theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_104
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_104

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps he has taken to ensure (a) unsafe and (b) non-compliant children's toys are not being sold. \p Justin Madders: Government is committed to ensuring that only safe products can be sold in the UK. Under the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, all toys placed on the market must meet essential safety requirements.

Where products are identified that do not meet these requirements, the Office for Product Safety and Standards works with local Trading Standards to bring these into compliance with the regulation, or to remove them from sale.

The growth in e-commerce has brought significant challenges to the product safety legal framework. The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will enable regulations to be updated to better reflect modern online supply chains.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_105
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_105

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) funding and (b) staffing capacity for the UK International Consumer Centre. \p Justin Madders: The government funds the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) to deliver the UK International Consumer Centre. The funding agreement for the current financial year is £456,000. This figure is reviewed annually and agreed with the CTSI each year alongside an agreement over what is to be delivered. The Centre provides information, advice and assistance to consumers in the UK who are experiencing difficulties resolving disputes with traders based outside the UK.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_106
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_106

Sarah Owen:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions his Department has had with (a) OpenAI, (b) Google, (c) Anthropic and (d) Meta on workers’ rights. \p Justin Madders: The Plan to Make Work Pay sets out an ambitious agenda to ensure employment rights are fit for a modern economy, empower working people and contribute to economic growth.

Its reforms will strengthen the rights of workers, address the fragmented labour market enforcement framework, and support workers in balancing responsibilities outside work.

The Government is committed to working in partnership with businesses, trade unions and other stakeholders to deliver the Plan to Make Work Pay.

We have not had any engagement with OpenAI, Google, Anthropic or Meta on workers' rights.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_107
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_107

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many British citizenships were removed; what other citizenships were held by people impacted; and what the reason was for removal in each of the last five years. \p Seema Malhotra: Detail on the numbers of conducive deprivation orders made under Section 40(2) of the 1981 British Nationality Act, are published in the Government Transparency Report: Disruptive and Investigatory Powers. Eight reports have been published to date providing the number of deprivations of citizenship orders made up until the end of 2023 and can be found at the below links:

2015 - HM government transparency report 2015: disruptive and investigatory powers

2017 - Disruptive and investigatory powers: HM government transparency report - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

2018 - Disruptive and investigatory powers: transparency report 2018 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

2018/19 - Transparency report: disruptive powers 2018 to 2019 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

2020 - Disruptive powers 2020 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

2021 - Counter-terrorism disruptive powers report 2021 - GOV.UK

2022 - Counter-terrorism disruptive powers report 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

2023 - Counter-terrorism disruptive powers report 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

More recent data will be published in future publications in relation to deprivation of British citizenship 40(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981.

The published data as referenced above does not include information on other citizenships held by those impacted or on the specific reasons for deprivation. To obtain that information would involve a manual interrogation of case files at a disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_108
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_108

Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the number of deaths by suicide as a result of (a) domestic violence and (b) emotional abuse. \p Jess Phillips: The Home Office is working to develop the evidence base on suicides that follow domestic abuse through funding research into the Domestic Homicide Project, which captures information on suicides with a known history of domestic abuse from all 43 police forces in England and Wales.

In the latest published data capturing deaths from April 2022 to March 2023, 242 deaths were counted, with 93 deaths (38%) classified as suspected suicides following domestic abuse. The full report can be found at the following link: https://www.vkpp.org.uk/vkpp-work/domestic-homicide-project/

However, we recognise that the number identified in the report does not represent all suicides linked to domestic abuse and that more needs to be done to identify these tragic deaths. The scale of violence against women and girls is intolerable and this Government will treat it as the national emergency that it is. The Government is committed to halving violence against women and girls in a decade, and preventing domestic abuse related deaths is a key part of that mission
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_109
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_109

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the value of illegal working civil penalties was in the last five years; and how many and what proportion of those penalties have been paid. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I refer the Honourable Member to my response to his previous question UIN 21664.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_110
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_110

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she was made aware that Axel Rudakubana had (a) sought to manufacture ricin and (b) possessed an Al-Qaeda training manual. \p Dan Jarvis: I refer the Hon. Member to the statements made on those and other issues by the Prime Minister and Home Secretary, on 21 January.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_111
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_111

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Homeland Security Group has assessed social media posts written by Elon Musk as part of its disinformation work. \p Dan Jarvis: The Homeland Security Group (HSG) in the Home Office routinely conducts open source monitoring to help keep British citizens safe, including on social media platforms in compliance with the relevant legislation governing such activity.

As per convention, specific details of this work cannot be provided publicly as this would jeopardise its effectiveness.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_112
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_112

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many instances of mobile phone theft have been reported in Lincolnshire since 2020. \p Dame Diana Johnson: The Home Office collects information on the number of theft offences recorded by the police in England and Wales. It is not currently possible to identify from these data which crimes involved the theft of a mobile phone. The Office for National Statistics publish estimates of mobile phone theft for England and Wales, but these figures are not available for smaller geographic areas. The latest Office for National Statistics estimates can be found at:

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/focusonpropertycrimeappendixtables

We will shortly be holding a Home Office Mobile Phone Theft Summit, drawing together representatives from the mobile phone industry, including tech companies, and law enforcement to see what more can collectively be done to break the business model of mobile phone thieves.

As part of our Safer Streets Mission, this government is determined to crack down on theft and other crimes that make people feel unsafe in our communities, including strengthening neighbourhood policing, tackling anti-social behaviour and restoring public confidence.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_113
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_113

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with international counterparts to secure the permanence of the current temporary ceasefire in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We welcome the agreement to end the fighting in Gaza. It is the first step in ensuring long-term peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and the wider region, bringing much-needed stability, but we have always been clear that an immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. The UK will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US, and regional partners to build consensus for a post-conflict Gaza governance and security framework that supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace. Our attention must turn to how we secure a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people - grounded in a two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine state.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_114
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_114

Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure the stability of the (a) hostage and (b) ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to ensure the release of (i) Keith Siegel and (ii) other hostages with links to the UK. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We welcome the release of three hostages in Gaza, including dual British national Emily Damari. The ceasefire agreement must be implemented in full. The UK is working with international partners to ensure the stability of the ceasefire agreement and to secure the release of all remaining hostages, including those with strong UK-links.

The UK will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US and regional partners to build consensus for a post-conflict Gaza governance and security framework that supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_115
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_115

Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, what steps his Department is taking to help (a) secure a permanent ceasefire agreement and (b) implement the measures needed for post-war reconstruction in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We have always been clear that an immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis.  As the Foreign Secretary said to the House on 16 January, in the first six-week phase we expect both parties to stop fighting, and Israel to start to redeploy to the edge of the Strip. The UK will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US and regional partners to build consensus for a post-conflict Gaza governance and security framework that supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace. We have provided a £2 million uplift in 2024/25, through a contribution to the World Bank, to increase the sustainable supply of water and energy in the OPTs, including in Gaza.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_116
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_116

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Pakistani counterpart on returning people from that country convicted for involvement in grooming gangs. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has regular constructive discussions with Pakistani authorities on a range of topics of vital mutual interest, including criminal justice. Despite the complex challenges when seeking to return foreign national offenders, this government is fully committed to making our communities safer by deporting those who break our laws. I raised these issues with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during my visit to Pakistan in November.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_117
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_117

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) monitor and (b) help mitigate security threats posed by former British nationals in the (i) al-Hol and (ii) al-Roj prison camps in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As the present situation in Syria unfolds, we are working closely with partners to monitor any threats, including through our work with the Global Coalition Against Daesh. Our priority remains to ensure the safety and security of the UK. We will not hesitate to take action to protect the UK from those who pose a threat to our security. This can, where appropriate, include the exercise of powers to disrupt the travel to the UK, of individuals who are assessed to pose a threat.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_118
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_118

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to improve consular services to ensure faster response times. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government is committed to strengthening consular services and continuously reviews its processes to provide an effective service to those who require consular assistance, including through feedback, insight and lessons learned. Calls to our 24/7/365 consular team are answered within the target of two minutes, and a new FCDO digital triage AI tool which British nationals responses to their questions online within seconds rather than days.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_119
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_119

Blair McDougall:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to secure the medical evacuation of gravely (a) ill and (b) injured children in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: An immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with many in need of urgent medical assistance. It is vital that Israel ensures that there is a sustained passage for patients who need treatment not available in Gaza.

We have announced £1 million for the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, delivered through World Health Organisation (WHO) Egypt, to support medically evacuated Palestinians from Gaza., to support medically evacuated Palestinians from Gaza. The UK is also supporting the provision of essential healthcare to civilians in Gaza, including support to UK-MED for operating their field hospitals. The Government is keeping our humanitarian programme and existing policies on medical evacuations and visa pathways under review in response to events in Gaza.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_120
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_120

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to balance the level of consular support it provides citizens abroad and the need to maintain diplomatic relations with host countries. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Strong bilateral relations are essential to enable the FCDO to support British nationals overseas. This government is committed to building broad and deep relationships with countries across the globe to enable us to pursue our international priorities, including support for British nationals overseas.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_121
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_121

Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement on the (a) presence and (b) activities of the Israeli Defense Forces in (i) Gaza, (ii) the Golan Heights and (iii) the West Bank. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The announcement of a ceasefire agreement is a moment of hope after over a year of agony. We have always been clear that an immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis.   As the Foreign Secretary said to the House on 16 January, in the first six-week phase we expect both parties to stop fighting, and Israel to start to redeploy to the edge of the Gaza Strip. The UK will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US and regional partners to build consensus for a post-conflict Gaza governance and security framework that supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace.   This government is clear that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) must be upheld, and civilians protected. The Foreign Secretary continues to raise issues of International Humanitarian Law compliance with the Israeli government. We are also clear that we must not lose sight of the serious risk of further instability in the West Bank, which is in no-one's interest. Stability in the West Bank is crucial to ensure that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza can last. All sides should work to ensure a lowering of tension in the West Bank at this time. Israel has said its presence in the buffer zone in the Golan Heights will be limited and temporary, and we have been clear that we expect it to adhere to this commitment. It is longstanding UK policy that the Golan Heights are occupied territory and we do not recognise Israel's annexation of them. Israel's presence in the buffer zone must not become permanent.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_122
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_122

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much and what proportion of humanitarian aid provided to help promote freedom of religion or belief in Pakistan is spent in-country. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK works to promote freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Pakistan through our diplomatic engagement and programme funding. I underlined the importance of promoting religious tolerance and harmony when I met Pakistan's Human Rights Minister on 19 November and discussed this issue in Parliament on 28 November. The British High Commission also regularly raises FoRB issues at the highest levels. The UK-funded Aawaz programme supports both policy development and community empowerment to promote the rights of marginalised groups, including religious minorities. However, the UK Government does not ringfence UK Aid for FoRB programming in Pakistan, nor do we report UK Aid spending along religious lines.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_123
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_123

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with international partners on the long-term (a) security and (b) management of (i) al-Hol and (ii) al-Roj prison camp in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continues to promote security and stability in Syria, to ensure Daesh's territorial defeat continues and they can never resurge. We remain in close contact with the authorities in North-East Syria and with international partners as part of the Global Coalition Against Daesh, including on mitigating the extant Daesh threat emanating from detention facilities and camps, including al-Hol and al-Roj. The Foreign Secretary attended the International Contact Group on Syria in Riyadh on 12 January where he emphasised the need for a political solution in North-East Syria, and for partners to co-operate closely to tackle the threat from Daesh.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_124
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_124

Nadia Whittome:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy to (a) establish and (b) support negotiations for a ceasefire in (i) the West Bank and (ii) East Jerusalem. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Stability in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is crucial to ensure that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza can last. The UK will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US, and regional partners to build consensus for a post-conflict Gaza governance and security framework that supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace.

The ceasefire marks the first step in ensuring long-term peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and the wider region, bringing much-needed stability. Our attention must turn to how we secure a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people - grounded in a two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_125
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_125

Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which Israeli officials he met on his visit to Israel in January 2025; what topics were discussed; and which issues he raised. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: When the Foreign Secretary travelled to Israel earlier this month, he met Foreign Minister Sa'ar and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, and discussed ceasefire and hostage negotiations, humanitarian aid into Gaza, as well as other regional issues.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_126
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_126

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of repatriating former British nationals from (a) al-Hol and (b) al-Roj prison camp in Syria to prevent (i) further radicalisation and (ii) escape. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Our priority remains to ensure the safety and security of the UK. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect the UK from those who pose a threat to our security. All requests for consular assistance from Syria are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all relevant circumstances including, but not limited to, national security.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_127
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_127

Zarah Sultana:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made (a) to his Egyptian counterpart and (b) to the President of Egypt on the safe release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK remains committed to securing Alaa Abd El-Fattah's release so he can be reunited with his family. The Foreign Secretary raised Mr El-Fattah's case with the Egyptian Foreign Minister during his visit to Egypt on 23 January. The Prime Minister wrote to President Sisi to raise Mr El-Fattah's case on 8 January. The National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, raised with the Foreign Minister on 2 January. The UK will use the upcoming Universal Periodic Review on Egypt in January to raise issues relating to human rights. The Egyptian government does not recognise Mr El-Fattah as a British national and are refusing consular access. UK Government representatives are therefore unable to visit him in prison or communicate with him directly.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_128
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_128

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of fuel tankers being hijacked at the Kerem Shalom crossing on humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The deteriorating security situation in Gaza after 15 months of conflict has been very concerning. Humanitarian actors including UN agencies must be able to carry out their vital work safely and effectively. We welcome reports that aid is now entering Gaza safely and at scale. Israel must now continue to work with partners to ensure law and order is reestablished in Gaza so that safe distribution of aid across the Gaza strip is sustained. The UK is also pressing Israel to increase the flow of aid from Jordan and Egypt, alongside more commercial goods from Israel, the West Bank and neighbouring countries.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_129
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_129

Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publicly call for the release of Ryan Cornelius. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I appreciate and acknowledge the significant distress caused to Mr Cornelius and his family by his continued detention. This Government remains committed to supporting Mr Cornelius' clemency application on compassionate grounds. We will ensure Mr Cornelius' case continues to be raised with UAE authorities at the appropriate level by both Ministers and officials.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_130
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_130

Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the (a) humanitarian and (b) security situation for (i) Orthodox Christians and (ii) other minority communities in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has always been clear that an immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. We remain focused on pushing for an end to the devastating violence in Gaza, protecting civilians, ensuring the release of all hostages and an increase in humanitarian aid into Gaza. Officials from the British Consulate General in Jerusalem have regular engagements with the Christian community in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, to understand the impact of the conflict and Israeli occupation on Christian Palestinians. The UK champions, and remains strongly committed to, Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) for all abroad. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. We are championing the right to FoRB and promoting tolerance and mutual respect through our engagement in multilateral organisations, our bilateral work and our programme funding.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_131
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_131

Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Opinions adopted by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at its 93rd session, 30 March-8 April 2022 : Opinion No. 19/2022 concerning Ryan Cornelius (United Arab Emirates), whether his Department has made an assessment of whether Ryan Cornelius has been arbitrarily detained. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The FCDO is not an investigatory body and does not have the specific expertise or the jurisdiction to conduct local investigations into any allegations of human rights violations. However, the FCDO takes the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention's opinions seriously. While the group's recommendations are not legally binding, we will continue to highlight concerns raised in the case of Mr Cornelius in discussions with UAE authorities.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_132
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_132

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that British hostages released by Hamas are receiving (a) repatriation support, (b) medical treatment and (c) other appropriate support and care. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We stand ready to provide further support to British and British-linked hostages and their families and will continue to work closely with Israeli authorities in the coming weeks.

British and British-linked individuals taken hostage by Hamas are also Israeli nationals with Israel as their place of habitual residence. The Israeli Government has provided extensive support to the families of hostages since 7 October and is providing ongoing care to released hostages, including medical treatment.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_133
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_133

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his international counterparts on the extradition of Bashar al-Assad to Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary has not had discussions on the extradition of Bashar al Assad to Syria.

Accountability is key to any sustainable transition and we continue to advocate for this to be part of the transitional process. The Foreign Secretary raised the need for accountability most recently with interim Foreign Minister Shaibani at the International Contact Group for Syria in Riyadh on 12 January.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_134
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_134

Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his oral statement of 16 January 2025 on the Middle East, Official report columns 511-513, what steps his Department is taking to help protect human rights organisations in Palestine, in the context of the killing of Ihab Fisal. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Human Rights are a crucial element underpinning the UK's foreign policy, and civil society organisations play an important role in upholding human rights. Through our aid programmes, we support human rights organisations in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on a range of issues. I regularly meet with civil society organisations, including human rights organisations, to discuss the current humanitarian situation in Gaza.

We welcome the agreement to end the fighting in Gaza. It is the first step in ensuring long-term peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region, bringing much-needed stability, but we have always been clear that an immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. Gazan civilians must be protected.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_135
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_135

Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department offers paternity leave to its staff from their first working day. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to supporting its employees in balancing their work and family responsibilities. The FCDO offers paternity leave to all eligible staff, providing them with the flexibility to take time off to support their partners and care for their newborns from the very beginning of their employment

As with any changes to employment legislation, internal policies and processes will be updated as appropriate in preparation for when the Employment Rights Bill 2024 comes into effect.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_136
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_136

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what role his Department's diplomatic missions will have in the delivery of the Government's Soft Power Council. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport launched the Soft Power Council on 15 January. The Council brings together some of the most influential figures across soft power and foreign policy to steer and advise Government. The UK diplomatic network will be central to delivering our refreshed strategic approach to soft power, whether by encouraging people in other countries to visit, study and trade with the UK; or by harnessing our world class sectors to build alliances and enhance our global influence, in the service of our growth and security objectives.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_137
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_137

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the cost to the public purse is of the campaign to advocate for family-based care for children across the globe, announced on 17 January 2025. \p Anneliese Dodds: The campaign to promote family care for children globally has not spent any additional UK funding on staff or programmes to date. We are assessing future requirements for staff and programmes to support the campaign.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_138
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_138

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of British nationals in Trinidad and Tobago. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not hold this information. The UK Government does not require British nationals to register with the nearest British Embassy or High Commission when overseas. The FCDO stands ready to provide consular support to British nationals abroad 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_139
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_139

Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has held with his Israeli counterparts on ensuring that actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory comply with international law. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We have always been clear that a ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. We must build confidence on all sides that helps sustain a ceasefire and move it into a lasting peace. This government is fully committed to international law and continues to press the Israeli government on issues of international law compliance. This government has suspended relevant export licences to Israel for use in military operations in the Gaza conflict, following a review of Israel's compliance and commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which concluded that there was a clear risk they might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of IHL. Separately, this government respects the independence of the International Court of Justice. We continue to consider the Court's Advisory Opinion on Israel's occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) carefully. We are of the clear view that Israel should bring an end to its presence in the OPTs as rapidly as possible - but this must be done in a way that creates the conditions for negotiations towards the two-state solution.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_140
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_140

Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Thai counterpart on reported plans to deport 43 Uyghur men to China. \p Catherine West: The UK government is seriously concerned about reports that detained Uyghurs in Thailand are at risk of imminent refoulment.

We have raised the issue directly with the Thai Government and continue to work closely with likeminded partners. We continue to urge Thailand, as a State Party to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and at a minimum in accordance with refugee law obligations under customary international law not to undertake the refoulment of these individuals to China.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_141

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has had discussions with Lord Hoffmann on the renewal of his tenure as a Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal judge; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of this appointment on the Government's support for political freedom in Hong Kong. \p Catherine West: Retired UK judges that choose to serve on Hong Kong courts do so under their own personal judgement, which is their right as private citizens. The UK judiciary and legal profession remain independent from the UK Government. It is for remaining retired UK judges to decide for themselves whether to continue their service in Hong Kong.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_142

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has received representations from the Great Britain-China Centre on the new proposed Chinese Embassy in London. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not received representations from Great Britain-China Centre regarding the Chinese Embassy's planning application. It is not for the FCDO to receive "representations" on this matter. Any representations should have been provided to Tower Hamlets Council or, post call-in, to the planning inspectorate.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_143

Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2025 to Question 23546, what representations he has made to his Chinese counterpart on the Kamtok Dam project. \p Catherine West: This Government stands firm on human rights, including China's repression of the people of Tibet. We raise our concerns at the highest levels: the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Chancellor all raised human rights recently with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang and Vice Premier He respectively). We also continue to coordinate efforts with our international partners to hold China to account for human rights violations, for example, joining a statement on the situation in Tibet led by Australia at the UN General Assembly last October.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_144
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_144

Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of reports that Christians are being forced to convert to Buddhism in the Naga self-administered zone of Myanmar; and what steps his Department is taking to help tackle religious persecution in Myanmar. \p Catherine West: The UK Government is committed to defending freedom of religion for all in Myanmar, including in the Naga self-administered zone. We remain concerned by the Race and Religion Laws in Myanmar, which are used to discriminate against non-Buddhists, including Christians. We are deeply troubled by the increasing reports of religiously motivated violence, including the destruction of places of worship and the forced conversions of Christians to Buddhism. We provide funding to the UN's Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and have established the Myanmar Witness programme to collect and preserve evidence of violations and abuses, including atrocities against religious minority groups.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_145
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_145

Alison Griffiths:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department offers protection to staff from unfair dismissal from their first working day. \p Catherine West: The FCDO is committed to ensuring fair treatment and protection for all its employees from the outset of their employment. The FCDO adheres to the principles of fairness and transparency in all its employment practices, including protection against unfair dismissal. While the current UK employment law stipulates a two-year qualifying period for employees to gain protection against unfair dismissal, the FCDO goes beyond this requirement by fostering a supportive and respectful working environment and having in place robust and fair procedures relating to employment decisions.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_146

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2025 to Question 23274 on Haiti: Diplomatic Service, what contingency arrangements his Department has in place to provide emergency assistance to British nationals in Haiti, in the context of the absence of consular officials in Haiti. \p Catherine West: The British Embassy in Santo Domingo provides consular assistance to British nationals in Haiti and issues emergency travel documents. Requests for consular assistance are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all relevant circumstances. We encourage all British nationals in Haiti to follow our travel advice and sign up to email alerts.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_147
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_147

Paula Barker:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to provide development support to Cuba in the context of that country's removal from the US state sponsor of terrorism list. \p Catherine West: The decision to remove Cuba from the US State Sponsor of Terrorism List has now been reversed by the new administration in Washington. The UK has contributed to the response to humanitarian crises in Cuba, including most recently through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) following the hurricanes which affected Cuba in October and November 2024. The UK is one of the largest overall donor countries to CERF and has supported the agency's work since its creation.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_148
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_148

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of British Nationals currently in the autonomous region of Tibet. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not hold estimated numbers of British nationals currently in the autonomous region of Tibet. The UK Government does not require British nationals to register with the nearest British Embassy or High Commission when overseas.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_149

Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of Israel's operation Iron Wall in the occupied West Bank; and if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of Israel's compliance with international law. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has been clear that it is in no one's interest for further conflict and instability to spread in the West Bank. The risk of instability is serious and the need for de-escalation urgent. We continue to call on Israeli authorities to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, and clamp down on the actions of those who seek to inflame tensions.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_150
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_150

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief to promote the rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh. \p Catherine West: The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). Following the student-led protests in July and August 2024, we have been closely monitoring the situation for minorities in Bangladesh. In November 2024, I visited Bangladesh and discussed the importance of the protection of religious minorities with Chief Adviser Yunus. We are providing up to £27 million under the Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme for protecting civic and political space, fostering collaboration, reducing corruption, and mitigating tensions that lead to violence. We look forward to working with David Smith MP on FoRB issues globally.
wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_151
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-27)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-27 conversation_151

Abtisam Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is negotiating a new UK-Egypt Association Agreement. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK and Egypt are not negotiating a new Association Agreement. The UK and Egypt have a strong bilateral trade relationship under the existing UK-Egypt Association Agreement. There are multiple mechanisms contained in the Agreement which will allow the UK and Egypt to enhance their overall trading relationship, as well as commitments to consider further liberalisation and provision for Ministerial meetings.