Linked Data API

Show Search Form

Search Results

1228222
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-29more like thismore than 2020-07-29
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
hansard heading Nigeria: Violence more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Nigeria about the prosecution of those responsible for (1) killings of, and (2) violent attacks against, Christians in Nigeria; how many Fulani people have been prosecuted for any such attacks; and what steps they are taking, through UK aid programmes, to assist with (a) upholding the rule of law, (b) the protection of minorities, and (c) supporting affected communities in Nigeria. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
uin HL7499 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-08-06more like thismore than 2020-08-06
answer text <p>The UK Government condemns all killings and incidents of violence against innocent Nigerian civilians, including terrorist attacks in North East Nigeria and incidents of intercommunal violence in the Middle-Belt. These attacks have had devastating effects on communities of all faiths, including Christian communities. We continue to encourage the Government of Nigeria to take action to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice. Prosecutions of those responsible, who come from a range of ethnic and religious backgrounds, is primarily a matter for the Nigerian State.</p><p>In the North East of Nigeria, the UK is supporting efforts to tackle the terrorist threat and providing a comprehensive package of security, stabilisation and humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by the conflict. In the Middle Belt, the British High Commissioner and her team are increasing their diplomatic engagement with states affected by intercommunal violence. The UK Government is also providing technical support to the Nigerian Government for the development of the National Livestock Transformation Plan. The plan aims to promote cattle-rearing in one place, rather than the traditional nomadic practice, to limit competition over land and resources leading to violence.</p><p>The Prime Minister discussed insecurity in Nigeria with President Buhari at the UK Africa Investment Summit in January. More recently, the Minister for Africa discussed intercommunal violence in Nigeria with President Buhari's Chief of Staff, on 29 June. We have made clear to the Nigerian authorities, at the highest levels, the importance of protecting civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities, human rights and upholding the rule of law.</p>
answering member printed Baroness Sugg more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-08-06T15:41:21.717Zmore like thismore than 2020-08-06T15:41:21.717Z
answering member
4584
label Biography information for Baroness Sugg more like this
tabling member
738
label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
1228093
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-28more like thismore than 2020-07-28
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
hansard heading Hagia Sophia more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the decision to convert the Hagia Sofia into a mosque, and (2) the impact of that decision on marginalised religious minorities in Turkey and the Middle East; and what steps they are planning to take to ensure that the rights of religious minorities in the region are safeguarded. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
uin HL7421 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-08-05more like thismore than 2020-08-05
answer text <p>While we note the concern that President Erdoğan's decision to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque has caused internationally, the Government regards this as a sovereign matter for Turkey. However, we would expect that Hagia Sophia - part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site - remains accessible to all, as testament to its global cultural and religious significance and Turkey's rich and diverse historical and cultural legacy, and that its precious artefacts are preserved. We therefore welcome the public statements by Turkish leaders that this historic building will continue to be accessible to people of all faiths and nationalities, which would be consistent with the Turkish constitution's provisions for freedom of conscience and religion for all. We strongly support all minority groups in Turkey and encourage the Turkish authorities to safeguard their welfare and respect their human rights.</p><p>The Government is firmly committed to protecting religious minorities in the Middle East region and providing assistance on the basis of need, irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity. We believe that one of the most effective ways to tackle injustices and advocate for respect among different religious and racial groups, is to encourage states to uphold their human rights obligations. The UK is committed to defending Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities.</p>
answering member printed Baroness Sugg more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-08-05T14:41:50.827Zmore like thismore than 2020-08-05T14:41:50.827Z
answering member
4584
label Biography information for Baroness Sugg more like this
tabling member
738
label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
1228152
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-28more like thismore than 2020-07-28
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
hansard heading Nigeria: Violence more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the killing of ten people, (2) the injury of others, and (3) the destruction of homes, during an attack by armed assailants on Zikpak, Nigeria, on 24 July; and how (1) UK aid, and (2) diplomatic influence, is being used (a) to protect vulnerable minorities, and (b) to address any escalation in attacks in Nigeria. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
uin HL7423 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-08-06more like thismore than 2020-08-06
answer text <p>The UK Government condemns all incidents of intercommunal violence in Nigeria, including a recently reported attack in Zikpak, Kaduna State on 24 July. There are many underlying causes to intercommunal violence in Nigeria, which include disputes over natural resources and competition over land exacerbated by climate change and population growth. The British High Commissioner and her team are increasing their diplomatic engagement with states affected by intercommunal violence, including Kaduna state. Officials from the British High Commission are engaging with State Governments, faith and community leaders, peacebuilding organisations, the Federal Government and others. The FCO co-hosted a conference at Wilton Park in February on Fostering Social Cohesion in Nigeria, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss the complex causes of intercommunal violence. Discussions helped to form recommendations to tackle intercommunal violence in affected states in Nigeria. The Minister for Africa discussed intercommunal violence with the Nigerian President's Chief of Staff in June.</p><p>The UK is also providing technical support to the Nigerian Government for the development of the National Livestock Transformation Plan. The plan aims to promote cattle-rearing in one place, rather than the traditional nomadic practice, to limit competition over land and resources leading to violence.</p><p>We will continue to encourage the Government of Nigeria to take urgent action to protect those at risk of intercommunal violence, to bring perpetrators to justice and to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes and meet the needs of all communities.</p>
answering member printed Baroness Sugg more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-08-06T15:34:06.67Zmore like thismore than 2020-08-06T15:34:06.67Z
answering member
4584
label Biography information for Baroness Sugg more like this
tabling member
738
label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
1228153
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-28more like thismore than 2020-07-28
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
hansard heading Nigeria: Homicide more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports (1) that at least 80 people have been killed in July in southern Kaduna, and (2) that 620 Christians have been killed in the region in the last 18 months; and what they consider to be the major reason for these attacks. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
uin HL7424 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-08-06more like thismore than 2020-08-06
answer text <p>The UK Government condemns all incidents of intercommunal violence in Nigeria, including reported attacks in southern Kaduna State. We are concerned by a recent increase in attacks in the state. These attacks have had devastating effects on communities of all faiths, including Christian communities. We have made clear to the Nigerian authorities at the highest levels the importance of protecting civilians and human rights for all. There are many underlying causes to intercommunal violence in Nigeria, which include disputes over natural resources and competition over land exacerbated by climate change and population growth. Religious identity is also a factor in some incidents of intercommunal violence, but we do not assess it to be the principal driver of the violence.</p> more like this
answering member printed Baroness Sugg more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-08-06T15:35:38.223Zmore like thismore than 2020-08-06T15:35:38.223Z
answering member
4584
label Biography information for Baroness Sugg more like this
tabling member
738
label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
1228154
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-28more like thismore than 2020-07-28
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
hansard heading Nigeria: Christianity more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the statement by the Rt Rev Abiodun Ogunyemi, the Anglican Bishop of Zaria, on 24 July, that the campaign against Christians in Nigeria is a “genocide”, and (2) the responsibilities of (a) the government of Kaduna State, (b) the government of Nigeria, and (c) the international community, under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention of Genocide; what plans they have to reassess the causes of the attacks against Christians in Nigeria; and whether any such plans will discount climate change as the major cause of such attacks. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
uin HL7425 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-08-06more like thismore than 2020-08-06
answer text <p>We are aware of the statement made by the Right Reverend Abiodun Ogunyemion on 24 July. The UK Government condemns all incidents of intercommunal violence in Nigeria, including the recently reported attacks in Kaduna State referred to in the Bishop's statement. Intercommunal violence in Kaduna State and Nigeria more widely affects communities of all faiths. We have made clear to the Nigerian authorities, at the highest levels, the importance of protecting civilians and human rights for all.</p><p>It is UK Government policy not to unilaterally determine whether genocide has occurred, in line with the Genocide Convention. This is a matter for competent courts and tribunals, including the International Criminal Court, after consideration of all the evidence, rather than governments or non-judicial bodies.</p><p>The UK Government's assessment remains that climate change is one of the drivers of intercommunal violence in Nigeria because of the resulting competition for natural resources. The Bishop of Truro also considered the effects of climate change on intercommunal violence in Nigeria in his independent report on the global persecution of Christians.</p>
answering member printed Baroness Sugg more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-08-06T15:38:08.11Zmore like thismore than 2020-08-06T15:38:08.11Z
answering member
4584
label Biography information for Baroness Sugg more like this
tabling member
738
label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
1228023
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-27more like thismore than 2020-07-27
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
hansard heading Westminster Foundation for Democracy: Expenditure more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what are (1) the sources, and (2) the amounts, of funding received by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in the latest financial year for which figures are available; what steps they plan to take to ensure that funding is made available through that Foundation to promote democratic engagement in Hong Kong; what plans they to support through (1) that Foundation, and (2) other means, (a) the costs of the legal defence of pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong, and (b) where appropriate, the cost of their travel to seek refuge in the UK. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
uin HL7315 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-08-06more like thismore than 2020-08-06
answer text <p>The Westminster Foundation for Democracy's (WFD) funding comes from a combination of grants provided by institutional donors, such as the DFID Accountable Grant, and the FCO. Details are set out in the WFD's Annual Report and Accounts, which can be found online. The UK remains fully committed to upholding Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech and assembly which are guaranteed under the Joint Declaration and 'One Country, Two Systems' framework.</p> more like this
answering member printed Baroness Sugg more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-08-06T15:15:26.64Zmore like thismore than 2020-08-06T15:15:26.64Z
answering member
4584
label Biography information for Baroness Sugg more like this
tabling member
738
label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
1228024
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-27more like thismore than 2020-07-27
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
hansard heading Westminster Foundation for Democracy: Directors more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to ensure that members of the board of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy are not compromised in that role by association with states whose governments (1) are undemocratic, and (2) fail to adhere to legally-binding international treaties to which they are party. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
uin HL7316 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-08-05more like thismore than 2020-08-05
answer text <p>The Government already has measures in place to ensure that members of the board of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) are not compromised in the work that they do as board members. The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. WFD Board members must also abide by the terms and conditions set out in the FCO-WFD Framework Agreement, which includes the need to comply at all times with the Code of Conduct. They are asked to disclose any relevant interests on an annual basis and any conflicts of interest at each board meeting. Additionally, to ensure there are no conflicts of interest when appointing members to an arms-length body listed on the Public Appointments Order in Council, such as the WFD, all government departments must follow the processes set out in the Governance Code on Public Appointments.</p>
answering member printed Baroness Sugg more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-08-05T14:25:23.207Zmore like thismore than 2020-08-05T14:25:23.207Z
answering member
4584
label Biography information for Baroness Sugg more like this
tabling member
738
label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
1228025
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-27more like thismore than 2020-07-27
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
hansard heading Hong Kong: Visas more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether they have sufficient powers under the new Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa scheme to prevent the benefits of the scheme being enjoyed by individuals who have (1) participated in, (2) planned, or (3) encouraged, the perpetration of human rights abuses in Hong Kong. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
uin HL7317 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-08-06more like thismore than 2020-08-06
answer text <p>The offer we have set out for British Nationals (Overseas), BN(O)s, is a special, bespoke, set of arrangements developed for the unique circumstances we face, and in light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong.</p><p>The Home Secretary set out in Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa Policy Statement on 22 July. In line with the eligibility requirements for the Hong Kong BN(O) Visa, BN(O)s and their dependants will need to be able to demonstrate that they have no serious criminal convictions, have not otherwise engaged in behaviour which the UK Government deems not conducive to the public good, or be subject to other general grounds for refusal set out in the Immigration Rules.</p> more like this
answering member printed Baroness Sugg more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-08-06T15:15:11.043Zmore like thismore than 2020-08-06T15:15:11.043Z
answering member
4584
label Biography information for Baroness Sugg more like this
tabling member
738
label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
1228026
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-27more like thismore than 2020-07-27
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
hansard heading Ahmadiyya: Oppression more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Suffering of the Faithful – the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims and the rise of international extremism, published on 20 July; and what steps they are taking to address the recommendations of that report. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
uin HL7318 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-08-03more like thismore than 2020-08-03
answer text <p>Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon was pleased to attend the launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's report on 20 July. We welcome the thrust of the report and are considering the recommendations made. The UK Government remains deeply concerned by reports of discrimination and violence against Ahmadiyya Muslims in Pakistan and elsewhere. Most recently, Lord Ahmad raised our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief, with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Dr Shireen Mazari, on 15 July. We continue to urge the Government of Pakistan at senior levels to guarantee the fundamental rights of its citizens, regardless of their belief.</p> more like this
answering member printed Baroness Sugg more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-08-03T14:48:07.013Zmore like thismore than 2020-08-03T14:48:07.013Z
answering member
4584
label Biography information for Baroness Sugg more like this
tabling member
738
label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
1227098
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-21more like thismore than 2020-07-21
answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
answering dept id 16 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign and Commonwealth Office remove filter
answering dept sort name Foreign and Commonwealth Office more like this
hansard heading China: Uyghurs more like this
house id 2 more like this
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government, what assessment they have made of the statement by the President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, in a letter of 20 July to the Ambassador of China to the UK that “the world will neither forgive nor forget a genocide against the Uyghur people.” more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this
uin HL7068 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-08-03more like thismore than 2020-08-03
answer text <p>We are aware of the statement. We have made clear our serious concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang, including the extra-judicial detention of over a million Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in &quot;political re-education camps&quot;, systematic restrictions on Uyghur culture and the practice of Islam, and extensive and invasive surveillance targeting minorities.</p> more like this
answering member printed Baroness Sugg more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-08-03T14:50:29.847Zmore like thismore than 2020-08-03T14:50:29.847Z
answering member
4584
label Biography information for Baroness Sugg more like this
tabling member
738
label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool more like this