interest
	date	16/01/2018
	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: Protest
	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 Iranian counterpart on the protests in that country that began on 28 December 2017.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	122888
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/01/2018 answer text <p>On 11 January, the Foreign Secretary discussed Iran's response to the recent protests with Foreign Minister Zarif. He underlined the point he had made in his January statement, emphasising in particular that there should be a meaningful debate about the issues protestors were raising and that international obligations on human rights should be observed.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 19/01/2018 14:36:29 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

809572

	registered interest
	date	19/12/2017
	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: Prisoners
	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 made representations to the Government of Bahrain on the treatment of women in Bahrain's Isa Town Women's Prison.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	120230
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/01/2018 answer text <p>The Government monitors events in Bahrain closely. We regularly raise human rights concerns with the Bahraini authorities in private and public and will continue to do so. Where we have concerns on specific cases we raise these at an appropriately senior level. We continue to encourage the Government of Bahrain to deliver on its international and domestic human rights commitments.</p><p>We encourage those with concerns about treatment in detention to report these to the relevant human rights oversight bodies.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 08/01/2018 15:07:12 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

809573

	registered interest
	date	19/12/2017
	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	Conflict Resolution: Females
	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 implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	120231
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/12/2017 answer text <p>​In January next year the UK will launch the fourth iteration of its National Action Plan (NAP) on Women Peace and Security (WPS), a high level strategy that guides our cross- Whitehall work on WPS, and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. <br>Through practical support, diplomatic action, defence, and development assistance, the UK is contributing to the four pillars of WPS in a number of ways. <br>The government is committed to promoting the participation of women in political processes, for example supporting women's participation in the Syrian, Somalian and Colombian peace processes. The Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office's first Special Envoy for Gender Equality, Joanna Roper is prioritising girls' education and women's empowerment, ensuring women and girls' fundamental rights are protected. The UK remains committed to improving peacekeeping efforts, to prevent conflict, and to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls if it breaks out; UK Peacekeepers are now given pre-deployment training on gender, and efforts are in place to get more women into peacekeeping missions. The UK's ambition is for gender to be mainstreamed throughout all International relief and recovery efforts, which are designed to meet the specific needs of women and girls. This will be reflected in DfID's upcoming Strategic Vision. <br>The FCO, MOD and DfID, with support from the cross- government Stabilisation Unit, work closely and collaboratively to implement UNSCR 1325, and to deliver the above. The WPS working group also works transparently with civil society and the UK Parliament.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 29/12/2017 15:01:24 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

808789

	registered interest
	date	18/12/2017
	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, what estimate he has made of the number of Christians and other religious minorities prosecuted for religious beliefs and activities in Iran since May 2017.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	119898
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/12/2017 answer text The human rights situation in Iran, including harassment and persecution of Christians, is of serious concern. Accurate figures on persecution of Christians are difficult to obtain but non-govermental organisations estimate that at least 21 Christians have been given long prison sentences in Iran since May 2017 for practice of their beliefs. answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 21/12/2017 10:46:10 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

804360

	registered interest
	date	11/12/2017
	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, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Iranian Government on the judicial treatment of Christians and other religious minorities in Iran.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	118599
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/12/2017 answer text <p>The human rights situation in Iran, including the harassment and persecution of Christians, is of serious concern. The Foreign Secretary raised human rights concerns with the Iranian Government as a notable element of his visit to Iran on 9-10 December, as did I during my visit on 5 August.​​</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 14/12/2017 15:51:25 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

804452

	registered interest
	date	11/12/2017
	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
	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 Government plans to sign up to the Blue Belt Charter.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	118651
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/12/2017 answer text <p>The British Government is reviewing the proposed Blue Belt Charter.</p><p>The Government is already a global leader in marine protection through the implementation of the Blue Belt programme around the UK and the UK Overseas Territories. Through this programme we are on course to deliver over four million square kilometres of protected ocean by 2020, preserving unique environments and meeting international obligations for the global conservation of oceans.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 14/12/2017 17:17:52 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

760238

	registered interest
	date	13/09/2017
	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	Kem Sokha
	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 Cambodian Government on the imprisonment of Kem Sokkha in Cambodia; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	105006
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/10/2017 answer text <p>​On 21 September, I met the Cambodian Foreign Minister, Prak Sokhonn, at the UN General Assembly. I raised our concerns regarding the political situation in the country, including Kem Sokha's arrest. The UK urges the Government of Cambodia to take immediate steps to ensure free, fair and credible elections next year. We call for Kem Sokha to be released so that fully participatory legitimate elections can take place.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 09/10/2017 15:41:00 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

760240

	registered interest
	date	13/09/2017
	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	Cambodia: 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 programmes his Department supports to promote human rights and the rule of law in Cambodia.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	105007
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/10/2017 answer text <p>The FCO supports a number of programmes in these important areas. We are working with a range of Cambodian and international organisations to help strengthen the impact of their human rights work in Cambodia and are improving the capacity of regional networks in Cambodia to enhance their cooperation with the relevant authorities on governance and accountability.</p><p>Gender equality runs through all programmes supported by the FCO. In Cambodia we have focussed in particular on the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI), freedom of expression and women's involvement in politics. In line with our foreign policy priority to be a global leader in the fight against modern slavery, we are also supporting the development of a toolkit on how to properly collect and handle data for modern slavery cases which will be used by front line practitioners in government and civil society in Cambodia.</p><p>Additionally, the UK has for some years been one of the most active countries in supporting the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) which is prosecuting the senior and most responsible Khmer Rouge leaders. This is being done through the UK's voluntary monetary contributions to the court and also through supporting awareness raising programmes across Cambodia to demonstrate the importance of the rule of law.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 09/10/2017 15:46:18 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson