theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the planned re-organisation of the BLMK ICB with (a) Hertfordshire and (b) Cambridgeshire & Peterborough on the provision of GP services in Wixams. \p Karin Smyth: The clustering of integrated care boards (ICBs) in Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK), and Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is not expected to have a direct impact on primary care provision. ICBs will remain responsible for ensuring adequate primary care provision for the communities they serve. There are exploratory discussions underway between the BLMK ICB, the Central Bedfordshire Council, the developer of Wixams Town Centre, and Bedford Borough Council regarding options for delivering permanent healthcare provision in Wixams. These discussions are ongoing.

As the plans for ICB reconfiguration progress, there remains a focus on place-based working and maintaining strong relationships with local partners.
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Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of job opportunities for newly qualified nurses. \p Karin Smyth: Decisions on the employment of newly qualified nurses are a matter for individual National Health Service trusts, which manage their recruitment at a local level, ensuring they have the right number of staff in place, with the right skill mix, to deliver safe and effective care.

We are working closely with NHS England, employers, universities, and regional nursing leads to ensure support is in place to help graduating nurses find a role as soon as possible after qualification and transition into the workplace.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will ask NHS England to publish an analysis of the options they have considered for re-organisation of ICBs in the East of England. \p Karin Smyth: The proposals for the clustering of integrated care boards (ICBs) across England were considered in view of the ambition set out in the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan and NHS England’s Model ICB Blueprint. Specifically, the Government’s aim to strengthen the role of ICBs as strategic commissioners whilst delivering efficiency savings through creating leaner and more agile structures.

Although the Government will not publish a detailed analysis of the options considered in each region, options for the re-organisation of ICBs in the east of England were considered in view of the ambition detailed above, with careful consideration of the local circumstances and meeting the running cost allowance envelope of £18.76 per head of population.
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Josh Babarinde:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reduce A&E waiting times in Eastbourne. \p Karin Smyth: The Government recognises that urgent and emergency care performance has fallen short in recent years and is committed to restoring accident and emergency waiting times to the NHS Constitutional standard across England, including in Eastbourne.

Our Urgent and Emergency Care Plan for 2025/26 sets out a fundamental shift in the approach to urgent and emergency care. It will drive collaboration across the system to deliver improvements for patients this year, and is backed by nearly £450 million of capital investment.

Furthermore, our 10-Year Health Plan sets out how we will reduce waiting times in accident and emergency by shifting care into the community through new neighbourhood health services, forming a key part of our mission to reform the National Health Service.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the press release entitled NHS leaders face both ‘carrot and stick’ in new performance drive, published on 15 May 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the provision to not implement pay rises on equal pay in the NHS. \p Karin Smyth: My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care accepted the headline pay recommendations for National Health Service staff from the independent pay review bodies, and staff will receive their backdated pay uplifts from August

The Department conducted an equality impact assessment of the new pay framework for very senior managers (VSMs), which includes the provision to withhold pay uplifts for VSMs working in underperforming organisations, defined as the organisations placed in segment five of the new NHS Oversight Framework.

It found that, overall, the proposal to withhold pay uplifts for VSMs in segments five is not expected to result in a statistically significant difference in relation to protected characteristics. As VSMs are not employed on national contracts, local remuneration committees will be required to assess the impact on equalities in relation to decisions on pay at an organisation level.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 25 June 2025 to Question 62692 on Air Ambulance Services: Contracts, if he will take steps to establish which air ambulance organisations hold contracts with NHS organisations in England. \p Karin Smyth: National Health Service contracts or agreements for the provision of services locally are made and held at a local level by the relevant NHS body. There are no current plans to change this approach.
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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will list each foreign language where there has been (a) translation and (b) interpretation to facilitate engagement with the proposed NHS 10-Year Health Plan. \p Karin Smyth: The Change NHS portal was available in English, Urdu, Romanian, Punjabi, and Polish, as these are the five most common languages in England, as reported by the 2021 Census. Participants at 10-Year Health Plan deliberative engagement events were given the option to request translation into any other language.
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Sonia Kumar:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to take steps to increase awareness of the importance of pelvic floor strength for women before pregnancy to prevent post pregnancy incontinence. \p Karin Smyth: Supporting women’s health before, during, and after pregnancy is a priority for the Government. The women’s health area on the National Health Service’s website brings together over 100 health topics for women seeking health information, including information and advice on planning for pregnancy, keeping well in pregnancy, and pelvic health.

NHS England has rolled out perinatal pelvic health services to support the prevention and identification of pelvic floor dysfunction, including incontinence, during pregnancy and post-birth. Additionally, NHS England the Royal College of General Practitioners have published guidance on the six to eight week postnatal check-up. This check-up provides personalised postnatal care for women’s physical and mental health, including a specific section on pelvic floor health.
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Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential benefits of amending the Human Medicines (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2014 to require (a) colleges, (b) nurseries, and (c) universities to hold emergency asthma inhalers. \p Karin Smyth: There are no plans to amend these regulations to require colleges and universities to hold emergency inhalers. These are not controlled environments like schools, which require parents to inform them if their children need an inhaler. Colleges and universities typically have much larger enrolment numbers than schools, with their students having greater freedom of movement than schools. Colleges and universities also have students of adult age who are responsible, as adults, for ensuring both have and properly use their inhalers.

Emergency inhalers in schools are a back-up and not a substitution for a child having their own inhaler to hand. The emergency inhaler is for use in the event a child’s inhaler is empty, broken or unavailable.

By virtue of the wording of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, the Human Medicines (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2014 also apply to maintained nursery schools, namely state-funded early years settings, controlled and funded by the local authority.

Evidence has not been presented that suggests it is necessary to extend the regulations to all non-state-run nurseries in England. Parents of children with asthma attending nursery should ensure that their child, or the nursery, has the child’s inhaler available.
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Sir Mark Hendrick:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that patients seeking fertility treatment are protected from unregulated concierge IVF clinics that fall outside the remit of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. \p Karin Smyth: Digital clinics do not currently fall within the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act and therefore are out outside of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s (HFEA) remit at present.

The HFEA published Modernising Fertility Law in November 2023, which made a number of recommendations for legislative change, including around its regulatory powers.

Ministers have met with the HFEA Chair and discussed the emerging regulatory challenges. The Government is considering the HFEA’s priorities for changing the law and will decide how to take this forward at the earliest opportunity.
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Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment Department has made of the cost to the public purse of the requirement that (a) all and (b) terminally ill patients should renew their Medical Exemption Certificates every five years. \p Karin Smyth: The Department has made no assessment of the cost to the public purse of the requirement for patients to renew their medical exemption certificate every five years.
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David Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many additional GPs have been hired in North Northumberland constituency through Government funding. \p Stephen Kinnock: As of 31 May 2025, 58 general practitioners (GPs) have been recruited through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme in the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) since 1 October 2024, the ICB in which the North Northumberland constituency is located. Data is not available at a constituency level.

Earlier in the year we announced that we are investing an additional £889 million through the GP Contract for 2025/26 to reinforce the front door of the National Health Service, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.2 billion. This is the biggest increase in over a decade.

Every year we consult with the British Medical Association’s General Practice Committee both about what services practices provide, and the money they are entitled to in return under their contract, taking account the costs of delivering services. Practices are required to provide services to meet the reasonable needs of the patients registered at their practice. This includes making their own workforce plans.
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Josh Dean:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the ADHD taskforce in helping to reduce waiting lists for ADHD treatment in (a) Hertford and Stortford constituency, (b) Hertfordshire and (c) England. \p Stephen Kinnock: It is the responsibility of the integrated care boards (ICBs) in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment and treatment, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

The independent ADHD taskforce, commissioned by NHS England, is bringing together those with lived experience with experts from the National Health Service, education, charity, and justice sectors to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including in accessing services and support. An interim report was published on 20 June. The ADHD taskforce's final report is expected to be published later this year, and we will carefully consider its recommendations.
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Damian Hinds:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 25 June 2025 to Question 60037 on Dentistry: Higher Education, when he expects the Privy Council approval process to be completed. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Privy Council must be satisfied that it has all the required information before it can make a final decision to award Dental Authority Status to an organisation.

I understand that the Privy Council Office has recently requested additional information from Portsmouth Dental Academy pertinent to its application, and that it is awaiting a response.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce the economic (a) stability and (b) powers of people involved in human rights abuses in Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK condemns human rights violations and abuses committed by the warring parties in Sudan. Since the outbreak of the conflict in 2023, the UK has frozen the assets of nine commercial entities linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces. These sanctions were designed to disrupt the financial networks fuelling the war, to press the parties to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, allow humanitarian access and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK also supported the imposition of UN sanctions on two RSF generals for their crimes against civilians in November 2024. We will continue to work closely with partners at the UN Security Council to enforce these. UK leadership has been critical to the continued scrutiny of Sudan at the UN Human Rights Council, where we are the leader of the Core Group alongside Germany and Norway. The UK also led lobbying for the renewal of the Fact-Finding Mission mandate in October 2024 to ensure allegations of human rights violations and abuses by all sides are investigated impartially.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had with their counterparts in the Government of Mauritius on (i) the Chagossian Trust Fund and (ii) the programme of visits and settlements on the Chagos Archipelago since 22 May 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: These issues are being discussed with Mauritius as part of the implementation of the Treaty. Ahead of ratification, the Government will make a Ministerial Statement in both Houses providing a factual update on eligibility for resettlement and the modalities of the trust fund.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what funding requests his Department has received from the Government of Mauritius to support the establishment of a marine protected area in accordance with Article 5 of the UK-Mauritius Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: UK support for the establishment of a marine protected area (MPA) around the Chagos Archipelago is being discussed with Mauritius as part of the implementation of the Treaty. The UK will not be making any additional direct payments to Mauritius as part of this activity.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Moroccan counterpart on ensuring human rights for the Sahrawi people. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK remains committed to the promotion and protection of human rights globally, including in Morocco and Western Sahara. Officials, including up to Ambassador level regularly engage on these issues with the Moroccan Government and authorities accordingly.

In the UK-Morocco joint communiqué, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on human rights, our support for the principle of respect for self-determination and the intention to hold a third session of the UK-Morocco Human Rights dialogue before the end of 2025. It also expressed our shared conviction to renew efforts to support the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General in the search for a solution to the Western Sahara conflict, underlining that the only viable and durable solution will be one that is mutually acceptable to the relevant parties, and is arrived at through compromise. We welcome Morocco's stated commitment to further detail and willingness to engage in good faith with all relevant parties, to expand on details of what autonomy within the Moroccan State could entail for the region, with a view to restarting serious negotiations on terms acceptable to the parties.
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Bob Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) reports on the demolition of Ahmadiyya worship places, (b) the role of (i) Tehreek-e-Labbaik and (ii) extremist groups in Pakistan and (c) the response of Pakistani state authorities on freedom of (A) religion and (B) belief in that country. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are deeply concerned by the desecration of Ahmadi mosques in Pakistan and continue to monitor the situation. Our High Commission in Islamabad regularly raises this issue with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels. I raised the deteriorating situation for Ahmadi Muslims, including the impact of extremist groups such as Tehreek-e-Labbaik, with Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior in March 2025. In June 2025, ahead of Eid al-Adha, I also raised the safety and dignity of Ahmadis seeking to practice their faith with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister. We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people in accordance with international standards.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Egyptian counterpart on the seizure of St. Catherine’s Monastery. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government recognises St Catherine's Monastery's historical and religious importance and tracks this long-standing land ownership dispute. Our Embassy in Cairo participated in discussions with the Egyptian Government on this issue on 30 May. We will continue to engage on issues of heritage protection and religious freedoms.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to (a) the UN and (b) other international bodies on the need for protection of civilians during the Sudan conflict. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We continue to engage actively with the UN and other international actors to push for the protection of civilians in Sudan. On 15 April, the Foreign Secretary hosted the London Sudan conference alongside the African Union (AU) and the EU, as well as France and Germany as co-chairs. There was a broad agreement among participants about the responsibility of parties to the conflict to protect civilians and uphold their obligations under international law and this was reflected in the co-chairs statement which followed the conference. More recently the UK attended the meeting of the Consultative Group on Sudan in Brussels on 26 June and contributed to discussions with the UN Secretary General's Personal Envoy on Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, on his plans to convene proximity talks with the warring parties, including on protection issues. Earlier this year in February, the Minister for Africa spoke with the AU's Special Envoy for the Prevention of Genocide and Atrocities where he highlighted the credible evidence of human rights abuses and violations in Sudan and pressed the AU to continue to draw attention to atrocities in Sudan.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the warring parties in Sudan about the protection of civilians. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As part of our diplomatic and political efforts to achieve peace in Sudan, we continue to engage with the warring parties. Senior officials, including the UK Special Representative for Sudan, have travelled to Port Sudan on several occasions in 2025 for talks with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). On 9 April, ahead of the Sudan Conference, the Minister for Africa spoke with Babikir Elamin, Sudanese Chargé d'Affaires in London, and pressed him specifically on humanitarian access to ensure aid can reach those most in need. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have also spoken with representatives from the Rapid Support Forces on different occasions since the start of the conflict in Sudan in 2023. We have used these exchanges to request that their leadership make every effort to protect civilians.
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Mary Glindon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the F-35 programme partner nations on Israel’s (a) compliance with international humanitarian law and (b) use of F-35 fighter jets in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Conversations with F-35 Partners occur regularly and cover a range of issues, however we are unable to disclose details of confidential conversations held within an international programme.
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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Moroccan counterpart on the potential impact of draining the aquifer under Dhakla, Western Sahara on the production by Moroccan companies of produce for export. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: No such discussions have taken place. It is for companies to take their own decisions on whether to do business in Western Sahara, as elsewhere.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Taliban on the treatment of (a) LGBT+ people, (b) women and girls and (c) people from ethnic Hazara communities. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Ministers do not engage with the Taliban, but Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials regularly press the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans, most recently in June. The Government is working with international partners to maintain collective pressure on the Taliban to reverse their inhuman restrictions. We continue to support the UN Special Rapporteur and his mandate to document human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Upholding human rights and gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also essential for building a stable, inclusive and prosperous country for all Afghans.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Iranian counterpart on the (a) recent airstrike on Evin Prison in Tehran and (b) detention of (i) Christians and (ii) other religious minorities; and what diplomatic steps he is taking to (A) help uphold freedom of religion or belief and (B) advocate for prisoners of conscience in that country. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary consistently called for de-escalation throughout the 12-day conflict. We continue raise Iran's repression of freedom of religion or belief, including against Christians, in multilateral fora. On 18 March, the UK's Permanent Representative to the UN highlighted the continued systematic targeting and repression of religious minorities at the UN Human Rights Council. On 3 April, we were integral to the delivery of a new Human Rights Council resolution, which renewed and expanded the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, to investigate a broader range of abuses including against religious minorities, in an important step towards accountability.

On 3 July, the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, met the Baha'i International Community UN Representative, Simin Fahandej, to discuss the current situation faced by Baha'is in Iran. We continue to monitor the ongoing harassment and arbitrary detention of Christians in Iran, and in November 2024, called on the Iranian government to release religious practitioners imprisoned for their membership in or activities on behalf of a minority religious group at the UN Third Committee.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to answer Question 61737, tabled on 23 June 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member's question. I issued a response to the hon. Member on 3 July.
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John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to ban financial donations by UK citizens to the war efforts of other countries. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As the Charity Commission has made clear, providing aid or military supplies to any foreign armed force is not a charitable purpose, and no charity can legally undertake such activity.
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Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to tackle the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in (a) Pakistan and (b) other countries; and what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Pakistan on human rights for Ahmadi Muslims. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Promoting freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is a core part of the UK's diplomatic engagement overseas. In March 2025, I raised the rights of Ahmadi Muslims in a meeting with Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior. In June 2025, ahead of Eid al-Adha, I also raised the safety and dignity of Ahmadis seeking to practice their faith with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister. Working with the Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith MP, we continue to champion the right to FoRB around the world - promoting tolerance and mutual respect through our engagement in multilateral organisations, our bilateral work, and our programme funding.
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Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 17 June 2025 on Afghanistan HCWS703, if he will publish a list of people he is referring to when stating that his Department speaks "directly with Afghans and civil society to inform our policy and programming". \p Mr Hamish Falconer: To maintain the privacy and security of the people with whom we engage, including those based in Afghanistan, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will not be publishing a list of Afghan and civil society contacts. Ministers and officials will continue to engage regularly with a diverse range of Afghans and civil society contacts.
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Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to raise concerns about the treatment of (a) Christians and (b) other religious minorities in Burkina Faso at the United Nations. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK strongly condemns reports of attacks on religious minorities in Burkina Faso and has consistently called on all actors in Burkina Faso to respect human rights and adhere to international humanitarian law, which covers the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities. For example, at the April 2025 Security Council briefing on the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, the UK expressed concern at the human rights abuses committed in the Sahel and called on the UN to lead the way in emphasising the importance of international humanitarian law.
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Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of making aid available to Christian communities facing violence or persecution in central and northern Nigeria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK's humanitarian support in Nigeria focuses on supporting the most vulnerable, including people and communities affected and displaced by violence and conflict. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Humanitarian and Resilience Programme (HARP) in Nigeria has reached approximately 1 million people, increasing resilience for people with the most severe humanitarian needs in North East Nigeria, in line with the UN Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. Additionally, the UK's Strengthening Peace and Resilience programme ('SPRING') is working to reduce rural violence in northwest and north-central Nigeria, including supporting collaboration and productive livelihoods for both farmers and pastoralists.
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Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of UK aid spent on supporting Christian communities facing violence or persecution in central and northern regions of Nigeria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK's humanitarian support in Nigeria focuses on supporting the most vulnerable, including people and communities affected and displaced by violence and conflict. Through our Humanitarian and Resilience Programme (HARP), we have reached approximately 1 million people, increasing resilience for people with the most severe humanitarian needs in North East Nigeria. Additionally, through our Strengthening Peace and Resilience programme (SPRiNG) the UK is providing funding to help tackle the root causes of intercommunal conflict, including security, justice, and natural resource management challenges. Whilst SPRiNG is still in the early phases of implementation, its partnership with the Institute For Integrated Transitions (IFIT) has achieved some encouraging results. Mediation efforts in Nasawara State have fostered a negotiated agreement between the Bassa and Egbura People, enabling the return and resettlement of 5000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-09)

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David Baines:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if the Government will take steps to recognise the state of Palestine as part of its efforts to seek (a) peace and (b) a lasting two state solution in the region. \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. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood.

Palestinian statehood is the right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel. The people of the West Bank and Gaza must be given the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future. That is why this Government supports a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Government agrees strongly on the importance of recognition, and that is why we will make sure the timing is right. 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.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-09 conversation_229

Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 June 2025 to Question 58603 on Occupied Territories: Arms Trade, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterparts on (a) the use of military equipment supplied before the suspension of certain export licences and (b) that equipment supplied by remaining export licences must not be re-assigned to support military operations in (i) Gaza and (ii) the West Bank. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I regularly engage with my Israeli counterparts on a range of issues including the Israeli Defence Forces' (IDF) conduct in Gaza. We continue to urge that any Israeli actions must be in line with International Law. Subject to the specific measures taken to protect the global F-35 programme, we are clear there are no export licences currently being used by the IDF in military operations in Gaza or the West Bank.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-09 conversation_230

Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he had discussions with his Moroccan counterpart during the formulation of the UK-Morocco Joint Communiqué on whether Morocco’s willingness to engage in discussions in good faith extends to dialogue without restrictions. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 1 June, the Foreign Secretary co-chaired the 5th session of the UK-Morocco Strategic Dialogue in Rabat with Minister Nasser Bourita. Discussions were wide-ranging and constructive, reflecting the strong bilateral relationship and shared commitment to a strengthened strategic partnership.

The Foreign Secretary endorsed Morocco's autonomy proposal as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the Western Sahara conflict. In that context, we continue to support the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination.

The Joint Communique expresses our shared conviction to renew efforts to support the UN Personal Envoy of the Secretary General for Western Sahara in the search for a solution to the Western Sahara conflict, underlining that the only viable and durable solution will be one that is mutually acceptable to the relevant parties, and is arrived at through compromise. We welcome Morocco's stated commitment to further detail and willingness to engage in good faith with all relevant parties, to expand on details of what autonomy within the Moroccan State could entail for the region, with a view to restarting serious negotiations on terms acceptable to the parties.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-09 conversation_231

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the level of humanitarian funding to Afghanistan in response to warnings by the World Food Programme that it can only reach 10% of food-insecure Afghans. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is taking a leading role to support the people of Afghanistan. The UK remains one of the most generous donors to the humanitarian response and we continue to engage with the UN and other donors to sustain support for aid organisations in country.

Last financial year we provided £171 million to support Afghans affected by the ongoing crisis. This included £65 million to the World Food Programme who remain one of our primary partners in country. We continue to monitor the situation closely and expect to continue to be a key donor to the humanitarian response in Afghanistan going forward.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-09 conversation_232

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure that (a) pregnant women and (b) young children have access to (i) malnutrition treatment and (ii) health services in Afghanistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are gravely concerned about the health and nutrition situation in Afghanistan. Access to essential and nutrition services for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children is limited especially for those in rural areas and is exacerbated by Taliban restrictions on women's movement requiring male chaperones. We continue to urge the Taliban to reverse restrictions on women and girls and improve access to essential services. We have adapted our support to provide more flexible funding to help sustain essential and lifesaving health and malnutrition treatment and prevention services, including for reproductive, maternal and newborn services. We are working with other donors, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, to protect health system capacity including routine immunisations for children and reproductive and maternal services for pregnant women. We are convening key partners and donors to strengthen our collective approach to tackling food insecurity and malnutrition in Afghanistan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-09 conversation_233

Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the challenges girls and young women in north-east Nigeria face who (a) have escaped Boko Haram captivity and (b) according to recent reports experience (i) unlawful detention and (ii) inadequate support from (A) the military and (B) government authorities following their escape. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: In North East Nigeria, women and girls face severe challenges due to gender-based vulnerabilities, including heightened risks of sexual violence such as rape, exploitation, and forced marriage. Boko Haram has frequently abducted women and girls for sexual slavery. Conflict-driven displacement further increases these dangers. We welcomed Nigeria's endorsement of both the Call to Action and the Murad Code as crucial steps for greater practical action to tackle Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV). We continue to urge Nigeria to ensure the detention of all children, including those linked to armed groups, aligns with international juvenile standards. The UK also calls for urgent action to protect those at risk of conflict-related sexual violence, particularly in displacement camps. Through the Integrated Security Fund, the UK supports efforts to protect and empower women and girls in the region. This includes deploying senior policing experts to work with Borno State Police, enhancing investigations into sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and improving forensic evidence collection.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-09 conversation_234

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help uphold human rights in Kenya. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Over the past two weeks, in addition to regular engagement with Government of Kenya at all levels, we have issued three statements, on 11th, 18th and 24th June expressing concern at Kenyan police brutality and in support of fundamental freedoms, including a British High Commission Nairobi released joint statement reaffirming every Kenyan's right to peaceful protest, and the importance of preserving civic space, and called for swift, transparent and independent investigations into all instances of violence against protestors. The UK's development funding supports police reform, focusing on human rights compliant policing and accountability. We are committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue with the Government of Kenya which will enable us to pursue shared interests, support Kenya's most vulnerable people, deepen our strong people-to-people links and raise challenging issues such as human rights.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-09 conversation_235

Sir Desmond Swayne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Syrian counterpart on the murder of Mahmood Ghassa; and what steps he is taking to support the protection of religious minorities in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is engaging privately and regularly with the Syrian government at every level. We have consistently advocated for an inclusive political transition and underlined the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians. I raised this with Syrian Foreign Minister Al Shaibani when we met in March and pressed the Syrian Government to take concrete action following the horrific violence committed against the Alawite community. The UK Special Representative for Syria visited Damascus last week to discuss developments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-09 conversation_236

Andy Slaughter:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will ensure that Polisario is consulted on investment in Western Sahara by the Morocco Business Alliance. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 1 June, the Foreign Secretary endorsed Morocco's autonomy proposal as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the Western Sahara conflict. In that context, we continue to support the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination.

In the UK-Morocco joint communiqué, the UK welcomed Morocco's willingness to engage in good faith with all relevant parties. We have agreed to work together with Morocco to unlock new investment opportunities and have committed to establishing a Morocco Business Alliance, driven by the private sector.

Senior UK officials meet regularly with Sahrawi representatives to discuss UK policy on Western Sahara, including trade. It is for companies to take their own decisions on whether to do business in Western Sahara, as elsewhere.