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1082176

registered interest
date	05/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	North Korea: Nuclear 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 diplomatic steps he plans to take to support the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula after the recent US-North Korean talks in Hanoi.
tabling member constituency	Islington South and Finsbury
tabling member printed	Emily Thornberry
uin	228597
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2019 answer text <p>The Foreign Secretary has regular discussions with Secretary of State Pompeo on how to resolve the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, most recently on 5 March. We welcome the US commitment to continue talks following the recent summit in Hanoi. We will continue to work closely with the US and our other international partners and use a wide range of diplomatic tools, including through our Embassy in Pyongyang, in an effort to achieve North Korea's denuclearisation.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 11/03/2019 17:12:09 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
tabling member	1536 label Biography information for Emily Thornberry

1082192

registered interest
date	05/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Burma: Churches
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Government in Myanmar on the destruction of churches in Kachin state and their replacement with Buddhist pagodas.
tabling member constituency	Islington South and Finsbury
tabling member printed	Emily Thornberry
uin	228607
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2019 answer text <p>The British Government continues to be concerned by issues of freedom of religion and belief in Burma, including attacks on churches and other places of worship. The Minister for the Commonwealth and the United Nations raised the UK's concerns about persecution faced by Christian and other minorities in Burma in his speech to the Human Rights Council in February 2018. The British Ambassador met the Burmese Minister for Religious Affairs on 9 August 2018, and underlined the importance of interfaith dialogue.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 12/03/2019 13:54:48 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
tabling member	1536 label Biography information for Emily Thornberry

1082195

registered interest
date	05/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Jiang Rong and Wang Yi
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Chinese counterpart on the arrest of Pastor Wang Yi and his wife Jiang Rong of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chingdu province in December 2018 on charges of incitement to subvert state power.
tabling member constituency	Islington South and Finsbury
tabling member printed	Emily Thornberry
uin	228609
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2019 answer text <p>We are concerned by the arrest and detention of Pastor Wang Yi and his wife Jiang Rong. We have raised our concerns about the closure of some churches, including the Early Rain Covenant Church, under China’s recently updated regulations on religious affairs.</p><p> </p><p>We remain concerned by the restrictions placed on Christianity and other religions in China, which include individuals being harassed or detained for their beliefs. The freedom to practise, change or share one's faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy. We believe that societies which aim to guarantee freedom of religion or belief are more stable, prosperous and resilient against violent extremism.</p><p> </p><p>We are robust in raising the full range of our human rights concerns with the Chinese authorities. We raised our concerns over restriction of freedom of religion or belief as part of China’s Universal Periodic Review in November 2018, and in our 27 June 2018 statement at the UN Human Rights Council.</p><p>​</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 11/03/2019 17:13:54 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
tabling member	1536 label Biography information for Emily Thornberry

1082196

registered interest
date	05/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	China: Christianity
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 Chinese counterpart on the (a) persecution of Christians, (b) suppression of the Christian faith in that country and (c)that country's plans to issue a new, state-approved translation of the Bible.
tabling member constituency	Islington South and Finsbury
tabling member printed	Emily Thornberry
uin	228610
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2019 answer text <p>We remain concerned about the persecution of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners and others on the grounds of their religion or belief in China. The freedom to practise, change or share one's faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy. We believe that societies which aim to guarantee freedom of religion or belief are more stable, prosperous and more resilient against violent extremism.</p><p> </p><p>We regularly raise the full range of our human rights concerns with the Chinese authorities. We recently raised our concerns over restriction of freedom of religion or belief with the Chinese Government in our 27 June 2018 statement at the UN Human Rights Council and during China’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in November 2018.</p><p> </p><p>We also highlighted our concerns in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy. The report contains details of work the FCO has carried out during the past year to promote human rights, including freedom of religion or belief in China and globally.</p><p>​</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 11/03/2019 17:18:24 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
tabling member	1536 label Biography information for Emily Thornberry

1082344

registered interest
date	05/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Abdullah Öcalan
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 Turkish counterpart on the detention of Abdullah Ocalan.
tabling member constituency	Cardiff West
tabling member printed	Kevin Brennan
uin	228650
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2019 answer text <p>British Embassy officials discussed the imprisonment of the PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan with Turkish officials in mid-January. They also covered the hunger strikes in support of Abdullah Öcalan by Kurdish prisoners, including Leyla Guven MP. We are pleased to note that she was recently released from prison. We expect the Turkish authorities to ensure that prisoners' human rights are observed, including access to medical treatment.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 11/03/2019 17:00:00 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
tabling member	1400 label Biography information for Kevin Brennan

1081717

registered interest
date	04/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Botswana: Nature Conservation
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Government of Botswana on ensuring the protection of endangered species in that country.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	228057
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2019 answer text <p>​Botswana is a key partner in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade. President Masisi attended the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in October 2018 and I took this opportunity to meet with the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Unity Dow, and Environment Minister, Tshekedi Khama, to discuss Botswana's important role in the protection of endangered species. The UK and Botswana also have a regular dialogue on conservation and counter-poaching activity. Botswana faces a number of conservation challenges and has recently consulted widely on human-wildlife conflict.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 12/03/2019 15:46:38 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1081748

registered interest
date	04/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	South Sudan: 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 his Department is taking to support the strengthening of human rights in South Sudan.
tabling member constituency	Houghton and Sunderland South
tabling member printed	Bridget Phillipson
uin	228012
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/03/2019 answer text <p>The human rights situation in South Sudan continues to be of serious concern. Our efforts focus on supporting the peace agreement signed in September 2018, as without progress on this there is little hope for improvement in human rights. We are working with our partners to ensure accountability for those who work against peace in the form of sanctions and to ensure the parties to the agreement deliver their commitments.</p><p>At the Human Rights Council we are leading efforts to renew the mandate for the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, which provides a vital reporting mechanism for maintaining pressure on the Government of South Sudan. In the longer term, initiatives such as DFID's Girls Education programme and funding to an International Medical Corps programme that works to support survivors of gender-based violence, are important development tools that will improve human rights in South Sudan.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 07/03/2019 15:05:21 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
tabling member	4046 label Biography information for Bridget Phillipson

1081775

registered interest
date	04/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Yemen: Military Intervention
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to prevent Saudi Arabia from employing child soldiers in Yemen.
tabling member constituency	Leeds North West
tabling member printed	Alex Sobel
uin	228082
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/03/2019 answer text <p>We are firmly committed to ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers and to protecting all children affected by armed conflict.</p><p>The UK is an active member of the UN Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), which leads the international response to the issue of child soldiers and child protection. This includes pressing those parties to conflict listed in the UN Secretary-General's annual report on CAAC, including Yemen, to enter into concrete action plans with the UN to verify and release child soldiers.</p><p>The UK is also the largest single financial contributor to the office of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for CAAC, contributing £800,000 in the last five years. We have shown our support for the SRSG's recently launched Global Coalition for Reintegration (GCR) by joining the 'Friends of Reintegration' group, a forum to generate new ideas for supporting reintegration programmes and for the prevention of re-recruitment of children formerly associated with armed groups. The UK has confirmed it will be increasing its funding to the office of the SRSG for CAAC to £450,000 for the FY19/20 to continue assisting the SRSG with her current mandate, and will be giving an additional £50,000 to fund extended activities pertaining to the GCR.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 07/03/2019 17:59:53 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
tabling member	4658 label Biography information for Alex Sobel

1081776

registered interest
date	04/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Sudan: 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, if the Government will issue a formal statement in support of the uprising against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.
tabling member constituency	Leeds North West
tabling member printed	Alex Sobel
uin	228083
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/03/2019 answer text <p>​The UK remains deeply concerned by the response to recent protests in Sudan, including the implementation of a year-long state of emergency on 22 February. We have been clear that the legitimate grievances expressed by protesters must be addressed, most recently in a statement made on 26 February with the USA, Norway and Canada. We continue to monitor the situation.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 07/03/2019 15:03:50 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
tabling member	4658 label Biography information for Alex Sobel

1081820

registered interest
date	04/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Sports
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 comparative value of sport to British soft power and international influence compared to other soft power assets.
tabling member constituency	Chatham and Aylesford
tabling member printed	Tracey Crouch
uin	228037
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2019 answer text <p>​While it can be difficult to compare the soft power generated by UK sport to other levers of soft power, from the UK's university sector to our democratic values, evidence from international polling consistently shows that sport is a significant soft power asset. For example, the 2017/18 Populus British Icon Index survey identified the Premier League as the single most effective UK brand.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 11/03/2019 17:15:35 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
tabling member	3950 label Biography information for Dame Tracey Crouch