theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1441
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1441

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what progress her Department has made in delivering the TechFirst programme; and what discussions her Department has had with organisations in Ealing Central and Acton constituency on supporting TechFirst. \p Kanishka Narayan: TechFirst has recently launched its expanded undergraduate scholarships programme, which will find and support promising young talent from across the country. The Department plans to shortly launch new programmes that support more home students access Master’s scholarships and PhD top-ups in digital and tech.

TechFirst supports local partnerships between industry, academia and third sector and will recruit regional partners to maximise impact – including a London partner. We encourage organisations based in Ealing Central and Acton to apply, as well as commit to regular opportunities for stakeholders, such as those from Ealing Central and Acton constituency, to engage and support TechFirst’s objectives.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1442
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1442

Mr Toby Perkins:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he will take to (a) protect and (b) build on the accomplishments of the UKSA after it joins his Department. \p Kanishka Narayan: Space is a priority for this Government, supporting national security, economic growth, and scientific excellence. The integration of the UK Space Agency (UKSA) into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is a strategic opportunity to strengthen the UK’s position as a leading space power.

This transformation will better align our space capabilities with the wider science and technology agenda, enabling stronger links between space, innovation, and industry. We are committed to maintaining the Agency’s specialist expertise and operational focus, while unlocking new opportunities through DSIT’s broader reach and ministerial oversight.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1443
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1443

Mohammad Yasin:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of complex broadband and mobile contract negotiations on (a) older customers and (b) people with vulnerabilities. \p Kanishka Narayan: The department has not recently made any such assessment, however, we remain committed to supporting vulnerable and older consumers. We regularly engage consumer groups, such as Citizens Advice, who have conducted relevant research.

Ofcom has introduced several measures to help customers switch provider, including requiring phone and broadband providers to warn customers when their contract is ending, and what they could save by signing up to a new deal. Ofcom accredits price comparison websites that they have assessed to work well, and provide accessible, accurate, transparent, comprehensive, and up-to-date information. Ofcom also tracks provider performance through monitoring complaints.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1444
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1444

Mohammad Yasin:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that broadband and mobile providers do not disadvantage existing customers compared with new customers when setting contract prices. \p Kanishka Narayan: Government works closely with Ofcom to ensure fairness in telecoms pricing. A range of measures have been implemented, for example, since 2020 Ofcom has required providers to issue end-of–contract notifications. These alert customers when their contract/discounts are ending, encouraging to secure better deals.

Since January 2025, inflation-linked in contract prices rises were banned and providers must now state any increases upfront in pounds and pence. Contract summaries must also highlight key terms before a customer signs up. Together, these measures improve transparency and empower consumers to make informed choices about the services they buy.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1445
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1445

Mohammad Yasin:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment Ofcom has made of the (a) fairness and (b) transparency of in-term price increases in mobile phone and broadband contracts. \p Kanishka Narayan: In 2023, Ofcom reviewed inflation-linked price rises. Ofcom found that while many broadband and mobile customers were on contracts subject to inflation-linked price rises, awareness and understanding of these terms were very low. Therefore, in December 2023 Ofcom consulted on banning this practice.

As a result, since 17 January 2025 where providers apply in-contract price rises, these need to be set out in pounds and pence, at the point of sale. Providers must also set out when any changes to the monthly price will occur.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1446
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1446

Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to improve offline access to public services. \p Ian Murray: The Government wants to put digital inclusion at the heart of how we deliver better designed, time-saving public services, to ensure as many people as possible can access public services digitally. Our ambition is for everyone in the UK to have the access, skills, support and confidence to participate in our modern digital society, whatever their circumstances.

Digital public services provided by government departments are also subject to the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. Under these regulations departments are obliged to provide reasonable adjustments, such as alternative channels for users who need additional support.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1447
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1447

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will bring forward legislative proposals for a mandatory 14-day cooling off period for telecom contracts. \p Kanishka Narayan: The existing Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide a requirement for a 14-day cooling off period, subject to some exclusions, and this applies to telecoms contracts. Generally, if a consumer enters a contract with a trader, at a distance (for example, online or over the phone) or off the trader’s premises, the trader must provide the consumer a 14-day cooling off period after the contract is entered. During this period, the consumer can cancel the contract without needing to provide a reason.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1448
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1448

Neil O'Brien:To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, on what date the board of trustees will meet to approve the application for project spire; and when they plan to make an application to authorise an ex-gratia payment under section 106 of the Charities Act 2011 on the basis of a moral obligation. \p Marsha De Cordova: The board of the Church Commissioners has authorised an application to register a new charity which it proposes to call the Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice. Subject to that application, the board would, in future, consider an application to authorise an ex-gratia payment under section 106 of the Charities Act 2011.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1449
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1449

Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support work to eradicate polio globally. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 17 September to Question 76022.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1450
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1450

Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to (a) match or (b) exceed the UK’s previous £650 million pledge to the African Development Fund at the forthcoming replenishment. \p Chris Elmore: The UK remains committed to delivering impactful development assistance in line with our key priorities: tackling climate change and restoring nature, boosting global health systems, and responding to humanitarian emergencies. The African Development Fund (ADF) is a vital and long-standing multilateral partner that helps us deliver on those priorities.

The UK is proud to be hosting the pledging conference for the Seventeenth Replenishment of the ADF in London in December 2025. The UK's allocation to ADF will be announced in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1451
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1451

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to the level of funding for (a) conflict prevention, (b) mediation and (c) peacebuilding building efforts on levels of migration to the UK. \p Seema Malhotra: We take a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling conflict using all our diplomatic, development and security levers and working closely with our international partners. This approach recognises that addressing conflict effectively is not only about how much we spend. This enables us to prioritise our resources where they have most impact, and take the broader action needed to address the drivers of conflict, and effect lasting change.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1452
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1452

Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will undertake a review of the (a) selection and (b) security process applied to appoint Lord Mandelson as Ambassador to the US; and if she will make it her policy to publish the findings of that review. \p Seema Malhotra: All appointees for Ambassador and High Commissioner roles are subject to pre-posting processes, including security vetting. We do not comment on the details of individual clearances or national security as a matter of course.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1453
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1453

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish a copy of all due diligence and vetting reports produced for the appointment of Lord Mandelson. \p Seema Malhotra: It has been the longstanding policy under successive governments not to publish clearances or national security vetting reports.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1454
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1454

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the implication for her policies of the the IMF report, the Urgency of Conflict Prevention – A Macroeconomic Perspective, published in 2024. \p Seema Malhotra: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international financial institutions (IFIs) bring valuable expertise and investment to address key drivers of fragility and conflict, improving employment and livelihoods, natural resource management, access to essential services and governance.

The UK is working closely with IFIs to prioritise early engagement in conflict prevention. This includes enhancing the use of analytics to anticipate potential conflict, increasing funding in at-risk areas before violence breaks out, and guiding timely interventions.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1455
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1455

Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility on drivers of migration linked to (a) deforestation and (b) environmental collapse. \p Stephen Doughty: Tropical forests play a crucial role in mitigating against climate change, preserving biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of over one billion people worldwide. Deforestation, forest degradation and wildfires in forest biomes such as the Amazon risk pushing these ecosystems towards potentially catastrophic 'tipping points' from which they would be unable to recover. This in turn would trigger wider environmental impacts, food insecurity and geopolitical shocks which are key drivers of migration.

Forests remain chronically undervalued for the essential climate and environmental services they provide. The Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) is an exciting and ambitious initiative, designed to provide an innovative source of finance to reward countries for the protection of their standing forests. The UK has been proud to work with Brazil and other partners on the design of the TFFF ahead of COP30 in Brazil in November.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1456
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1456

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of further sanctions on Russia that target the network of camps being used for indoctrinating Ukrainian children. \p Stephen Doughty: As the Foreign Secretary said in her statement to the House on 15 October: "The forcible deportation - and kidnapping - of almost 20,000 Ukrainian children by Russia is one of the most disturbing aspects of this war. We have been supporting organisations such as Bring Kids Back UA and Save Ukraine, which are supporting efforts to return Ukrainian children. Just two weeks ago, Baroness Harman attended the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children event at the UN General Assembly. We will continue to do all we can to support the return of those children."

Last month, the UK announced sanctions against those supporting the forcible deportation, indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children, a despicable and systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian identity, and with it, Ukraine's future. Our sanctions aim to hold those responsible to account and shed light on those crimes. UK sanctions are strategically coordinated with allies to impose severe costs on Putin and his regime. We work closely with EU partners, and where appropriate, we seek to align our approaches to sanctions, including against those involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1457
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1457

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had engagement with the Caribbean Community since 5 September 2025. \p Chris Elmore: The Foreign Secretary met a number of her overseas counterparts on her visit to the United Nations General Assembly, including at the meeting of the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers on 22 September, and will have further such engagement over the coming weeks and months.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1458
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1458

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish a list of each guest entertained by Lord Mandelson during his tenure as Ambassador to the United States of America. \p Stephen Doughty: UK Ambassadors and High Commissioners host a wide range of guests. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not publish details of such meetings.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1459
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1459

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. \p Chris Elmore: This Government is committed to building a strong relationship with African countries and institutions, including the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Many of the goals of the African Union and the United Kingdom are mutually supportive, for example in our joint backing of the AU-led peace support operations in Somalia. Since taking up office in September, the Foreign Secretary has met the Foreign Minister of South Africa - a leading member of the Southern African Development Community.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1460
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1460

Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what meetings took place between staff at the British embassies, consulates or High Commissions in (a) Houston, (b) Mauritania, (c) Senegal, (d) Trinidad, (e) Cairo, (f) Alexandria and (g) Baku with any staff or board members of (i) Shell and (ii) BP between 5 July 2024 and 19 August 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: Staff at British embassies, high commissions and consulates regularly engage with a wide range of companies, including those in the energy sector, in support of the UK's foreign policy, trade and investment and energy transition objectives overseas. Information on specific meetings is not held centrally.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1461
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1461

Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the date for publication of the Critical Minerals Strategy. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has engaged extensively with other Departments, particularly the Department for Business and Trade, on the development of this strategy, and it will be published in the normal way in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1462
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1462

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the work of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. \p Chris Elmore: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) are a partner organisation to the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). The ACU provides secretariat services to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) - an executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NPDB) - which administers Commonwealth Scholarships funded by the FCDO. The FCDO is the CSC's sponsor department.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1463
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1463

Sir Desmond Swayne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her counterpart in Burkina Faso on violence towards Christian communities in that country; and what steps she is taking to promote religious freedom in Burkina Faso. \p Chris Elmore: The UK is committed to supporting efforts to address the root causes of violence and discrimination in Burkina Faso.

I also refer the Right Hon. Member to the answer Minister Falconer gave on 9 July to Question 63385, concerning UK calls for action on human rights abuses, the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1464
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1464

Paul Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to make the final payment of the 20 year agreement with UNITAID. \p Chris Elmore: We plan to make a £14 million contribution to Unitaid in December this year. We are proud of the UK's strong support of Unitaid for nearly 20 years and their groundbreaking achievements in promoting equitable access to life-saving health innovations. Unitaid remain a trusted and high-performing partner.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1465
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1465

Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much funding she plans to provide to the Global Fund at its forthcoming replenishment. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 September 2025 to Questions 72852 and 72853.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1466
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1466

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure aid air drops are carried out safely to avoid unintentional harm. \p Chris Elmore: In the last few years, the UK has been involved in a limited number of aid air drops operations, specifically into Gaza. The latest effort in July 2025 was led by Jordan where up to £500,000 of humanitarian aid was procured by the UK and placed onto Royal Jordanian Air Force aircrafts. In line with humanitarian principles, we assess all delivery methods to minimise unintended consequences and ensure aid does not exacerbate existing vulnerabilities or tensions. We have been clear from the start that whilst airdrops into Gaza would have helped to alleviate the worst of the suffering, land routes serve as the only viable and sustainable means of providing aid at scale.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1467
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1467

Dr Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to make a financial pledge to the Global Partnership for Education. \p Chris Elmore: All financial allocations will be announced in the normal way in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1468
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1468

Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much her Department spent on bilateral water, sanitation and hygiene projects in the 2024-25 financial year. \p Chris Elmore: UK bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) for water supply and sanitation, which includes hygiene, is released annually in the UK Government Publication Statistics for International Development. The latest report, published in September 2025, shows that UK bilateral ODA spent on water supply and sanitation totalled £80million in the 2024 calendar year. The Statistics for International Development publishes data on an annual basis rather than by financial year.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1469
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1469

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria her Department uses to decide which projects to fund through UK foreign aid. \p Chris Elmore: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) uses the Programme Operating Framework (PrOF), which is publicly available at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-programme-operating-framework
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1470
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1470

Christine Jardine:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her counterparts in Nigeria on protecting vulnerable communities. \p Chris Elmore: The UK Government regularly advocates for the protections of all vulnerable communities with the Government of Nigeria and other influential parties. For example, during his visit to Nigeria in May, the former Minister for Africa met with ministers and officials to discuss insecurity and intercommunal violence in Nigeria, with a focus on tackling root causes. Additionally, the UK is working through programmes like SPRiNG (Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria) and the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership to promote peace, strengthen local institutions, and protect civilians.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1471
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1471

Lewis Cocking:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Chinese Government has accepted the request from the UK Government that the Chinese Government’s diplomatic premises within the United Kingdom should be consolidated into the new Chinese Embassy at the Royal Mint if permission is granted for that development. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 September to Question 74189.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1472
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1472

Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with humanitarian partners in the region to help tackle (a) a lack of street lighting, (b) long distances to (i) toilets and (ii) washing facilities and (c) other safety risks faced by Rohingya refugee women in Cox’s Bazaar. \p Seema Malhotra: The main solution to the Rohingya crisis is safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar. This is the focus of the UK's diplomatic efforts. While conditions for return do not currently exist, we continue to work to ensure that the Rohingya can live in safety and dignity while they remain in Bangladesh.

The UK is working through local partners to address the humanitarian situation in the Rohingya camps and closely monitoring levels of need and security. We regularly engage the Interim Government of Bangladesh on security in and around the camps and actions to improve the protection environment.

In September, the Foreign Secretary announced £27 million of new funding, bringing the UK's total support to £447 million. This includes support to help refugees build skills for the future and reduce reliance on aid.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1473
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1473

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with (a) the European Commission and (b) her Italian counterpart on the attack on the Ocean Viking Rescue Ship. \p Stephen Doughty: No.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1474
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1474

Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 16 September 2025 to Question 74771 on Jimmy Lai, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the support her Department has provided to the British citizens named as co-conspirators in the trial of Jimmy Lai. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the hon. member to the amended answer given to Question 74771.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1475
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1475

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress she has made on the (a) refurbishment and (b) remodelling of the British Embassy Tokyo compound. \p Seema Malhotra: The sale of a portion of British Embassy Tokyo's land has been completed. To protect the historic Residence and Chancery, and improve facilities on the Embassy compound, works will take several years to complete. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continually reviews its global estate to maintain a world-class platform for promoting UK interests and maximising value for British taxpayers' money.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1476
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1476

Lewis Cocking:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations have been made to his Department from the Dutch (a) Government and (b) Parliament on the proposed Chinese Embassy at the Royal Mint. \p Seema Malhotra: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is not aware of any representations being made to the FCDO by the Dutch Government or Parliament regarding the proposed new Chinese Embassy in London.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1477
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1477

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the level of reaction from China to the use of the Taiwan Strait for navigation by HMS Spey in June 2025. \p Seema Malhotra: Wherever the Royal Navy operates, it does so in full compliance with international norms and exercises its rights to freedom of navigation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). HMS SPEY navigated the Taiwan Strait in June 2025, and the People's Liberation Army Navy response was assessed as safe and professional.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1478
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1478

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, If she will publish a list of all meetings between Jonathan Powell and (a) ministers and (b) officials in her Department during which China was discussed. \p Seema Malhotra: It has been the clear, consistent and longstanding policy not to provide details on any of the National Security Adviser's meetings.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1479
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1479

Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Chinese counterpart on the re-sentencing of Zhang Zhan; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure her release. \p Seema Malhotra: The Government regularly raises its concerns about media freedom with the Chinese authorities, including the case of Zhang Zhan, and the Prime Minister and Cabinet colleagues have all raised human rights with their Chinese counterparts.

British diplomats attempted to attend Zhang Zhan's trial on 19 September but were declined entry to court. On 13 October, the Media Freedom Coalition issued a joint statement expressing our strong concern about the detention of Zhang Zhan and calling for her release.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1480
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1480

Laura Kyrke-Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the 60th ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty by Morocco in September 2025. \p Seema Malhotra: The government introduced legislation on 10 September to enable the UK to proceed to ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). I presented this bill for second reading in parliament on 16 October.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1481
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1481

Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson is entitled to financial compensation following his removal as Ambassador to the US. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 14 October to Question 77564.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1482
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1482

Mr Toby Perkins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with the Sri Lankan government on groundwater contamination in Chunnakam. \p Seema Malhotra: Earlier this year, the former Minister for the Indo-Pacific launched the citizen science project for 'Improving Groundwater Management in the Jaffna Peninsula' where she met local community representatives and International Water Management Institute (IWMI) researchers to discuss efforts to improve groundwater management. This is a component of the UK's Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme which funds a groundwater monitoring project in Jaffna, delivered by the IWMI.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1483
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1483

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the political situation in Japan. \p Seema Malhotra: The UK Government does not comment on the internal affairs of foreign governments.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1484
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1484

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson will receive severance pay following his withdrawal as Ambassador to the United States of America. \p Seema Malhotra: Lord Mandelson's withdrawal is undergoing normal HR processes.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1485
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1485

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much her Department has spent on market systems strengthening by country in the most recent period for which data is available. \p Seema Malhotra: Market system strengthening has been a core part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) approach to development for over two decades. Roughly 50 different country programmes, and at least 15 centrally managed, multi-country programmes have been identified that broadly deliver impact through this approach, and many more contain elements of the approach. The following table shows spend estimates for the top ten countries, for calendar year 2024, through projects which are primarily Market System Strengthening. A comprehensive estimate is not possible due to definitional issues, and there may be additional programmes containing elements of the approach.

Estimated market system strengthening spend by country in 2024 (£millions)

Country

2024 FCDO ODA spend

Zambia

26.7

Kenya

12.4

Uganda

9.2

Nigeria

8.0

Sierra Leone

6.1

Pakistan

5.7

Ethiopia

5.4

Ghana

4.1

Bangladesh

3.8

Zimbabwe

2.4

Additional non-country specific programming

Country

2024 FCDO ODA spend

Africa Regional

31.9

Middle East regional

8.6

Other Multi country programming [Note 1]

77.4

Source: Statistics on International Development: Final UK ODA Spend 2024.

Note 1. Programmes that benefit several developing countries, across regions, cannot be tagged to a specific country or region and are tagged as benefitting "Developing countries, unspecified".
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1486
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1486

Chris Coghlan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when his Department plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Dorking and Horley on the case of the late Police Constable Hannah Byrne. \p Stephen Doughty: A response to the hon. Member for Dorking and Horley's correspondence, ref CC08164, was sent on 16 October.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1487
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1487

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department stipulated the release of James Scott Rhys Anderson as one of its demands of President Putin ahead of the summit between President Trump and President Putin on 15 August 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon. Member to the answers I gave on 12 September to Question 75426 and on 3 September to Question 69511. We continue to regularly raise Mr Anderson's case with our Ukrainian partners.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1488
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1488

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has held with the Governor of St Helena on his signification of the Saint Helena Civil Litigation (Costs) Ordinance 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: This legislation is currently subject to an ongoing judicial review. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. The role of the Governor of St Helena in relation to legislation is set out in the St Helena Constitution.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1489
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1489

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a ban on importing Russian-derived oil products processed in third countries. \p Stephen Doughty: To further restrict the flow of funds to the Kremlin on 15 October the UK announced that it will ban imports of oil products refined in third countries from Russian-origin crude oil. We note the EU's announcement of a ban on the import of refined oil products containing oil of Russian origin. We will continue to work closely with partners to explore options to bear down on Russia's energy revenues.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1490
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1490

David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to raise any concerns about the text of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons with the Treaty secretariat. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 December 2024 to Question 18645.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1491
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1491

Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with (a) European and (b) international counterparts to encourage the Serbian Government to (i) investigate ongoing political violence and (ii) take concrete steps to protect human rights. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Secretary and I met Foreign Minister Djuric at the Berlin Process meeting of Western Balkans Foreign Ministers on 9 October, and I met Serbian MPs at the parliamentary meetings of the Berlin Process on 16 October where we discussed a range of issues.

We have repeatedly emphasised to the Serbian leadership that all action to manage protests should be proportionate, legal, and respect fundamental rights to peaceful freedom of expression and assembly. Noting with concern recent violent clashes, including with the police, we have continued to be clear - including in our contact through our Embassy in Belgrade - that incidents should be fully investigated and perpetrators of crimes held to account.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1492
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1492

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the cost to the public purse was of President Trump’s State visit in September 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: Costs related to the State Visit will be published on GOV.UK in the usual way. President Trump's State Visit heralded a new era of the special relationship - securing a record £150 billion of inward investment from US companies and saw the signature of the first ever UK-US tech agreement.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1493
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1493

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to appoint a new Ambassador to the United States. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 22 September to Question 76609.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1494
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1494

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps her Department has taken to support UN investigations into reports of (a) forced re-education, (b) ideological indoctrination and (c) other violations of children’s rights in territories of Ukraine under Russian occupation. \p Stephen Doughty: We consistently raise awareness of child deportations in our communications and across multilateral fora and have raised this issue at the UN Security Council, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the UN Human Rights Council. Most recently, we raised the issue at the UN General Assembly, as well as in UN Security Council meetings on missing persons in armed conflict on 15 May, and on the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine on 8 April, and we also raised it at the annual open debate on children and armed conflict on 26 June 2024. In April, the UK supported the renewal of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine at the Human Rights Council.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1495
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1495

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of UN mechanisms for monitoring humanitarian needs in Ukraine; and what steps her Department is taking to help improve those mechanisms. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK has committed up to £5.3 billion in non-military support to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, including over £477 million in humanitarian assistance to date. The UK's humanitarian strategy for Ukraine aims to protect vulnerable groups, prioritise those most in need, and mitigate the worst impacts of the conflict on people. On 12 September 2025, during her first visit to Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary announced a £100 million humanitarian support package for the 2025/26 financial year. This funding will help civilians in frontline communities, protect the most vulnerable, and provide emergency assistance to those impacted by Russia's continued attacks.

We are delivering our humanitarian aid through all parts of the international humanitarian system, including the UN, Red Cross, and NGOs. We work closely with these partners to ensure that humanitarian needs are accurately assessed and that aid reaches the most vulnerable.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1496
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1496

Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support the full implementation of the British Indian Ocean Territory Partnership Agreement, signed in October 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: Further to the October 2024 Political Agreement, the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia was signed on 22 May. The UK is working closely with the US and Mauritius on the arrangements to implement this treaty.

An implementation Bill - 'The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill', has been introduced and is progressing through Parliament in the usual way.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1497
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1497

Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the Chief Minister of Saint Helena on the unfreezing of pension benefits for entitled residents. \p Stephen Doughty: Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office officials are engaging closely with the new Government of St Helena on the issue of pensions, alongside other issues. I look forward to welcoming the new Chief Minister to the UK-Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council in London in November 2025, and discussing our priorities for the partnership between the United Kingdom and St Helena.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1498
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_1498

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking through the UN to respond to reports of Russian airspace violations over NATO member states. \p Stephen Doughty: Recent incursions into Poland, Romania and Estonia were reckless violations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) airspace. NATO responded to the incidents immediately and decisively, shooting down drones over its airspace for the first time. This was combined with a strong political response at NATO - with two Article 4 discussions - as well as at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and UN. On 12 September, the UK condemned Russia's violations of NATO airspace at a UN Security Council session following the Poland incursions, noting that its actions violated the most basic principles of the UN Charter. Then on 22 September, following the air incursions into Estonia, the Foreign Secretary again underlined to the UN Security Council that Russia's actions are a threat to the values and principles that underpin the UN. We will continue working with our Allies at NATO, as well as through the OSCE and UN, to stress in the clearest terms that Russian recklessness is completely unacceptable, and that NATO is ready and able to defend its territory.