theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Mark Pritchard:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to support the Free Yezidi Foundation to help tackle violence against women and girls within (a) Yezidi and (b) Iraqi society. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continues to take a survivor-centred approach to support individuals who have experienced or are at risk of conflict related sexual violence, modern slavery and human trafficking.

Our development programming has bolstered the authorities' and civil society's capacity to advance transitional justice and to provide protection services.

For example, UK funding through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to the Government of Iraq's General Directorate of Survivors' Affairs (£340,000 between 2022-2025) has strengthened the Directorate's ability to implement the Yazidi Survivors' Law and has enabled a referral mechanism, alongside civil society, for survivors to access reparations as well as mental health and psycho-social support. In addition, the UK's Building Peace and Security in Iraq programme continues to facilitate the return and reintegration of internally displaced persons, including Yazidis.

Officials from our Embassy in Baghdad and our Consulate General in Erbil also regularly meet with The Free Yezidi Foundation.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure (a) the International Committee of the Red Cross and (b) other agencies can operate safely in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK reaffirms our support for the International Red Cross/Crescent Movement (ICRC) as the only humanitarian actor with the experience, capability, independence and mandate to carry out their important responsibilities in Gaza. Last year, we provided £5 million to support the International Red Cross/Crescent Movement's vital work in Gaza.

In May, in an oral intervention at the International Court of Justice the UK called Israel's block on aid "unjustifiable" and urged ICRC access to detainees. In a written submission, the UK emphasised the ICRC's "special position" to be "recognised and protected at all times".

At least 430 aid workers have been killed in Gaza. In April with France and Germany we called on Israel to protect humanitarians. We also called for full and transparent investigations into the attacks on the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and we expect those responsible to be meaningfully held accountable. On 13 May at the United Nations Security Council, the UK called a meeting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and expressed outrage at the killing of Palestinian Red Crescent workers and the strikes on a United Nations Office for Project Services compound in March. I spoke with the Israeli Ambassador on 20 May to make clear that the UK stands firmly against Israel's resumption of military action in Gaza, its wholly inadequate plan for aid delivery and to demand that a full and unhindered resumption in the flow of aid into Gaza takes place immediately.
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Emily Thornberry:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 50829 on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, whether his Department plans to introduce primary legislation to give effect to the treaty once ratified. \p Catherine West: The Government is completely committed to ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement, also known as the "High Seas Treaty" or "Global Ocean Treaty"), which is in line with our determination to reinvigorate the UK's wider international leadership on climate and nature. Legislation to implement the BBNJ Agreement will be introduced as soon as the legislative timetable allows.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 May 2025 to Question 49725 on Saint Helena: Public Finance, what initiatives other than the Tourism Development Fund his Department supports to improve financial self-sufficiency. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is providing £35.79 million in financial aid to St Helena for the 2025/26 fiscal year. The St Helena Government (SHG) allocates a portion of this funding to advance its policy objectives, including attracting investment and increasing revenue. The FCDO also funds the £30 million Economic Development and Investment Programme which supports economic development of St Helena through infrastructure development.  Prioritised jointly with St Helena Government, this will fund projects such as new port facilities in Rupert's Valley, which, when completed, will open the waterfront for new economic activities and opportunities. The funding also supports the St Helena Government's aim to increase the use of renewable energy to help underpin the island's future financial self-sustainability. Other FCDO programmes, including the Overseas Territories Fund, support a range of initiatives, including on climate, essential equipment and technical support which all contribute to St Helena's economic growth.
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Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress his Department has made on negotiations on Gibraltar-EU relations. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK Government is working with the Government of Gibraltar to conclude a UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar which protects sovereignty and UK military autonomy, and which secures Gibraltar's future prosperity. The Foreign Secretary and I are working side by side with Gibraltar's Chief Minister and are in close and regular contact with our negotiating counterparts. The Foreign Secretary met EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on 19 May. They reiterated their determination to agree a Treaty. The UK Government is steadfast in its support for Gibraltar and will only agree to terms with which the Government of Gibraltar is content.
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Kate Osamor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Pakistani counterpart on the human rights situation in Balochistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is deeply concerned about reports of human rights abuses and violations in Pakistan, including in Balochistan province. Our High Commission in Pakistan regularly raises these issues with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level, including the need to address allegations of enforced disappearances. I underlined the importance of upholding civil and political rights to Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Azam Tarar, in November 2024. Lord Khan of Burnley discussed the protection of human rights, including the rights of protesters, in a meeting with Minister Tarar in April 2025. The UK will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee individuals' rights as laid down in Pakistan's Constitution and in accordance with international standards.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 May 2025 to Question 48940 on European Political Community, whether (a) officials and (b) Ministers from his Department attended. \p Stephen Doughty: The Prime Minister attended the European Political Community summit in Tirana, Albania on 16 May. No Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ministers attended. A small number of FCDO officials attended to support the Prime Minister's attendance.
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Mr Calvin Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his counterparts in Indonesia on corporal punishment in relation to consensual intimacy between adult men. \p Catherine West: The UK opposes all forms of discrimination and is committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of LGBT people around the world. The UK also opposes the use of judicially imposed corporal punishment. In Indonesia, we actively engage with Civil Society Organisations, legislators, and the Government of Indonesia, through our Embassy in Jakarta, to oppose discrimination against minority groups, including the LGBT community. We encourage Indonesia to ensure that its laws, both at national and local level, are non-discriminatory and celebrate the diversity and tolerance of its people.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many (a) bedrooms, (b) living rooms, (c) bathrooms and (d) kitchens the ministerial residence in 1 Carlton Gardens has. \p Catherine West: The ministerial residence in 1 Carlton Gardens has a) five bedrooms, b) three living rooms, c) three bathrooms including one ensuite off the Master bedroom, and d) one kitchen.
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Kate Osamor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Pakistani counterpart on ending enforced disappearances. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is clear that the freedom to hold and express views without censorship, intimidation or unnecessary restriction is a cornerstone of democracy. We remain deeply concerned over reports of human rights violations, including enforced disappearances. Our High Commission in Islamabad continues to raise this with the Pakistani authorities at the highest levels and has raised the recent case of the detention of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, with Pakistan's Minister for Law and Justice.
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Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Iraqi counterpart on the (a) return and (b) long-term settlement of Yazidi communities displaced by ISIS; and what steps he is taking to support justice mechanisms for survivors of religious persecution. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Ministers have not discussed these issues with the Iraqi government recently, but our Embassy in Baghdad has regular contact with Iraqi ministers and officials on this topic. Most recently, the deputy head of mission met the Iraqi Prime Minister's adviser on Yazidi affairs on 24 April and spoke about implementation of the Sinjar agreement and progress in the areas reconstruction - both vital for the safe return of Yazidis to the Sinjar province.

Regarding justice mechanisms, the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL (UNITAD) was a key pillar of the international community's commitment to hold Daesh accountable for international crimes over seven years. It made significant contributions to addressing the legacy of Daesh in Iraq, including the generation of high-quality evidence which has supported trials in third countries, and its capacity-building of Iraq's judicial system. We considered several proposals of how best to take this issue forward after UNITAD's closure in September 2024 and did push for a resolution in the council, but this did not reach required level of support in the United Nations Security Council.
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Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to President Trump's announcement on 13 May 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of lifting UK sanctions on Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We welcome the announcement by President Trump of the US' intention to lift sanctions on Syria and look forward to further details of the timeline and process. On 24 April, we lifted sanctions on some sectors of the Syrian economy, including trade, energy production, transport and finance. This follows the removal in March of asset freezes on 24 Syrian entities, including the Central Bank of Syria. These changes will help facilitate essential investment into Syria and underscore the UK's commitment to supporting the Syrian people to rebuild their country and economy. A stable Syria is in the UK's national interest.
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Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to recognise the state of Palestine. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering.  We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much UK funded aid is awaiting entry into Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: UK aid includes both goods and services delivered through UN agencies and international Non-Governmental Organizations. Quantifying how much is awaiting entry into Gaza is difficult, due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data. On 19 May the UK, France and Canada stated Israel's announcement to allow basic quantity of food into Gaza is inadequate and called for immediate humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. In January 2025, the UK announced £17 million to support the delivery of food, healthcare and shelter via the United Nations Children's Fund, UK-Med and the World Health Organization. Some UK-funded partners are active inside Gaza; others deliver assistance from the West Bank.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken with his international counterparts to enable humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We call on the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza, now. The Foreign Secretary regularly presses his Israeli counterparts on these issues. We are calling on the Government of Israel to allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza, and let the UN and humanitarians save lives. On 13 May the UK, along with European partners, called an urgent session of the UN Security Council to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza. I spoke with the Israeli Ambassador on 20 May to make clear that the UK stands firmly against Israel's resumption of military action in Gaza, its wholly inadequate plan for aid delivery, and to demand that a full and unhindered resumption in the flow of aid into Gaza takes place immediately.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his policy is on the provision of potential evidence possessed by the Government of (a) genocide, (b) war crimes, (c) crimes against humanity and (d) crimes of aggression to the International Criminal Court (i) where the evidence is relevant to an ongoing case before the ICC and (ii) in other circumstances. \p Stephen Doughty: Support for international criminal justice and accountability is a fundamental element of our foreign policy. The International Criminal Court is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. We strongly support its work and endeavour to cooperate with the Court wherever possible.
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Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Israeli counterpart on (a) de-escalating the conflict in Gaza and (b) the two-state solution. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary continues to engage regularly with his Israeli counterparts. Following the release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander on 12 May, the Foreign Secretary urged Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar of the need for an end to the aid blockade and for all parties to push towards an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages who remain in Gaza. He also continues to raise his strong concern at accelerated settlement expansion in the West Bank. The UK Government continues to engage with Israeli counterparts on a variety of issues, including the conflict in Gaza. This engagement is vital for the UK as we continue to press towards a long-lasting ceasefire which is the only credible pathway towards a sustainable peace, a two-state solution and the reconstruction of Gaza.
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Cat Eccles:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his Israeli counterpart on its military strategy in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary continues to engage regularly with his Israeli counterparts. Following the release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander on 12 May, the Foreign Secretary urged Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar of the need for an end to the aid blockade and for all parties to push towards an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages who remain in Gaza. The UK Government totally opposes an expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza and have consistently urged the Israeli Government that a permanent ceasefire remains the only way to return all the remaining hostages and ensure Hamas has no future role in Gaza. On 20 May, the Foreign Secretary announced that we have suspended negotiations with the Israeli government on a new free trade agreement, decided to review cooperation with them under the 2030 Bilateral Roadmap, and imposed further sanctions on settlers.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department engages with Client Earth. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office engages with a range of non-governmental organisations on environmental issues, including ClientEarth. For example, in February we hosted ClientEarth and other conservation organisations for a roundtable discussion as part of our consultation on the UK's approach to Africa.
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Uma Kumaran:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on whether former SAS soldiers working in private mercenary companies had any involvement in the committing of war crimes during the Sri Lankan civil war. \p Catherine West: The UK Government is committed to human rights in Sri Lanka for all its communities and will continue to press for truth, reconciliation, accountability and justice for victims of the Sri Lankan civil war. On 24 March, the Foreign Secretary announced sanctions on four Sri Lankan individuals responsible for serious human rights abuses and violations during the Sri Lanka civil war.

We take very seriously the allegations raised in relation to the committing of war crimes during the conflict in Sri Lanka. In March 2020, the Metropolitan Police War Crimes Team received a referral regarding British mercenaries in Sri Lanka during the 1980s which started an investigation into these claims. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has previously assisted the police in relation to this matter but does not hold any relevant information. We are not able to provide further comment on the content of relevant information, as the investigation by the police is ongoing.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Governor of Saint Helena decides which positions in the police service are filled by Technical Cooperation Officers. \p Stephen Doughty: The budget for all Technical Cooperation Officers (TCO) is set by Saint Helena Government Ministers. The St Helena Government's Technical Cooperation Monitoring Group oversees the budget and TCO appointments. In line with St Helena's Constitution, the Chief of Police reports to the Governor for operational policing matters, and to the Minister for Safety, Security, and Home Affairs for all other matters. TCO bids related to operational policing require the Governor's approval.
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Richard Burgon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made a determination under the Genocide Convention. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK's long-standing policy is that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, rather than for governments or non-judicial bodies. It should be decided after consideration of all the evidence available in the context of a credible judicial process. As a party to the Convention, the UK is fully committed to the prevention and punishment of genocide as appropriate under the Convention.
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Claire Hanna:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his Department's definition of genocide is. \p Stephen Doughty: As a State Party to the Genocide Convention, we adopt the definition of genocide as set out in Article II of the Genocide Convention.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to (a) prevent and (b) punish the crime of genocide. \p Stephen Doughty: Working closely with our partners and civil society, we take steps to help address the root causes and protect civilians at immediate risk using development, diplomacy and humanitarian action. UK funding has enabled the UN Office for Genocide Prevention and the independent Global Centre on the Responsibility to Protect to help improve ways to support populations at risk of atrocities. The UK is also one of the biggest contributors to the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the primary UN mechanism supporting violence prevention activity in over 40 countries.

Support for international criminal justice and accountability is a fundamental element of our foreign policy. The UK supports and fully respects the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern, including genocide.
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Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of law 3894 on religious freedom in Ukraine. \p Stephen Doughty: We are deeply disturbed by the impact of Russia's illegal war on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Ukraine. In contrast, Ukraine's democracy is well known for its commitment to religious pluralism. The UK fully supports the intention behind Law 3894 "about protection of the constitutional system in field of activity of the religious organisations". The Ukrainian Government and religious leaders have offered reassurances that the law is not aimed at restricting freedom of religion or belief in Ukraine, but instead responds to clear national security threats. The Ukrainian Government is in ongoing consultation with religious and belief communities in Ukraine on the terms of the law, including the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 May 2025 to Question 49724 on Saint Helena: Police, whether the national average salary for locally recruited police constables includes the salaries of Technical Cooperation Officers. \p Stephen Doughty: The national average salary provided in response to Question 49724 did not include salaries for Technical Cooperation Officers (TCO). The St Helena Government sets TCO salaries to compete with the overseas job market and secure candidates with the advanced experience and broader skill sets not yet available locally. In line with The Royal St Helena Police Service's five-year plan, TCOs help build the capacity of local police officers by investing their expertise and providing bespoke training.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 49372 on Development Aid, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on achieving planned reductions for the next multi-year Spending Review. \p Stephen Doughty: The Home Secretary is committed to ensuring that asylum costs fall and has already acted. The government has taken measures to reduce the asylum backlog and reform the asylum accommodation system to end the use of expensive accommodation in the next Spending Review period to ensure more of our Official Development Assistance budget is spent on our development priorities overseas.

The Foreign Secretary has regular discussions with his Cabinet colleagues.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Kyrgyz counterpart on human rights in Kyrgyzstan. \p Stephen Doughty: The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs raised his concerns regarding the conviction of several Kyrgyz journalists during a phone call with his Kyrgyz counterpart in October 2024.

Our Embassy in Bishkek closely monitors media freedom and civic space in Kyrgyzstan and raises issues of concern with the Kyrgyz Government. I raised human rights with my Kyrgyz counterparts in February and April 2025, and Lord Collins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State also raised it in February 2025. The UK made a number of recommendations on human rights during Kyrgyzstan's Universal Periodic Review in the UN Human Rights Council in April.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his counterparts in Kyrgyzstan on legislation aimed at controlling so-called foreign representatives. \p Stephen Doughty: The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has not made direct representations to his counterparts in Kyrgyzstan regarding the 'Law on Non-Commercial Organisations'.

Our Embassy in Bishkek has however raised concerns about the impact of this law with the relevant authorities. The UK also made recommendations about this law during Kyrgyzstan's Universal Period Review in the UN Human Rights Council in April. The UK regularly encourages Kyrgyzstan to continue to allow civil society organisations to operate with independence and without harassment. I underlined the importance of respect for rights and freedoms with my Kyrgyz counterparts in April 2025 and raised human rights more broadly with the Kyrgyz during the inaugural UK-Kyrgyz Strategic Dialogue in February 2025.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the UK-Mauritius Treaty on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands will be signed before the House rises for summer recess. \p Stephen Doughty: The Treaty was signed on 22 May and secures the long-term operation of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. A copy of the Treaty was deposited in the House and can be found at the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukmauritius-agreement-concerning-the-chagos-archipelago-including-diego-garcia-cs-mauritius-no12025.
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the 48-hour broadband outage window in the Automatic Compensation Scheme. \p Chris Bryant: The government recognises that access to high-quality and reliable broadband is essential.

Operators have a statutory responsibility to take measures to identify, prepare for and reduce anything that compromises the availability, performance or functionality of their networks and services.

DSIT regularly engages Ofcom, the independent regulator of telecommunications services, who created the voluntary compensation scheme and any changes to the scheme is a decision for Ofcom.

We will continue to work with Ofcom to monitor the market to ensure that consumers are receiving reliable services and recourse for when things go wrong.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many people enrolled under the student recruitment system in the UK Space Agency’s Space Placements In Industry Programme in 2024. \p Chris Bryant: The Space Placements in Industry Programme supported a total of 135 student placements over the summer of 2024, 119 of which were UK Space Agency funded and 16 of which were company funded.
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Tony Vaughan:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help tackle illegal extremist content on the social media platform X. \p Feryal Clark: The Online Safety Act gives online platforms, including X, new duties to take steps to reduce the risk their services are used to disseminate illegal extremist content. They also need to implement effective systems to remove this content when it does appear. This includes terrorist content and also illegal content which incites hatred. The illegal content duties are now in force. Ofcom is the regulator for the regime and has powers to enforce against platforms where they fail to fulfil their duties.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the policy paper entitled Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 19 May 2025, whether this will cause any delay to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review was published on 2 June 2025. It sets out the roles, capabilities and reforms required by Defence to meet the threats, challenges, and opportunities of the twenty-first century.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the policy paper entitled Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 19 May 2025, how the security and defence partnership will make the United Kingdom more secure. \p Luke Pollard: The Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) agreed with the EU will strengthen NATO, the cornerstone of the UK’s defence. It will complement our core bilateral partnerships – particularly France, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Norway.

The SDP will enable dialogue and cooperation on key issues like Ukraine, space, hybrid, maritime security and resilience of critical infrastructure. These exchanges will be flexible and scalable according to need. For example, we are working to ensure that our personnel and assets can more easily move across the European continent in times of both peace and crisis, including exploring participation in PESCO projects that bolster our NATO warfighting plans.

Implementation will be overseen jointly by the Defence Secretary and the Foreign Secretary. The detail of the terms and the modalities for implementation are under discussion, including any exploration of an Administrative Arrangement with the European Defence Agency, UK participation in additional EU crisis management activity and attendance at working level policy and information exchanges or secondments.

Any commitment– whether financial or non-financial – will provide value to the UK taxpayer and deliver the UK’s defence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-02 conversation_219

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the policy paper entitled Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 19 May 2025, what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on UK access to the Security Action for Europe fund. \p Maria Eagle: As this is a critical moment for the security of our continent, we welcome European efforts to increase defence spending, through the ReArm initiative including the proposed Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument.

The UK and the EU have agreed an ambitious new Security and Defence Partnership as part of a wider package of the UK-EU reset, which means that the UK now meets the gateway criteria for discussing participation in common procurement under SAFE. Recognising the important role that the UK’s defence industry plays already for European security, we have set out our ambition to swiftly explore the potential for enhanced cooperation through the proposed SAFE instrument, as soon as the EU’s necessary processes are complete.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-02 conversation_220

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his US counterparts on the integration of Spear 3 onto the F-35B. \p Maria Eagle: SPEAR 3 will be integrated onto the F-35 under the Block 4 upgrade programme. The UK continues to work closely with the F-35 Joint Program Office to understand the impact of delays to the Block 4 programme, including SPEAR 3 integration.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-02 conversation_221

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to fully integrate Spear 3 onto Typhoon. \p Maria Eagle: As part of SPEAR 3 development with MBDA and to support future integration on F-35 Lightning, a Test and Evaluation Typhoon is being used as a missile development launch aircraft.

Future weapon system upgrades and integration are continuously under review for Typhoon Force to ensure it has the capabilities required by UK Defence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-02 conversation_222

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April to Question 44502 on Puma Helicopters: Decommissioning, what steps he is taking to ensure that there will be no loss of operational output from the Chinook fleet as a result of the deployment of two CH47 Chinook helicopters in Cyprus. \p Luke Pollard: Of the two Chinook H-47 currently deployed to cover the aerial firefighting season in Cyprus, one is earmarked for retirement as part of the planned decommissioning of the oldest 14 aircraft in the Chinook fleet.

There is no impact on Chinook fleet operational outputs as a result of the forward deployment of two Chinook H-47 to Cyprus.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-02 conversation_223

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department segregates armaments into (a) defensive and (b) offensive categories. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence does not categorise armaments as defensive or offensive during the procurement process. Items are generally considered in terms of the capability that they provide, and many items are capable of being used both offensively and defensively.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether estates managed by his Department participate in the No Mow May initiative. \p Maria Eagle: Ministry of Defence estates support the No Mow May Initiative.

However, participation in this initiative across the Built Estate is on an establishment-by-establishment basis. As such, this information is not held centrally and can therefore only be provided at disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-02 conversation_225

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Minister for Defence, whether the AW159 Wildcat helicopters designated (a) ZZ394 and (b) ZZ384 flown by 815 Naval Air Squadron, known as Marine 11 and Marine 12, have been used for ministerial travel since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: Neither of these helicopters have been used for Ministerial travel since 5 July 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he is having with local authorities on the development of single occupancy housing for veterans. \p Al Carns: This Government is committed to ensuring veterans across the UK have access to the housing support they need. We have introduced several measures to assist veterans with housing provision. This includes reforms to exempt all veterans applying for social housing from local connection and residency tests to improve their access to housing in England.

In addition, Op FORTITUDE provides a single point of contact and dedicated referral scheme for single veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the UK. The Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme funds housing organisations to deliver wraparound care and support services. The Government’s £20 million Veterans Capital Housing Fund is used to refurbish or expand to enhance accommodation quality or increase capacity. This programme will ensure there will be a long-term and sustainable supply of high-quality properties for veterans.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking through the Veterans' Capital Housing Fund to supply affordable and social housing for veterans in (a) Leicestershire and (b) Hinckley and Bosworth constituency. \p Al Carns: Organisations across the UK are eligible to apply for funding under the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund. This funding is used to refurbish or expand to enhance accommodation quality or increase capacity. This programme will ensure there will be a long-term and sustainable supply of high-quality properties, with access to wraparound support for veterans. To date and in support of this programme, one organisation in Leicester has been awarded a major capital grant of £295,039.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-02 conversation_228

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, where housing stock is being sourced from for refurbishment through the Veterans' Capital Housing Fund. \p Al Carns: The majority of the organisations that receive funding from the Veterans' Capital Housing Fund already own or rent the properties they wish to improve. The funding is used to refurbish or expand to enhance accommodation quality or increase capacity. This programme will ensure there will be a long-term and sustainable supply of high-quality properties for veterans.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-02 conversation_229

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what unpaid advisers have been appointed by (a) 10 Downing Street and (b) his Department since the general election. \p Georgia Gould: Since 5 July 2024, the Cabinet Office has made one unremunerated Direct Ministerial Appointment. This individual is providing advice on security and defence policy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

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Sarah Champion:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to insource public services. \p Georgia Gould: The Government is determined to deliver high quality public services and better value for money for the taxpayer. To further this aim, we have committed to introducing a public interest test to assess whether expiring contracts could be better delivered, and drive better value for money, in-house. This will ensure that we make evidenced-based decisions on the best way to deliver public services.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

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Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the amount of funding Departments plan to provide to organisations that engage in the lobbying of Government in the (a) 2025-26 and (b) 2026-27 financial year. \p Georgia Gould: This information is not centrally held by the Cabinet Office.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-02 conversation_232

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 10 January 2025 to Question 21347 on Conditions of Employment, whether his Department has issued guidance on non-contingent labour contract which explains that direction on their use. \p Georgia Gould: The Cabinet Office does not have guidance on non-contingent labour contracts as this is not a generally used term.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the response to the Freedom of Information Act request reference FOI2025/05759, dated 16 May 2025. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Honours Committee handbook released through this request is a version from January 2023 which is currently being updated. An updated version will be laid in the House Library as soon as is practicable.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-02)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether non-executive board members have to declare (a) past and (b) current membership of a political party; and what guidance he has issued to Departments on that subject. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: Guidance on the declaration of interest process for Non-Executive Board Members, including political activity, was updated and published on 28 November 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-executive-board-member-declaration-of-interests-process/non-executive-board-member-declaration-of-interests-process#context

The Governance Code on Public appointments makes clear that political activity should not affect any judgement of merit nor be a bar to appointment for a candidate being considered for a public appointment. The Governance Code already requires, for successful candidates, public disclosure where candidates, in the last five years, have been employed by a political party, held a significant office in a party, have stood as a candidate for a party in an election, have publicly spoken on behalf of a political party, or have made significant donations or loans to a party.