theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_84
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_84

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many officials were investigated under their Department's disciplinary processes in each of the last 5 years. \p Dan Tomlinson: HM Treasury does not hold data on the number of investigations it has conducted. Its disciplinary data collection is limited to the number of formal disciplinary cases that have taken place and number of sanctions issued
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_85
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_85

Perran Moon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of improving access to low-interest loans for councils delivering affordable homes via the Public Works Loan Board. \p James Murray: The government recognises the vital role that local authorities play in delivering affordable homes. The Public Works Loan Board provides councils with cost-effective loans for investment and service delivery, including affordable housing. We will continue to ensure the PWLB continues to meet local authorities’ financial needs and long-term strategies.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_86
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_86

Edward Morello:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make it her policy to introduce targeted measures to address the cost of living pressures in (a) West Dorset constituency and (b) other rural areas. \p James Murray: The government is committed to improving living standards for all, in every part of the UK, and supporting households with the high cost of living. This is why the government has already raised the minimum wage, extended the £3 bus fare cap, expanded free school meals to over half a million more children, and is rolling out free breakfast clubs for every child in the country.

The Chancellor will make decisions on Budget in the round and these will be announced in the usual way on 26 November 2025.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_87
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_87

Ian Byrne:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has considered introducing legislation to adopt a composite no gain, no loss framework to align the tax treatment of crypto-asset lending and staking with traditional financial instruments; and what progress HMRC has made on its consultation on the taxation of decentralised finance transactions. \p Lucy Rigby: The government has engaged in detail with industry on the tax treatment for the lending and staking of cryptoassets, following the previous consultation on this issue. The government will be responding to the industry in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_88
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_88

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of re-joining the EU Customs Union on economic growth. \p Dan Tomlinson: We are not planning to make an assessment as there will be no return to the Customs Union or the Single Market. We have reset our relations with European partners in order to improve our diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation following Brexit. This Government is making the best choices for businesses, workers and citizens across the country from our position outside the European Union, through significant deals with the US and India, and now a new partnership with the EU - each decision taken to support UK growth.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_89
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_89

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of leaving the European Union on economic growth. \p Lucy Rigby: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is the government’s official forecaster. The OBR have included assessments of the economic impacts of leaving the EU in its forecasts since 2016. In March 2020, the OBR estimated that GDP will be 4 per cent lower in the long run than it would have been had the UK not withdrawn from the EU, an impact which the Chancellor has said is severe and long-lasting, and that imports and exports will eventually both be 15 per cent lower than had we stayed in the EU. As of the Spring Budget 2025, these assumptions are unchanged from its previous assessment.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_90
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_90

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what cost-benefit analysis her Department has undertaken to assess the potential impact of the Making Tax Digital for Income Tax programme on taxpayers. \p Dan Tomlinson: HMRC is on track to implement Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax for those with income over £50,000 from April 2026, with a wide range of customers already testing the service in live running

HMRC has completed a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis which shows the programme continues to deliver value for money for the taxpayer. The latest analysis and figures are published in the June 2025 Accounting Officer Assessment, which is available at:  Making Tax Digital Programme Accounting Officer Assessment (updated) - GOV.UK

While some stakeholders have raised concerns about the costs of compliance, HMRC’s comprehensive evaluation of MTD for VAT suggests that these are offset over time by reduced errors, improved efficiency, and better financial management.

HMRC has undertaken detailed assessments of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax on compliance costs and administrative requirements across different customer groups, including self-employed individuals, small businesses, and landlords.

These have been modelled using the Standard Cost Model and published in Tax Information and Impact Notes (TIINs). The latest published assessment is available at: Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK

HMRC has undertaken public consultation, independent research and user testing to assess the readiness of small businesses for the rollout of MTD for Income Tax. This engagement has informed the design of MTD for Income Tax and led to a phased implementation, tailored support, and focus on providing a wide range of affordable software options.

HMRC has adopted a co-creation approach to bring stakeholders into the heart of the design process, ensuring that the service is shaped by user needs and that businesses are supported through the transition.

Approximately 4,000 participants are currently involved in testing. These cover a range of income types and customer journeys. Findings from testing are used to refine software functionality, improve guidance, and ensure the service meets the needs of small businesses.

HMRC expects most required to use MTD will be able to do so successfully but recognises that some may face challenges using MTD. Although committed to supporting as many taxpayers as possible to move onto digital services, HMRC will exempt those who genuinely cannot use MTD due to age, disability, or digital exclusion.

HMRC undertook exploratory work on MTD for Corporation Tax but concluded that the MTD model was not the right fit for the varying needs of the diverse Corporation Tax population, which ranges from multinationals to microbusinesses to charities. HMRC are developing an approach for the future administration of Corporation Tax which better suits this population.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_91
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_91

Gareth Snell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department plans to take to support credit unions, in the context of the forthcoming National Financial Inclusion Strategy. \p Lucy Rigby: The government has committed to publish a Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year to improve access to financial products and the financial resilience of households in the UK. The strategy will address a range of barriers to financial inclusion, including a key focus on how to improve access to credit. This will seek to build on the government’s recognition of the key role credit unions play in serving underserved groups.

The government has made clear its strong support for the credit union sector, recognising the value that credit unions bring to their members in local communities across the country in providing savings products and affordable credit.

HM Treasury is delivering on measures announced by the Chancellor in last year’s Mansion House speech to support credit unions and the wider mutuals sector, including: concluding a call for evidence on potential reforms to credit union common bonds, supporting the industry-led Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council, and commissioning the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to publish a report on the mutuals landscape by the end of 2025.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_92
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_92

Helen Maguire:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she will have discussions with her international allied counterparts to reduce the level of the Oil Price Cap applicable to Russian exports. \p Lucy Rigby: The UK works closely with G7 partners to increase economic pressure on Russia. On 18 July 2025, the UK lowered the Russian Oil Price Cap alongside the EU, with the aim to reduce Russian oil revenues. On the 15th October the UK also announced new sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, with the United States taking similar action on Wednesday the 22nd.

We will continue to collaborate with international partners, including the reviewing the oil price cap mechanism, to find furthers ways to increase this pressure.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_93
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_93

Gareth Snell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when her Department plans to publish the National Financial Inclusion Strategy; and what (a) themes and (b) policy measures it will include to (i) address financial exclusion and (ii) improve people's financial resilience. \p Lucy Rigby: The Government has committed to publish a national Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year to improve access to financial products and the financial resilience of underserved groups in the UK.

The strategy will address key barriers to financial inclusion, with a focus on: (i) digital inclusion and access to banking; (ii) savings; (iii) insurance; (iv) credit; (v) problem debt; and (vi) financial education and capability. Across these areas, the themes of accessibility, mental health, and economic abuse have also been considered in recognition of the particular challenges individuals can face in relation to these issues.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_94
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_94

Gareth Snell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress she has made in reviewing responses to the call for evidence on reforming the credit union common bond in Great Britain; and when she plans to publish proposed next steps. \p Lucy Rigby: The government recognises the role that credit unions play in providing savings and affordable loans to their members, serving local communities throughout the country. This is why the government is taking steps to ensure credit unions are fully supported to grow and scale into the future.

This includes exploring legislative reform to the credit union common bond, to ensure it remains fit for purpose. We launched a call for evidence at last year’s Mansion House on the potential reform, which closed in March this year.

Responses to the call for evidence are being carefully considered and the government will provide an update on this work in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_95
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_95

Julia Lopez:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether medicines provided free under Early Access Medicines Scheme programmes are liable for output VAT. \p Dan Tomlinson: Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) allows patients access to free medicines for life threatening conditions before receiving full NHS approval.

There are special VAT rules for the supply of goods without payment. Whether VAT applies will depend on the precise facts of the case. In certain circumstances the giving of goods away for free can be outside the scope of VAT. Where the supply is within the scope of VAT a relief may apply, meaning the supply can be made VAT free.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_96
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_96

Julia Lopez:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will commission guidance from HM Revenue and Customs clarifying whether medicines supplied under the Early Access Medicines Scheme fall outside the scope of VAT Deemed Supply rules. \p Dan Tomlinson: Under UK VAT law, some transactions where no money changes hands are treated as if a supply has been made – these are called deemed supplies.

Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) allows patients access to free medicines for life threatening conditions before receiving full NHS approval. Whether VAT applies to medicines or treatments provided for free under the EAMS will depend on the precise facts of the case. Where the supply of free medicine under the EAMS meets the criteria of a deemed supply, VAT will be due.

HMRC considers that the guidance around these rules is clear and long-established.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_97
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_97

James Wild:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2025 to Question 77620 on Self-assessment: Fines, if he will set out for (a) late-filing of Self Assessment forms and (b) late payment of Income Tax (i) how many penalties were cancelled, (ii) the average cost per cancellation, (iii) the average length of time taken by HMRC to cancel a penalty and (iv) the average value of penalties cancelled in each year since 2011. \p Dan Tomlinson: Data on the average cost per cancellation and the average time to cancel penalties is not available.

Final data on the late payment of income tax and the average value of penalties cancelled in each year since 2011 cannot be provided as returns continue to be issued, received and cancelled for several years after the filing return
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_98
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_98

Julia Lopez:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps with HM Revenue and Customs to help ensure that a(a) medicines and (b) treatments provided under the Early Access to Medicines Scheme are not subjected to (i) direct or (ii) indirect VAT. \p Dan Tomlinson: VAT is the UK’s second largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26. Taxation is a vital source of revenue which helps to fund public services.

Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) allows patients access to free medicines for life threatening conditions before receiving full NHS approval.

Under UK VAT law, some transactions where no money changes hands are treated as if a supply has been made – these are called deemed supplies. This is to keep the system fair. If a business has reclaimed VAT on costs (like making or importing goods), it should not avoid accounting VAT when those goods leave the business for free.

Whether VAT applies to medicines or treatments provided for free under the EAMS will depend on the precise facts of the case. In certain circumstances the giving of goods away for free can be outside the scope of VAT. Where the supply is within the scope of VAT a relief may apply, meaning the supply can be made VAT free.

The Government keeps all taxes under review but there are no plans to change the law for Deemed Supplies.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_99
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_99

Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has considered the findings of the UN Secretary-General’s report to the UN Security Council entitled Situation concerning Western Sahara, published on September 30 2025, that the Royal Moroccan Army should refrain from building further military infrastructure west of the berm in occupied Western Sahara; and if she will make representations to the UN Security Council on this matter. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government consistently urges all states to uphold international law, and we continue to encourage constructive engagement with the political process led by the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General Mr Staffan de Mistura in support of finding a just, lasting, and mutually agreed resolution to the Western Sahara dispute. The UK shares a bilateral Human Rights Dialogue with Morocco, the third session of which is due to take place in London by the end of the year and will cover a range of topics.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_100
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_100

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 22 January 2025, to Question 23786, on Chinese Embassy: Planning Permission, if he will publish the (a) minutes and (b) meeting notes for the meetings attended by FCDO officials 4 July 2024. \p Seema Malhotra: It is for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to decide what documentation to publish as part of that process.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_101
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_101

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help support internally displaced people in Yemen living in (a) overcrowded and (b) flood-prone settlements with limited access to (i) water, (ii) sanitation and (iii) health services. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Yemen remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises including with 4.8 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The UK provided £144 million in humanitarian aid in financial year 2024/2025 and is currently the largest donor to the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for this financial year.

Both of the UK's humanitarian programmes support the most vulnerable in Yemen, including IDPs. The UK's Women and Children programme provides primary health care and nutrition, water hygiene and sanitation, and sexual and reproductive health services. In 2025, the programme supported 534 health facilities, providing basic medicines, health workers and community outreach to over one million people, including IDPs. The UK's Food Safety and Security Nets programme has supported more than 26,000 IDPs this year. The programme supports vulnerable communities with cash for food and living expenses, delivers "shock responsive" funding to all those impacted by flooding, and provides direct support to Women's Rights Organisations working with IDPs. The programme has supported more than 88,000 people with Gender Based Violence (GBV) and child protection services, essential given the increased exposure to GBV that IDPs face.

We are working with international partners to respond to these growing needs. The UK and Saudi Arabia have worked together on a $10 million joint programme on cholera in Yemen. Working through the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), this joint programme tackled cholera in the most high-risk and affected communities, including IDP communities.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_102
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_102

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs what recent discussions she has had with international partners on the (a) (i) targeting and (ii) arrests of religious minorities and (b) forced closures of places of worship in Algeria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all. On 21 October, I met Foreign Minister Attaf and emphasised the importance of promoting FoRB and interfaith dialogue, and offered the UK's support in that effort. Our Embassy in Algiers also remains in regular contact with religious groups on how best to support FoRB. We continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for freedom of expression for religious minority communities in Algeria.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_103
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_103

Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to (a) comply with the ICJ Advisory Opinion entitled Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, published on 19 July 2024 and (b) prevent (i) trade and (ii) investment relations that help to maintain Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is fully committed to international law and respects the independence of the International Court of Justice. We continue to consider the Court's Advisory Opinion carefully, with the seriousness and rigour it deserves. The UK does not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Israeli settlements, as part of Israel. Goods imported from the settlements are therefore not entitled to benefit from trade preferences under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement. The UK also supports accurate labelling of settlement goods, so as not to mislead the consumer.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_104
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_104

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2025 to Question HL10630, on Lord Mandelson, what role her Department played in the due diligence undertaken prior to the appointment of the former Ambassador to the United States. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 22nd September to question 74188.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_105
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_105

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Inter-Mediate has received funding from the Government for work on (a) China and (b) North Korea. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 25 September to Question 70454.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_106
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_106

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish the letter of 16 May 2025 from FCDO staff to the former Foreign Secretary on HM Government's Middle East policy. \p Seema Malhotra: It is a long-standing principle that Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office staff should be free to express their views internally without concern that their views will be made public.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_107
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_107

Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the United Nation Secretary-General’s report to the Security Council entitled Situation concerning Western Sahara, published on 30 September 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of that report; and if she will raise this matter at the Security Council. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government consistently urges all states to uphold international law, and we continue to encourage constructive engagement with the political process led by the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General Mr Staffan de Mistura in support of finding a just, lasting, and mutually agreed resolution to the Western Sahara dispute. The UK shares a bilateral Human Rights Dialogue with Morocco, the third session of which is due to take place in London by the end of the year and will cover a range of topics.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_108
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_108

Sir Edward Leigh:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Egyptian counterparts on the potential impact of the inclusion of religious affiliation on national identity cards on people who convert to Christianity. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Egyptian Government has stated its commitment to protecting the rights and freedom of worship as well as the protections enshrined in the Egyptian constitution. The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all and we continue to regularly raise rights concerns with the Egyptian authorities where appropriate.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_109
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_109

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 July to Question 61880 on Western Sahara: Trade Agreements, what discussions she has had with Sahrawi representatives on trade with Western Sahara. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Trade agreements negotiated by the UK are conducted with sovereign states and in accordance with international law. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) officials regularly meet Sahrawi representatives to discuss UK policy on Western Sahara, including trade.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_110
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_110

Bob Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of Iran’s recent Supreme Court’s decision to deny a retrial for Mehran Shamloui; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to ensure his release. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are concerned by Mehran Shamoui's case and by Iran's treatment of Christians, in particular Christian converts, more broadly. On 23 September 2025, at the UN Human Rights Council, UK Permanent Representative, Kumar Iyer, highlighted the targeting and scapegoating of marginalised groups, including Christians. I and the UK Government and our Ambassador continue to raise human rights issues directly with the Iranian government and in multilateral fora.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_111
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_111

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what volume of UK aid has been successfully delivered to Gaza in the last six months. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: All allocations of our Humanitarian Programme are available publicly on Development Tracker. We have published further information on Core Relief Items through the programmes annual review with the next to be published by November 2025. Quantifying how much UK aid has entered into Gaza is difficult, due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data, as well as Israel's restrictions on humanitarian workers and monitors. But despite Israel's restrictions on access we know UK Aid is having an impact - our funding has enabled UK-Med to complete nearly 750,000 patient consultations in Gaza.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_112
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_112

Alex Ballinger:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much foreign aid she plans to grant to Yemen for the 2026-27 fiscal year. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Specific funding allocations in future years for individual programmes and countries will be confirmed in the usual way in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_113
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_113

Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the attack on the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Village Piro Chak, Pakistan, on 28 September 2025; and whether she has had discussions with her Pakistani counterpart on this matter. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 29 October to question 83844.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_114
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_114

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the Government of Israel on the release of medical personnel detained in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign Secretary and I have continued to raise concerns with the Israeli Government about the detention of Kamal Adwan Hospital Director Mr Hussam Abu Safiya and Dr Marwan al-Hamas. Last week, officials at our Embassy in Tel Aviv lodged a request for further information on both doctors from Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have been clear that all prisoners, including medical staff, should be allowed full International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access. We will continue to make both public and private representations to ensure that the ICRC is allowed unfettered and immediate access to detention centres.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_115
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_115

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent information her Department holds on the restrictions on (a) medicines and (b) medical equipment put in place by Israel at entry points into Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Humanitarian partners continue to report delays, restrictions, and denials of critical medical supplies getting into Gaza. On 18 October, the Foreign Secretary raised this directly with Foreign Minister Sa'ar and pressed for the reopening of the Rafah crossing. We continue to urge Israel to allow unhindered humanitarian access including lifting of restrictions on medical supplies.

UK support includes funding for UK-Med and World Health Organization Egypt to deliver critical healthcare both in Gaza and the region. UK support has enabled UK-Med to complete nearly 750,000 patient consultations in Gaza.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_116
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_116

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to support (a) Shadi Khoury and (b) other Palestinian (i) children and (ii) young people. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 13 October to Question 76963.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_117
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_117

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with international partners on women and girls' rights in Afghanistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 21 October to question 81210.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_118
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_118

Susan Murray:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of reports regarding extrajudicial killings in the Punjab region. \p Seema Malhotra: We are aware of the human rights concerns raised about the activities of the Crime Control Department in Punjab, and we are monitoring the situation closely. Promoting human rights and the rule of law is a core part of the UK's diplomatic engagement in Pakistan, and we consistently urge the Pakistani authorities to investigate and address any breaches of those standards. Through UK Official Development Assistance (ODA), we are also supporting progress on human rights in Pakistan through dialogue, technical assistance, and targeted programming.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_119
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_119

James Wild:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what training the UK armed forces (a) provide and (b) plan to provide in future to the Iraqi Security Forces. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continues to work closely with our international partners to maintain a relentless assault on the organisation, financing, recruitment and terrorist activities of Daesh in all regions where they or their affiliates are operating. In June, UK officials took part in the latest small group meeting of the Global Coalition, hosted by the Spanish government, where these collective efforts were discussed. The official statement emerging from that meeting can be found here: https://theglobalcoalition.org/en/meeting-of-the-global-coalition-to-defeat-isis-small-group/.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_120
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_120

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the level of threat from Iran. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: This issue was addressed at length in the Minister for Security's statement to the House on 4 March: Iranian State Threats, Col 195, Vol 763.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_121
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_121

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with his counterpart in Iraq on the rights of (a) women and (b) children in that country. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Countering rollback and promoting the rights of women and girls is a key focus of UK diplomatic and policy engagement and our programming in Iraq. The UK/ Iraq Joint Statement in January 2025 affirmed commitment to deepening cooperation on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and agreed the importance of supporting women's rights organisations. This statement further recognised the need for on-going support for all survivors of Daesh-perpetrated sexual violence, including mothers and their children born of conflict-related sexual violence. The Foreign Secretary will be raising these and other priority issues with her Iraqi counterpart.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_122
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_122

Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of social media restrictions in Afghanistan on (a) communication between people in the UK and their family members in Afghanistan and (b) the ability of Afghan diaspora communities in the UK to access reliable information about events in Afghanistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 21 October to question 80102.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_123
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_123

Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answers of 20 October 2025 to Questions (a) 81257 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty and (b) 81258 on St Helena: British Nationals Abroad, what steps she is taking to implement (i) the commitment that entitled pensioners residing in St Helena receive unfrozen benefits from April and (ii) other provisions in the British Indian Ocean Territory Partnership Agreement, signed in October 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is working together with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to address the complex considerations concerning the unfreezing of pensions for St Helena. I have recently met ministerial colleagues to discuss this issue again, and look forward to meeting the new Chief Minister soon to update them. We will update on progress in the usual way in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_124
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_124

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of recent attacks on Kurdish-majority areas on (a) the long-term stability of regions formerly liberated from ISIS with the support of the Syrian Democratic Forces and (b) the UK’s ongoing counter-terrorism objectives in Syria and Iraq. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We were concerned by the recent escalation of violence in the Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods in Aleppo on 6 October and welcomed the swift ceasefire agreement reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Syrian Government. It is vital that both sides continue to engage in negotiations to reach a sustainable political settlement. The UK Representative for Syria regularly engages with both parties in support of an inclusive political process and the implementation of the deal agreed in March.

We continue to monitor the humanitarian situation closely. Reports from partners indicate no major access constraints impeding delivery of humanitarian assistance. The UK will provide up to £254.5 million of humanitarian support to Syria and the region in 2025.

Protecting the safety and security of the UK and its citizens remains first duty of this Government, and we will continue to work with relevant authorities in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere to pursue our Counter-Terror objectives and keep our country safe.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_125
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_125

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to take steps to encourage the formation of an independent investigation into the 10 October 2025 attack on the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Rabwah, Pakistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are aware of the recent attack at Baitul Mahdi Mosque in Rabwah and continue to monitor the situation with concern. Our High Commission in Islamabad regularly raises the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels, and has raised this incident with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister. I raised my concern over violence against the Ahmadiyya community in a meeting with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister in August. We continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to fully investigate incidents of violence, prosecute those responsible and provide justice to victims and their families. On the international stage, the UK continues to highlight freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) violations and abuses through our position at the UN, G7 and as an active member of the Article 18 Alliance, ensuring joint international action on FoRB.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_126
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_126

Bob Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her counterparts in Iran on Hakop Gochumyan; and whether she is taking diplomatic steps to help secure his release. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are very concerned by Mr. Gochumyan's case and at Iran's treatment of Christians more broadly. On 23 September 2025, at the UN Human Rights Council, UK Permanent Representative, Kumar Iyer, highlighted the targeting and scapegoating of marginalised groups, including Christians, by Iran. The UK Government and our Ambassador in Iran continue to monitor the situation closely and raise rights issues directly with the Iranian Government.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_127
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_127

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to (a) help stop executions and (b) promote the democratic movement in Iran. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstance as a matter of principle. We have repeatedly called on Iran to establish an immediate moratorium on executions, including at the UN Third Committee on 9 October. We continue to play an integral role in the delivery of the Committee's annual Iran human rights resolution, and will do so again this November. In November 2024, the resolution condemned Iran's application of the death penalty, which was in violation of its international obligations, including executions undertaken against persons on the basis of forced confessions and without fair trial and due process. We will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran to account for its continued human rights violations. We believe it is for the Iranian people to decide the future of Iran.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_128
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_128

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Iranian counterparts on recent reports of six Baha’i women facing imminent imprisonment for their beliefs in Hamadan, Iran. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government and our Ambassador in Iran regularly raise our human rights concerns directly with the Iranian Government and in international fora. We are deeply concerned by the heightened threat currently faced by Baha'is in Iran.

On 23 September 2025, at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), UK Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization and UN, Kumar Iyer, highlighted the recent targeting and scapegoating of marginalised groups during and following the 12-day war, including Baha'is. On 25 March 2025, at the UNHRC, we called out Iran's escalation in the arrest and detention of Baha'i women, which was an effort to suppress their religious identity and autonomy as women. We were integral to the delivery of an Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the UNHRC on 3 April 2025, which renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, and renewed and expanded the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission, to establish the facts, circumstances and structural causes of ongoing and recent human rights violations, including discrimination on grounds of religion or belief.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_129
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_129

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to transparency data on FCDO ministerial meetings, April to June 2025, published on 25 September 2025, if she will publish the minutes of the ministerial meeting with the TUC on 16 June 2025; and whether the recognition of Palestine was discussed in that meeting. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As has been the case under successive governments, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not routinely publish the details of meetings with external bodies.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_130
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_130

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support dialogue between India and Pakistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: India and Pakistan are both long-standing, important friends of the UK. We continue to encourage both to engage in dialogue and to find lasting political solutions to support regional stability. The UK has engaged extensively with both countries, as have other key states, in order to encourage India and Pakistan to return to diplomacy. I remain concerned by the potential for future escalation, which neither the region nor the wider world could afford.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_131
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_131

Gareth Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department plans to take to support the rebuilding of the Palestinian economy. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 13 October, alongside representatives from the Egyptian Government and the Palestinian Authority, I co-hosted a summit at Wilton Park focused on how we can leverage in private finance to support the reconstruction of Gaza and the recovery of the Palestinian economy, attended by business leaders from the region, international partners, and financial experts from here in the UK.

Both through short-term humanitarian relief, and long-term support, we are determined to help the Palestinian people as they rebuild their homes and livelihoods, and we will continue to drive international support for that effort as a crucial component of Phase Two of the US-led peace plan.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_132
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_132

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the speech entitled PM statement on the recognition of Palestine: 21 September 2025, what her (a) criteria and (b) definition is of a viable Palestinian State. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to the statement made on the Middle East by the Prime Minister on 14 October, in which he addressed at length the issues arising from the UK's decision to recognise the State of Palestine. Any further updates will be announced in the normal way in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_133
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-29 conversation_133

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 July 2025 to Question 66929 on BBC World Service, whether any (a) specific programmes and (b) projects within the BBC World Service are under consideration for funding decisions in the autumn review. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 September to Question 70437.