theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_40

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage Pakistan to respect (a) democracy, (b) human rights and (c) the rule of law. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law is a core part of the UK's diplomatic engagement in Pakistan, and we regularly engage Pakistan on these issues at the highest levels. The former Foreign Secretary raised human rights, democracy and the rule of law in meetings with Pakistan's Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister when he visited Pakistan in May. I raised these issues with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister last month and with the Interior Minister on 31 March. The UK Government consistently urges Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. Through UK Official Development Assistance (ODA), we are supporting progress on human rights in Pakistan through dialogue, technical assistance, and targeted programming. We will continue to urge the government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people, in accordance with international standards.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_41

Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of trends in UK aid spending on (a) water, (b) sanitation and (c) hygiene programmes. \p Chris Elmore: UK bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) expenditure on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is published annually in the Statistics on International Development. The latest report shows UK bilateral ODA for WASH totalled £37 million in 2023, £45 million in 2022, £78 million in 2021, and £110 million in 2020. Figures for 2024 will be published on the 18th of September 2025.

In parallel with this reduction, we have changed our approach to WASH, moving away from the direct delivery of WASH services at scale, to working in partnership with governments to strengthen the systems needed to provide and sustain WASH services. This can also help secure additional resources, including domestic funding, climate finance and private investment, extending our overall impact.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_42

Dr Kieran Mullan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many (a) people and (b) full-time equivalent staff are employed in the Murder and Manslaughter Team in the latest period for which data is available. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As of September 2025, there are six full-time staff in the Murder and Manslaughter team.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_43

Steve Race:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the level of therapeutic food procured through UK Overseas Development Assistance (a) directly by the Government and (b) by third party partners, in the latest year for which information is available. \p Chris Elmore: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not directly procure therapeutic foods and does not currently hold data on the quantity of therapeutic foods procured by third-party partners using FCDO funds.

Therapeutic foods are primarily procured as part of nutrition-related humanitarian programming. Expenditure on nutrition-related humanitarian programming is captured in the FCDO's annual nutrition accountability reports, which are published 18 months in arrears. The most recent report covers spend from 2022, totalling £238.5 million. This figure which includes funding for food assistance and therapeutic foods, should be viewed as a proxy indicator of the level of investment in such products, rather than a direct measure of procurement. Data on nutrition-related spend for 2023 will be published in Autumn 2025.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_44

Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the Government's strategic objectives are for the state visit of President Trump. \p Stephen Doughty: State visits are a core part of delivering the Government's Plan for Change, strengthening the UK's global partnerships and people-to-people ties. As part of the US President's State Visit, the UK and US have agreed the Tech Prosperity Deal, focused on developing the fastest growing technologies like AI, quantum and nuclear. This comes as America's top technology and AI firms commit a combined £31 billion to boost the UK's AI infrastructure and cutting-edge tech. This partnership will turbocharge the build-out of new nuclear power stations to secure jobs and growth in the UK and US, this golden age of nuclear is central to the government's mission to build more clear homegrown power to ensure energy security. As the Prime Minister has said, the Tech Prosperity Deal will "shape the futures of millions of people on both sides of the Atlantic, and delivering growth, security and opportunity up and down the country".
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_45

Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 July to Question 64209 on Western Sahara: Human Rights, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Morocco on the details of what autonomy within the Moroccan State could entail. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting solution of the Western Sahara conflict and welcomed Morocco's stated commitment to provide further details of what autonomy within a Moroccan state could entail, with a view to restarting serious negotiations. In that context, we continue to engage with all relevant parties in support of the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination. The former Foreign Secretary last spoke to Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Bourita on 23 July and I met representatives of the Polisario Front on 5 August.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_46

Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to increase the provision of aid to the Sahrawi refugee camps, following the UN Secretary General’s report entitled Question of Western Sahara of 31 July 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK continues to regularly meet and consult regional and international partners to discuss the issue of Western Sahara, including those from the peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), the UN, civil society, and the broader international community. We continue to work with international partners to assess the situation and ensure UK aid reaches the most vulnerable, including Sahrawi refugees.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_47

Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an estimate of financial damages caused to UK based (a) charities and (b) organisations (i) operating and (ii) owning property in Gaza since 7 October 2024. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The requested data is not held by the department.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_48

Monica Harding:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the priorities of her Department with respect to international development have altered since the Government reshuffle. \p Chris Elmore: The Government's current priorities for international development remain the same as set out by the Minister for Development in her letters to the International Development Committee, the latest of which can be found here: [committees.parliament.uk/publications/48991/documents/257473/default/]
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_49
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_49

Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of Israel’s involvement in the sectarian violence in southern Syria; and what assessment he has made of the risk of Israeli annexation of parts of southern Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are deeply concerned by the recent violence in southern Syria and have been working closely with international partners to press for de-escalation and for all sides to engage in dialogue. I raised this with Foreign Minister al Shaibani when I visited Damascus in August and underlined that we continue to call on Israel to respect Syria's territorial integrity, and uphold their obligations to peace, stability and security under international law. As the former Foreign Secretary made clear during his call with Israel's Foreign Minister on 21 July, Israel's attacks in Damascus risk destabilising Syria. Respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity is crucial for both Syrian security and that of its neighbours.

The UK's long-standing position is that the Golan Heights are occupied territory, and we do not recognise Israel's annexation. We have been clear that we expect Israel to adhere to their commitment that their presence in the Area of Separation is both limited and temporary, and we have called on Israel at the UN Security Council to lay out timelines for their withdrawal.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_50
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_50

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the forced evacuation orders in Deir al-Balah and the resultant disruption to humanitarian operations in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the former Foreign Secretary on 1 September, and the joint statement on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza made alongside 31 overseas partners on 12 August: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-on-the-humanitarian-situation-in-gaza.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_51
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_51

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification of 29 July 2025 which states that Gaza has entered Phase 5 (Catastrophic/Famine conditions); and what steps he is taking in response. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification's (IPC) confirmation of famine in Gaza City and the surrounding neighbourhood on 22 August is utterly horrifying. The former Foreign Secretary issued a statement on 22 August stating that the Israeli government's refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza has caused this man-made catastrophe and calling for aid to reach those in need urgently and without delay. He also spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on 23 August to urge for restrictions on humanitarian access to be removed. We coordinated joint statements with over 30 international partners on 12 August and on 21 July calling on Israel to immediately restore the flow of aid into Gaza and enable humanitarian agencies to operate. On 1 September, the UK announced an additional £15 million funding for humanitarian and medical support in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_52
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_52

Andy Slaughter:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the UN Secretary General’s designation of Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory in the process of decolonisation. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Western Sahara is a UN Non-Self-Governing Territory with no defined Administering Power. The UK has endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting solution of the Western Sahara conflict and welcomed Morocco's stated commitment to provide further details of what autonomy within a Moroccan state could entail, with a view to restarting serious negotiations. In that context, we continue to engage with all relevant parties in support of the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_53
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_53

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many (a) ambassadors and (b) high commissioners are not (a) civil servants and (b) members of the Diplomatic Service. \p Seema Malhotra: All those appointed to Ambassador or High Commissioner roles are appointed as civil servants.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_54
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_54

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken to help secure the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government is committed to securing Mr El-Fattah's release so he can be reunited with his family. We continue to engage actively in pressing for his release at the highest levels of the Egyptian government. The Prime Minister raised the case with President Sisi on 26 June. The former Foreign Secretary has also raised the case regularly, most recently in a call with Foreign Minister Abdelatty on 31 August. I most recently raised Mr El-Fattah's case with Foreign Minister Abdelatty on 28 July and with the Egyptian Ambassador to the UK on multiple occasions.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_55
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_55

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 54790 on FCDO: Holidays, whether there is any further internal guidance to Ministers on this issue. \p Seema Malhotra: No. The position remains the same as under previous governments.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_56
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_56

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to publish its legal advice on whether Israel is breaching international humanitarian law in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: In line with the long-standing practice under successive governments, we do not routinely publish the legal advice on which assessments of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) compliance are based.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_57
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_57

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many days was the Union Flag flown on the main Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office building in (a) 2024 and (b) 2025 to date. \p Seema Malhotra: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office building on King Charles Street has flown the Union Flag daily throughout 2024 and thus far in 2025.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_58
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_58

Sir Ashley Fox:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of staff in his Department did not meet the minimum office attendance target in the latest period for which data is available; and what sanctions his Department issues to staff who do not meet this target. \p Seema Malhotra: The Department does not routinely issue sanctions for not meeting the office attendance expectation. However, where a staff member refuses a reasonable management instruction - such as attending the office when required - this may be addressed through the Department's disciplinary procedures, in line with established HR policy. Such cases are rare and typically resolved before formal action is considered.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_59
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_59

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Saudi counterpart on the cases of seven Egyptian nationals facing execution for non-lethal drug offences. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK strongly opposes the death penalty in all countries and circumstances. We regularly discuss human rights with the Saudi authorities, including individual cases of concern. I raised the cases of several Egyptian nationals with the Saudi authorities this year. The Government will continue to engage on this matter.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_60
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_60

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when did his Department last raise concerns with his Pakistani counterpart about former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his supporters. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: While judicial matters are for Pakistan's courts, the UK has consistently emphasised to its counterparts in Pakistan the need for due process, fair trials, and humane treatment for all, including Mr Imran Khan.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_61
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_61

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in Israel on ensuring that food aid reaches people in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the former Foreign Secretary on 1 September, and the joint statement on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza made alongside 31 overseas partners on 12 August: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-on-the-humanitarian-situation-in-gaza.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_62
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_62

Claire Hughes:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he will take to help (a) support a ceasefire in Gaza and (b) enable the delivery of aid to (i) people and (ii) children at risk of starvation. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer my Hon Friend to the statement made to the House by the former Foreign Secretary on 1 September.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_63
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_63

Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support access to medical care for Palestinians. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The healthcare situation in Gaza is critical. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly all hospitals in Gaza have been partly damaged or destroyed. We have made both private and public representations calling for the protection of healthcare facilities and medical professionals. On 25 August, the former Foreign Secretary expressed his horror at the strike on Nasser hospital and called for civilians and healthcare professionals to be protected. On 22 August, the former Foreign Secretary also urged Israel to allow desperately needed medical supplies into Gaza.

With our £19 million of support, UK-Med has treated over 600,000 patient consultations in their field hospitals and emergency departments. We have also boosted regional healthcare capacity by providing £3 million for WHO Egypt to treat medically evacuated civilians from Gaza who are receiving care in Egypt.

On 1 September, the former Foreign Secretary announced an additional £15 million of aid and medical care for Gaza and the region.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_64
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_64

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to Hamas on agreeing US proposals to secure a ceasefire. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has long retained a policy of no contact with Hamas who are a proscribed terrorist organisation. We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel anymore.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_65
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_65

Richard Burgon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs,  pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 56288 on Arms Trade: Israel, if he will now publish the Research Report: Long-Range Shootings or Shootings of Minors that was included in evidence in Al-Haq v Secretary of State for Business and Trade. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: In line with the long-standing practice under successive governments, we do not routinely publish the detailed analysis on which assessments of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) compliance are based.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_66
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_66

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the future role of Hamas in the Palestinian Authority. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The former Foreign Secretary held regular discussions with his US counterpart on shared priorities, including bringing an end to the war in Gaza, and the new Foreign Secretary will do the same.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_67
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_67

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 February 2025 to Question 30304 on Gaza: Internally Displaced People, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people displaced from Gaza City since July 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: It has been estimated that at least 90 per cent of Gaza's population of 1.9 million has been displaced, many of whom have been displaced several times, that 92 per cent of housing units have been destroyed and 1.4 million people are currently in desperate need of emergency shelter. Following the ground incursion on 14 August on Gaza City and North Gaza, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report significant displacement observed from north to south with 33,153 movements recorded, further straining already overcrowded areas.

As the UK said in our joint statement with overseas partners on 10 August, we condemn the Government of Israel's decision to further expand its military operations in Gaza, which risks violating international humanitarian law, endangering the lives of all civilians in Gaza, including the remaining hostages, and worsening the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, leading to further death and mass displacement of Palestinian civilians. We call on Israel to allow the UN and humanitarian partners to deliver unrestricted flows of humanitarian aid to alleviate this crisis, including shelter kits.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_68
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_68

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help secure the safe return of Craig and Lindsay Foreman from Iran. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are deeply concerned by Craig and Lindsay's detention in Iran. We are providing them with consular assistance and remain in close contact with their family members. We continue to raise the case directly with the Iranian authorities.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_69
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_69

Nadia Whittome:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq on the detention of journalists Sherwan Sherwani and Omed Baroshki. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: In August, officials from our Consulate General in Erbil attended the trial of Sherwan Sherwani. This sent a clear signal that the UK Government is closely monitoring the situation and remains engaged in advocating for due process and media freedom.

Freedoms of expression, media and association are key parts of the democratic process. Journalists in the Kurdistan Region must be able to operate without fear of harassment, detention, or violence.

The UK, alongside international partners, will continue to raise these issues with the Kurdistan Regional Government and press for accountability and reform.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_70
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_70

Dr Lauren Sullivan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the level of compliance with international protections for journalists in the conflict in Gaza; and what steps he is taking to support international (a) press freedom and (b) humanitarian law. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK strongly condemns all violence directed against journalists and media workers. Civilian reporters covering conflicts are afforded protection under international humanitarian law. We are therefore appalled by the extremely high number of fatalities, arrests and detentions of media workers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In a recent joint statement with 28 other countries, we called on the Israeli authorities and all other parties to make every effort to ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem can conduct their work freely and safely. The statement also called for all attacks against media workers to be investigated and for those responsible to be prosecuted in compliance with national and international law.

The UK has contributed £3 million to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Global Media Defence Fund, benefitting over 9,000 journalists, including time-sensitive emergency support to journalists and media experiencing sudden major crises in Ukraine, Sudan and Haiti. Earlier this year the UK provided funds to UNESCO's Special Fund for Gaza, supporting locally based journalists with vital equipment.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_71
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_71

Mohammad Yasin:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his (a) Pakistani and (b) Bangladeshi counterpart on (i) the provision of support following recent floods and (ii) strengthening resilience to future climate-related flooding. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK was among the first to respond to the floods in Pakistan, approving £2.13 million in emergency funding across seven most affected districts reaching nearly 223,000 people with search and rescue, emergency medical care, food, water, hygiene, and household items. His Majesty the King, the Prime Minister, the former Foreign Secretary and I have shared messages of condolence and support with the Pakistani government.

In Bangladesh, we have supported over 150,000 climate-vulnerable people since 2023. We provided £1.6 million for cyclone and flood response and recovery between May 2024 and March 2025. We are working with the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen flood forecasting and early warning systems in partnership with the UK Met Office. In March 2025, the Bangladesh Adviser for Environment, Forests and Climate Change discussed disaster preparedness with the UK Special Representative for Climate.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_72
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_72

Kim Leadbeater:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support Palestinian children forcibly displaced from Gaza to Egypt. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are deeply concerned by the effect of ongoing hostilities on children in Gaza, many of whom have been displaced several times. The UK has provided £3 million in funding to World Health Organization (WHO) Egypt to boost regional healthcare capacity to treat medically evacuated civilians from Gaza who are receiving care in Egypt. Israel must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure that Palestinians can return to their homes, and to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that proper accommodation and conditions are provided to all those displaced. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of International Humanitarian Law. A cross-government taskforce is working urgently to get some sick and injured children out of Gaza, so that they can receive specialist treatment in NHS hospitals across the UK. The UK continues to be a major donor to United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) - our support reached a more than 160,000 people in the last financial year, including almost 80,000 children.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_73
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_73

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help (a) end the recent violence and (b) ensure the protection of minority groups in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to my answer of 4 September to Question 69285.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_74
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_74

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled UK and Palestinian strategic cooperation: memorandum of understanding, published on 28 April 2025, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of the Palestinian Authority’s compliance with its commitment in February 2025 to end payments to Palestinians convicted of terror offences by Israel. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are clear that a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) is essential to long-term stability in the region and making progress towards a two-state solution, which is why alongside our international partners, we welcomed the PA's commitment to deliver its ambitious and necessary 'National Program for Development and Reform'. In July the Foreign Secretary announced £7 million to strengthen the PA and Palestinian governance.

We welcomed President Abbas' letter to President Macron, dated 9 June, in which he reaffirmed the Palestine Liberation Organization principles of non-violence, and committed to the organisation of elections, the development of a curriculum that is free from incitement, and revoking the law on prisoner payments by implementing a new social security system. We will continue to work closely with the PA to support it in delivering the important commitments it has made on reform.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_75
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_75

Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of further sanctions on Israel in response to (a) the humanitarian situation in Gaza and (b) plans for further illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: This Government has announced three packages of sanctions since coming to power, two of which targeted individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian Communities in the West Bank. On 10 June we imposed sanctions on Israeli Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir, in their personal capacity for inciting violence towards Palestinians. We keep all sanctions action under review, however we cannot speculate on further sanctions or share our assessments on their impact.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_76
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_76

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he will take to support the US Government in improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer my Hon Friend to the statement made to the House by the former Foreign Secretary on 1 September.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_77
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_77

Andy Slaughter:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make his policy to talk to his Moroccan counterpart on the blocking of visits by (a) parliamentarians, (b) researchers, (c) journalists and (d) lawyers to occupied Western Sahara. \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 regarding Western Sahara. We have supported language in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions that encourages the parties to continue their efforts to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in Western Sahara, including the freedoms of expression and association. The UK also 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.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_78
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_78

Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to prevent JCB equipment being used by the Israeli Government in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. We have guidance on gov.uk that states there are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.

The Government also supports voluntary due diligence approaches taken by UK businesses to identify and prevent human rights abuses, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_79
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_79

Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of a diplomatic humanitarian convoy to facilitate the delivery of aid through the Rafah Crossing; and what recent discussions he has had with his Egyptian counterpart on diplomatic escorts for humanitarian aid to Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The political and security conditions in Gaza are not currently suitable for the deployment of diplomatic convoys and escorts. Israel must allow the full range of humanitarian relief supplies to enter and be distributed within Gaza via all crossings and routes, and the Israel Defense Force (IDF) must ensure their safe passage.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_80
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_80

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish all the estimates he received on the financial costs of the UK-Mauritius Treaty from the Government Actuary's Department since 5 July 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: The cost of the Diego Garcia military base agreement in today's money is £101 million while the net present value over 99 years is £3.4 billion. These figures have been verified by the Government Actuary's Department and draw on long-established methodology to account for long-term projects. Full details are in the Explanatory Memorandum which was laid alongside the Treaty.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_81
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_81

Aphra Brandreth:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much and what proportion of the overseas aid budget is spent on asylum seekers in the UK. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Honourable Member to the answer of 9 June to Question 56044.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_82
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_82

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with international partners on mitigating the potential threat from former British nationals in (a) al-Hol and (b) al-Roj prison camps, following recent instability in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We continue to work closely with partners to regularly assess and monitor any threats from within al-Hol and al-Roj camps in North East Syria, including through our role in the Global Coalition Against Daesh's military mission.

We do not comment on individual cases, operational intelligence, or security matters, but we will not hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to protect the UK from those who pose a threat to our security.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_83
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_83

Cat Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much her Department spent on bilateral water, sanitation and hygiene projects in each year between 2020-21 and 2024-25. \p Chris Elmore: UK bilateral Official, Development Assistance (ODA) expenditure on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is published annually in the Statistics on International Development. The latest report shows UK bilateral ODA for WASH totalled £37 million in 2023, £45 million in 2022, £78 million in 2021, and £110 million in 2020. Figures for 2024 will be published on the 18th of September 2025.

In parallel with this reduction, we have changed our approach to WASH, moving away from the direct delivery of WASH services at scale, to working in partnership with governments to strengthen the systems needed to provide and sustain WASH services. This can also help secure additional resources, including domestic funding, climate finance and private investment, extending our overall impact.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_84
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_84

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria his Department uses when selecting recipients for international climate finance. \p Chris Elmore: International Climate Finance is spent in countries according to their vulnerability to climate change, ability to fund their own adaptation, and high emissions or high future emissions pathways where climate mitigation, poverty reduction, and development co-benefits potential are greatest.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_85
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_85

Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to participate in humanitarian aid airdrops to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. In late July, the Prime Minister announced plans for the UK to work with Jordan to get aid into Gaza. Since then, UK aid has been dropped into Gaza by the Royal Jordanian Air Force. Whilst airdrops will help to alleviate some of the suffering, land routes serve as the only viable and sustainable means of providing aid into Gaza. Israel must urgently lift restrictions and facilitate a surge of aid into Gaza to prevent further hunger and malnutrition related deaths. It must ensure that the UN and its partners including non-governmental organisations are able to work safely and effectively.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_86
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_86

Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Government of Saudi Arabia on the reported rise in executions in relation to non-violent drug-related offences. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK strongly opposes the death penalty in all countries as a matter of principle, and in all circumstances. Saudi Arabia is well aware of the UK's opposition to the use of the death penalty. We regularly raise our concerns about the use of the death penalty with the Saudi authorities using a range diplomatic channels, at Ministerial level and through our Ambassador and our Embassy in Riyadh.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_87
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_87

Andy Slaughter:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy to call on MINURSO to (a) conduct human rights monitoring in Western Sahara and (b) report their finding to the UN Security Council. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, including in Western Sahara. Our policy regarding the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is informed by ongoing engagement with the parties and regular meetings and consultation with regional and international partners, including MINURSO, the UN, civil society, and the broader international community. The UK has previously supported language in UN Security Council Resolutions that encourages the parties to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in Western Sahara.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_88
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_88

Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what international commitments he plans to make in relation to the Global Care Reform Campaign. \p Stephen Doughty: The Global Charter on Children's Care Reform, led by the UK, sets out a series of commitments including supporting families to prevent unnecessary separation, ensuring safe and nurturing family-based alternative care and progressively ending the institutionalisation of all children.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_89
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_89

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish his Department’s assessment of the potential impact of reductions in Overseas Development Assistance on UK-supported initiatives in (a) health system development, (b) girls’ education and (c) disability support in developing countries. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Hon Member to the Equalities Impact Assessment published for the 2025/26 Official Development Assistance programme allocations.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_90
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_90

Dr Kieran Mullan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many in-person meetings the Murder and Manslaughter Team have had with clients in each of the last three years. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The information requested is not held centrally. When families would like to meet with the team in person, they will always do whatever is possible to arrange this.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_91
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_91

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support work to eradicate polio globally. \p Chris Elmore: The UK is a longstanding supporter of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), having contributed £1.4 billion since 1995. This has enabled GPEI to reduce wild poliovirus cases by over 99 per cent. The UK is also the largest donor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, recently announcing a new investment that will support eligible countries with polio vaccines as part of an essential package of childhood immunisation.
wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_92
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-17 conversation_92

Kim Leadbeater:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is considering further sanctions in response to settler violence in the Occupied West Bank. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: In response to the persistent cycle of serious violence undertaken by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, the former Foreign Secretary announced three sanctions packages targeting individuals, outposts and organisations. This included, on 10 June, acting alongside Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway, to impose UK sanctions on Israeli government ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, in their personal capacity, in response to their repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities.

Imposing sanctions is one response among other diplomatic tools, and we will continue to consider a range of approaches to achieve our foreign policy objectives globally. However, it is not appropriate to speculate on future designations as to do so could reduce their impact.