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1081661

registered interest
date	04/03/2019
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Languages: Education
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to increase foreign language teaching as part of the school curriculum and also to promote the lifelong learning of foreign languages in order to improve the UK’s skill base.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL14194
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/03/2019 answer text <p>The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) performance measure, which includes languages, has seen the proportion of GCSE entries from pupils in state-funded schools in a modern foreign language (MFL) increase from 40% in 2010 to 46% in 2018. The reformed national curriculum now makes it compulsory for pupils in maintained schools to be taught a foreign language in key stage 2.</p><p>The £4.8 million MFL Pedagogy Pilot commenced in December 2018. It is managed by the newly appointed MFL Centre for Excellence and is run through 9 school led hubs, to improve uptake and attainment in languages at key stages 3 and 4. The department has also launched a pilot project in MFL undergraduate mentoring for secondary school pupils to drive up participation in the subject, specifically targeting areas of high disadvantage to extend access to languages for all pupils.</p><p>Recruiting MFL teachers is a priority for the government. The government offers generous financial incentives for languages teaching, including scholarships in MFL worth £28,000, and tax-free bursaries, typically worth up to £26,000. The government is also working in partnership with Spain’s Ministry of Education and Vocational Training to deliver Spain’s Visiting Teachers Programme to provide schools with access to a pool of qualified teachers from Spain who are able to teach MFL. In addition to this, the department has a Teacher Subject Specialism Training programme which aims to improve the subject knowledge of non-specialist teachers and returning teachers in MFL.</p><p>The department is also continuing to promote the value of language qualifications to students who are choosing their GCSEs. The department recently published and promoted a guidance leaflet for parents, attached, which explains why studying a language, as part of the EBacc, broadens opportunities in both education and employment. In February, the department drew attention to the benefits of studying a language among 13 to 14 year olds through a social media campaign.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Agnew of Oulton question first answered 19/03/2019 17:43:21 answering member 4689 label Biography information for Lord Agnew of Oulton attachment 1 file name HL14194_DfE_EBacc_Leaflet.pdf title HL14194_DfE_EBacc_Leaflet
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1081662

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	Algeria: Politics and Government
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their current understanding of the political situation in Algeria, in view of the protests which have followed President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s announcement that he will seek a fifth term in office.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL14195
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/03/2019 answer text <p>We are aware of the ongoing demonstrations in Algeria and President Bouteflika's announcement that elections are to be postponed. We are following developments.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 18/03/2019 17:30:10 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1081663

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	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan to refrain from a violent crackdown on protesters during the state of emergency which he declared on 22 February and to work towards a peaceful transition of power.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL14196
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/03/2019 answer text <p>On 25 February the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa spoke to Sudan's Foreign Minister to express the strength of our ongoing concern at the use of violence, apparent lack of progress in addressing protester demands, and the decision to declare a state of emergency. We most recently made statements expressing these concerns on 26 February with US, Norway and Canada, and on 28 February alongside our EU partners. In addition the Sudanese ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office on 7 March to register the depth of our ongoing concern. We will continue to urge the Government of Sudan to respect the Sudanese people's right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to make political reforms that address the legitimate concerns of the protestors.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 18/03/2019 11:23:54 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1081664

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	Hezbollah
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact on UK–Lebanese diplomatic relations as a result of the decision to proscribe Hezbollah in its entirety.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL14197
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/03/2019 answer text <p>The British Government has proscribed Hezbollah's military and security wings since 2008, and has long had a no contact policy with the entirety of the organisation. The Home Secretary was clear in his statement to the Commons that our support for Lebanon will remain unaffected by the decision to extend proscription. We remain committed to the security and economic stability of Lebanon and the region, and continue to work closely with our Lebanese partners towards these goals. The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa visited Lebanon last week where he underlined the UK's commitment to supporting Lebanon.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 18/03/2019 11:24:39 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1081665

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	Peter Ajak
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to secure the release of Peter Biar Ajak, who has been detained without trial in South Sudan since July 2018.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL14198
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/03/2019 answer text <p>The British Government remains concerned by the continued detention of political detainees in South Sudan. We continue to urge the release of all such detainees as part of the implementation of the 12 September peace agreement. We have raised Mr Biar's case with the Government of South Sudan; calling for immediate release, for due process, and access to legal representation. We are aware of recent reports of charges being brought against Mr Biar. To reinforce the importance we place on due process and transparency, UK officials will attend hearings where possible and we will encourage our international partners to do so too.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 18/03/2019 11:25:27 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1081666

registered interest
date	04/03/2019
answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
answering dept id	201
answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
hansard heading	Seas and Oceans: Climate Change
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking with international partners to address the decline in marine oxygen levels linked to climate change and warmer seas.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL14199
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/03/2019 answer text <p>We work extensively with international partners to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, which is the main driver of warming seas and declining marine oxygen levels.</p><p>The UK is at the forefront of international action to tackle climate change. We played an influential role in securing the agreement of 195 countries to sign up to the Paris Agreement in 2015 and we remain fully committed to its implementation, as demonstrated by our instrumental role in the creation of a rulebook in Poland last year to bring the agreement to life.</p><p>The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will publish a Special Report on Oceans and the Cryosphere later this year, which will include an up-to-date assessment of changes in the ocean due to climate change, including marine oxygen loss and its impacts. Once published we will respond to these findings in due course.</p> answering member printed Lord Henley question first answered 15/03/2019 12:09:45 answering member 2616 label Biography information for Lord Henley
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1077080

registered interest
date	25/02/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	Syria: Humanitarian Aid
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that there is full access for humanitarian aid providers in southern Syria; and whether they anticipate that conditions will improve sufficiently to enable refugees to return safely.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL14000
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/03/2019 answer text <p>The UK continues to closely track the challenges faced there and is pushing hard to improve humanitarian access to this region. We continue to press the regime and its backers to allow unfettered access to reach those in desperate need. Where access allows, DFID funded partners are providing essential support including medical consultations, monthly food rations and relief packages in the South.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The UK is committed to ensuring that any refugee returns to Syria must take place voluntarily, in safety and dignity, in line with international law. The UN has been clear that conditions in Syria are not conducive for refugee returns and we fully support this position.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates question first answered 04/03/2019 14:54:13 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1077081

registered interest
date	25/02/2019
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	Yemen: Politics and Government
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the meeting of the Southern Transitional Council National Assembly on 16 and 17 February, what assessment they have made of the current situation in southern Yemen and the tensions between the government of Yemen and secessionist groups.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL14001
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2019 answer text <p>The issue of governance arrangements for southern Yemen is ultimately a question for the Yemeni people. The UK position - and that of the UN Security Council - is to support the unity, sovereignty and independence of Yemen. We urge all Yemeni groups to pursue political aspirations through peaceful dialogue and to refrain from violence.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 11/03/2019 15:29:57 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1077082

registered interest
date	25/02/2019
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	Armenia: Politics and Government
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support political reform in Armenia following the Velvet Revolution and the parliamentary elections in December 2018.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL14002
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2019 answer text <p>​The United Kingdom strongly supports political reform in Armenia. The Minister for Europe and the Americas discussed reform and the importance of democratic institutions with Armenia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, at the Munich Security Conference this month. Armenia was included in the Good Governance Fund for the first time in 2018. The Fund provides up to £3 million of support per year for programmes in Armenia that strengthen parliamentary oversight and judicial reform, and support economic reforms in areas such as taxation. The UK provided targeted funding to support preparations for the December 2018 parliamentary elections through the Electoral Support Project in Armenia, implemented by the UN Development Programme. Following the elections, British Embassy Yerevan continues to work closely with the Government of Armenia and other donors to identify areas where UK support can provide the greatest benefit.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 11/03/2019 15:59:51 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1077083

registered interest
date	25/02/2019
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Magistrates
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many magistrates there are currently in England and Wales; how many more magistrates are needed in England and Wales; and what are their plans to (1) recruit more magistrates, and (2) ensure equality of access to justice throughout England and Wales.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL14003
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2019 answer text <p>There are currently 15,003 magistrates in England and Wales.</p><p> </p><p>We work with the judiciary to analyse both current and future judicial supply and demand across our courts and tribunals, factoring in planned recruitment, retirements and other departures.</p><p> </p><p>As of 1 April 2018 there were 15,003 magistrates in England and Wales. For the year 2018/19, 1,018 people will have been recommended for appointment however this figure is unlikely to sustain the national complement of magistrates at the 1 April level. We are therefore increasing recruitment activity and are developing a three-year strategy, focusing on increasing diversity and social mobility, to support the recruitment of sufficient numbers to manage workloads.</p> answering member printed Lord Keen of Elie question first answered 12/03/2019 17:28:14 answering member 4538 label Biography information for Lord Keen of Elie
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian