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1716629

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Hong Kong: Official Visits
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Minister for Asia’s recent visit to Hong Kong and what they believe it achieved.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL4434
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>In line with the Government's &quot;protect, align, and engage&quot; approach to China, as set out in the Integrated Review Refresh, the Minister for the Indo-Pacific raised a number of issues important to the UK national interest with Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui during her visit to Hong Kong in April. This included the prosecution of British national Jimmy Lai, the enactment of further national security legislation (Article 23), and concerns over transnational repression against BN(O)s in the UK. Issues of mutual and global interest were also discussed, alongside areas of disagreement or concern.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2024 16:54:44 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1716630

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Hong Kong: Trials
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what representations the Minister for Indo-Pacific made during her recent meetings with Hong Kong officials regarding (1) Jimmy Lai’s trial, (2) political prisoners, and (3) Article 23 of the National Security Law; and what response she received to these representations.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL4435
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>On 24 April, the Minister for the Indo-Pacific met with Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui during her six-day visit to China and Hong Kong. The Minister raised the deterioration of rights and freedom in the city precipitated by the 2020 National Security Law, and the recent passage of legislation under Article 23. Minister Trevelyan also raised the case of Jimmy Lai during the meeting. We will continue to raise areas of disagreement or concern in Hong Kong with the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2024 16:55:02 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1716631

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Gulf States: Migrant Workers
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of modern-day slavery in (1) the United Arab Emirates, (2) Saudi Arabia, (3) Kuwait, (4) Oman, (5) Qatar, and (6) Jordan, particularly in relation to the kafala system.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL4436
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>The <em>'kafala'</em> system (sponsorship) has been the source of many allegations of human rights abuses in the Gulf states and Middle East. We have seen some progress in recent years to address these issues. Qatar introduced legislation protecting labour rights particularly for migrant workers in 2020. Saudi Arabia introduced a Domestic Workers Regulation that will be enacted from September 2024. Jordan and Kuwait signed the '<em>Prime Ministers Call for Action to end forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking in 2017', </em>whilst Oman joined the Arab Charter on Human Rights in 2022. We remain committed to supporting efforts to implement these changes and improve labour rights in the Gulf States and Middle East.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2024 16:53:50 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1716632

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Gulf States: Migrant Workers
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made on modern slavery to the governments of (1) the United Arab Emirates, (2) Saudi Arabia, (3) Kuwait, (4) Oman, (5) Qatar, and (6) Jordan; and what response they received from each.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL4437
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>The UK is committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking and continues to engage with governments around the world, including in the Gulf States and Middle East. For example, the UK Modern Slavery Envoy visited Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup to encourage further collaboration on combatting human trafficking, and participated in the 4th Regional Forum on Combating Human Trafficking in the Middle East hosted by Qatar in 2023. He also met the President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission to discuss the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in 2023.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2024 16:53:23 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1716633

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Pakistan: Development Aid
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 25 April (HL Deb cols 628GC–630GC), whether development funding for Pakistan will be used for the training of teachers in religious tolerance or to develop materials and skills aimed at promoting a positive image of religious harmony and coexistence in schools.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL4438
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>We continue to make representations to the Government of Pakistan and use UK programme funding to protect and promote Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in schools. We have supported initiatives to review the National Curriculum of Pakistan, providing technical assistance to create a more inclusive curriculum and textbooks. We have also commissioned studies to identify minorities' needs in education. Meanwhile, our Girls and Out of School Action for Learning programme is improving education outcomes for marginalised children from the most vulnerable sections of society, including religious minorities. We will continue to use UK aid to support Pakistan's long-term development, focusing on improving human capital (health, education, gender equality), governance and human rights and climate resilience.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2024 16:52:32 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1716634

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Pakistan: Development Aid
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 25 April (HL Deb cols 628GC–630GC), whether they plan to use some of the increased aid to Pakistan to help train the staff of ‘Misaq Centres’ in police stations in areas with a sizeable percentage of minority communities.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL4439
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>We continue to make representations to the Government of Pakistan and use UK programme funding to protect and promote the rights of minorities in Pakistan. Our £46.7 million Aawaz II programme (2015-27) works to improve social cohesion at the grassroots level and provides technical assistance to the government for systemic reforms. For example, the programme works with minority religious communities to connect vulnerable citizens with state services. We will continue to use UK aid to support Pakistan's long-term development, focusing on improving human capital (health, education, gender equality), governance and human rights and climate resilience.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2024 16:46:51 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1716635

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Overseas Students: China
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that Chinese students in UK universities, particularly those who are linked to China's military, are properly vetted and do not pose a threat to activists and people from Hong Kong based in UK universities who are campaigning against the actions of China and the Chinese Communist Party.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL4440
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>Higher education (HE) in the UK is recognised as world class and attracting the brightest students from around the world is good for UK universities. However, the government takes seriously any concerns about overseas interference in the UK’s HE sector. The department continually assesses potential threats, and takes the protection of individuals’ rights, freedoms and safety in the UK very seriously.</p><p> </p><p>Any attempt by a foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated. The National Security Act (2023) brings together vital new measures to protect the UK’s national security. The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) has been created to tackle covert influence in the UK.</p><p> </p><p>The Defending Democracy Taskforce is reviewing the UK’s approach to transnational repression to ensure that there is a robust and joined up response across government and law enforcement.</p><p> </p><p>The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 will ensure that universities in England have the tools they need to deal with interference with, and threats to, freedom of speech and academic freedom wherever they originate.</p> answering member printed Baroness Barran question first answered 22/05/2024 15:39:30 answering member 4703 label Biography information for Baroness Barran
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1716636

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
answering dept id	211
answering dept short name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
answering dept sort name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
hansard heading	Immigration: Hong Kong
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the progress in ensuring immigrants from Hong Kong achieve employment commensurate with their education and skills; and what steps they are taking to assist new and recent arrivals to achieve this.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL4441
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2024 answer text <p>Since April 2021, DLUHC's Hong Kong British National (Overseas) [BN(O)] Welcome Programme has provided universal and targeted support. For the financial year (FY) 23/24, this included funding for VCSE organisations at both a national and regional level to deliver employability support.</p><p>In 2024/25, we continue to fund local authorities across England to provide English language support, alongside a network of Welcome Hubs across the UK.</p><p>Recent research has shown that almost half of employed BN(O)s, of all levels of skill and qualifications, report that their job does not match their skills and experience. To address this need, further VCSE grant funding is being provided in FY 24/25, for targeted employability support in England only. The deadline for grant applications was the 28 April and the successful organisation will be announced shortly.</p><p>BN(O) visa holders can also contact their local Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Hub (delivered by Strategic Migration Partnerships) which DLUHC funds for further information on employability support offered locally.</p> answering member printed Baroness Scott of Bybrook question first answered 21/05/2024 13:41:45 answering member 4553 label Biography information for Baroness Scott of Bybrook
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1716637

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	Electric Bicycles and Electric Scooters: Confiscation Orders
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports that the City of London Police have seized 140 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, whether they plan to direct or encourage all police forces to confiscate e-bikes which have been configured to exceed the 15.5 miles per hour limit.
tabling member printed	Lord Blencathra
uin	HL4442
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>Decisions on e-bike seizure is an operational matter for Chief Officers who will decide how to deploy available resources, taking into account any specific local problems and demands.</p><p>The Government will continue to support the police to ensure they have the tools needed to enforce road traffic legislation, including those relating to offences involving e-scooters.</p> answering member printed Lord Sharpe of Epsom question first answered 22/05/2024 16:27:46 answering member 4888 label Biography information for Lord Sharpe of Epsom
tabling member	497 label Biography information for Lord Blencathra

1716638

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	Electric Bicycles: Sales
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to ban the sale of e-bikes which are capable of being converted to speeds exceeding 15.5 miles per hour, and the associated batteries.
tabling member printed	Lord Blencathra
uin	HL4443
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>It is potentially possible to convert the vast majority of pedal cycles into e-bikes capable of exceeding 15.5mile per hour.</p><p> </p><p>Batteries can be used for a wide range of purposes and it would not be practically possible to differentiate those used in e-bikes from those used for other uses.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Davies of Gower question first answered 22/05/2024 11:52:15 answering member 4499 label Biography information for Lord Davies of Gower
tabling member	497 label Biography information for Lord Blencathra