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47595
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-04-08more like thismore than 2014-04-08
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 remove filter
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he has taken to assist in the return of occupied Ukranian government buildings to the Ukranian government. more like this
tabling member constituency Romford more like this
tabling member printed
Andrew Rosindell more like this
uin 195734 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-04-28more like thismore than 2014-04-28
answer text <p>The occupation by armed groups of government buildings in towns in eastern Ukraine is a further dangerous escalation of an already dangerous situation. On 14 April the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) made a statement condemning these acts and said that it was important that the EU gave a clear, strong and united response. He also called on Russia to repudiate these lawless acts.</p><p>On 17 April, the Foreign Secretary welcomed the commitments made in talks between the EU, US, Ukraine and Russia in Geneva; that all illegally armed groups must be disarmed, all illegally seized buildings must be returned to legitimate owners, and all illegally occupied streets, squares and other public places in Ukrainian cities and towns must be vacated. He said that rapid implementation was essential. On 23 April, he spoke about this issue with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, urging Russia to take steps to fulfil the Geneva Statement and to de-escalate the situation in eastern and southern Ukraine, including making a clear public statement calling for illegally armed groups in eastern Ukraine to disarm and vacate occupied buildings. He also invited Russian diplomats to join efforts by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Monitoring Mission in the eastern Ukraine.</p><p>The British Government will continue to work closely in support of the government in Ukraine, and encourage Ukraine's political leaders to continue to respond to events calmly and with determination, in order to harness the united efforts of all Ukrainians to work together for a successful future.</p>
answering member constituency Aylesbury more like this
answering member printed Mr David Lidington more like this
question first answered
less than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Zmore like thismore than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Z
answering member
15
label Biography information for Sir David Lidington more like this
tabling member
1447
label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell more like this
47596
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-04-08more like thismore than 2014-04-08
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 remove filter
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had about the British Indian Ocean Territory resettlement feasibility study. more like this
tabling member constituency Romford more like this
tabling member printed
Andrew Rosindell more like this
uin 195738 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-04-28more like thismore than 2014-04-28
answer text <p>The feasibility study has now begun in earnest and the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Administration continue to welcome views on it. Since the summer of 2013, BIOT officials have carried out three consultations, receiving responses from all major groups representing Chagossians and others with an interest. There will be further key consultation as the study progresses. We have also consulted with the Governments of the United States, Seychelles and Mauritius.</p><p>In November, the Senior Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to look at this issue transparently in response to the Chagos Islands (BIOT) All Party Parliamentary Group's (APPG) debate in the House of Lords. I have exchanged several letters with the Chair of the Chagos Islands (BIOT) APPG about the study and I have also discussed the study with the Mauritian Foreign Minister during a meeting at the African Union Summit in January. I subsequently wrote to the Mauritian Foreign Minister inviting the Mauritian Government's engagement, which they have declined.</p>
answering member constituency Boston and Skegness more like this
answering member printed Mark Simmonds more like this
question first answered
less than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Zmore like thismore than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Z
answering member
1393
label Biography information for Mark Simmonds more like this
tabling member
1447
label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell more like this
47597
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-04-08more like thismore than 2014-04-08
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 remove filter
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Russian annexation of Crimea on the Moldovan government's commitment to signing an Association Agreement with the EU. more like this
tabling member constituency Torbay more like this
tabling member printed
Mr Adrian Sanders more like this
uin 195756 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-04-28more like thismore than 2014-04-28
answer text <p>The Government of the Republic of Moldova began to negotiate an Association Agreement with the EU in January 2010. Negotiations concluded in June 2013 and the text was initialled at the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit in November 2013. Throughout this period, the Moldovan government has been clear in its wish to achieve signature of the Association Agreement as early as possible. This position has not changed in recent weeks.</p><p>The Conclusions of the European Council held on 20 and 21 March 2014 confirmed the aim of the EU to sign the Association Agreement no later than June 2014. The UK is working with our European partners to ensure the conditions are in place to meet this deadline, including through the appropriate Parliamentary scrutiny.</p><p>The UK supports Moldova's choice of European integration, which will help to bring greater stability, prosperity and democracy to all Moldovan citizens. We have been clear in dealing with Russia that Moldova should be able to make its own choices, including on European integration, without pressure from third countries.</p>
answering member constituency Aylesbury more like this
answering member printed Mr David Lidington more like this
question first answered
less than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Zmore like thismore than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Z
answering member
15
label Biography information for Sir David Lidington more like this
tabling member
237
label Biography information for Mr Adrian Sanders more like this
47598
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-04-08more like thismore than 2014-04-08
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 remove filter
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he has taken to draw attention to the persecution of Christians in Vietnam; and what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Vietnam on that matter. more like this
tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
uin 195903 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-04-28more like thismore than 2014-04-28
answer text <p>We highlight Vietnam as a country of concern in the annual Foreign and Commonwealth Office human rights report published on 10 April.</p><p>Our assessment is the Vietnamese government is allowing more space for religious expression and has increased the number of churches and places of worship approved for use in 2013. In general the Vietnamese are able to practise the religion of their choosing and a number of prominent Ministers, including the Prime Minister, are openly Buddhist.</p><p>The authorities take a harder line when religious groups are involved in political movements, with persecution taking place in this context.</p><p>Our Embassy continues to promote freedom of religion and belief in this atmosphere and meets with leaders of all faiths. In January they accepted a petition by families of Catholic activists on trial and supported an EU statement calling for the Vietnamese to uphold freedom of expression in these cases. Staff also attended meetings, alongside other EU Member States, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling for greater transparency over allegations that authorities had intimidated Catholics in Nghe An province.</p><p>We also make sure to raise our concerns at a Ministerial level at every opportunity – be it through the annual UK-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue in October 2013 or the Foreign Secretary's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh earlier this month. The UK also runs projects deisgned to allow greater scope for civil society to develop and receive basic protections when raising their concerns and pursuing their beliefs.</p>
answering member constituency East Devon more like this
answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire more like this
question first answered
less than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Zmore like thismore than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Z
answering member
1408
label Biography information for Lord Swire more like this
tabling member
4131
label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
47599
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-04-08more like thismore than 2014-04-08
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 remove filter
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Laos about the persecution of Christians in that country. more like this
tabling member constituency Strangford more like this
tabling member printed
Jim Shannon more like this
uin 195902 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-04-28more like thismore than 2014-04-28
answer text <p>Our recently re-opened Embassy in Vientiane regularly raises human rights concerns with the Lao government, including their adherence to their international human rights commitments that protect freedom of religion and belief. Laos has seen some improvements in religious freedom over the past decade with a reduction in the number of long-term Christian prisoners of conscience. However, we are aware of cases of Christians being arrested for proselytising. The EU raised these cases at the last EU-Laos Human Rights Dialogue in February 2013 and we will press for it to be raised at the next EU-Laos Human Rights Dialogue which will take place in Brussels in May 2014. We continue to work with the EU and other like-minded partners to raise our concerns about religious freedom with the Lao government.</p> more like this
answering member constituency East Devon more like this
answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire more like this
question first answered
less than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Zmore like thismore than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Z
answering member
1408
label Biography information for Lord Swire more like this
tabling member
4131
label Biography information for Jim Shannon more like this
47605
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-04-08more like thismore than 2014-04-08
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 remove filter
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he has made any assessment of the appointment of former Senator Daniel Filmus as head of the Malvinas Secretariat in Argentina. more like this
tabling member constituency Hexham more like this
tabling member printed
Guy Opperman more like this
uin 195824 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-04-28more like thismore than 2014-04-28
answer text <p>We do not judge that Mr Filmus' appointment marks a significant change in Argentina's policy towards the Falkland Islanders. Rather we understand that Mr Filmus is accountable to Foreign Minister Hector Timerman, who retains overall responsibility for Falklands policy within the Argentine Foreign Ministry.</p> more like this
answering member constituency East Devon more like this
answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire more like this
question first answered
less than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Zmore like thismore than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Z
answering member
1408
label Biography information for Lord Swire more like this
tabling member
4142
label Biography information for Guy Opperman more like this
47606
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-04-08more like thismore than 2014-04-08
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 remove filter
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will call for the immediate release of the seven Baha'i leaders imprisoned in Iran since 14 May 2008. more like this
tabling member constituency Arfon more like this
tabling member printed
Hywel Williams more like this
uin 195836 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-04-28more like thismore than 2014-04-28
answer text <p>We have repeatedly expressed concern at the sentencing of seven Baha'i leaders in Iran to 20 years imprisonment. We raised the treatment of Baha'is with the UN Special Rapporteur at the UN Human Rights Council in March 2014, and in our contacts with the Iranian authorities. We will continue to call on the Iranian government to ensure that all Iranian citizens are able to exercise their right to freedom of religion, free from persecution and harassment.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Faversham and Mid Kent more like this
answering member printed Hugh Robertson more like this
question first answered
less than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Zmore like thismore than 2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Z
answering member
1415
label Biography information for Sir Hugh Robertson more like this
tabling member
1397
label Biography information for Hywel Williams more like this
47241
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-04-07more like thismore than 2014-04-07
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 remove filter
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which five companies were used most often to provide temporary workers for his Department in the last financial year; and how much in agency fees was paid to each of them. more like this
tabling member constituency Nottingham East more like this
tabling member printed
Chris Leslie more like this
uin 195553 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-04-25more like thismore than 2014-04-25
answer text <p>All contingent labour (provision of temporary workers) procured by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is provided by Hayes Specialist Recruitment. In the last financial year (2013/14) £476,000 was paid to Hays in agency fees.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Aylesbury more like this
answering member printed Mr David Lidington more like this
question first answered
less than 2014-04-25T12:00:00.00Zmore like thismore than 2014-04-25T12:00:00.00Z
answering member
15
label Biography information for Sir David Lidington more like this
tabling member
422
label Biography information for Mr Chris Leslie more like this
47242
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-04-07more like thismore than 2014-04-07
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 remove filter
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the extent of persecution of Christians in North Korea; what steps he is taking within the international community to address that issue; and if he will make a statement. more like this
tabling member constituency Barrow and Furness more like this
tabling member printed
John Woodcock more like this
uin 195499 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-04-10more like thismore than 2014-04-10
answer text I made clear in my response to Oral questions on 8 April that the UN Commission of Inquiry's report documents a persecution of christians which is truly shocking. The UK played a leading role in ensuring a strong Human Rights Council resolution in response to this report. My Written Ministerial Statement on 31 March 2014 sets out a summary of the concrete measures in the DPRK resolution to ensure the work of the COI continues in order that those responsible for human right violations and crimes against humanity will one day be brought to account. more like this
answering member constituency East Devon more like this
answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire more like this
question first answered
less than 2014-04-10T12:00:00.00Zmore like thismore than 2014-04-10T12:00:00.00Z
answering member
1408
label Biography information for Lord Swire more like this
tabling member
3917
label Biography information for Lord Walney more like this
47244
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-04-07more like thismore than 2014-04-07
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 remove filter
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Syrian National Coalition. more like this
tabling member constituency Wrexham more like this
tabling member printed
Ian Lucas more like this
uin 195641 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-04-10more like thismore than 2014-04-10
answer text <p>We have daily discussions with the Syrian National Coalition, most notably with its leadership through the UK Special Representative to Syria, Jon Wilks, but also at Ministerial level. We are in regular touch with the National Coalition representative in London. We have supported the National Coalition since its foundation in 2012 and have consistently encouraged it to reach out to all Syrians as a democratic, inclusive and unified organisation. This has included practical support to the National Coalition, including on strategic communications and design of internal structures and organisation. The UK is a leading member of the “London 11”, the core group of the Friends of Syria, who are the National Coalition's strongest supporters. Most recently we hosted a meeting of senior officials from the London 11 in London on 7 March.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Faversham and Mid Kent more like this
answering member printed Hugh Robertson more like this
question first answered
less than 2014-04-10T12:00:00.00Zmore like thismore than 2014-04-10T12:00:00.00Z
answering member
1415
label Biography information for Sir Hugh Robertson more like this
tabling member
1470
label Biography information for Ian C. Lucas more like this