theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_126
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_126

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much funding his Department has allocated to (a) climate adaptation and (b) food resilience programmes in Afghanistan in 2024–25. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: In financial year 2024-25, we allocated £171 million to provide vital support for vulnerable people in Afghanistan, including £65 million to the World Food Programme to help more than one million people with emergency food, resilience and nutrition assistance. In line with our international obligations the details of our annual International Climate Finance (ICF) spend are published through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, including by recipient country or region. As I set out in my written statement of 17 June, we are launching new programming supporting Afghans to grow their own food, strengthen their resilience to climate shocks and water stress, improve their livelihoods, and reduce dependence on emergency aid.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_127
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_127

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to monitor the potential impact of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan on women and girls. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Women and girls continue to bear the brunt of this humanitarian crisis due to systematic Taliban oppression. As I set out in my statement of 17 June, our independent monitoring shows that our assistance continues to reach vulnerable people, including women and girls. The UK government remains committed that at least 50% of people reached by UK aid are women and girls. We have repeatedly condemned the Taliban's abhorrent policies towards women and girls and remain united with the international community in our firm opposition to continued restrictions. Upholding human rights and gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also essential for building a stable, inclusive, and prosperous country for all Afghans.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_128
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_128

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, If he has held discussions with his Mauritian counterpart on the applicability of the Pelindaba Treaty obligations on (a) the Chagos Archipelago;and (b) Diego Garcia as a consequence of the UK-Mauritius Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Rt Hon member to the reply to her question 57628.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_129
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_129

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has for allowing parliamentary time for (a) scrutiny and (b) ratification of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia. \p Stephen Doughty: We have consistently said that, once a deal was signed, we would lay it before the House for scrutiny in the usual way. That is exactly what we have done. Parliamentary business will be arranged in the usual way.

I have appeared before the IRDC/IAC on 17 June and the FAC on 23 June to discuss the agreement, I have also answered over a hundred written parliamentary questions on the Chagos Archipelago since 22 May.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_130
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_130

Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Israel, (b) Iran and (c) the USA concerning the recent military actions in the Israel-Iran conflict. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK did not participate in recent US or Israeli military strikes. This week alone, the Foreign Secretary has spoken with, amongst others, Secretary of State Rubio, Foreign Minister Sa'ar and Foreign Minister Araghchi. I also met the Iranian Ambassador to the UK on 23 June. In our engagement with these and other nations, the Foreign Secretary and I have stressed that stability, de-escalation and restraint are key, and urged all parties to seize the opportunity for a diplomatic solution.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_131
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_131

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his letter to the Foreign Affairs Committee, dated 16 June 2025, how much of the £200 million uplift will be used to make payments to Mauritius under the requirements of the UK-Mauritius Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: The payments to Mauritius will be split between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Ministry of Defence (MoD). They will be published in the normal manner alongside other departmental spend in the annual accounts.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_132
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_132

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an estimate of cash payments to be made to Mauritius in each of the next 99 years under the provisions of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia; and what estimate he has made of levels of annual inflationary uplifts. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Rt Hon Member to the reply to her question 57197.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_133
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_133

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support people stranded in Tel Aviv. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. Since the beginning of this crisis, when Israeli airspace closed, we deployed specialist teams to the Egyptian and Jordanian borders to support British nationals wishing to leave Israel by land and facilitate their onward travel. When Israeli airspace opened on 24 June we worked at pace to ensure those who wanted to leave Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could do so, with six evacuation flights leaving Israel.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_134
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_134

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 June 2025 to Question 58962 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, what the previous currency was prior to the shift to sterling values; whether the indexation measure was changed between October 2024 and the Treaty being signed on 22 May 2025; and what changes were made in relation to the provisions on protecting the base. \p Stephen Doughty: The finance package was previously denominated in US Dollars. Transferring to Sterling reduced future foreign exchange risks for the UK and had no impact on overall cost. There was no change to the indexation measure between October 2024 and May 2025. I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given to her previous question, 56761, on changes to the Treaty.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_135
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_135

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much funding his Department plans to provide to each of the Overseas Territories in each of the next five years. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recently received its Spending Review (SR) settlement from the Treasury for the three years of the SR period (FY26/27 to FY28/29). Final decisions on funding for the Overseas Territories (OTs) in each of these years is subject to the FCDO's post-SR settlement multi-year internal allocations process which is expected to conclude later this year.

In the current financial year (25/26) the FCDO is providing up to £168.37 million of programme funding to the OTs:
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_136
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_136

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the internet blackout in Gaza on (a) the delivery of humanitarian aid and (b) civilian protection. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government has not conducted or published a formal assessment of the impact of internet blackouts in Gaza. However, we are closely monitoring the situation and are aware of the significant challenges these blackouts pose, including their hindrance to aid coordination. They also limit civilians' access to emergency services and vital information, increasing their vulnerability. These impacts are considered as part of our ongoing engagement with humanitarian partners and in our broader analysis of the situation in Gaza. The UK continues to advocate for the protection of civilians and the restoration of essential services, including communications infrastructure.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_137
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_137

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of recent Israeli military operations at and near aid distribution points in Gaza on the humanitarian situation. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK assesses that recent Israeli military operations near aid distribution points in Gaza have had a devastating impact on the humanitarian situation and risk further deterioration. We are appalled by repeated reports of mass civilian casualties, including near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites. These incidents highlight the desperate need for aid and the dangers civilians face to feed their families. We have called for an immediate, independent investigation. We continue urging Israel to lift restrictions and allow trusted partners to deliver humanitarian assistance safely and at scale across Gaza.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_138
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_138

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support (a) justice for victims and (b) protection for at-risk communities in the Middle Belt. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government is committed to supporting Nigeria address security challenges, including intercommunal violence in the Middle Belt, through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP). The UK-Nigeria SDP works with Nigeria's security forces to tackle violence against civilian communities. As part of this dialogue, we previously welcomed a commitment from Nigeria on timely, effective and human rights compliant investigations of, and prosecutions for, terrorism. Additionally, through our Strengthening Peace and Resilience programme (SPRiNG) the UK is providing up to £38 million over five years from 2024 to 2028 to help tackle the root causes of intercommunal conflict, including security, justice, and natural resource management challenges.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_139
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_139

Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to evacuate British (a) diplomatic and (b) consular staff from Iran. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The safety of our staff remains a top priority. That is why we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw our UK staff from Iran. The travel advice remains that British nationals should not travel to Iran. The UK Government will not be able to evacuate or provide face-to-face assistance to British Nationals in Iran. Our Embassy continues to operate remotely, and we maintain the ability to message the Iranian system directly and will continue to do so.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_140
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_140

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of recent attacks on churches in El Fasher, North Darfur; and what steps his Department is taking to (a) protect religious minorities and (b) promote human rights and humanitarian access amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK condemns the reported bombing of churches in El Fasher, North Darfur, which killed and injured multiple people. We will continue to recognise the issue of Christian persecution globally, alongside the persecution of other individuals on the basis of their religion or belief. Our Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief, David Smith, made a statement at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 4 March, highlighting our concerns regarding the coercion of non-Muslims in Sudan to change their beliefs through denial of work, food aid, and education. We are also providing support to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to enable their human rights monitoring and reporting, and in October 2024, led the renewal of the UN Fact Finding Mission for Sudan's mandate as part of the Sudan 'Core Group' in the UNHRC. On 15 April, following the Sudan London Conference, the co-chairs' statement called on relevant parties to allow and facilitate rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas of need through all necessary routes in adherence with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_141

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterparts on reports of Israeli soldiers opening fire on civilians accessing aid distribution centres in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are appalled by repeated reports of civilians being killed or injured while seeking humanitarian aid near distribution points in Gaza. Lives can be saved if Israel lets aid into Gaza immediately, at scale by the UN and non-governmental organisations. Israel must fulfil its obligations under international law to ensure unhindered humanitarian assistance. While we do not comment on the detail of diplomatic discussions, we remain in regular contact with the Government of Israel to urge the protection of civilians and the urgent improvement of humanitarian access. The UK continues to press for accountability under international law and for sustained, unimpeded flow of aid to Gaza, delivered at scale by the UN and humanitarian partners.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_142

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether it remains his policy to help ensure that at least 50% of recipients of UK aid in Afghanistan are women and girls. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK remains committed that at least 50 per cent of people reached by UK aid are women and girls - a commitment we have met every year since the Taliban takeover in 2021. We ensure UK aid reaches women and meets their needs. Over 750,000 women received emergency food assistance and over 1 million received health support through UK funding in 2023 to 2024. We look forward to publishing the results of our aid delivered in 2024/25 later this year, including to women and girls.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_143

Mary Glindon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his oral contribution in response to the question from the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend of 14 January 2025, Official Report, column 159, what recent assessment he has made of Israel's presence in the Golan Heights buffer zone. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We continue to call on all parties to preserve Syria's territorial integrity and national unity. Continued Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) activity in the buffer zone is in violation of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces agreement and we have called on Israel to lay out timelines for their withdrawal. We expect Israel to adhere to their commitment that their presence in the buffer zone is both limited and temporary. We continue to support the work of United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) who remain vital for stability for Syria and the wider region, participating regularly in UN Security Council Meetings on UNDOF, most recently in consultations on 12 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_144
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_144

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with pursuant to the Answer of 19 June 2025 to Question 58444 on Israel: F-35 Aircraft, whether international allies who are not F-35 Partners have raised concerns with him on the use of UK-made F-35 parts in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Our conversations with international allies on Gaza have focused on the need for an immediate ceasefire, including release of hostages, a surge of aid into Gaza and a path towards permanent peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians based on a two-state solution. We take our export licensing responsibilities seriously and regularly discuss them with allies.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_145
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_145

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral evidence given by the Minister for the Overseas Territories to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 23 June 2025, if he will provide written responses to (a) Q64, (b) Q76, (c) Q77, (d) Q78, and (e) Q79 before the end of the 21-day CRAG process. \p Stephen Doughty: Follow up will be provided by means of a letter to the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_146

Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made a recent assessment of access to adequate burial rights for members of the Bahá'í community in Egypt; and whether he has raised this issue with his Egyptian counterpart. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), for all. The Egyptian Government has stated its commitment to protecting the rights and freedom of worship as well as the protections enshrined in the Egyptian constitution. We continue to regularly raise rights concerns with the Egyptian authorities.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_147
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_147

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support British citizens in Iran. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Our Embassy in Tehran which continues to operate remotely, is closely monitoring the situation in Iran. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our nationals, including those detained.

However we have long advised against all travel to Iran and warned British Nationals that in an emergency the UK government will not be able to evacuate or provide face-to-face assistance.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_148
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_148

Harpreet Uppal:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage other donors to provide aid to Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is doing all it can to raise the profile of the crisis in Sudan and to encourage other donors to commit funding. In April, at the Sudan London Conference, the Foreign Secretary announced £120 million of new life-saving aid which we anticipate will reach over 650,000 people. Whilst the Conference was not a pledging event we were nonetheless encouraged that other states followed suit with the more than £800 million pledged towards lifesaving operations. Further, we are also working on possible joint funding initiatives with other donors. Whilst funding is important, without a fundamental improvement in access for humanitarian agencies, the required levels of aid cannot be delivered and civilians will continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_149

Sir Desmond Swayne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take diplomatic steps to support Christians in northern Cameroon who are facing (a) violence from and (b) displacement following Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks; and what diplomatic steps he is taking to help tackle religious persecution in that region. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is supporting the Cameroonian authorities in the fight against terrorism in the Far North region of Cameroon, and assisting communities affected by violence and displacement. This includes via regular diplomatic engagement, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, and through frequent visits to the region to engage with communities and authorities. Over the past five years, the UK has provided £20 million in humanitarian and development assistance to Cameroon, much of it focused on the Far North, and continues to back stabilisation efforts in the Lake Chad region. More broadly, the UK Government continues to monitor civil and political rights in Cameroon and is committed to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). This includes advocating for the protections of all vulnerable communities through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora as well as bilaterally with the Government of Cameroon and other influential parties.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_150
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_150

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support his Department is providing to residents of Fylde constituency who are attempting to evacuate from Israel. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As the Foreign Secretary announced in the House of Commons our first flight departed Tel Aviv on 23 June. Further flights departed on 24 June, 25 June, 26 June, and 29 June.

The situation in the Middle East remains very grave and volatile. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) teams are working around the clock to support British nationals. Our staff have also reinforced this capacity by rapidly deploying specialist staff from London. Across the region FCDO embassy staff are focused on this crisis.

We have updated our travel advice to advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), and Royal Air Force flights are departing from Israel to transport vulnerable British nationals and their dependents safely back to the UK. We are working around the clock to secure more flights and bring more people home based upon demand and the prevailing security situation. British nationals should continue to register their presence in Israel and the OPTs to be contacted with further guidance on these flights.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_151
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_151

Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish the eligibility criteria for repatriation flights from Israel. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The eligibility criteria for repatriation flights from Israel is published on the UK Government Travel Advice page for Israel (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel).
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_152
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_152

Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the (a) potential implications for his policies of trends in the number of cases of cholera in (i) Khartoum and (ii) other parts of Sudan and (b) effectiveness of aid provided by (A) the UK and (B) other countries in tackling cholera. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Cases of Cholera in Sudan are increasing due to the collapse of health systems and water supply and treatment infrastructure exacerbated by the limited reach of humanitarian agencies and the onset of the rainy season. The outbreak in Khartoum is particularly alarming, with 13,000 recorded cases, with a significant spike since late May. UK support to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund is helping to deliver lifesaving emergency health interventions including cholera vaccines and treatment and prevention activities. We are also advocating for the UN's Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF), which receives UK support, to step-up its Cholera related work. Key to an effective Cholera response is for the warring parties to urgently facilitate the unhindered delivery of aid and to commit to protecting critical infrastructure.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_153
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_153

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether any UK passport holders have been accused of breaching international law in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not comment on individual cases or provide information relating to specific UK nationals, in line with long-standing policy to protect personal data and in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation.

The FCDO currently advises against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This guidance is based on the current security situation and is regularly reviewed. We urge all British nationals to consult the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to the region and to follow local authority guidance at all times.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_154
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_154

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 51155 on MI6: Stonewall, if he will make it his policy to request MI6 cancel their Stonewall contract. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon Member to the answer to question 51155.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_155
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_155

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of levels of support that (a) Russia and (b) China provide to Iran's (i) nuclear programme and (ii) military (A) in last year, (B) since 13 June 2025 and (C) over the next 12 months. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We have long been concerned about the deepening relationship between Iran and Russia. Last year, Iran's supply of ballistic missiles to Russia was a significant escalation of Iran's support for Russia's illegal war in Ukraine. Alongside partners, we responded with significant measures including sanctioning Iran Air. We are deeply concerned about Iran's nuclear escalation. We call on all parties to deescalate and pursue a diplomatic solution. We will continue to assess Russia's relationship with Iran over the next 12 months. As a signatory to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and P5 member of the United Nations Security Council, we will continue to coordinate with China and all other stakeholders as we try to find a diplomatic path to resolve the Iran nuclear issue.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_156
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_156

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 53875 on Sudan: Food Aid, how much funding will be allocated to Sudan in the 2025-26 financial year, in the context of the Spending Review 2025, published 11 June 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Spending Review allocations will be published in July 2025. We will then have a clear indication of how much funding will be allocated to Sudan for the 2025/2026 Financial Year (FY). The Foreign Secretary announced £120 million for this FY 2025/26 at the London Sudan Conference in April, which will provide assistance to 650,000 people in Sudan and across the region.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_157
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_157

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how overseas aid intended to alleviate climate change in Malawi is spent. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: UK bilateral aid to Malawi in Financial Year 2024/25 was £49 million, of which £11.6 million was invested in alleviating climate change, including through responding to humanitarian disasters, funding policy research and contributing to seasonal humanitarian appeals. The UK's flagship Building Resilience and Adapting to Climate Change (BRACC) programme supported UN agencies to build the resilience to climate shocks of poor households through improving agricultural productivity. Since the programme began in 2018, over 1.75 million people have been supported to cope with the effects of climate change, particularly droughts and floods, and a further 1.46 million people were assisted during humanitarian crises by cash transfers.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_158
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_158

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer to 46739 of 6 May 2025 on Sudan: Armed Conflict, when he plans to write to the hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills about the cost of the London Sudan conference 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We have written to the hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills with details of the cost figures for the London Sudan Conference 2025.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_159
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_159

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to articles 6 and 11 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether he has made an agreement with Mauritius for British Chagossians to access (a) the Trust Fund, (b) resettlement and (c) dual nationality. \p Stephen Doughty: Ahead of ratification, the Government will make a ministerial Statement in both Houses providing a factual update on eligibility for resettlement and the modalities of the trust fund.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_160
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_160

Dr Beccy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that global development and health partnerships remain central to foreign policy objectives. \p Stephen Doughty: Work on international development, including global health, remains a priority for this Department. The Minister of State for International Development made this clear at the International Development Committee hearing on 12 May 2025, we will sharpen our focus on humanitarian, health and climate and nature. Making progress on our health and development agenda not only supports our broader foreign policy objectives but also contributes to the Government's health and economic growth missions.

At the UK-EU summit on 19 May, we affirmed our shared commitment to increasing our cooperation on health security, including to prevent and better mitigate against future pandemics and health crises. Later this year, the UK will co-host the replenishment of the Global Fund with South Africa.

At the Gavi Global Summit in Brussels on 25 June 2025 the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will invest an additional £1.25 billion in support of Gavi's 2026 - 2030 programme. This commitment, alongside contributions from international partners, will help deliver Gavi to partner with countries such as yours to immunise up to 500 million more children, save up to 9 million more lives, and generate over $100 billion in economic benefits. The Minister of State for International Development also announced the UK will be investing a further £25 million in Gavi's Matching Fund to grow their work. Meeting investments from the private sector.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_161
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_161

Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of reductions in Official Development Assistance on lives (a) saved and (b) at risk in (i) low- and (ii) middle-income countries due to (A) malaria and (B) other global health diseases. \p Stephen Doughty: Following the recent Spending Review, decisions on the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget are being finalised through consultation and impact assessments. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is committed to ensuring every pound delivers maximum impact. Global Health is a top priority reflecting the UK's commitment to strengthening health systems, tackling global health threats, and promoting equitable access to vaccines and treatments. As part of this, the UK's new £1.25 billion investment in Gavi from 2026 to 2030 will support Gavi's goal to immunise up to 500 million children, save 8 to 9 million lives, and generate over $100 billion in economic benefits.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_162
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_162

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, wth reference to the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether Mauritius can permit (a) vessels, (b) submarines and (c) facilities provided by other countries to be (i) established and (ii) based in the Chagos Archipelago. \p Stephen Doughty: The Treaty explicitly grants all rights and authorities that the United Kingdom requires for the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base. We will retain full control over Diego Garcia with robust provisions to keep adversaries out. These include unrestricted access to and use of the base for the UK and US; a buffer zone around Diego Garcia; a comprehensive mechanism to ensure no activity in the other islands threatens base operations; and a ban on the presence of any foreign security forces.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_163
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_163

Monica Harding:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking through the UN to advance the Children and Armed Conflict agenda. \p Stephen Doughty: The UN Secretary General's 2025 report on Children and Armed Conflict is shocking; it shows that children are being harmed and denied lifesaving aid on an unprecedented scale.

As we made clear in our statement at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict on 25 June, the UK is deeply concerned at the worsening situation for children in conflict, and remains committed to both preventing and ending grave violations against children in conflict, and to supporting, promoting and defending the UN Children and Armed Conflict mandate.

The UK is an active member of the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and plays a key role in ensuring effective scrutiny by the UN Security Council of conflicts where children are harmed.

In 2024-25, the UK funded UNICEF's Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism, which is a vital tool in ensuring that perpetrators are held to account.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_164
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_164

Aphra Brandreth:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assistance the UK will provide as part of the separate agreement to be made with Mauritius on the new marine protected area, under Article 5 of the UK-Mauritius agreement on the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. \p Stephen Doughty: As the Treaty states, the support that the UK will provide Mauritius in establishing and managing the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area will be agreed between the Parties by a separate written instrument, as part of implementation of the Agreement.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_165
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_165

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will list the (a) topic and (b) title of each item of external research commissioned by HMRC since 4 July 2024. \p James Murray: Details of projects in the HMRC Research Programme are available at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/about/research#research-activities-funded-by-hmrc

The content of this webpage will be updated to include projects commissioned since 4 July 2024 as soon as possible.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_166
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_166

Mike Martin:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the total value of imports from Israel that were deemed ineligible for preferential tariff treatment under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement in 2024. \p James Murray: The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Government of Israel

Where there are doubts about the origin of goods that have been declared as being of Israeli origin, HMRC will undertake checks to verify the origin of those goods to ensure fiscal compliance. HMRC does not however provide specific details regarding checks as it may serve to undermine compliance activity

HMRC encourages members of the public to report cases of potentially fraudulent activity either via the ‘report fraud to HMRC’ function on GOV.UK or the HMRC fraud hotline on xx-xxxx-xxxx available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. HMRC takes such matters seriously and investigates them in detail

The overseas business risk guidance, available on GOV.UK, provides information for UK operators on how goods from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories should be labelled.

Data on imports from Israel are available from UK Trade Info: uktradeinfo.com/trade-data/.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_167
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_167

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when her Department plans to publish the income generated from applying VAT to school fees in 2024-25. \p James Murray: The Annex to the Government Response to the Technical Note, Government_Response_to_the_Technical_Note_on_Applying_VAT_to_Private_School_Fees_and_Removing_the_Business_Rates_Charitable_Rate_Relief.pdf, sets out the expected VAT revenue resulting from this measure and the costing methodology. The Government’s estimate of the revenue is £460 million in 2024/25, rising to £1,725 million in 2029/30.

This costing has been certified by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

VAT revenue overall is recognised in the National Accounts on an accruals basis. As set out in the above Annex, the VAT liability in 2024/25 is time apportioned for the implementation date of 1 January 2025. The actual VAT liability reported on VAT returns for any month or quarter will depend on various factors, including the date when schools meet the requirement to register for VAT (if not already registered), and which of the staggered quarterly accounting periods apply to the business.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_168
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_168

Dave Robertson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of applying VAT to unredeemed deposits in the Deposit Return Scheme on levels of private investment into the scheme’s (a) infrastructure and (b) delivery. \p James Murray: The Government remains committed to successful implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme, which is a critical step in moving towards a circular economy that delivers sustainable growth and produces less waste, rubbish, and litter.

The Government is keen to ensure that VAT is not a barrier to effective operation of the Deposit Return Scheme. The Government is considering how best to achieve this while maintaining the integrity of the tax, and this work is being supported by engagement with industry representatives, including the British Soft Drinks Association.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_169
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_169

Calum Miller:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department plans to issue updated guidance to the Valuation Office Agency to ensure that valuation methodologies for primary care premises reflect local market conditions in regions with high property costs. \p James Murray: The Valuation Office Agency’s District Valuer Services (DVS) provide property advice to NHS bodies in England, including Current Market Rent (CMR) assessments for GP practice premises, under the NHS (General Medical Services - Premises Costs) Directions 2024.

DVS is instructed in accordance with the Directions to provide assessments of Current Market Rent. These are provided reflecting all value significant attributes of the premises including the premises location.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_170
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_170

Callum Anderson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the discussions on non-bank financial intermediation during the UK–US Financial Regulatory Working Group discussions, in June 2025, on UK financial stability planning. \p Emma Reynolds: On 3 June, HM Treasury hosted the US Treasury and regulators for the UK-US Financial Regulatory Working Group. The Joint Statement outlines the discussions, including on non-bank financial intermediation, and can be found here.

HM Treasury, the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority are working closely to monitor risks in and improve the resilience of the non-bank sector. Domestically, this work has included the Bank of England’s System Wide Exploratory Scenario which has improved our understanding of the behaviour of non-bank financial intermediaries during market stress, and the launch of the Contingent Non-Bank Repo Facility to provide liquidity to eligible non-banks in a stress. This is alongside a programme of policy work, including implementing a resolution regime for central counterparties and developing our UK money market fund reform programme.

UK authorities also take an active role on this internationally, including working with international partners at the Financial Stability Board (FSB) to assess risks and develop policy to enhance the resilience of the non-bank sector.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_171
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_171

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Spring Statement of 26 March 2025 on levels of business confidence in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire. \p Emma Reynolds: HMT monitors several business confidence and activity measures, none of which are available at the constituency level. According to the Lloyds Business Barometer, in June UK business confidence rose to its highest level since November 2015.

HMT does not produce forecasts of the UK economy. Forecasting the economy, including the impact of Government policy decisions, is the responsibility of independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The OBR does not publish estimates of the impact of policy decisions on business confidence.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_172
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_172

Mark Garnier:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, on the potential impact of changes to cash ISAs on mortgage costs. \p Emma Reynolds: HM Treasury does not prepare forecasts for the UK economy. These forecasts, including assessments of the impact of policy decisions on the macroeconomy, are the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

The OBR does not typically publish estimates of the impact of individual policies. Instead, the net effect of the government’s policy package is assessed by the OBR.

The Government is looking at options for reforms to ISAs that get the balance right between cash and equities to earn better return for savers, boost the culture of retail investment, and support the growth mission. The Government recognises that cash savings play an important role in helping households build a financial buffer for a rainy day.