theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK armed forces personnel are categorised as NATO dental fitness Category (a) 2 and (b) 3 on the basis that they need dental care or treatment to achieve optimal dental fitness. \p Luke Pollard: As at 1 April 2025 (latest available data) 21,461 Armed Forces personnel were categorised as NATO Category 2. As at 1 April 2025 13,742, were categorised as NATO Category 3, meaning that they require either preventative or interventive treatment to achieve optimal dental fitness.

A further 20,870 UK Armed Forces personnel were categorised as NATO Category 4, meaning that they require a periodic dental examination, have an undetermined dental status, or have missing or incomplete dental records.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, where the six new munitions factories announced in the Strategic Defence Review on 2 June 2025 will be built. \p Luke Pollard: We will set out that detail in due course, but our overall munitions investment will help support jobs and growth across every nation of the UK. We already have important facilities across the UK, supporting thousands of jobs. This new investment will be used to build at least six new munitions and energetics factories across the UK, creating hundreds of skilled jobs and supporting the Government's Plan for Change by driving growth in every region and nation of the UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1(1)(i) of the treaty entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, what steps he is taking to prevent artificial (a) land and (b) seabed development by other countries with access to Diego. \p Luke Pollard: The United Kingdom controls access to Diego Garcia under Annex 1.1.b and only the United Kingdom has unrestricted ability to manage, use and develop the land and surrounding waters and seabed in Diego Garcia. Mauritius and the United Kingdom will jointly decide on the construction or emplacement of any artificial islands between twelve and twenty-four nautical miles surrounding the island of Diego Garcia – this means nothing can happen without UK agreement.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much of the UK Defence Innovation fund will be spent on Scottish based companies. \p Maria Eagle: The exact amount of funding to be awarded to Scottish based companies by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) cannot be determined as UKDI is yet to be launched. Historically, Scottish based companies have been significant contributors to defence innovation. We expect this trend to continue with the establishment of UKDI, which aims to foster economic growth throughout the UK as a core objective.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether there are (a) restrictions on and (b) processes to facilitate (i) planes under the control of Mauritius (A) entering Diego Garcia airspace (B) landing on Diego Garcia and (ii) vessels under the flag of Mauritius (C) entering the 12 nautical mile zone (D) entering the zone between 12 and 24 nautical miles surrounding Diego Garcia, where Diego Garcia as defined by Article 19 of the Agreement. \p Luke Pollard: Under the terms of the Chagos Archipelago Treaty, the UK controls access of persons and goods to Diego Garcia, which includes the airspace and territorial sea in the 12 nautical mile surrounding zone. In accordance with this control the UK must authorise access to Diego Garcia, including for Mauritian aircraft and vessels.

Additionally, the current three nautical mile territorial sea is to be extended to 12 nautical miles, with the UK controlling the twelve nautical miles surrounding Diego Garcia. Outside of the territorial sea, movements of vessels and aircraft are governed by the rights in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. With the extension of the territorial sea under the treaty, this means that the UK will control nine nautical miles more than is currently the case.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to encourage people to sign up to the Reserve Forces in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire. \p Al Carns: The three Services routinely undertake Reserve recruitment activity nationally and in the Northwest of England.

The Royal Navy has recently commissioned a nationwide Maritime Reserve recruitment campaign which will go live next month. Both the Royal Navy Reserve and Royal Marines Reserve are located at HMS Eaglet in the City of Liverpool and routinely undertake engagement activities; these may include Fylde and Lancashire in the future.

The Army is increasing recruitment into the Army Reserves, including a digital and physical marketing campaign; a renewed focus on training and upskilling courses and improved financial incentives. For the former, this includes a two-week recruiting surge in the region commencing 4 July 2025, involving 17 recruiters from four counties, which includes stands in town centres and shopping centres in Blackburn and Blackpool among other local cities and towns in the Northwest. They will also have a presence at festivals and at shows such as Blackpool Music Festival; Blackpool Prom; Barrow Festival of Transport; Festival of Works (Lakes College) and Silloth Show; and at employer events such as ‘Breakfast with the Lions’ in Accrington and ‘Brunch with the Lions’ in Barrow Bridge.

The RAF Reserves recruiting initiatives include support to a team building day at BAe Systems in Blackburn, and providing resource to the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association-led Exercise NORTHERN EXPOSURE. This showcases Reserves opportunities to employers, offering personal development opportunities and military insight. The North Region Support Wing also has a dedicated recruiter post, based in Liverpool, which provides support to Reserve recruiting processing and engagement in the Northwest.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many surveillance flights the Royal Air Force has made over Gaza since (a) 7 October 2023, (b) 5 July 2023 and (c) 2 September 2023. \p Luke Pollard: Since December 2023 the Ministry of Defence has conducted unarmed surveillance flights within the airspace over Israel and Gaza, solely for the purpose of locating hostages.

I am unable to comment further on detailed intelligence matters.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to inform Parliament of the outcome of the (a) Defence Industrial Strategy, (b) Defence Diplomacy Strategy, (c) Defence Housing Strategy, (d) Defence Estate Optimisation programme and (e) a dedicated Defence Strategy for the financial services sector. \p Maria Eagle: In line with usual protocols, Defence Ministers will inform, engage and communicate with Parliament the outcomes of all Defence Strategies and programmes once they have been internally agreed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had recent discussions with his international counterparts on the potential merits of (a) withdrawing from the F35 global spare parts pool and (b) continuing to sell components to countries within that pool other than Israel. \p Maria Eagle: Conversations with F-35 Partners occur regularly and cover a range of issues; however, I am unable to disclose details of confidential conversations held within an international programme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP. \p Luke Pollard: This will form part of discussions ahead of the NATO Summit at the end of June. As these proposals are subject to agreement of all NATO Allies, including the UK, it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there would be any circumstances in which the UK could opt out from informing Mauritius of an armed attack on a third state. \p Luke Pollard: An agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Additionally, the UN Charter has a requirement to notify the UN of military action taken in self-defence. Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the United Kingdom's agreement to expeditiously inform Mauritius of any armed attack on a third State directly emanating from the Base on Diego Garcia on UK security. \p Luke Pollard: An agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Additionally, the UN Charter has a requirement to notify the UN of military action taken in self-defence. Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 2(3)(g) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps his Department is taking to ensure that military operations in Diego Garcia as defined in Article 19 of the Agreement are not impeded by compliance with the environmental laws of the Government of Mauritius. \p Luke Pollard: The United Kingdom is not bound by Mauritian environmental law. Under Article 5, the UK will apply applicable international environmental law with due regard to applicable Mauritian environmental laws; this reflects the long-standing Defence policy of applying both our own and our host nations’ environmental standards so far as it is reasonably practicable.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Alison Bennett:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to extend military hearing loss compensation to veterans who were discharged before 1987. \p Al Carns: It is already the case that Veterans discharged before 6 April 2005 (including before 1987), who consider that damage to their hearing was caused or made worse by their Service, may be eligible to claim compensation under the terms of the War Pension Scheme (WPS). There is no time limit for making a claim under the WPS. Information about how to make an application can be found at the following website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-armed-forces-compensation-or-a-war-pension
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote (a) human rights and (b) justice in (i) fragile and (ii) conflict-affected states. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK is committed to promoting and advancing human rights and the rule of law internationally, securing accountability for those responsible for atrocity crimes, and protecting those most at risk in situations of conflict and crisis. This includes protecting civilians, refugees, internally displaced persons, and humanitarian workers.

Lord Collins, as the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, has committed to drive international action to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and end impunity. Through UK aid, we support justice by building the capacity of national judicial systems, deploying experts and supporting access to justice for victims.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Damien Egan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to monitor the treatment of UK citizens detained at foreign airports. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is contactable 24/7 to provide consular assistance to British nationals abroad. Our assistance services are set out on gov.uk, including the help we can give when a British national is detained overseas. We take all reports of mistreatment seriously, and with the individual's consent we raise such incidents with the local authorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Patricia Ferguson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Ministers from his Department will attend the Second World Summit for Social Development between 4 and 6 November 2025 in Doha. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government is currently considering attendance at the Second World Summit for Social Development.
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Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on incidents between 1 and 3 June 2025 near aid distribution sites in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely challenging. We are appalled by repeated reports of mass casualty incidents in which Palestinians have been killed when trying to access aid sites. We call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events, and for the perpetrators to be held to account. The UK will not support any aid mechanism that seeks to deliver political or military objectives or puts vulnerable civilians at risk. We have repeatedly and publicly called on Israel to urgently engage with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with UN officials to ensure aid supplies are able to enter Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has held regular discussions with UN agencies, including the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), to support aid delivery and address access challenges in Gaza. On 19 May, the UK issued a joint statement calling for full aid resumption and for Israel to allow UN and non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners to operate independently. We will continue to convene international partners to increase pressure and take further steps to address the catastrophic situation on the ground. We have committed £101 million this financial year in humanitarian support to trusted partners including UN agencies and NGOs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help secure the release of Peter and Barbie Reynolds from detention in Afghanistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are supporting the family of two British nationals who are detained in Afghanistan. I have met their family and am closely monitoring this case. We are unable to provide comment on the detail of individual consular cases in line with relevant UK data protection legislation: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office/about/personal-information-charter.
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Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the role and responsiblites of the incoming Arbitrary Detention and Complex Consular Cases Envoy have been finalised. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is committed to strengthening support for British Nationals overseas, including through the appointment of an Envoy for complex consular detention cases. Further details will be announced in due course.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2025 to Question 36190 on Development Aid, what criteria his Department uses to asses (a) effectiveness, (b) impact and (c) value for money in Official Development Assistance allocations, in the context of the Spending Review. \p Stephen Doughty: As part of the ongoing Spending Review and resource allocation processes, we are taking a rigorous approach to ensure all Official Development Assistance (ODA) delivers value for money, with a focus on maximising the impact of our work on those living in poverty to ensure every pound delivers for the UK taxpayer and the people we support. This includes the use of impact assesments.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2025 to Question 36190 on Development Aid, what (a) consultation and (b) engagement his Department is having with (i) development experts, (ii) NGOs and (iii) international organisations on the allocation of ODA spending following the Spending Review. \p Stephen Doughty: We are engaging with partners and stakeholders as we reorient the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget and determine allocations. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ministers and officials continue to meet stakeholders on a wide range of issues, including international development, both in the course of their duties and as part of a commitment to harnessing a wide range of perspectives to inform the FCDO's policy and strategy.

We will set out our spending plans following the completion of the Spending Review and resource allocation processes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to improve the (a) transparency and (b) accountability of Official Development Assistance. \p Stephen Doughty: Aid Transparency remains a high priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The FCDO was rated "Very Good" in the most recent Aid Transparency Index and was the leading foreign ministry on the Index.

We publish detailed data on all FCDO Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects and programmes monthly in line with the International Aid Transparency Initiative standard. We continually review the quality of published information. The FCDO is also funding an Aid Transparency Review of other UK government departments. This will make recommendations to improve the overall quality of information published on UK ODA.

All FCDO ODA projects and programmes are managed in line with the FCDO Programme Operating Framework. The Programme Operating Framework sets out accountability for ODA delivery including at project approval, annual review and project completion. Relevant documents are published as part of our transparency commitments. The Programme Operating Framework is formally reviewed every 6 months.
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Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts to ensure aid supplies are able to enter Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK remains in close and regular contact with international counterparts to press for increased humanitarian access into Gaza. On 19 May, the UK, Canada, and France issued a joint statement calling on Israel to cease its renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian assistance. In parallel, on 20 May, I summoned the Israeli ambassador to demand the immediate, full, and unhindered flow of aid, making the UK's position unequivocally clear. Alongside international partners, we continue to call for Israel to allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with (a) charities and (b) research institutions on the marine protected area of the British Indian Ocean Territory. \p Stephen Doughty: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have met with organisations such as the Zoological Society of London and the Chagos Conservation Trust in regard to the BIOT/Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether commitments made in the UK-Mauritius Agreement will be funded from Overseas Development Assistance budgets. \p Stephen Doughty: None of the elements of the economic partnership provided for by the UK-Mauritius Agreement on the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, will be funded from Official Development Assistance budgets.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the provisions of Article 11(1)(b) and paragraph 2 of Letter No. 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), published on 22 May 2025, whether he has received details from Mauritius on their proposals for the (a) operation and (b) governance of the Chagossian Trust Fund; whether British Chagossians will be represented in the (i) governance and (ii) decision-making of the Trust Fund; and for what purposes the Fund can be used. \p Stephen Doughty: As outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum, the UK will capitalise a Trust Fund established by Mauritius for the benefit of Chagossians. The Mauritian government will oversee the fund, but the UK will work with them to develop its details during implementation discussions.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Annex 2 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what costs will be incurred by the UK in providing the facilities on Diego Garcia for Mauritius in respect of the provisions under paragraph 8. \p Stephen Doughty: As per paragraph 10 of Annex 2, the UK and Mauritius will be agreeing separate arrangements and operating procedures as necessary to assist and facilitate the exercise of Mauritian jurisdiction in respect to paragraph 8. There will be no additional facilities on the island needed to assist Mauritian jurisdiction.
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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of the Chagos deal is funded by his Department's budget. \p Stephen Doughty: The costs associated with the deal will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to take legislative steps to support the implementation of the Chagos deal. \p Stephen Doughty: Section 5 of the Explanatory Memorandum sets out the process for Treaty implementation.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote sexual health in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is a major humanitarian donor to Sudan with £226.5 million provided last financial year (FY) and a further £120 million this FY. Working with a range of humanitarian partners this funding will target over 650,000 people with life-saving aid including support for women and girls that will be delivered through networks of Sudanese responders. Through the Sudan Free of Female Genital Mutilation programme, UK funding will support work on protection, prevention and care services for survivors of sexual violence. Through the Women's Integrated Sexual Health programme, we have also provided sexual and reproductive services to women, girls, persons living with disability and men, with UK aid delivered in camps for internally displaced persons (IPDs) and elsewhere. We have also enhanced our atrocity risk monitoring, including monitoring of conflict-related sexual violence and are working with UN and non governmental organisational partners to provide safe spaces, clinic treatments, dignity kits and psycho-social services for survivors.
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Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that civilian (a) support and (b) protection is being considered as part of work towards a ceasefire in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As penholder on Sudan at the UN Security Council (UNSC), the UK is committed to advocating for the protection of civilians amidst this brutal conflict. In November 2024, during our UN Security Council Presidency, the Minister for Africa chaired a Council session which stressed the urgent need to protect civilians in Sudan. The UK also co-led a protection of civilians resolution in partnership with Sierra Leone which received support from all Council members apart from Russia, who chose to veto it. Any lasting ceasefire must adhere to the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect Civilians in Sudan that both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have already signed up to. The UK continues to push for a return to a civilian-led government that delivers the peace and stability that the Sudanese people deserve.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has reviewed the UK’s exposure to the business interests of the (a) Rapid Support Forces and (b) Sudanese Armed Forces. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK's robust corporate transparency measures, including the Register of Overseas Entities, along with limited trading and investment relationships between the UK and Sudan, safeguard the UK's exposure to such risks. Since the outbreak of the conflict, we have frozen the assets of nine commercial entities linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. These sanctions were designed to disrupt their financial networks and press the parties to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, allow humanitarian access and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in Sudan on children. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has reported that the use of rape and gang rape is widespread and according to the UN more than 12 million people are now at risk of sexual and gender-based violence across Sudan with women and girls most at risk. The Foreign Secretary has stated that the UK will continue to use all tools available to hold those responsible for atrocities to account. This includes public interventions, senior engagements, Council products and sanctions. We also aim to use the momentum provided by the London Sudan conference to sustain pressure on the warring parties to adhere to their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration. We will push hard for those suspected of using sexual violence as a weapon of war to face justice, including through our position on the Security Council and the Human Rights Council.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has received unsolicited correspondence from legal experts on the legality of the Israeli blockade on the delivery of aid to the population of Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government received an open letter concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory on the 26 May 2025 from signatories comprising lawyers, legal academic and former judges who are UK-based or qualified.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure (a) justice and (b) accountability for survivors of sexual violence in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The most effective mechanism to support accountability in Sudan is the UN Human Rights Council Fact-Finding Mission (FFM). It was established following a UK-led resolution and its mandate was extended in October 2024 with an increased majority as a direct result of UK-led advocacy. There is also the UK-funded Centre for Information Resilience (CIR), a research body gathering open-source evidence about the conflict in Sudan with a view to supporting future accountability. We provided over £1 million for the CIR's Sudan Witness Project last financial year, with funding continuing this year. The CIR has been able to assist the FFM in verifying reports of violations through its use of digital information. The UK also strongly supports the International Criminal Court's (ICC) active investigation into the situation in Darfur, including allegations of crimes committed since April 2023.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Mr Alex Barros-Curtis:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that humanitarian aid is being received into the Gaza Strip. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continues pushing for safe, unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, in line with international law. A significant portion of our Financial Year 2024/25 funding has already reached Gaza, including life-saving medical supplies. Some remain prepositioned at border crossings or in regional warehouses due to access constraints. We also announced an additional £7.5 million support package to bolster medical care in Gaza and the region, including further funding for UK-Med, World Health Organization Egypt, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund. On 19 May, the UK issued a joint statement urging Israel to allow full aid resumption and independent access for humanitarian actors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_201

Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans his Department has to engage with the Sudanese diaspora in the UK on securing peace in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Sudan is a personal priority for the Foreign Secretary. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Ministers and officials have regularly engaged with members of the Sudanese diaspora since the start of the conflict in April 2023, including during the run up to the 15 April London Sudan Conference. This included a roundtable with representatives of the Sudanese diaspora that the Minister for Africa hosted on 31 March. The FCDO will continue to engage with members of the Sudanese diaspora as part of our ongoing work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_202

Mr Calvin Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Israeli counterpart on facilitating the medical treatment of (a) injured and (b) seriously ill Palestinian children. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK remains in regular contact at all levels with the Government of Israel to press for an increase of humanitarian aid into Gaza. On 19 May, we issued a joint donor statement on the humanitarian situation calling for a full resumption of aid and for Israel to allow the UN and other aid organisations to operate independently. We urge Israel to let Gazans receive urgent healthcare, including allowing the sick and wounded to temporarily leave the Gaza Strip to receive treatment. The UK supported an initiative by Project Pure Hope to bring a small number of children from Gaza to the UK for privately funded specialist care.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_203

Chris Bloore:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help ensure that UNWRA's work in Gaza can resume. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Our support for United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been unwavering. We have been clear that the United Nations and humanitarian partners must be allowed to operate in line with humanitarian principles to deliver aid and save lives. The vital work of UNRWA in ensuring that Palestinians have access to education and healthcare must be protected in Gaza as well as the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Minister for Development met UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on 12 May and reiterated our support for the organisation and its critical role in delivering desperately needed aid and services to Palestinians. In the last financial year, we provided £41 million in support to UNRWA to deliver vital services to Palestinians in the region.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_204

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the his Department plans to review its (a) bilateral relations and (b) aid commitments to Tanzania, in the context of concerns over political repression and human rights violations. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continuously keeps bilateral relations and national interests under review with partner countries throughout the world. We are closely monitoring the recent arrest of opposition figures in Tanzania, and we will continue to raise Tanzania's political environment with ministerial counterparts.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_205

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of recent developments in Tanzania on (a) regional stability and (b) democratic governance in East Africa. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK recognises Tanzania's role in the region, as a convenor and leader on climate, tackling serious and organised crime, and boosting growth and prosperity. We are following reports of recent arrests of political leaders and the treatment of opposition activists with concern. The British High Commission continues to engage with the Government of Tanzania and has called for due process to be followed accordingly.

We will continue to keep issues of regional stability and democratic governance in Tanzania, and wider East Africa, under review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_206

Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of supporting recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly’s High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and its implications for securing a ceasefire in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: A long-lasting ceasefire is the only credible pathway towards a sustainable peace, a two-state solution and the reconstruction of Gaza. The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering.  We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_207

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the (a) political and (b) security situation in Tunisia. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK and Tunisia share an ambition to build the bilateral relationship across trade, energy and security portfolios. The UK monitors the political and security situation in Tunisia closely. As noted by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador last October, the space for political participation in Tunisia has shrunk considerably. In both public and private, we encourage respect for civil, political, social and economic rights and the rule of law in Tunisia. During his visit to Tunisia in January, the Foreign Secretary noted the importance of political participation and human rights in discussions with the Tunisian Government. The UK continues to use a range of programmes and activities to encourage and support an open society, including the Integrated Security Fund (ISF) Programme that aims to directly tackle the drivers of instability.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_208

Neil Coyle:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of imposing sanctions against people in Sierra Leone who pose a threat to democracy in the country. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not comment on potential future sanctions designations. We will continue to monitor the situation in Sierra Leone in the lead up to the 2028 elections including any actions that may undermine democratic processes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_209

Neil Coyle:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to work with (a) international counterparts and (b) the government of Sierra Leone to help ensure the 2028 General Election will be free and fair. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is committed to promoting good governance and democracy in Sierra Leone, including transparent and inclusive elections. On 15 May, the Minister for Africa met with the Sierra Leonean Chief Minister, David Sengeh, and discussed the importance of full implementation of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU). Our High Commission in Freetown regularly engages with the Government of Sierra Leone, the EU and UN, like-minded diplomatic missions, and civil society organisations, to promote democratic norms, electoral integrity and ANU implementation. We will continue to engage with these international partners and the Government of Sierra Leone ahead of the 2028 elections to highlight the importance of good governance, the rule of law and the importance of free, fair and peaceful elections.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_210

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of levels of (a) political freedom and (b) democratic governance in Tanzania, in the context of recent detentions of (i) opposition figures and (ii) activists. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continuously keeps policies regarding partner countries under review, including the implications of domestic political and governance developments. The Minister for Africa will continue to raise specific concerns with his ministerial counterparts.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_211

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assistance his Department is providing to UK nationals affected by recent arrests in Tanzania. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is committed to its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and consistently provides consular support to British Nationals as required. We have not received reports of arrests of British Nationals in connection with wider political events in Tanzania.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_212

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department holds information on the quantity of UK-supplied aid which has been distributed in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK provides humanitarian aid to Gaza through trusted partners, via Untied Nations agencies and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), delivering food, healthcare and shelter. A significant portion of our Financial Year 2024/25 funding has already reached Gaza, including life-saving medical supplies. Some remains prepositioned at border crossings or in regional warehouses. Due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data, it is difficult to quantify the volume of aid currently awaiting entry. However, partners provide regular updates. On 19 May, the UK issued a joint statement calling for full aid resumption and for Israel to allow UN and NGO partners to operate independently.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_213

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to update the 20mph zone guidance for England. \p Lilian Greenwood: We have no current plans to revise Setting Local Speed Limits. We believe that traffic authorities are best placed to decide where lower limits will be effective on the roads for which they are responsible, and that consultation and community support should be at the heart of the process.