theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_132
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_132

Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of items of correspondence from Parliamentarians received by (a) his Department, (b) him and (c) his Ministers in each month since August 2024 have not yet received a substantive response. \p Luke Pollard: We are committed to ensuring Government responses to correspondence are timely, accurate, and high quality.

All correspondence from Parliamentarians to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is processed centrally. Whether an individual item of correspondence was originally received by an individual Minister is not recorded.

The number of items of correspondence received each month and the number and proportion awaiting a response as at 6 February 2025 are as follows.

Date Received

Number Received

Number Awaiting Response

Proportion Awaiting Response

August 2024

204

2

1%

September 2024

229

3

1%

October 2024

311

6

2%

November 2024

300

11

4%

December 2024

258

16

6%

January 2025

301

202

67%

February 2025

29

28

97%

For the small proportion of correspondence which are late, these often pertain to complex cases, and MOD has the processes in place to ensure these will be answered as soon as possible.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_133
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_133

Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2024 to Question 17711 on Clyde Naval Base and RNAD Coulport, if he will publish the (a) name, (b) purpose, (c) expected in-service date and (d) forecast cost of planned infrastructure projects at HMNB Clyde that do not fall within the Clyde Infrastructure programme. \p Maria Eagle: There are a number of infrastructure projects at different levels of maturity that do not fall within the Clyde Infrastructure Programme at HMNB Clyde, however as they consist of nuclear and non-nuclear supporting infrastructure to support submarine operations it would not be appropriate to share further details for security reasons.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_134
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_134

Christine Jardine:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to help protect female members of the armed forces from sexual harassment. \p Al Carns: Sexual Harassment has no place in our Armed Forces.

Every individual must be treated with dignity and respect.

We have a Zero Tolerance policy in Defence – unacceptable behaviour of any kind is not tolerated people will be held accountable.

All criminal behaviour is investigated by the Service police and those found to be below the standard will be met with sanctions, including Termination of Service.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_135
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_135

Luke Myer:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support jobs in the defence sector. \p Maria Eagle: Defence is not just a cornerstone of national security but also a powerful engine for growth. Defence spending already supports 239,000 UK jobs in industry, including around 8,000 apprenticeships, building the capabilities of the future. The Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy will secure skilled, rewarding, exciting careers in Defence, that support families and communities across our nation.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_136
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_136

Kevin Bonavia:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with NATO allies on strengthening European security. \p Luke Pollard: We regularly engage with NATO and our Allies on strengthening Euro-Atlantic security. The Prime Minister met the NATO Secretary General on 3 February, underlining our unshakeable commitment to the Alliance. European Allies must take greater responsibility for our own security, spending more and producing more. That is the message the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary continue to deliver to our Allies.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_137
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_137

Laura Kyrke-Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to provide military support to Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: As we approach the third anniversary of this unprovoked attack, our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute.

This year the UK will give more military support to Ukraine than ever before, with a £4.5 billion boost. This will see the UK procure hundreds more air defence systems, drones and essential equipment support to sustain Ukrainian forces on the front line.

This week the Secretary of State will host the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels, galvanising international support to Ukraine.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_138
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_138

Jeremy Corbyn:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the presence of UK troops as part of the NATO’s Exercise Steadfast Dart 25 in Eastern Europe on the risk of escalating tensions in that region. \p Luke Pollard: In an unpredictable security environment, exacerbated by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, we must remain ready to deter all threats and to defend all Allies. Exercises like Steadfast Dart enhance our collective defence and deterrence, and are planned and publicised well in advance. NATO’s actions are defensive, transparent and proportionate. NATO and Allies fully respect our international obligations, and abide by both the letter and the spirit of the OSCE’s Vienna Document on military transparency.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_139
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_139

Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many engineers there were in post in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army and (c) RAF in each year since 2010. \p Luke Pollard: This information is being withheld as it would prejudice the capability, security and effectiveness of UK Armed Forces, and could provide tactical advantage to hostile forces.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_140
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_140

David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2025 to Question 23535 on Hawk Aircraft, what plans his Department has for the replacement of the Hawk T1 by 2030; and whether it is his policy to maintain a sovereign jet training capability in this process. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5 December 2024 for Question xx-xxxx-xxxx to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois).

Hawk Aircraft (docx, 28.6KB)
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_141

David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2025 to Question 23535 on Hawk Aircraft, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the high fatigue index in the remaining Hawk T1 fleet on the total number of available UK-based training hours for personnel. \p Maria Eagle: Hawk T1 is not employed in a flying training role. The Hawk T1 airframes are solely allocated to sustaining the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows.

As given in the answer to Question 23535, across all airframes we have retained more than sufficient overall remaining available fatigue life to ensure all Red Arrows tasking until 2030 as planned.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_142

David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual cost is to maintain the Hawk T1 fleet under the existing fleet maintenance contract. \p Maria Eagle: There are two support contracts in place to support the Hawk TMk1 to its out of service date in March 2030 and the Hawk TMk2 to 2033. Specific terms and conditions are subject to commercial confidentiality. In the financial year from 2023-24 the value for solely the TMk1 aircraft maintenance was £27.7 million.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_143

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had recent discussions with his French counterpart on the acquisition of additional Aster missiles for use by the Royal Navy. \p Maria Eagle: Whilst the Secretary of State for Defence has not met recently with the French Defence Minister, negotiations to purchase Aster 30 have concluded and a Contract placement is expected imminently.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_144
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_144

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on replenishing stocks of all types of Aster missile in use by the Royal Navy. \p Maria Eagle: Negotiations to purchase Aster 30 have concluded and a Contract placement, via the multi-national procurement agency OCCAR, is expected imminently. The shorter-range Aster 15 munition is being phased out under the replacement programme Sea Viper CAMM.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_145
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_145

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the expected Minimal Deployability Capability is for the E-7 Wedgetail. \p Maria Eagle: The Wedgetail aircraft will be able to conduct operational tasking after entering service at Initial Operating Capability.

Further details regarding the capability of Wedgetail are withheld as release would prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_146

Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had with US counterparts on the British Indian Ocean Territory since President Trump took office. \p Luke Pollard: The Secretary of State for Defence held an introductory call with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on 31 January 2025, during which they discussed a wide range of security issues. Ministers and officials will continue to hold regular meetings with their US counterparts, including on the long-term protection of the base on Diego Garcia as a shared UK and US priority.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_147
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_147

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2025 to Question 21725 on Ukraine: Humanitarian Aid, when he plans to make a decision on future funding for MOAS frontline medical evacuation services in Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: We have engaged with Defence staff in Kyiv and the Ukrainian Embassy in London and it does not appear that this is a prioritised and supported request from the Ukrainian Government. While we recognise the important work the charity undertakes in-country we are unable to meet MOAS' request.

I regret the disappointment this will cause for the charity and the staff in Ukraine and recognise the impact this will have on MOAS' ability to continue to provide this capability. However, we must be led by the needs of the Ukrainian Government and ensure that UK taxpayers' money is appropriately allocated where Ukraine deems the need is greatest.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_148
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_148

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Defence Attaché network for engaging with overseas partners. \p Luke Pollard: The effectiveness of the Defence Attaché (DA) network is subject to continuous assessment through diplomatic feedback, and operational impact reviews and the intelligence reporting received from the host nation.

The outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review have the potential to see the expansion and growth of the DA network, thereby having an intrinsic link to its level of effectiveness.

Recent assessments indicate that the DA network continues to play a critical role in strengthening strategic alliances, enhancing interoperability with key allies and partners, facilitating defence exports, and advancing bilateral agreements.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_149

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to expand the Defence Attaché network. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence remains committed to strengthening our global defence partnerships and ensuring our national security interests are well represented abroad. Whilst we carefully prioritise locations where a greater presence will have the most impact, the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and subsequent Spending Review will have a direct impact on Defence’s desire to expand the Diplomatic Network.

2024 saw the assignment of a residentially accredited Defence Attaché to a newly established Defence Section in Montevideo (Uruguay). Whilst in 2025, Defence Sections in Baku (Azerbaijan) and Yerevan (Armenia) are scheduled to open. Expansion of the Defence Attaché network aligns with our broader foreign and security objectives, ensuring we are well-positioned with allies and partners to respond to emerging threats and evolving geopolitical challenges.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_150
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_150

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Royal Navy’s land-attack missile capability. \p Luke Pollard: The Royal Navy has a potent land attack capability, equipped to strike from above, on, and beneath the water. This includes Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles launched from the Astute Class Submarines, Paveway IV precision guided bombs carried by the F-35B aircraft and the Naval Strike Missile, which is being fitted to surface ships.

The Strategic Defence Review, announced in July 2024, will comprehensively evaluate all aspects of defence, including the Royal Navy's land attack capability.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_151
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_151

David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the total cost to the public purse of training personnel on jet aircraft in (a) the UK and (b) overseas in each of the last five years; and what proportion of the total training budget each represents. \p Luke Pollard: The UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) cost for the Fast Jet training element over the last 5 years was circa £500.4 million. That includes fixed and multiple variable costs such as fuel, instructor and trainee salary, infrastructure/accommodation upkeep, aerodrome operations and runway refurbishment.

The cost detail for Fast Jet Outsourced Training over the last five years is being withheld to protect commercial confidentiality. Outsourcing services are negotiated Government to Government via Memorandums of Understanding and Technical Arrangements and therefore it is not appropriate to disclose specific cost detail.

It is not possible to state what proportion of the total training budget this represents as the information is not held in this format and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_152
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_152

David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK personnel have been trained on jet aircraft in (a) the UK and (b) overseas in each of the last five years; and in which countries overseas training has taken place. \p Luke Pollard: In the last five years there have been 82 UK personnel trained on fast jet (FJ) aircraft in the UK and 22 UK personnel trained on fast jet aircraft overseas. Overseas training has taken place in the USA and Italy.

Financial Year

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

TOTAL

FJ Pilots trained in the UK

24

28

5

7

18

82

FJ Pilots trained overseas

0

0

7

8

7

22
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_153

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to implement the International Women and Girls Strategy 2023–2030. \p Anneliese Dodds: This Government has been clear that we will work to advance gender equality and empower women and girls through our international action. The previous government launched the International Women and Girls Strategy (2023-2030) in March 2023 to guide the UK's international action. Our focus is now firmly on delivery. In November, we announced a new £27 million programme to tackle online violence against women and girls. In December, the Prime Minister announced £37 million to expand access to sexual and reproductive health and rights through supporting grassroots civil society organisations and movements.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_154
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_154

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the reported decision by the US government to pause foreign aid. \p Anneliese Dodds: This is a matter for the US. Progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals requires collective action, and the UK will continue to work with all international partners toward that vision. The UK's commitment to supporting both humanitarian aid and development across the world remains steadfast.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_155
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_155

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Locarno speech, delivered on 9 January 2025, what steps his Department is taking to strengthen defence collaboration with NATO allies. \p Stephen Doughty: The Government is committed to a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) First Defence Policy, through which we are making NATO stronger, ensuring one billion North Americans and Europeans are all safer and more prosperous. With our reset of relations, we are working with our European Allies to harden Europe's defences. European NATO Allies must continue to take greater responsibility for our own security - spending more, producing more, and delivering larger and more capable forces. With threats increasing, the UK is committed to strengthening defence collaboration with NATO Allies even further with a cast iron commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP. That is the message the Foreign Secretary and I took to the December 2024 Foreign Ministers meeting.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_156
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_156

David Mundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure the continuity of treatment and prevention services for global HIV/AIDS programs, in the context of the recent US State Department decision to halt nearly all existing foreign assistance funding. \p Anneliese Dodds: The UK notes the US decision to pause foreign aid funding for 3 months, pending a review. This is a matter for the US. Progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals requires collective action, and the UK will continue to work with all international partnerships toward that vision. The UK's commitment to supporting both humanitarian aid and development across the world and promoting universal comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) remains steadfast.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_157
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_157

Uma Kumaran:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on alleged reports of (a) gender-based and (b) conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan. \p Anneliese Dodds: The UK remains committed to tackling gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Sudan. From 23-25 January, the Foreign Secretary visited Chad and travelled to the Sudan-Chad border. He spoke directly to Sudanese refugees, including survivors, who shared harrowing stories of sexual violence and torture. The UK has galvanised international efforts on this issue, including through the UN Human Rights Council, Security Council and International Alliance on PSVI. In September, the UK convened an event at the UN General Assembly with Dutch and Swiss partners to draw attention to the situation, spotlight the plight of women and girls and stress the importance of survivor-centred, local and women-led responses. The UK co-led a Resolution at the UNSC with Sierra Leone on the protection of civilians which called on parties to take urgent steps to prevent CRSV and to improve protection and access to services. Despite unanimous support from the Council, the Resolution failed to pass due to a Russian veto. I visited South Sudan from 19-21 August 2024, where I heard first-hand the horrifying experiences of women who fled the war in Sudan.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_158
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_158

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 January 2025 to Question 22629 on Development Aid: Asylum Hotels, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department to agree a timeline for the (a) reduction and (b) cessation of the use of asylum hotels. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Government is committed to ensuring asylum costs fall. This includes taking measures to reduce the asylum backlog and end the use of expensive hotels over time, as part of a reduction in overall asylum accommodation costs. We expect these plans to create more space in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget to spend on our international development priorities overseas. The Home Office will be represented at the first meeting of the re-established Ministerial ODA Board which will discuss in-donor refugee costs.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_159
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_159

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of his policies on climate change on the International Women and Girls Strategy 2023 to 2030. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is committed to ensuring gender equality is a key part of our programming on climate and addressing gendered inequalities as part of our fight against climate change. We are committed to increasing the proportion of our international climate finance that will have gender equality objectives. At COP29, I launched a groundbreaking new report concerning climate change and gender-based violence and announced up to £5.5 million to support grassroots organisations and to increase women's voices and active participation in the design of water and nature-based solutions across the Middle East and North Africa.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_160
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_160

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to tackle gender-based violence through the International Women and Girls Strategy 2023 to 2030. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is committed to putting women and girls at the heart of everything we do. We are scaling up evidence-based approaches to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) through homes, schools and workplaces through the What Works to Prevent Violence programme, investing £67.5 million.

In November, we announced £27 million to tackle technology-facilitated GBV, and £5 million additional funding to help grassroots organisations to tackle child marriage. We are continuing to mobilise action on GBV at national and international levels. For example, at COP29, we launched a report on GBV and climate, co-produced by the UK and Australia, and learnt from women on the front line of the climate crisis.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_161
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_161

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that women's (a) economic participation and (b) access to education are effectively integrated in the International Women and Girls Strategy 2023–2030. \p Anneliese Dodds: Ensuring all girls have access to quality education is a core part of the UK's work on gender equality. We deliver bilateral education programmes in 18 countries and are the top bilateral donor to the Global Partnership for Education, which provides grant funding to 74 lower income countries. The UK is committed to women's economic empowerment, including through our flagship Work and Opportunities for Women programme, which aims to improve economic opportunities for women working in global value chains. In October 2024, we announced £7.5 million to the World Bank to support high quality evidence on women's economic empowerment.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_162
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_162

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will provide an official readout of the recent meeting of the UK Soft Power Council. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: A summary of each meeting will be published on gov.uk. Officials and ministers from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Culture Media and Sport have in addition provided proactive briefings to parliamentarians and will consider further such briefings if there is sufficient demand.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_163
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_163

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of travel arrangements between British Overseas Territories and the Caribbean constituent countries of the Netherlands. \p Stephen Doughty: There are a number of direct and indirect connections between the British Overseas Territories and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Both Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands have direct flights to Sint Maarten. Anguilla and Sint Maarten are also connected via ferry. Regular flight connections between Montserrat and Sint Maarten will operate in February and March this year.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_164
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_164

Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the legal case in Argentina implicating former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Vélez for human rights violations; and whether he plans to make representations to his Argentinian counterpart on the (a) protection of (i) lawyers and (ii) victims involved in and (b) eventual outcome of the case. \p Catherine West: It is not appropriate to comment on an ongoing legal case. The UK remains committed to upholding human rights and international law, including through its international engagement.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_165
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_165

Luke Akehurst: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 the nuclear weapon capabilities of the People’s Republic of China in (a) 2015 and (b) 2025. \p Catherine West: This Government takes a consistent, long-term, and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. Upholding national security and keeping the public safe is the first duty of this government. This underpins not just our relationship with China, but all our international relationships. In recent years we have seen China rapidly expand and diversify its nuclear arsenal with more warheads and a larger number of sophisticated delivery systems. We regularly engage China on these issues, including as part of discussions among recognised Nuclear Weapons States (the 'P5 'process'), and continue to urge China to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and promote stability through transparency.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_166
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_166

Sir Julian Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on how much and what proportion of the annual budgets of the BBC (a) World Service and (b) Monitoring Service are funded by FCDO; and what discussions he has had with the BBC on preventing cuts in those services. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government provides approximately one-third of the funding for the BBC World Service, with the remainder funded from the BBC Licence Fee. The BBC are operationally and editorially independent and set the budget for the World Service. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provided £104.4 million of grant funding to the World Service in 2023/24, the most recent year for which there are published audited accounts.

FCDO Ministers engage routinely with the BBC on the World Service. The BBC discussed their plans for the World Service in 2025/26 with the FCDO, as part of the Spending Review process.

HMG does not provide any funding for BBC Monitoring.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_167
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_167

Abtisam Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will condemn President Trump’s statement on moving Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As the Foreign Secretary has said, for the people of Gaza, so many of whom have lost lives, homes or loved ones, the last 14 months of conflict have been a living nightmare. The UK is clear that Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities and rebuild. There must be no forcible transfer of Gazans from or within Gaza, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. We would oppose any effort to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will.

We have always been clear that an immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. The US played an integral role in negotiating the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, alongside Qatar and Egypt, and the Prime Minister reiterated this in his call with President Trump on 26 January. The UK has begun convening partners, and is prepared to help lead efforts, to ensure coordinated international support for Palestinian-led security, governance, recovery, and reconstruction in Gaza.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_168
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_168

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 January 2025 to Question 22010 on Sudan: Humanitarian Aid, what estimate he has made of the amount of humanitarian aid being provided by international partners to help those who fled Sudan and are being assisted in the wider region. \p Anneliese Dodds: The 2024 Sudan Regional Response Plan (RRP), which outlined the financial requirements to provide life-saving aid to refugees and host communities in Sudan's neighbouring countries, sought a total of $1.5 billion but was only 31% funded. The US, EU, and UAE were amongst the Government donors to the RRP in 2024. The 2025 Sudan RRP seeks $1.8 billion with the aim of supporting 5 million people. In November 2024, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office doubled UK aid to £226.5 million. This uplift is funding the UN and NGOs to provide support to over one million people affected by war in Sudan and displaced by the conflict.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_169
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_169

Preet Kaur Gill: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 the pause in USAID spending. \p Anneliese Dodds: The UK notes the US decision to pause new obligations of foreign aid funding for 3 months, pending a review and this is a matter for the US. Progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals requires collective action, and the UK will continue to work with all international partners, including the US, toward that vision. The UK's commitment to supporting both humanitarian aid and development across the world remains steadfast.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_171
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_171

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the criteria were for appointing members of the Soft Power Council; and whether those members will provide declarations of interests for publication. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Members were identified based on their expertise and real-world experience in soft power and foreign policy domains. As is standard in appointment processes, due diligence and conflicts of interest declarations checks were carried out. These will not be published.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_172
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_172

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the continued operation of the British Council in countries where other hostile state actors are present. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The British Council is operationally independent from the UK Government. Decisions relating to the size and model of its overseas network are operational matters for the British Council.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with the British Council to ensure strategic alignment between FCDO objectives and British Council activity.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_173
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_173

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant of the Answer of 20 January 2025 to Question 23271 on Faroe Islands and Greenland: Politics and Government, what the Minister of State for Europe and North America discussed with his counterparts from Greenland in those meetings. \p Stephen Doughty: I have met with Greenlandic Foreign Minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, twice since taking office. The first time, at the Arctic Circle Assembly in October 2024, we discussed the UK's Arctic policy, security, trade and bilateral relations. The second time in London, in January 2025, we discussed the Kingdom of Denmark's chairship of the Arctic Council in 2025, Arctic policy, security, trade as well as bilateral relations.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_174
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_174

Sir Gavin Williamson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the UN Secretary General on the UN's use of Rwandan troops as peacekeepers. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Foreign Secretary spoke with the UN Secretary General on 30 January to express his sympathies for the six United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) peacekeepers killed in Goma and discuss the deteriorating situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They agreed to work together on de-escalating this conflict and urging Rwanda and the DRC to return to the negotiating table. The UK condemns M23 and the Rwandan Defence Force's occupation of Goma and other territories in eastern DRC as an unacceptable breach of DRC's sovereignty. We have been clear with Rwanda that this would provoke a strong response from the international community. We are considering all options with partners.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_175
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_175

Preet Kaur Gill:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the pause in spending on (a) overseas development assistance and (b) humanitarian aid. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Foreign Secretary had a call with his recently appointed US counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on 27 January. The readout is available here: [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/readout-foreign-secretary-meeting-with-us-secretary-of-state].
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_176
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_176

Preet Kaur Gill:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) countries and (b) regions he is prioritising for the allocation of official development assistance. \p Anneliese Dodds: Our mission is to build partnerships to help create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet. The FCDO's development spending will be used to achieve better development outcomes as part of a coherent international approach, with a strong focus on poverty reduction and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

The FCDO's Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations for 2024/25 were published on 6 February. We are prioritising predictability and stability after years of turbulence. Ministers will consider ODA allocations for 2025/26 over the coming months and we will publish them in the Annual Report & Accounts in summer 2025. The second phase of the Spending Review, concluding in late spring 2025, will set departmental ODA budgets for future years.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_177
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_177

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the (a) cost to the public purse and (b) nationality of each recipient of a Commonwealth Scholarship was in the last five years. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), provides post-graduate awards (Fellowships, Masters and PhDs) at UK universities to students from approximately 64 eligible Commonwealth countries and British Overseas Territories.

Commonwealth Programme Expenditure:

Financial year

CSC Grant-in-Aid (from HMG, including DfE)

(£m)

2020-21

25.313

2021-22

28.224

2022-23

28.224

2023-24

28.224

2024-25

28.224

Breakdown of recipients by nationality of the Commonwealth Scholarship for the last 5 years:

Country/Territory

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Antigua and Barbuda

2

1

Australia

2

1

Bangladesh

44

40

47

29

27

Belize

1

1

2

2

Botswana

1

2

1

Cameroon

17

18

22

17

20

Canada

2

2

Dominica

1

Fiji

1

1

3

2

Ghana

56

70

50

55

54

Grenada

2

Guyana

5

3

1

India

72

91

81

76

89

Jamaica

4

2

5

4

Kenya

79

55

74

61

78

Kingdom of Eswatini

2

6

1

1

4

Kiribati

1

Lesotho

2

1

3

3

2

Malawi

17

31

20

25

31

Malaysia

2

2

2

Maldives

1

1

1

2

Mauritius

2

1

2

2

Montserrat

1

Mozambique

5

3

5

2

6

Namibia

2

8

2

2

New Zealand

1

1

Nigeria

161

174

149

126

89

Pakistan

46

54

44

61

65

Papua New Guinea

2

1

1

Rwanda

16

9

5

14

11

Saint Lucia

1

2

1

1

Saint Vincent and The Grenadines

1

2

1

Samoa

1

Sierra Leone

14

6

13

13

15

Singapore

1

Solomon Islands

3

South Africa

6

12

10

8

9

Sri Lanka

2

15

7

13

7

Tanzania

23

14

20

33

23

The Gambia

7

5

10

8

5

Togo

1

Tonga

1

Tuvalu

1

Uganda

64

53

72

63

59

Vanuatu

2

Zambia

26

27

23

22

15
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_178
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_178

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department has taken to support the electrification of the Salisbury to Exeter railway line. \p Lilian Greenwood: Future rail infrastructure investment will be considered as part of the current Spending Review, which will be concluded in June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_179
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_179

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to take steps to upgrade the Salisbury to Exeter railway line from a single track with passing points to a double-track system. \p Lilian Greenwood: Future rail infrastructure investment will be considered as part of the current Spending Review, which will be concluded in June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_180
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_180

Dr Ben Spencer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve accessibility at railway stations in Runnymede and Weybridge constituency. \p Simon Lightwood: We are carefully considering the best approach to the Access for All programme. Since April 2024, 19 stations have been completed with a further 8 due to be completed by April 2025. This will be the most stations completed in one year since the programme started in 2006. We will shortly be updating MPs and other stakeholders on our approach to Access for All. This Government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_181
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_181

Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an estimate of the proportion of journeys between Coventry and Leicester that are made by train. \p Simon Lightwood: The rail mode share between Coventry and Leicester is estimated to be approximately 3 per cent.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_182
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_182

Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of building the Midlands Rail Hub on people in (a) Leicester East constituency and (b) Leicestershire. \p Simon Lightwood: We are working with Network Rail, Midlands Connect, and West Midlands Rail Executive, to maximise the benefits of Midlands Rail Hub for people throughout the region, including in Leicester and Leicestershire. In December, the Chancellor launched the second stage of the Spending Review. This is a ‘zero-based’ review, to ensure every line of spending – including the transport infrastructure portfolio – delivers the Plan for Change and provides good value for taxpayers. Midlands Rail Hub will be assessed as part of this review alongside other planned rail infrastructure investment schemes.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_183
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_183

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on the cost of a standard-class annual rail season ticket from (a) Longbridge, (b) Northfield and (c) Kings Norton stations to Birmingham New Street in 2010. \p Simon Lightwood: In 2010, annual season tickets from both Longbridge and Northfield to Birmingham New Street cost £597.00, and from Kings Norton to Birmingham New Street cost £523.00.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_184
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_184

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 22 January 2025 to Question 24061 on Rolling Stock, if she will ensure that the Rolling Stock Strategy procures adequate capacity on the Chiltern Rail route between Haddenham and Thame Parkway. \p Simon Lightwood: I and my officials continue work with Chiltern Railways to improve passenger experience. Chiltern periodically adjust its timetable in response to passenger demand.

We are closely engaged with Chiltern’s fleet renewal programme. The option to procure additional trains to increase capacity is being investigated, while considering the value for money for taxpayers.
wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_185
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-10 conversation_185

Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of building a rail connection between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham on (a) Leicester East, (b) Leicestershire and (c) England. \p Simon Lightwood: In December, the Chancellor launched the second stage of the Spending Review. This is a zero-based Spending Review, to ensure every line of spending – including the transport infrastructure portfolio – delivers the Plan for Change and provides good value for taxpayers. We expect the Spending Review, which includes consideration of previously unfunded schemes such as Coventry-Leicester-Nottingham connectivity, to conclude by June 2025.