theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased use of e-cigarettes on young people in Fylde constituency. \p Ashley Dalton: The health advice is clear, that while vapes are less harmful than smoking and can be an effective quit aid for smokers, children and non-smokers should never vape. The main established health risk associated with vaping is from nicotine, which can cause addiction. Children and young people are particularly susceptible to the addictive nature of nicotine as their lungs and brains are still developing.

This is why the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will ban vapes and nicotine products from being deliberately promoted and advertised to children to stop the next generation from becoming hooked on nicotine. The bill, currently going through Parliament, includes a range of measures to tackle youth vaping, which will benefit the young people of Fylde. In addition, the disposable vapes ban came into effect on 1 June, making the sale and supply of single use vapes illegal. This ban protects the environment and removes products from the market that particularly appeal to children.

We are also committed to funding research in this area to inform policy across the United Kingdom. Earlier this year, we announced a £62 million research project into adolescent health, funded by UK Research and Innovation, that will investigate the long-term health effects of vaping on young people’s health and wellbeing. We have also commissioned, via the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the most comprehensive analysis of youth vaping studies ever conducted in this area, which is due to be published later this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people passed away with sepsis in (a) the last 12 months and (b) the previous 12 month period. \p Ashley Dalton: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes annual data on the number of death registrations where sepsis was the underlying cause of death, and where sepsis was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, in England and Wales between 2001 and 2023. The ONS has not yet published the number of death registrations for sepsis for 2024.

According to the ONS, the number of deaths registered where sepsis was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate in England and Wales was 26,203 in 2023. Published ONS data for deaths involving sepsis is available at the following link:

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/adhocs/2111deathsinvolvingsepsisenglandandwales2001to2023
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Marie Goldman:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to ensure annual health checks for all adults with cerebral palsy. \p Ashley Dalton: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published guidance on care and support for adults with cerebral palsy, which is available at the following link:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng119

The guidance recommends that people with cerebral palsy should have an annual review of their clinical and functional needs, carried out by a healthcare professional with expertise in neurodisabilities.

Whilst NICE guidelines represent best practice, they are not mandatory, although the Government expects healthcare commissioners to take the guidelines fully into account in designing services that meet the needs of their local population, and to work towards their implementation over time.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Yasmin Qureshi:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Written Statement HCWS652 of 22 May 2025, what assessment he has made of adequacy of the Advertising Standards Authority to perform the role of frontline regulator for the upcoming regulations of HFSS food and drink advertising on TV and online. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Yasmin Qureshi:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Written Statement UIN HCWS652 of 22 May 2025, what his planned timeline is for regulations on the advertising of HFSS food and drink products. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department provides unconscious bias training; and whether his Department plans to provide unconscious bias training to staff from NHS England when that organisation is abolished. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking with NHS England to ensure (a) patient safety and (b) the maintenance of the NHS’ statutory functions following changes to the level of funding for to integrated care boards. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Alison Bennett:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to include Chronic UTIs in the (a) 10-year Health Strategy and (b) next iteration of the Women’s Health Strategy. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that integrated care boards are sufficiently resourced to carry out their statutory child safeguarding duties following changes to their level of funding. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Department's guidance entitled Estates Safety Fund: 2025 to 2026, updated on 30 May 2025, whether the site for the funding allocated to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is correct. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Tom Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the voluntary NHS free parking concession for carers. \p Karin Smyth: No assessment has been made of the potential merits of including carers in the provision of providing free car parking for those in greatest need.

All National Health Service trusts that charge for hospital car parking provide free parking those in greatest need, which includes NHS staff working overnight, frequent outpatient attenders, disabled people, and parents of children staying overnight in hospital. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-patient-visitor-and-staff-car-parking-principles/nhs-patient-visitor-and-staff-car-parking-principles

NHS organisations decide locally on the provision, management, and charging for their car parking within the policy set out by the Department, and therefore can provide additional free parking concession for carers. The four free groups are defined as:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of comedy within social prescribing. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department recognises the value that social prescribing can play in supporting people’s health and wellbeing. This includes activities such as the creative arts, as well as cultural activities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Restoring control over the immigration system: white paper on the UK's foreign policy in relation to Hong Kong. \p Catherine West: As the Foreign Secretary said in the latest 6-monthly Report, this Government remains steadfast in our commitment to the British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa route. The UK provides a welcoming home to Hong Kongers today and it will continue to do so for Hong Kongers tomorrow.

Further details of all measures announced in the Immigration White Paper will be set out in the normal way in due course, and where necessary, will be subject to consultation. As with all matters, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is in close communication with the Home Office on how best to deliver the Government's objectives.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 2 of the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the agreement on the UK’s strategic role in the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission. \p Stephen Doughty: The International Organisations exchange of letters that was laid alongside the treaty states clearly that the UK's membership of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC) will change from a 'Full Member' to an 'Associate Member' following entry-into-force of the Diego Garcia Base Treaty. As an 'Associate Member' the UK will continue to be engaged with this important regional forum.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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John Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many permanent civil servants in his Department are staff without assigned posts; and how many are placed in an equivalent (a) people action team, (b) priority movers list, (c) redeployment register, (d) talent pool and (e) skills match hub in the most recent period for which data is available. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) operate a Directorate Flexible Resource (DFR) pool. The DFR is the FCDO's resourcing model for when staff are between substantive roles in our rotational model of home and overseas roles. The DFR offers important agility for the Department, and to support staff in between roles/when returning from overseas. Those in between roles are working within their Directorates whilst looking for a substantive position.

Each Department is responsible for setting their redundancy procedures in line with the Cabinet Office issued 2016 Civil Service Redundancy Protocol. This document is publicly available guidance, published on gov.uk. The Civil Service does not formally use the terms, 'redeployment registers', 'people action teams', or 'priority movers lists', but the Redundancy Protocol does set out the expectations placed on departments when it comes to managing their employees who are without posts due to restructuring or job reduction plans.

There is no central policy relating to 'Talent pools' in the Civil Service. Departmental approaches to managing talent vary and are not governed by any central guidance or policy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraphs 1(a) to 1(c) of Article 11 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what estimate his Department has made of the net present value assuming a 2% inflation rate of the total amounts payable of the (a) annual sum, (b) capitalisation of a Trust Fund and (c) multi-year funding as part of a development framework. \p Stephen Doughty: Full details of the methodology are set out in the Explanatory Memorandum laid alongside the Treaty. We have published the full costs alongside the Treaty and laid them in the House. The figures are verified by the Government Actuary's Department, drawing on long-established methodology used under this government and previous governments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3 of Article 2 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps his Department plans to take to ensure that seabed exploration by the Government of Mauritius's does not impact the undersea cable operations of (a) Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia and (b) Diego Garcia as defined in Article 19 of the Agreement. \p Stephen Doughty: Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end. The US supports the Treaty, with US Secretary of State Rubio publicly noting that the Treaty "secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint U.S.-UK military facility at Diego Garcia".
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies on (a) Diego Garcia and (b) the rest of the Chagos Archipelago of the agreement reached between Mauritius and Russian on marine research announced in May 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: The Treaty secures the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base. Mauritius as a sovereign nation has agreements with many countries, on a range of issues, these have no bearing on the Treaty.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if operations on Diego Garcia will be subject to the requirements of the Pelindaba Treaty as a result of the transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius under the terms of the UK-Mauritius Treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: The United Kingdom is not a Party to the Pelindaba Treaty, although it is a Party to Protocols I and II. The United Kingdom will ensure all operations on Diego Garcia will continue to comply with its obligations under applicable international law.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking with his international counterparts to procure additional aid for Ukraine. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK has committed £18 billion in support of Ukraine and we have been clear that we will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. We continue to work with our international partners to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. This includes engaging with partners to galvanise support in preparation for the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome in July and beyond.

We are coordinating urgent military support for Ukraine with partners through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. At the most recent meeting on 4 June, the Defence Secretary announced we are investing a record £350 million to increase the supply of drones to 100,000 in 2025, as well as spending a further £247 million on training the Armed Forces of Ukraine this year. Two thirds of our £2.26 billion contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine scheme has also been transferred to Ukraine so they can procure vital military equipment. This is all part of the £4.5 billion in military support that we are providing to Ukraine this year. This complements the support provided by the international Capability Coalitions, and we remain committed to co-leading the Maritime Capability Coalition with Norway and the Drone Capability Coalition with Latvia.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help prevent Russia from continuing its invasion of Ukraine. \p Stephen Doughty: Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine is a gross breach of international law and the UN Charter and directly threatens Euro-Atlantic security. The UK remains fully committed to working with our international partners to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and stop future Russian aggression. We have been clear that Putin must stop his barbaric attacks on innocent civilians and agree an unconditional ceasefire. Our focus is putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations.

To that end, we have worked with our G7 partners to implement the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans to Ukraine scheme. The UK is contributing £2.26 billion earmarked for military spending, and the first two of three payments were made in March and April, enabling Ukraine to procure the equipment it needs to stay in the fight.

We are also working with partners to increase the economic pressure on Putin, to hinder Russia's ability to wage war and bring Putin to the table to agree an enduring ceasefire and to engage in meaningful peace talks. In May, we announced our largest ever sanctions package targeting Russia's shadow fleet and a further package of over 100 targets from Russia's financial and energy sectors, and its military industrial complex, amongst others. Sanctions have deprived Russia of at least $450 billion since February 2022 restricting Putin's war machine and degrading his military.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the provisions in Article 5(2) of the UK-Mauritius Treaty (CP 1334), what steps he is taking to protect the status of the current marine protected area; when he plans to publish the separate written instrument; and whether he has made an assessment of the merits of Mauritius placing restrictions on marine activities around (a) 12 nautical miles and (b) 24 nautical miles of Diego Garcia. \p Stephen Doughty: UK support to Mauritius to establish and manage the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area will be agreed by the Parties by a separate written instrument as part of the implementation of the Agreement. Under the agreement, the UK shall be responsible for environmental protection on Diego Garcia and the surrounding 12 nautical miles. This shall be undertaken in accordance with applicable international law, and with due regard to applicable Mauritian environmental laws, but Mauritius will not be able to place environmental restrictions on marine activities within that area. Beyond 12 nautical miles, the UK shall provide support and assistance to Mauritius in the establishment and management of a Marine Protected Area. This support shall be agreed before entry into force of the treaty. Between 12 and 24 nautical miles, no construction, installations, structures or sensors can be installed without the UK's agreement.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the World Bank on aligning new financial flows with the timelines of the Paris Agreement. \p Catherine West: The World Bank Group's International Development Association and International Bank of Reconstruction and Development have aligned all their new financial operations with the Paris Agreement since 1 July 2023.

The Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Development met with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on 4 June 2025 and they discussed the Bank's upcoming energy strategy.

The Group remains committed to align the rest of its institutions, the International Financial Corporation and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, with the Paris agreement in their new financial operations from 1 July 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2025 to Question 49901 on Saint Helena: Aviation, whether the weather causing delayed flights includes wind shear; and whether this was identified as a potential issue prior to the construction of the airport. \p Stephen Doughty: Poor weather including cloud cover, high winds and wind shear has on occasion caused delays to scheduled flight services to St Helena Airport. Prior to the airport's construction, the initial expert advice provided to the former Department for International Development (DFID) assessed the risk of wind shear as low. Challenges with turbulence and wind shear were subsequently identified during a series of test flights into the airport in 2016, contributing to the airport's classification as a Category C airport. The FCDO pursued litigation in relation to some of the initial expert advice received, and reached a settlement in January 2019. I cannot comment on the detail of decisions made by the 2010-15 Conservative government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Navendu Mishra:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his Department’s policy is on the status of the territory of Western Sahara. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK regards the status of Western Sahara as undetermined. We support the parties and the UN to reach a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

On 1 June, the Government endorsed Morocco's autonomy proposal as the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution, and welcomed Morocco's willingness to engage in good faith with all relevant parties, and to expand on details, with a view to restarting serious negotiations on terms acceptable to the parties. Both the UK and Morocco have reaffirmed the paramount importance of a rules-based international order, including support for the principle of respect for self-determination. The UK will continue to support the efforts of the United Nations and the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, and work with all stakeholders to encourage dialogue and compromise.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Since day one, this Government has been clear that we need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages cruelly detained by Hamas, better protection of civilians, significantly more aid consistently entering Gaza, and a path to long-term peace and stability. The remaining hostages must be released and the way to return them safely is through a deal. All parties must re-engage with negotiations to get hostages out. The Foreign Secretary has visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories three times since taking office and has pressed for a resolution, to secure a ceasefire and see the return of hostages.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Saudi Arabia counterpart on increasing humanitarian aid into Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As part of our continuous engagement at all levels with Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Secretary spoke with Foreign Minister His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Gaza and the humanitarian crisis on 10 May.
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Rachel Gilmour:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Oral Statement of 20 May 2025 on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Official Report, what discussions he has had with (a) his Israeli counterpart (b) other Israel representatives on that Statement. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 20 May, I summoned the Israeli Ambassador to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and made clear the UK's opposition to expanded military operations in Gaza and rising violence & intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The UK will not stand by as this happens. We continue to have similar conversations at all official levels with the Israeli system to urge Israel to take action against violent settlers and halt settlement expansion which directly endanger the viability of a two-state solution.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Sir Gavin Williamson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson has disposed of his shares in Global Counsel or placed them in the hands of a trustee in order to guard against a conflict of interest. \p Catherine West: There is a robust and established process in place for the management of interests held by all Senior Civil Servants. This process is designed to identify and, where necessary, mitigate any potential or perceived conflicts of interest. This process applies in the normal way to Lord Mandelson's appointment. It is improper to discuss the specifics of any individual case.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Anna Dixon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic pressure his Department has exerted on the El Salvador government to ensure that the human rights of detainees at the Terrorism Confinement Centre in Tecoluca are protected. \p Catherine West: The UK continues to urge the authorities in El Salvador to establish an exit strategy from the current State of Exception and ensure respect for human rights, including ensuring that prisoners are treated in line with international human rights standards and afforded the protections to which they have a right under El Salvador's Constitution. The UK reaffirmed this in its statement during El Salvador's Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in January this year, calling on El Salvador to ensure the right to fair trial, with the guarantee of legal representation for defendants, and the release of individuals detained without clear evidence.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on how many occasions he has taken a personal holiday following an official visit; and how the travel costs were paid for in those circumstances. \p Catherine West: The standards of conduct expected of ministers are set out in the Ministerial Code. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not routinely comment on the personal travel arrangements of protected individuals.
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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much his Department spends on diplomacy (a) in numerical terms and (b) as a proportion of gross value added each year. \p Catherine West: Diplomacy is at the heart of all Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) activity, both in the UK and overseas. It is not possible for the FCDO to accurately present a numerical cost of diplomacy, nor the proportion of gross value added each year, because diplomacy will be a varying portion of almost all FCDO expenditure.
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Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to seek the opinion of the House of Commons on recognition of the State of Palestine ahead of the UN General Assembly’s High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. \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. Any UK decision to recognise another state is the prerogative of the Crown, acting on the advice of the Government.
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Sir Gavin Williamson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department makes an assessment of whether potential (a) ambassadors and (b) high commissioners have had a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before they are recommended for appointment. \p Catherine West: All those appointed to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office roles undergo pre-employment checks and National Security Vetting. All Ambassador and High Commissioner roles require Developed Vetting (DV) level National Security clearance. DV is the most detailed and comprehensive form of security clearance. The purpose of these personnel security controls is to ensure that a person's character and personal circumstances are such that they can be trusted to work in a position which may involve access to sensitive assets or sensitive sites. DV clearance is required before an Ambassador or High Commissioner take up their appointment and is regularly reviewed.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2025 to Question 49361 on Sudan: Development Aid, whether the £120 million of food aid is the only funding allocated to Sudan for the 2025-26 financial year. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are determining whether more funding for financial year 2025/26, in addition to the £120 million announced at the London Sudan Conference in April, will be allocated and further information will be provided in due course. Unfortunately, the spending review is still under review, and we will endeavour to update once we have the information.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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John Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the visit by Richard Lochhead MSP to to Beijing. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has made no assessment of the effectiveness of the visit. The delivery of Scottish Government ministers is properly to be assessed by Scottish parliamentary scrutiny mechanisms. The FCDO engaged with Scottish Government officials in support of the visit, as overseas missions routinely do for all overseas visits made by Devolved Government officials.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has considered bringing forward legislative proposals that are similar to the Hong Kong Judicial Sanctions Act. \p Catherine West: The UK has called for the Beijing-imposed National Security Law in Hong Kong to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.

It is not appropriate to speculate on future legislative proposals or potential future sanctions, as to do so could reduce their impact, but we keep our sanctions powers, regimes, designations and measures under review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the (a) political and (b) security situation in Myanmar. \p Catherine West: We continue to closely monitor and assess the political and security context in Myanmar and ensure this informs UK policy.

In assessing the security and humanitarian access constraints, we have continued to prioritise delivering humanitarian aid mainly through local partners, to reach populations most in need, and have been clear at the UN Security Council on calling for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

Additionally, we continue to assess and call out the escalating conflict. In April, the UK supported a Human Rights Council Resolution calling for protection of civilians and all minorities and in May I called out the reported military airstrikes on schools and civilians' infrastructure.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Iqbal Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department (a) has taken and (b) is taking to (i) persuade and (ii) pressure the Indian government to reinstate the INDUS water treaty with Pakistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: It is critical for all actors and international partners to work to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Indus River system.  The UK Government stands ready to offer its support to India and Pakistan in their efforts to ensure the sustainable and equitable management of the Indus River system in the face of a changing climate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Iqbal Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department (a) has taken and (b) is taking to help ensure that the Indian Government takes a full part in the post-ceasefire peace negotiations with Pakistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The agreement to cease further military action reached on 10 May was hugely welcome. Risks remain and it is important that steps are taken to build regional stability. The Foreign Secretary visited Islamabad on 16 May and Delhi on 7 June and continues to engage with his counterparts in both countries.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, published on 19 May 2025, and the Answer of 10 December 2024 to Question 16737 on Gaza: Israel, whether his Department's assessment of Israel's compliance with International Humanitarian Law included whether genocide had been committed. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: 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.

Our International Humanitarian Law assessments address Israel's record of compliance across four domains: the conduct of hostilities; forced displacement; provision and facilitation of humanitarian relief; and the treatment of detainees.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Fabian Hamilton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken in response to reports of human rights abuses in Bangladesh. \p Catherine West: The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. We commend the Interim Government of Bangladesh for inviting the UN Human Rights Office to investigate last summer's events. We support efforts to safeguard human rights and encourage collaboration with the UN and international partners to build a stable democratic future in Bangladesh. In November 2024, I raised the situation in Bangladesh with Chief Adviser Yunus during my visit. In February, Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders visited Bangladesh and discussed justice, accountability, and fundamental freedoms. The UK is investing up to £27 million through the Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme to support civic and political space, reduce corruption, and prevent violence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of (a) the enforced disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and (b) other concerns for the religious freedom of Tibetan Buddhists; whether he has made recent representations to his Chinese counterpart on these issues; and what steps his Department is taking to help protect religious rights for Tibetan Buddhists. \p Catherine West: The UK Government stands firm on human rights, including China's repression of the people of Tibet. We have serious concerns regarding the welfare and whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.

We will champion freedom of religion or belief for all abroad, and work to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through the UN and bilateral engagement.  For example, the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang, Vice Premier He and Vice Premier Ding respectively). The UK also joined a statement led by Australia on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN General Assembly in October 2024.

We continue to do all we can to encourage freedoms for religious and cultural expression in Tibet and across China.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to sanction the Burmese (a) officials and (b) entities involved in conducting or planning the bombing against their own citizens. \p Catherine West: In October 2024, the UK issued its nineteenth round of sanctions, targeting companies involved in the procurement of aviation fuel and equipment to the Myanmar military. In total we have imposed sanctions on 25 individuals and 39 entities under the Myanmar Sanctions regime and designated the military regime's two key conglomerates and their 111 subsidiaries under the Global Human Rights regime. The UK is committed to targeted sanctions, which directly impact the military without harming the wider population.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to urge the Government of Burma to release Aung San Suu Kyi from solitary confinement and prison on grounds of clemency ahead of her 80th birthday on 19 June 2025. \p Catherine West: We condemn the arbitrary detention of Aung San Suu Kyi. The charges against her are politically motivated. On 31 January, to mark the fourth anniversary since the coup, the Foreign Secretary called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, and all those arbitrarily detained. We will continue to call for her release, and the release of all those arbitrarily detained.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the findings in the report by Robert Gordon University entitled Striking the Balance: Building a Sustainable UK Offshore Energy Workforce, published in June 2025. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government has noted the report from Robert Gordon University, which provides helpful analysis on the future of the UK’s offshore energy sector. As Britain becomes a clean energy superpower, the Government is determined to create high-quality jobs to ensure a phased and responsible transition in the North Sea. This is vital for delivering the best outcomes for workers and communities, energy security, and sustainable economic growth. DESNZ will publish our Clean Energy Workforce Strategy this summer. It will set out how we intend to grow and support the talent pipeline for Clean Power 2030 and net zero by 2050.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, on how many days were wholesale electricity prices in excess of £150 per megawatt hour during winter 2024-25. \p Michael Shanks: The Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) publishes this data. It is available here:

https://dp.lowcarboncontracts.uk/dataset/imrp-actuals
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Katie Lam:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many civil servants in the Solar Taskforce will be responsible for ensuring ethical relationships with Chinese companies. \p Michael Shanks: The Solar Taskforce, which has now concluded its work, brought together government and industry stakeholders to identify the actions needed to accelerate the deployment of solar energy by 2030, which will be outlined in the forthcoming Solar Roadmap. Following this, we will establish a new Solar Council to monitor the delivery of the Roadmap’s recommendations, including on the critical issue of ethical supply chains and procurement. DESNZ officials will continue to provide secretariat and advisory support.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-11)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of industrial energy prices in (a) France, (b) Germany and (c) the USA. \p Sarah Jones: Our Clean Power 2030 target is the key to long-term sustainable price reductions with homegrown clean energy the best way to protect billpayers and boost Britain's energy independence. We are also already bringing electricity costs for key UK industries closer in line with other major economies through the British Industry Supercharger. This fully exempts eligible firms from certain costs linked to renewable energy policies, particularly those exposed to the high cost of electricity saving businesses £5 billion over the next ten years.