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93722

registered interest
date	16/10/2014
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
hansard heading	Libya
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the last ministerial visit to Libya took place; and what plans they have for future visits.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL2146
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/10/2014 answer text The former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), visited Tripoli in March 2014. The former Minister of State at the Department for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Sir Alan Duncan), visited on 22 June. Our Embassy in Tripoli has been temporarily closed since 6 August due to ongoing fighting and instability in Libya. The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the Libyan Political Transition, Jonathan Powell, visited Libya on 11 October in support of efforts being led by the UN to agree a ceasefire and political settlement. Until such time as the security situation improves, there are no plans for Ministerial visits to Libya. answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 23/10/2014 15:07:54 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93723

registered interest
date	16/10/2014
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	Islamic State
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 security threat to Britain from current ISIL actions in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL2147
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The assessment of the threat to the UK from international terrorism is made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). JTAC assessments are made independently of Ministers.</p><p> </p><p>The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) increased the UK national threat level from international terrorism to SEVERE (meaning that an attack is highly likely) on 26 August for the first time since 2011. This decision was related to developments in Iraq and Syria where groups including ISIL are planning attacks against the West. As the Prime Minister said on 26 September 2014, Official Report, column 1256, ISIL is a terrorist organisation unlike those we have dealt with before, and represents a direct threat to the British people. They have already murdered two British hostages, and are threatening the life of another. The first ISIL-inspired terrorist acts in Europe have already taken place.</p><p> </p><p>There is also a threat to British nationals and interests from ISIL and groups affiliated with ISIL or Al-Qaeda in Arab and African countries. Amongst these groups are Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, operating in the Sahel, and Boko Haram and Ansaru in Nigeria. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice gives our most accurate assessment of the threat from terrorism to British nationals overseas.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates grouped question UIN HL2150 HL2151 question first answered 27/10/2014 12:29:11 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93724

registered interest
date	16/10/2014
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
hansard heading	Middle East
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 impact of ISIL on Christian communities in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon; and what plans there are to protect such communities.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL2148
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/10/2014 answer text <p>The humanitarian reports from Iraq, Syria and elsewhere in the region are deeply concerning. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated armed groups continue to commit atrocities against Muslims, Christians, Yezidis, Turkmen and other communities throughout the areas under their control. We condemn any and all abuses of human rights, including those against Christians.</p><p>We are working closely with our international partners, including in the region, to try to assist and protect civilians - including Christians - from ISIL through a long-term, comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat this terrorist organisation.</p><p>This strategy is being delivered by a large international coalition, where UK actions complement, and are coordinated with, those of other actors. It has security, political and humanitarian dimensions. For example, in Iraq, we are carrying out airstrikes against ISIL and are providing military assistance to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces so that they can restore control over the areas taken by ISIL. In Syria, we support military action by the US and five Arab states against ISIL; we are supporting the Syrian moderate opposition, who are fighting ISIL; and we continue to work for a political transition: when it comes to tackling ISIL, Assad is part of the problem, not part of the solution. In Lebanon, we continue to press for the election of a President, strengthen municipalities and support the Lebanese Armed Forces reassert state authority in their border regions On the humanitarian front, we continue to provide swift and substantial assistance to those who have fled areas controlled by ISIL, including air drops to deliver aid to those trapped by ISIL. On the diplomatic front, at the Human Rights Council in September we, alongside our international partners, secured a resolution strongly condemning ISIL and stressing the need for accountability.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 24/10/2014 12:33:27 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93725

registered interest
date	16/10/2014
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
hansard heading	Palestinians
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals they have to ask Israel to contribute to the international funds being raised for the reconstruction of Gaza.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL2149
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK has no plans to request Israeli funding for the reconstruction of Gaza. The UK welcomes the generosity shown by the international community in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. At the Gaza reconstruction conference on 12 October the UK pledged an additional £20million to help kick start the recovery and get the Gazan people back on their feet. Our current focus is on engaging Israel and other parties to ensure the unimpeded delivery of aid, including through the UN mechanism on construction materials which both parties have approved. The UK is pressing them to now make swift progress towards a durable ceasefire agreement.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 28/10/2014 16:35:18 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93726

registered interest
date	16/10/2014
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	Terrorism
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 threat to the United Kingdom posed by Islamist military action in Nigeria.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL2150
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The assessment of the threat to the UK from international terrorism is made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). JTAC assessments are made independently of Ministers.</p><p> </p><p>The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) increased the UK national threat level from international terrorism to SEVERE (meaning that an attack is highly likely) on 26 August for the first time since 2011. This decision was related to developments in Iraq and Syria where groups including ISIL are planning attacks against the West. As the Prime Minister said on 26 September 2014, Official Report, column 1256, ISIL is a terrorist organisation unlike those we have dealt with before, and represents a direct threat to the British people. They have already murdered two British hostages, and are threatening the life of another. The first ISIL-inspired terrorist acts in Europe have already taken place.</p><p> </p><p>There is also a threat to British nationals and interests from ISIL and groups affiliated with ISIL or Al-Qaeda in Arab and African countries. Amongst these groups are Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, operating in the Sahel, and Boko Haram and Ansaru in Nigeria. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice gives our most accurate assessment of the threat from terrorism to British nationals overseas.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates grouped question UIN HL2147 HL2151 question first answered 27/10/2014 12:29:11 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93727

registered interest
date	16/10/2014
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	Terrorism
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 threat to the United Kingdom posed by Islamists across the Sahel.
tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
uin	HL2151
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The assessment of the threat to the UK from international terrorism is made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). JTAC assessments are made independently of Ministers.</p><p> </p><p>The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) increased the UK national threat level from international terrorism to SEVERE (meaning that an attack is highly likely) on 26 August for the first time since 2011. This decision was related to developments in Iraq and Syria where groups including ISIL are planning attacks against the West. As the Prime Minister said on 26 September 2014, Official Report, column 1256, ISIL is a terrorist organisation unlike those we have dealt with before, and represents a direct threat to the British people. They have already murdered two British hostages, and are threatening the life of another. The first ISIL-inspired terrorist acts in Europe have already taken place.</p><p> </p><p>There is also a threat to British nationals and interests from ISIL and groups affiliated with ISIL or Al-Qaeda in Arab and African countries. Amongst these groups are Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, operating in the Sahel, and Boko Haram and Ansaru in Nigeria. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice gives our most accurate assessment of the threat from terrorism to British nationals overseas.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates grouped question UIN HL2147 HL2150 question first answered 27/10/2014 12:29:11 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93728

registered interest
date	16/10/2014
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
hansard heading	Hong Kong
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what recent discussions they have had with the Hong Kong Government regarding the progress of the official consultation on plans to implement universal suffrage in 2017.
tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
uin	HL2152
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/10/2014 answer text <p>Hong Kong is an important part of the UK’s relationship with China. We continue to meet regularly at senior levels with both the Chinese authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.</p><p>Earlier this month, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), met the Chinese Ambassador to discuss developments in Hong Kong and to set out the UK position. The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire), also met the Hong Kong government’s Secretary of Justice to discuss the importance of the introduction of universal suffrage. The Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), and the Foreign Secretary also discussed Hong Kong in recent meetings with Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai.</p><p>Mr Swire outlined the UK’s position in his Written Ministerial Statement of 13 October, Official Report, Column 12WS.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 24/10/2014 12:32:53 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans

93729

registered interest
date	16/10/2014
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
hansard heading	Hong Kong
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Hong Kong Government regarding the alleged police brutality against protester Ken Tsang.
tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
uin	HL2153
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/10/2014 answer text <p>We monitor the situation in Hong Kong closely. The footage shows what looks like police officers using disproportionate force. The Hong Kong authorities have described this incident as inappropriate and are investigating. We welcome this investigation.</p><p>Hong Kong is an important part of the UK’s relationship with China. We continue to meet regularly at senior levels with both the Chinese authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government. We have consistently called on all sides to ensure that the demonstrations are peaceful and in accordance with the law.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 24/10/2014 12:58:16 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans

93730

registered interest
date	16/10/2014
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
hansard heading	Iran
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had through the chargé d’affaires of the recently reopened Iranian embassy regarding the imprisonment of Pastor Behnam Irani.
tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
uin	HL2154
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/10/2014 answer text We are aware of the imprisonment of Pastor Behnam Irani. We remain deeply concerned about the detention of and discrimination against members of minority religious groups in Iran. We have called on the Iranian government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran. The Iranian Embassy in the UK is yet to reopen, but the UK’s non-resident Chargé d’Affaires raised the issue of freedom of religion with the Iranian authorities during his visit to Iran earlier this year. answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 23/10/2014 15:07:18 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans

93731

registered interest
date	16/10/2014
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
hansard heading	Iran
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions the Prime Minister had with President Rouhani regarding freedom of religion and belief in Iran during their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.
tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
uin	HL2155
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/10/2014 answer text <p>Both the Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), raised a high profile human rights case in their meetings with President Rouhani and the Foreign Minister respectively. The UK’s non-resident Chargé d’Affaires raised the issue of freedom of religion and belief with the Iranian authorities during his visit to Iran earlier this year. The British Government urges the Iranian government to respect the rights of all minority religious groups.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 23/10/2014 15:06:44 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans