theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will issue an apology for the lack of (a) referendum and (b) recognition of the right to self-determination for Hong Kong residents prior to the handover of Hong Kong to China. \p Catherine West: The 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration committed China to preserve Hong Kong's way of life for a period of at least 50 years. Since 2021, the UK has considered China to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Joint Declaration.

As a co-signatory of the Joint Declaration, the UK will continue to stand up for the people of Hong Kong, to call out the violation of their freedoms, and to hold China to its international obligations.

The UK has demonstrated its historic and moral commitment to Hong Kongers who have chosen to retain their ties to the UK through the bespoke visa route for British National (Overseas) status holders and their families.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many permanent civil servants in his Department had their contract of employment terminated as a result of poor performance in the (a) 2022-23, (b) 2023-24 and (c) 2024-25 financial years. \p Catherine West: In financial years 2022/23 and 2023/24 fewer than five permanent Civil Servants were dismissed due to poor performance, and in 2024/25 there were five dismissals.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Suella Braverman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the merits of international measures to secure the release of Jimmy Lai. \p Catherine West: Jimmy Lai's case is a priority for this government. The Prime Minister raised Mr Lai's case with President Xi on 18 November 2024 at the G20 Summit in Brazil. The Foreign Secretary raised it with China's Foreign Minister in April. During my visit to Hong Kong last month, I called for Mr Lai's release during my meeting with Hong Kong's Chief Secretary.

The UK continues to call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution and immediately release Mr Lai. Diplomats from our Consulate-General in Hong Kong have attended his court proceedings throughout, and we continue to press for consular access.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has had discussions with their counterparts in the Department for Education on implementation of the recommendations of the report by British Future entitled Working it Out: Hong Kongers, Employment and the Cost of Living, published on 29 October 2024. \p Catherine West: As the Foreign Secretary said in the latest 6-monthly Report, this Government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, strengthening the thick web of connections between our societies and remaining steadfast in commitment to the BN(O) visa route. The UK provides a welcoming home to Hong Kongers today and it will continue to do so for Hong Kongers tomorrow. Government Departments continue to work together in support of that objective. The BN(O) Welcome Programme continues to provide support to Hong Kongers in the UK, including through a network of 12 Welcome Hubs helping BN(O)s understand and connect to services in their local area.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions with his Nigerian counterpart on the closure of churches in the Kabylia regions of Northern Nigeria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, including in the Kabylia regions of Northern Algeria. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe. Our Embassy in Algiers raises FoRB with the Algerian authorities, doing so most recently when our Ambassador met the Minister of Religious Affairs on 10 February. Our Embassy remains in regular contact with minority religious groups on how best to support FoRB. We will continue to raise the issue and advocate for freedom of expression for all, including in Kabylie and for the operation of the Protestant Church of Algeria.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Andy Slaughter:To ask the Secretary of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of whether the transfer of Moroccan citizens into occupied Western Sahara is a breach of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, including in Morocco and Western Sahara, and consistently urges all states to uphold international law and international human rights standards. We regularly make this clear to the parties. On 1 June, the Foreign Secretary endorsed Morocco's autonomy proposal as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the Western Sahara conflict. In that context, we continue to support the parties and the UN to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Andy Slaughter:To ask the Secretary of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 51141 on Western Sahara: Self-determination of States, if he will support a referendum on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 1 June, the Foreign Secretary endorsed Morocco's autonomy proposal as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the Western Sahara conflict. To that end, the UK continues to support the parties and the UN to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination. The UK will continue to support the efforts of the United Nations and the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, and work with all stakeholders to encourage dialogue and compromise, with the aim of achieving a peaceful and mutually agreed resolution that upholds the dignity and rights of the people of Western Sahara and contributes to long-term regional stability.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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John Slinger:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Iraqi counterpart on the suspension of budget transfers to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Although the Foreign Secretary has not made any direct representations to his Iraqi counterpart on the suspension of budget transfers to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), the UK Government continues to encourage through our regular diplomatic engagement cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil to resolve outstanding issues, including budget payments. It is important that both sides negotiate to find a sustainable solution that secures regular and consistent salary payments for public servants in the KRI.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to the UN Security Council to (a) give the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara the legal mandate to (i) monitor and (ii) report on human rights in the territories controlled by the (A) Kingdom of Morocco and (B) Frente Polisario and (b) for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara to report the findings to the UN Security Council. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK believes there is an urgent need to resolve this long-held dispute. That is why the Foreign Secretary announced on 1 June that Morocco's autonomy proposal is the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the Western Sahara conflict. To this end, we are working with stakeholders to support the UN-led process and encourage dialogue and compromise, with the aim of achieving a peaceful resolution that upholds the dignity and rights of the people of Western Sahara and contributes to long-term regional stability. We will continue to work closely with the UN Personal Envoy of the Secretary General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to ensure that, in the instance of any settlement, the rights and freedoms of the Sahrawi people are adequately protected in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help restrict the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are clear that settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for peace. I have condemned the 22 new settlements announced by Israel on 29 May and we regularly urge Israel to halt settlement expansion in our diplomatic engagements. As I said to the House on 4 June, the viability of a two-state solution, and of the two states living side by side, is being undermined, and we will continue to take action to avert that.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 53953 on Gaza: Infant Mortality, whether the Israeli Government responded to the request to (a) stop military operations in and (b) immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continues to make clear that the UK stands firmly against Israel's resumption of military action in Gaza. We continue to call on the Government of Israel to lift restrictions immediately to enable humanitarian aid to enter at scale. We made this clear again at the UN Security Council last week, when we voted in favour of a draft UN Security Council Resolution on Gaza. Ministers continue to make representations to Israeli counterparts on these issues as we call for a lasting peace.
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Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to the UN Security Council to send a fact-finding mission to investigate the human rights of Saharawis in (a) occupied Western Sahara and (b) prisons in Morocco. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 1 June, the Foreign Secretary endorsed Morocco's autonomy proposal as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the Western Sahara conflict. The UK is continuing to coordinate closely with the UN Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara to support the UN-led process aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict. We hope and intend to work together with stakeholders to encourage dialogue and compromise, with the aim of achieving a peaceful resolution that upholds the dignity and rights of the people of Western Sahara and contributes to long-term regional stability. The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, including in Western Sahara and the Tindouf refugee camps.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to (a) support and (b) help uphold human rights in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has consistently advocated for an inclusive political transition and underlined the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians, both publicly and as part of our engagement with the Government of Syria. We have been clear that civilians must be protected from violence and those responsible held to account. Our regular engagement with and support to Syrian civil society focuses on protecting and advocating for human rights and gender equality, ensuring an inclusive transitional process and supporting social cohesion. Through the Integrated Security Fund, we are also funding programmes to document human rights violations and support the trial and convictions of perpetrators of war crimes, including sexual violence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with his Moroccan counterpart on the expulsion of journalists (a) Matteo Garavoglia and (b) Giovanni Culmone from El Aaiun on 27 April 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We have had no such discussions regarding these two individuals. Human rights forms part of our regular bilateral dialogue with Morocco. During the second UK-Morocco Informal Dialogue on Human Rights, held in Rabat on 30 April 2024, we discussed areas of mutual interest, including freedom of expression, empowerment of women, media freedom, and judicial reforms.
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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 help ensure the education of Sudanese children. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: In late 2024, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) assessed that nearly 90 per cent of Sudan's school age children (17 million against a population of 19 million) were no longer in school with armed violence a key driver. We are supporting a range of partners to deliver urgent education services to children in Sudan including UNICEF. In addition, through a contribution to Education Cannot Wait, we are providing safe learning spaces and psychological support to 200,000 vulnerable children in refugee and host communities in Chad, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, Central Africa Republic and Uganda. We are also one of the largest donors to the Global Partnership for Education who are delivering vital support to children across Sudan. The UK is a major donor to the UN-led Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF) which provides support to local and national responders, Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) and a consortium of international non-governmental organisations. These frontline workers are working on education provision across Sudan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the political situation in Tanzania on UK-Tanzania (a) trade, (b) aid, (c) diplomatic engagement and (d) other relations. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continuously keeps bilateral relations and national interests under review with partner countries throughout the world.

We are following political developments in Tanzania, and when required, the our High Commission raises specific areas of concern with the Government of Tanzania.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with Commonwealth partners on the potential impact of the situation in Tanzanian on that county's role in the Commonwealth. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continues to engage with members of the international community, including Commonwealth partners, on specific developments in Tanzania, including the detrimental impact a decline in governance would have on mutual growth and prosperity.
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Sir Oliver Dowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he last met the Israeli ambassador to the UK; and what he discussed. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ministers regularly engage with their Israeli counterparts to continue to urge for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a full resumption of aid. I met with the Israeli ambassador to the UK on 20 May when they were summoned to the FCDO. I raised my opposition to the expansion of Israeli military activity in Gaza and condemned the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Pakistani counterpart on the case of Junaid Hafeez. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government remains deeply concerned by the use of blasphemy laws to undermine human rights in Pakistan. We regularly raise this issue at the highest levels - pressing for due process to prevent wrongful convictions and ensure fair trials for those accused. In March 2025, I raised the heated discourse around blasphemy with Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior. Lord Khan of Burnley raised the misuse of blasphemy laws when he met Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs in April 2025. We are not prepared to discuss the detail of individual cases where to do so could put individuals and their families at risk.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Claire Hanna:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of shots fired towards (a) UK, (b) Irish and (c) EU diplomats while visiting the West Bank. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The events in Jenin on 21 May were unacceptable. We are clear that diplomats must be allowed to do their jobs and civilians must always be protected. Israel must launch a full investigation and those responsible held accountable. I have spoken to our diplomats affected and our position has been made clear to the Israeli Ambassador to the UK.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Chinese counterparts on the case of Mr. Jimmy Lai since November 2024. \p Catherine West: Jimmy Lai's case remains an utmost priority. This Government continues to call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution and release Jimmy Lai.

The Foreign Secretary has raised this case at every opportunity with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, including in February, and April this year. I also remain in regular contact with Mr. Lai's son and last met him on 28 April. I raised Mr. Lai's case most recently with Chief Secretary, Eric Chan, on 30 May 2025.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is taking firm steps to expand humanitarian aid in Gaza, working with trusted partners including UN agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations to deliver food, healthcare, and shelter. 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. On 19 May, the UK co-signed a joint donor statement urging Israel to fully restore humanitarian aid access to Gaza and permit the United Nations and other aid organisations to operate independently. The UK continues to press for safe, unhindered humanitarian access.
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Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support faith-based organisations providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities impacted by recent conflict in Lebanon. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Whilst the UK does not currently directly support any faith-based organisations in Lebanon, we remain committed to supporting vulnerable Lebanese communities, including refugees, regardless of religion or nationality. The UK has played a leading role in addressing the humanitarian situation in Lebanon and provided £56 million in humanitarian aid to support thousands of people affected by the conflict in Financial Year 2024/25. This included support to both displaced and host communities, to help them meet their basic needs and support them to access essential services It also included £4.5 million to the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund, which delivers multisectoral support through a network of local and international Non-Governmental Organisations, including faith-based organisations.

We recognise that post-ceasefire needs in Lebanon remain high. The UK's ongoing response will continue, including our work with international partners to tackle immediate and long-term priorities.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 53953 on Gaza: Infant Mortality, whether he has made an assessment of the likelihood of the British Red Cross humanitarian funding reaching Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 4 June, I announced an additional £4 million to the British Red Cross (BRC) in supporting Gaza. The UK has assessed that, despite severe access constraints, BRC, has a credible and realistic pathway to reach Gaza through its partner, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). This assessment is based on the PRCS's longstanding operational presence in Gaza and its continued ability to deliver aid where conditions allow. The UK remains in close contact with the BRC to monitor delivery and ensure accountability. Working with the BRC and international partners, we continue to push for improved humanitarian access.
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Henry Tufnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the safe passage of aid to Gaza; and what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the Madleen vessel. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are aware of the interception of the Madleen and the arrest of its passengers by Israeli Naval Forces on 09 June. We note that this happened without serious incident or injury to any passenger.

Over the weekend and last week, we pressed the Israeli authorities in advance of the ship's arrival to ensure that any action they took would resolve the situation safely, with restraint, and in line with International Law.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is appalling. The UK continues to demand that the Israeli government permits the full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza immediately. By far the most effective way to meet the desperate needs of the Gazan people at the speed and scale that is needed is via overland routes. We reiterate that Israel must immediately allow the United Nations and other agencies to deliver lifesaving aid to those in Gaza who so desperately need it.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help achieve the release of the remaining Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Since day one, this Government has been clear that we need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages cruelly detained by Hamas, better protection of civilians, significantly more aid consistently entering Gaza, and a path to long-term peace and stability. The remaining hostages must be released and the only way to return them safely is through a deal. The UK is playing an active role in coordination with our international partners and continue to urge all parties to re-engage in ceasefire negotiations to get the hostages out and to secure a permanent end to the conflict.
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Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which staffing grades in his Department have been most impacted by reductions in Official Development Assistance spending; and what steps he is taking to ensure that levels of expertise are maintained in those areas. \p Catherine West: The Foreign Secretary has been clear that the reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget does not automatically lead to staffing reductions. Our development capability and expertise will continue to have an important role to play in our partnerships with developing countries.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is investing in its development capability through our expert advisory cadres, the in-house Development Faculty, a stronger programme management offer through cross-government accreditation to the Government Project Delivery Profession and mandatory pre-posting training for Heads of Missions. We are increasing our programme management and technical expertise through a new Project Delivery Support Unit and a Central Advisory Hub.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support (a) human rights and (b) civil society organisations operating in Tanzania. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has recently launched the Wajibika programme in Tanzania which aims to empower Tanzanian citizens and promote inclusive and effective civic space, political inclusion and address media freedom and access to information.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2025 to Question 50839 on Gaza: Humanitarian Aid, how much UK-funded aid has been provided to Gaza since 5 July 2024 (a) listed by (i) aid category and (ii) volume, (b) through funding provided to third party organisations and (c) that has been made available but not yet allocated; and what the purposes were of aid provided through third party organisations. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is doing all we can to alleviate suffering. All allocations of our Humanitarian Programme are available publicly on Development Tracker (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-1-400022/transactions) which includes funding provided to third party organisations. We have published further information on Core Relief Items through the programme's annual review (https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fiati.fcdo.gov.uk%2Fiati_documents%2FD0006063.odt&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK) with the next to be published by November 2025. Finally, as mentioned in my previous response, quantifying how much aid is awaiting entry into Gaza is difficult, due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data.
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Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reductions to USAID on humanitarian aid in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK notes the US' decision to disband United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and cancel certain USAID programmes. This is a matter for the US. We are currently working to assess the implications of the US funding pause across all humanitarian and development sectors, including on joint and coordinated programming. Sudan remains a priority for the UK. After the London Sudan Conference, the Foreign Secretary announced a further £120 million in funding which will target over 650,000 people. This brought the total pledged by the attendees of the conference to over £800 million in humanitarian aid, a positive step that will have important protection outcomes for civilians.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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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), whether officials from Mauritius will be present on Diego Garcia. \p Stephen Doughty: There are no provisions within the treaty for Mauritian officials to be based on Diego Garcia, however Mauritians can work on Diego Garcia, subject to appropriate security protocols.
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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has held with his Israeli counterparts on lifting restrictions on international journalists to enable them to report on the situation in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary and I have both paid tribute to journalists risking their lives to report in Gaza. Journalists covering conflicts are afforded protection under humanitarian law. The Media have a right to report freely and we urge all parties to permit journalists to carry out their crucial role. The UK remains committed to Media Freedom and to championing democracy and human rights around the world. Independent media is essential to a functioning society. There must be safe access for journalists to conflict situations in order to independently cover events.
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Suella Braverman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to meet with Sebastien Lai. \p Catherine West: The Foreign Secretary met with Sebastien Lai, Jimmy Lai's son, and his international legal team, on 7 November 2024. I met with Sebastien and Doughty Street Chambers on 28 April. The government is clear that Jimmy Lai's case is a priority and I raised it with the Hong Kong Government last month.
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Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reductions in Official Development Assistance spending on (a) internal structuring and (b) staffing levels in his Department. \p Catherine West: The Foreign Secretary has been clear about the reform needed in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to ensure it is fit for the future and is delivering for the British people. The FCDO will consider the size and shape of its workforce in the context of the wider Spending Review settlement, to ensure that it remains affordable. The Foreign Secretary is working closely with the Treasury to ensure our diplomatic, intelligence and development footprint will align with our priorities. We expect the department to become smaller as a result but will retain its experience.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, for what reason her Department is appointing a Diversity and Inclusion Manager. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Department is recruiting a Diversity and Inclusion Manager to ensure we are attracting the broadest range of talent to our DCMS Public Bodies from all backgrounds and locations, in order to reflect the communities they serve. They will also ensure the Department is compliant with legal obligations around the Public Sector Equality Duty.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_185

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many households in receipt of Universal Credit are liable to pay the BBC License Fee. \p Stephanie Peacock: The payment of the Licence Fee is administered directly by TV Licensing, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not hold data on the number of households in receipt of Universal Credit that are liable to pay for the BBC Licence Fee.

The BBC offers a number of concessions on the Licence Fee, including free TV licences for over-75s who are in receipt of pension credit; discounts for people who are registered blind or severely sight impaired; and discounts for people living in qualifying accommodation for residential care who are disabled or over 60 years old.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_186

Sarah Pochin:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum applications have reached the further submissions stage and have been under consideration at that stage for (a) three months, (b) six months, (c) nine months, (d) 12 months, (e) 18 months and (f) 24 months. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Cabinet Office's Guide to Parliamentary Work states that: "There is an advisory cost limit known as the disproportionate cost threshold which is the level above which departments can decide not to answer a written question. The current disproportionate cost threshold is £850."

I regret that the information she has requested is not currently available from published statistics, and would require a manual trawl of case files to identify and collate, something that could only be done at disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_187

Chris Coghlan:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to create national guidelines for preventing adult grooming. \p Jess Phillips: The Government is taking a range of actions to prevent the grooming and exploitation of vulnerable adults.

To tackle criminal exploitation, we are introducing a new cuckooing offence in the Crime and Policing Bill to target criminals who groom and exploit vulnerable people in order to take over their homes for criminal purposes. We are also introducing a new offence of coerced internal concealment to address the appalling practice whereby criminals exploit children and vulnerable adults to cause them to internally conceal items such as drugs for criminal purposes. Both offences will be supported by statutory guidance for police as well as non-statutory multi-agency guidance which will include information on preventative action to protect those at risk of these terrible forms of adult grooming and exploitation.

In terms of adult grooming for sexual exploitation, we are working closely with police and others to tackle the drivers of trafficking for sexual exploitation, including through law enforcement operational intensifications aimed at tackling modern slavery threats and targeting prolific perpetrators.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_188

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to identify immigrants who arrive illegally on small boats. \p Dame Angela Eagle: We collect biographic and biometric data from all those arriving illegally in the UK. Checks are then run against a range of data sources to identify relevant information.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_189

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the reduction in hotel accommodation for asylum seekers around Heathrow Airport on neighbouring local authorities. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Home Office continues to work with a range of stakeholders and consider a range of options to fulfil its legal obligations and deliver upon the commitment to reduce the overall cost of asylum accommodation, and to end the use of hotels over time.

Current accommodation funding arrangements are published on GOV.UK: Asylum Dispersal Grant: funding instruction Asylum Dispersal Grant: funding instruction - GOV.UK
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_190

Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2025 to Question 54068 on Housing: Contracts, what her definition her Department uses for the terms (a) Bed Space and (b) Bed Space Size in the context of the Accommodation Contracts. \p Dame Angela Eagle: There is no definition of those within current accommodation contracts.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_191

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2025 to Question 44921 on Electronic Travel Authorisations: Northern Ireland, if she will make an estimate of the number of people travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland since January 2025 that should have had a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation but did not. \p Seema Malhotra: The UK does not operate routine immigration controls on journeys made within the common travel area, including from Ireland into Northern Ireland, and holds no data on total journeys made.

The Home Office makes data relating to electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) available as part of its quarterly release of immigration system statistics.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_192

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to ensure care workers are excluded from reductions on work visas. \p Seema Malhotra: The Immigration White paper, published on 12 May 2025, announced new measures on a wide range of issues including ending overseas recruitment for social care visas, further details of which will be set out in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_193

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a deterrent to reduce the numbers of migrants arriving in small boats. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I refer the Honourable Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (UIN HCWS406) made by the Home Secretary on 30 January 2025 on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_194

Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had discussions with Action Fraud on (a) proposals for crypto asset rules and (b) support for investigations into scams. \p Dan Jarvis: We are replacing the current Action Fraud service with a new, improved service. The new service will provide better support services and reporting tools for victims, provide greater intelligence to law enforcement to support investigations, and allow for greater prevention and disruption at scale.

A phased introduction of the new service is now underway and will continue throughout 2025. Changes have already been made to improve the analysis of reports, the quality of intelligence drawn from them, and how quickly this is sent to police forces for investigation.

The new service has been designed to recognise crypto currency as both an enabler of frauds, such as investment fraud, and an enabler to the cashing out mechanism to realise the benefits of the criminal activity. This will ensure accurate reporting and deliver a greater understanding of the threat posed by crypto currency and how to tackle it more effectively.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_195

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the National Cyber Security Centre has provided advice on the proposed Chinese Embassy at Tower Hill, London. \p Dan Jarvis: In line with previous responses, the planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and she will make this quasi-judicial decision independent from the rest of Government.

The Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary submitted written representations to the planning inspector on 14 January. That letter is clear that the Home Office has considered the breadth of national security issues and where necessary, relevant agencies and departments have been consulted on the national security implications of the application. It would be inappropriate to provide any further specific detail.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_196

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the lessons learned from international examples of the use of limited humanitarian visas to allow people to apply for asylum from their country of origin. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The UK has a proud history of providing protection for those who need it through a number of safe and legal routes. However, there is no provision within our Immigration Rules for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge. Whilst we sympathise with people in many difficult situations around the world, we are not bound to consider asylum claims from the very large numbers of people overseas who might like to come here. Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach – that is the fastest route to safety.

The UK continues to welcome refugees and people in need through our existing global resettlement schemes which include the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), Community Sponsorship and the Mandate Resettlement Scheme. Alongside these schemes, we operate specific schemes for those fleeing Ukraine and Afghanistan, and an immigration route for British National (overseas) status holders from Hong Kong.

There are additional safe and legal routes for people to come to the UK should they wish to join family members here, work or study.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_197

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to increase the annual budget for immigration enforcement in line with projected growth in removals activity. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Chancellor of the Exchequer presented her Spending Review 2025 to Parliament on Wednesday 11 June 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_198

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a public reporting scheme that offers financial rewards for verified reports of illegal migrants. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Home Office already operates an Immigration Enforcement hotline and provides several other routes for members of the public to report information regarding immigration related crime and/or abuse. Over the past three years we have seen an increase in information received from members of the public – we publish this information on a quarterly basis and it can be found here: Migration transparency data - GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_199

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to require data sharing between NHS Digital and her Department to help identify illegal migrants. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave him on 6 May to Question 47960.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_200

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of initiating a (a) cross-Departmental and (b) UK-wide commission into the number of illegal migrants living in the UK. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I refer the Honourable Member to the Answer I gave him on 30 January to Question 25047.