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48818

registered interest
date	28/04/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Egypt; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Glenrothes
tabling member printed	Lindsay Roy
uin	196926
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/05/2014 answer text <p>Egypt has been going through a difficult political transition for over three years. In July 2013, the interim Egyptian Government set out a new roadmap towards Presidential and Parliamentary elections. A referendum on a new constitution was held in January 2014 and was an important milestone. We welcomed the provisions in the new constitution for the protection of the rights of minorities and women and the transition to democracy in Egypt. However, we were concerned by the closure of political space for opposition groups in the run-up to the referendum and the arrest and sentencing of human rights activists. Egypt is now preparing for Presidential elections to be held from 26 – 27 May, which will be observed by an EU Election Observation Mission. Parliamentary elections are due to take place later in the year and are an important step.</p><p>We continue to monitor closely political developments in Egypt. We are concerned about the Protest Law; the prison sentences handed down to three democracy and human rights activists; restrictions on freedom of the press; and the sentencing to death of a large number of people without proper legal process in an Egyptian court in Minya. These cases undermine international confidence in the progress towards reform and democratisation in Egypt. We are also concerned at the rising number of terrorist attacks in Egypt. Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and wounded and all those affected.</p><p>The UK continues to believe that the only sustainable way for Egypt to address its current challenges is through an inclusive political process which allows all Egyptians a voice in the country's future. The UK stands ready to support the Egyptian people in achieving this.</p> answering member constituency Faversham and Mid Kent answering member printed Hugh Robertson question first answered 01/05/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1415 label Biography information for Sir Hugh Robertson
tabling member	1608 label Biography information for Lindsay Roy

48528

registered interest
date	25/04/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of steps taken by the Burmese government to (a) prevent sexual violence and (b) end impunity for sexual offences allegedly committed by the Burmese military.
tabling member constituency	Bristol East
tabling member printed	Kerry McCarthy
uin	196637
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/04/2014 answer text <p>During his visit to the UK last year, President Thein Sein welcomed the initiative of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), on preventing sexual violence in conflict (PSVI). We continue to encourage Burma to join 146 nations and endorse the declaration on PSVI. The launch in October 2013 of the Burmese government's National Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women (NSPAW) committed Burma “to develop and strengthen laws, systems, structures and practices to eliminate all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls and to respond to the needs of women and girls affected by violence”.</p><p>We are clear, however, that all of these steps need to be accompanied by actions leading to real progress in Burma. We remain concerned by continued reports of sexual violence against women, including reports of crimes committed by members of the Burmese military. We regularly lobby the Burmese government on the rights of women, particularly on preventing sexual violence in conflict areas. We continue to make clear that where serious crimes have been committed, those who have perpetrated them should be held accountable for their actions. I raised the issue of sexual violence directly with senior Ministers, the Commander in Chief and the Northern Commander during my visit to Burma in January. More recently, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised the issue in a call with the Burmese Foreign Minister on 28 April.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 30/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
tabling member	1491 label Biography information for Kerry McCarthy

48529

registered interest
date	25/04/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reasons the Government received from the Chinese government for the cancellation of the UK-China human rights dialogue in April 2014; and when the Government was informed of that cancellation.
tabling member constituency	Bristol East
tabling member printed	Kerry McCarthy
uin	196634
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/04/2014 answer text <p>The Dialogue was originally scheduled for 15-16 April, but China informed us of its decision to postpone on 7 April. An open exchange of views on human rights is in the interests of both sides, and is an important part of our bilateral relationship. We are working with the Chinese government to reschedule the dialogue as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 30/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
tabling member	1491 label Biography information for Kerry McCarthy

48530

registered interest
date	25/04/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he expects the next UK-China human rights dialogue to take place.
tabling member constituency	Bristol East
tabling member printed	Kerry McCarthy
uin	196635
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/04/2014 answer text <p>We consider the Human Rights Dialogue to be an important part of our bilateral relationship with China. We are working with the Chinese government to reschedule the dialogue as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 30/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
tabling member	1491 label Biography information for Kerry McCarthy

48531

registered interest
date	25/04/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on whether the government of Burma plans to open a country office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in that country.
tabling member constituency	Bristol East
tabling member printed	Kerry McCarthy
uin	196636
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/04/2014 answer text <p>It has been over 18 months since President Thein Sein committed to opening an in-country Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights. This would allow for more constructive relations between the international community and the Government on human rights. Most recently, the British Ambassador raised the issue with the Burmese Foreign Minister on 31 March. We continue to call on the Government to publish a timeline for the opening of the Office, with a mandate that includes monitoring and technical assistance.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 30/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
tabling member	1491 label Biography information for Kerry McCarthy

48532

registered interest
date	25/04/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what consular assistance has been given to Mr Hasnain Ali during his trial in United Arab Emirates.
tabling member constituency	Slough
tabling member printed	Fiona Mactaggart
uin	196589
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/05/2014 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London and our Embassy in Dubai have provided full consular assistance to Mr Hasnain Ali since we were informed of his detention, and throughout his trial. This has included regular prison visits by Consular Officials, assisting family members to visit and attending court hearings. On 15 April 2014, Mr Hasnain Ali was found innocent and his court case concluded. Consular officials are providing ongoing assistance as Mr Hasnain Ali prepares to leave Dubai.</p> answering member constituency Faversham and Mid Kent answering member printed Hugh Robertson question first answered 01/05/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1415 label Biography information for Sir Hugh Robertson
tabling member	12 label Biography information for Fiona Mactaggart

48533

registered interest
date	25/04/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his United Arab Emirates counterpart on the treatment of Mr Hasnain Ali.
tabling member constituency	Slough
tabling member printed	Fiona Mactaggart
uin	196591
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/05/2014 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not comment on individual cases. However, we take all allegations of the mistreatment of British nationals extremely seriously. With an individual's permission, we take up any complaint about ill-treatment with the relevant authorities.</p> answering member constituency Faversham and Mid Kent answering member printed Hugh Robertson question first answered 01/05/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1415 label Biography information for Sir Hugh Robertson
tabling member	12 label Biography information for Fiona Mactaggart

48536

registered interest
date	25/04/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representation the UK will have at the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in New York in May.
tabling member constituency	Newport West
tabling member printed	Paul Flynn
uin	196792
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/05/2014 answer text <p>The UK Head of Delegation is Dr Matthew Rowland, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament. Dr Rowland is supported by officials from the Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office, Ministry of Defence and Department for Energy and Climate Change.</p> answering member constituency Faversham and Mid Kent answering member printed Hugh Robertson question first answered 01/05/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1415 label Biography information for Sir Hugh Robertson
tabling member	545 label Biography information for Paul Flynn

48212

registered interest
date	10/04/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans his Department has in place to be executed in the event of further Russian aggression on the Ukrainian border.
tabling member constituency	Romford
tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
uin	196320
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) told the House on 8 April, we are gravely concerned about the situation in Crimea and in the east of Ukraine. We have consistently condemned Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea including in public statements, international fora, and in bilateral contacts with the Russian Federation.</p><p>The UK has played a key role in ensuring a tough and united response from the international community. We have reviewed all bilateral engagement with Russia and have frozen military cooperation, refused export licence requests which may be used by the Russian military, and postponed a number of planned Ministerial Summits. Along with other G7 members, the UK has withdrawn participation in the planned G8 Summit in Sochi in June, and will instead take part in a G7 meeting in Brussels.</p><p>The Foreign Secretary has taken part in a number of discussions on sanctions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), in which the European Commission has also been involved. On 14 April, the FAC agreed to expand the second tier of sanctions and to add further names to the list of individuals subject to those sanctions. The FAC agreed on the urgency of completing work on a possible third tier of more far reaching sanctions, which might be implemented in the absence of meaningful diplomatic engagement by Russia or further provocation against Ukraine. The European Commission was tasked to identify such economic measures.</p><p>As the Foreign Secretary has made clear to the Russian Foreign Minister, the EU remains prepared to impose additional sanctions should that become necessary. Russia should be clear that any deliberate escalation of this crisis may bring serious political and economic consequences.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

48213

registered interest
date	10/04/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure UK embassies, high commissions and consulates are promoting trade with the UK.
tabling member constituency	Romford
tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
uin	196322
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2014 answer text <p>Over the past three years we have put commercial and economic diplomacy at the heart of the FCO's agenda<br>We are committed to supporting British business and boosting UK trade as set out in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) Charter for Business and UKTI's Strategy &quot;Britain Open for Business: the Next Phase&quot;.</p><p>We have opened new missions and reinforced our economic diplomacy staff in many of the fastest growing markets in the world. We have taken steps to strengthen commercial skills at all levels within our Embassies. Ambassadors and their teams across our network are lobbying hard to open markets, promote free trade, support pro-growth policies and counter risks to economic stability. This approach lies at the heart of our G8 agenda on tax, trade and transparency and underpins our on-going work to deliver an ambitious EU-US trade deal.</p><p>With UKTI we are delivering a number of ambitious initiatives across the globe to promote trade and investment and boost jobs and growth. The High Value Opportunities programme aims to assist UK businesses to secure £10billion of business in key emerging markets. The Prime Minister has appointed sixteen Trade Envoys who are working with our Embassies and High Commissions to champion opportunities for British business and lobby to improve the business environment and resolve market access issues.</p><p>Our Posts are also promoting Britain through the &quot;Great&quot; campaign – a visually powerful campaign that is making real strides in promoting the UK as a modern and innovative country in which to invest and with which do business. Ministers have been urged to travel extensively to support this. We are focusing our efforts on both established markets and those emerging markets where there is high potential for growth in the future.</p><p>The FCO and UKTI are also committed to implementing the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee review: Supporting British Exporters Overseas (see Treasury Minute CM 8847 – 37th Report), a key component in the Government's ambition to achieve £1 trillion of exports annually by 2020. We have committed to an economic &quot;roadmap&quot; to the £1 trillion target, closer joint working on our trade and investment strategy and on planning across government, and work to address visa barriers to trade and investment.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 28/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell