theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-04-25 conversation_132
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Gareth Davies:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the Security of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on a response to the Climate Change Committee’s report on the Seventh Carbon Budget, published on 26 February 2025. \p James Murray: In line with the Climate Change Act 2008, the Government will respond to the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget Advice and set the seventh carbon budget in law by 30 June 2026.

The Government will set out policies to support delivery of the seventh carbon budget as soon as reasonably practicable after this.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-25)

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Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of Making Tax Digital; and what steps she is taking to improve customer service for businesses. \p James Murray: HMRC’s published evaluation of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, introduced in 2019, shows that MTD is effective with additional tax revenue raised in line with HMRC’s original forecast. MTD reduces error and provides wider benefits, including time saved, increased tax confidence, greater accuracy and improved business operations.

The Government expects that businesses and landlords using MTD for Income Tax from April 2026 will experience similar benefits.

HMRC’s move towards being a digital first tax administration system supports the commitment to better customer service. Improved online digital services will handle routine functions and enquiries, supported by accessible online content such as recorded webinars and YouTube videos.

This will free up phone lines to support customers with more complex queries.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_1

Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking with international partners to defend vulnerable religious groups in north-east Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Alongside our international partners the UK has consistently advocated and offered support to the Syrian Government to deliver an inclusive political transition. We have underlined the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians, including vulnerable religious groups in the north-east, both publicly and as part of our engagement with the Syrian Government, including during the Foreign Secretary's recent visit. We remain deeply concerned about tensions between communities in Syria and the impact this may have for Syria's stability. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_2

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information he holds on the (a) status and (b) health of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I remain deeply disturbed by the ongoing detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and other medical staff from Gaza. We continue to call on Israel to clarify the reasons for the detention of Dr Abu Safiya and other medical personnel, and to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities.

I have specifically raised Dr Hussam Abu Safiya's case with both the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and Israel's ambassador to the UK. We are urging Israel to clarify the reasons for his detention, to allow medical workers to carry out their work safely and without hindrance, and to provide detainees with access to legal representation.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Prime Minister has had discussions with US president Donald Trump on the proscription of Palestine Action. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to my answer of 16 July 2025, Official Report, PQ 66037.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Iqbal Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to (a) support the establishment of a peacekeeping mandate and (b) pursue other multilateral action at the United Nations Security Council to protect the provision of UN-delivered aid to Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 4 June, the UK voted in favour of a UN Security Council Resolution calling for urgent improvements to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We co-called a meeting of the UN Security Council on 16 July where we reiterated calls for a ceasefire and for Israel to lift its restrictions on aid, raising serious concerns about the imminent collapse of basic services in Gaza. On 21 July, together with 30 international partners, we released a statement condemning the appalling humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the killing of civilians, and called for the war to end immediately. On 25 July we released a statement, together with France and Germany, calling on Israel to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid into Gaza. The political and security conditions in Gaza are not currently suitable for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Dr Rosena Allin-Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to support access to education for children in Gaza whose schools have been (a) damaged and (b) destroyed. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is deeply concerned at reports of bombing of schools in Gaza, and the impact on Gaza's children. We have called on Israel to do its utmost to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure including schools. We highlighted the critical situation for Gaza's children at a session of the UN Security Council which we co-called on 16 July, and at the International Development Committee on 16 July. We have provided £5.6 million to the Global Partnership for Education to support the educational and psychosocial needs of children and young people in Gaza and the West Bank. Our support to Education Cannot Wait is also supporting children's education and mental health via the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other partners.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his counterparts in (a) Israel and (b) the United States on the effectiveness of the functionality of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution centres. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK stands firmly against Israel's inhumane approach to aid delivery in Gaza. We are appalled at repeated mass casualty incidents in the vicinity of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution sites, with hundreds of desperate civilians killed whilst trying to get food for their families. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 21 July to raise these issues, press Israel to restore humanitarian access and agree to a ceasefire. We continue to work with partners, including the United States, to push for improved humanitarian access, a ceasefire and a lasting peace in the region.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Dr Rosena Allin-Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the conflict in Gaza on the mental health and wellbeing of children. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. We highlighted the critical situation for Gaza's children at a session of the UN Security Council which we co-called on 16 July, and at the International Development Committee on 16 July. We have provided £5.6 million to the Global Partnership for Education to support the educational and psychosocial needs of children and young people in Gaza and the West Bank. Our support to Education Cannot Wait is also supporting children's education and mental health via the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other partners.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Dr Rosena Allin-Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of children at risk of waterborne diseases due to fuel shortages in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. We remain deeply concerned at the lack of fuel supply in Gaza, which puts vital services such as water desalination at risk. On 18 July, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) described the deepening fuel crisis in Gaza, including the impact on solid waste collection and availability of clean water supplies and health services. We highlighted the impact of the lack of fuel on water supplies and hospitals and the critical situation for Gaza's children at a session of the UN Security Council which we co-called on 16 July, and at the International Development Committee on 16 July.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Pakistan on former Prime Minister Imran Khan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government consistently urge Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The Foreign Secretary raised these issues in meetings with Pakistan's Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister when he visited Pakistan in May. While judicial matters are for Pakistan's courts, we have consistently emphasised the need for due process, fair trials, and humane treatment for all, including Mr Imran Khan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) political and (b) security situation in Pakistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Pakistan remains a valued bilateral partner. We closely follow political developments in Pakistan and continue to advocate for democratic principles and the rule of law. On security, we are concerned by the impact of militant violence in Pakistan and recent regional tensions. We welcome the 10th May cessation of hostilities following the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. The Foreign Secretary discussed these issues with Pakistan's Prime Minister and Interior Minister on his recent visit to Islamabad in May, and more recently with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister. We advise British nationals to consult our travel advice regularly.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent estimate has he made of the number of displaced Palestinians in (a) Türkiye, (b) Syria and (c) Jordan; and what steps he is taking to provide support to these countries. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government has been clear that civilians in Gaza must be protected, and that Palestinians should not be forced to relocate from Gaza to third countries. Jordan hosts over 3.5 million refugees from regional conflicts, including 2.3 million Palestinian refugees registered with United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Jordan. UNRWA estimate that there are 438,000 Palestinian refugees in Syria. The Government of Türkiye reported 23,569 Palestinian refugees in Türkiye in December 2024. The UK contributed £41 million to UNRWA Financial Year 2024/25, supporting delivery of UNRWA's vital work ensuring Palestinians have access to humanitarian assistance across the region. We continue to call on all parties in Gaza to protect civilians and urge the Government of Israel to enable life-saving aid to enter Gaza at scale, and to enable the seriously ill and wounded to leave Gaza for medical care.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what guidance his Department issued to British citizens in Iran during the airstrikes of June 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice remains under regular review to ensure it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British nationals. On 13 June, the FCDO updated its travel advice for Iran to note that Israeli strikes had occurred and that an Iranian military response was underway. FCDO updated advice further as military action continued, including to provide factual updates on the reported targets of strikes, the status of Iran's airspace, the status of Iran's land borders and the temporary withdrawal of UK staff from Iran. Subsequent updates reflected the announcement of a ceasefire and the return to Iran of UK staff. As we have long advised, UK Government support is extremely limited in Iran. In an emergency, the UK Government will not be able to evacuate you, provide face-to-face assistance or help you if you get into difficulty. The safety of British nationals in each country and territory is the FCDO's overriding concern when determining travel advice. We continue to advise against all travel to Iran, where British and British Iranian dual nationals are at very high risk of arrest, questioning and detention.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support (a) women and (b) political prisoners under threat from the Iranian regime. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We continue to support women and political prisoners in Iran through sustained action alongside international partners in multilateral fora. In the past eight months, the UK was integral to the delivery of two Iran human rights resolutions. The first, adopted by the UN Third Committee in November 2024, condemned Iran's intensified and targeted repression of women and girls, and called on Iran to immediately and unconditionally release persons arbitrarily detained for the exercise of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including human rights defenders, journalists and all those who remain under detention for taking part in peaceful protests. The second, adopted by the Human Rights Council in April 2025, renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, and renewed and expanded the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission to investigate a wider breadth of violations, and to establish the facts, circumstances and structural causes of such violations, including discrimination on grounds of gender and political views. Our Ambassador to Iran and I continue to raise human rights directly with the Iranian Government.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to his Israeli counterpart to ascertain information on the (a) status and (b) wellbeing of Dr Abu Safiya. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I remain deeply disturbed by the ongoing detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and other medical staff from Gaza. We continue to call on Israel to clarify the reasons for the detention of Dr Abu Safiya and other medical personnel, and to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities.

I have specifically raised Dr Hussam Abu Safiya's case with both the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and Israel's ambassador to the UK. We are urging Israel to clarify the reasons for his detention, to allow medical workers to carry out their work safely and without hindrance, and to provide detainees with access to legal representation.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Wendy Morton: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, what steps he is taking to discuss (a) freedom of expression, (b) media freedom and (c) civil liberties with the Palestinian Authority. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK supports the Palestinian Authority's (PA) commitment to delivering its ambitious and necessary 'National Program for Development and Reform'. As part of the UK-PA Memorandum of Understanding (UK-PA MoU), the PA underlined the importance of democratic renewal, and committed to advancing this through widening freedom of expression, media freedom and civil liberties. As part of the UK-PA MoU, the PA committed to delivering its reforms as a matter of priority, and we continue to engage the PA on the delivery of these reforms.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Wendy Morton: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, what steps he is taking with his international counterparts to help build capacity in the Palestinian Authority to hold free and fair elections. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK supports the Palestinian Authority's (PA) commitment to delivering its ambitious and necessary 'National Program for Development and Reform'. As part of the UK-PA Memorandum of Understanding, the PA committed to convening Presidential and Parliamentary elections within the shortest feasible timeframe. The UK is spending £101 million this financial year in Official Development Assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territories directed at humanitarian relief, support for Palestinian economic development, and strengthening PA governance and reform. We continue to encourage the PA to work towards genuine and democratic elections within the shortest feasible timeframe.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of Israel on the forced transfer of Palestinian residents from Masafer Yatta. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are deeply concerned by the levels of settler violence, settlement growth, and demolition of Palestinian homes in the West Bank. More than 1,000 people in Masafer Yatta face the prospect of demolitions and evictions. In all but the most exceptional cases, demolitions by an occupying power are contrary to international law. We urge Israel to halt demolitions and evictions of Palestinian communities. The UK Government supports Bedouin and Palestinian communities facing demolition or eviction in Area C of the West Bank through access to legal aid programmes and outreach to vulnerable and remote areas. Our officials in Jerusalem will continue to meet communities at risk of demolition and displacement, including the communities of Masafer Yatta.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Wendy Morton: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, what expectations he has on education reforms required from the Palestinian Authority. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK supports the Palestinian Authority's (PA) commitment to delivering its ambitious and necessary 'National Program for Development and Reform'. As part of the UK-PA Memorandum of Understanding, the PA underlined its commitment to delivering its reform agenda in full as a matter of priority. As President Abbas has publicly outlined, the PA is committed to the modernisation of the education sector, including the development of a curriculum that is free from incitement according to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) standards. We are clear that any incitement to hatred or violence is unacceptable and has no place in education and support the PA in carrying out these reforms.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps he has taken to help support the (a) repair of damaged water pipelines and (b) continued operation of desalination plants in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Gaza's desalination plants rely on fuel and hardly any fuel has been allowed to enter Gaza for over 4 months. The acute shortage is threatening to shut down water supply, hospitals and ambulances. The UK continues to demand a full and unhindered resumption of aid, including fuel, into Gaza immediately, and for the repair and protection of essential civilian infrastructure. We continue to raise this issue as a matter of priority with our Israeli counterparts.

Recognising the vital role that desalination plants play in providing clean drinking water to civilians in Gaza, the UK supported efforts to establish a Gaza Central Desalination Programme through the World Bank. This work is currently on hold due to the conflict, and the programme has been restructured to meet urgent, short-term water needs in Gaza.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the number of children in administrative detention in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to advocate for their release. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government is concerned about Israel's extensive use of administrative detention which, according to international law, should be used only when security makes this absolutely necessary. Israeli authorities must either charge or release detainees. UK officials regularly engage with groups supporting children in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to understand the impact of administrative detention and prison conditions on children.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterparts on levels of (a) child malnutrition and (b) access to baby formula in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, and the suffering of so many children there is heartbreaking. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported on 15 July that one in ten children screened in UNRWA medical facilities is malnourished. We highlighted the critical situation for Gaza's children at a session of the UN Security Council which we co-called on 16 July, and at the International Development Committee on 16 July. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar about the humanitarian situation in Gaza on 21 July. The UK continues to demand that a full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza takes place immediately. Israel must immediately allow the UN and aid partners to safely deliver aid at scale and in line with humanitarian principles.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Ben Coleman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the whether approved export licenses to Israel are being used for military purposes; and how often export licenses are reassessed. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are clear there are no export licences currently being used for military operations in Gaza or the West Bank. This is subject to the specific measures taken to protect the global F-35 programme. All licences are kept under careful and continual review as standard. We are able to suspend, refuse or revoke licences as circumstances require.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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John Glen:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle the decline of freedom of religion or belief for religious minorities under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Afghanistan is a focus country in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) new approach to freedom of religion or belief, announced by the UK Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, on 8 July. FCDO officials regularly press the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans, most recently in July. We continue to support the UN Special Rapporteur and his mandate to document human rights abuses in Afghanistan, including against minority groups. Without truly inclusive governance that reflects the religious, ethnic, gender and cultural diversity of Afghanistan, we will never see an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbours.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Susan Murray:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent decisions with his Israeli counterpart on the extension of the internment of Dr Abu Safiya. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I remain deeply disturbed by the ongoing detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and other medical staff from Gaza. We continue to call on Israel to clarify the reasons for the detention of Dr Abu Safiya and other medical personnel, and to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities.

I have specifically raised Dr Hussam Abu Safiya's case with both the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and Israel's ambassador to the UK. We are urging Israel to clarify the reasons for his detention, to allow medical workers to carry out their work safely and without hindrance, and to provide detainees with access to legal representation.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information he holds on the (a) status and (b) health of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I remain deeply disturbed by the ongoing detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and other medical staff from Gaza. We continue to call on Israel to clarify the reasons for the detention of Dr Abu Safiya and other medical personnel, and to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities.

I have specifically raised Dr Hussam Abu Safiya's case with both the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and Israel's ambassador to the UK. We are urging Israel to clarify the reasons for his detention, to allow medical workers to carry out their work safely and without hindrance, and to provide detainees with access to legal representation.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Susan Murray:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the humanitarian needs in Homs, Syria; and whether any UK-funded aid programmes are currently operating in that region. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is committed to supporting those affected by humanitarian crises in Syria. Over 16 million people still require humanitarian assistance and 90% of the population are living in poverty. The UK works in close co-operation with other donors and the UN on assessments and analysis of humanitarian needs across Syria. We currently support humanitarian programmes in Homs through UK contributions to a UN pooled fund.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Sir Edward Leigh:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department has taken in response to the persecution of Baha’i and Christian communities in Iran. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK strongly condemns the repression of religious minorities in Iran, including Baha'is and Christians. On 18 March, the UK's Permanent Representative to the UN highlighted the continued systematic targeting and repression of religious minorities at the UN Human Rights Council. We were integral to the delivery of an Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on 3 April, which renewed and expanded the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran to investigate a wider breadth of violations, and to establish the facts, circumstances and structural causes of such violations, including discrimination on grounds of religion or belief. On 23 April, the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), the Hon. Member for North Northumberland, hosted an event in Parliament on FoRB violations in Iran, including against Christians, in partnership with Open Doors and Christian Solidarity Worldwide. On 3 July, the Special Envoy met Baha'i International Community UN Representative, Simin Fahandej, to discuss the current and historic situation of Baha'is in Iran, and on 8 July, delivered a speech where he highlighted Baha'is acute vulnerability to scapegoating, incitement and threats of violence from authorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the drone attack on the vessel Conscience in international waters. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: His Majesty's Government officials were in touch with the Maltese Authorities regarding the incident and understand there were no casualties and that no British nationals were aboard this vessel. We continue to discuss with Israeli counterparts the urgent need for the Israeli government to permit the full and unhindered resumption of the flow of aid into Gaza. Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to agree to and facilitate humanitarian aid. The unimpeded entry of assistance at scale to meet the enormous needs in Gaza must be restored immediately. As we've said, the most effective way to meet the desperate needs of the Gazan people at the speed and scale that is needed is via overland routes.
wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on UK military involvement in the event of an escalation in conflict between Iran and Israel. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We will not comment on discussions in relation to matters of national security. But as we have made clear, we were not involved in US strikes on Iran, just as we were not involved in Israel's operations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Tristan Osborne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure that (a) Airbnb and (b) other UK- (i) based and (ii) operating companies do not operate in Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK's clear position on illegal Israeli settlements is set out on the Overseas Business Risk website. We advise British businesses to bear in mind the British Government's view on the illegality of settlements under international law when considering their investments and activities in the region.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 442 of the Intelligence and Security Committee's report entitled Iran, published on 10 July 2025, what steps he is taking to update the Government's strategic approach to Iran. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government thanks the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) for its independent report on Iran. The Government will respond fully to the recommendations and conclusions in the report, in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to pursue (a) multilateral action and (b) a peacekeeping mandate at the United Nations Security Council to protect the provision of UN-delivered aid to Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: On 4 June, the UK voted in favour of a UN Security Council Resolution calling for urgent improvements to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We co-called a meeting of the UN Security Council on 16 July where we reiterated calls for a ceasefire and for Israel to lift its restrictions on aid, raising serious concerns about the imminent collapse of basic services in Gaza. On 21 July, together with 30 international partners, we released a statement condemning the appalling humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the killing of civilians, and called for the war to end immediately. On 25 July we released a statement, together with France and Germany, calling on Israel to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid into Gaza.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) ensure the safety of British nationals in Iran and (b) provide safe routes for (i) those nationals and (ii) their families to return to the United Kingdom. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice remains under regular review to ensure it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British nationals. The safety of British nationals in each country and territory is the FCDO's overriding concern when determining travel advice. However, the FCDO does not have the jurisdiction to guarantee the safety of British Nationals overseas, which is the responsibility of local authorities.

The FCDO has long been clear that the support we are able to provide in Iran is extremely limited. In an emergency, we will be unable to provide face-to-face assistance for British nationals in difficulty, or to assist with evacuations. We continue to advise against all travel to Iran, where British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at very high risk of arrest, questioning and detention. During the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, the FCDO updated travel advice for Iran to note the temporary withdrawal of UK staff from Iran, the status of Iran's land borders and the closure of Iranian airspace, which re-opened in early July.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Ben Coleman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to (a) protect and (b) support the Druze minority in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are deeply concerned by the recent violence in Suwayda and welcome the announcement of a ceasefire. In diplomatic engagement with the Syrian Government and other partners, and as I said in my statement on X on 17 July, we have been clear that we want to see civilians protected, the ceasefire upheld, and those responsible held to account. We will continue to engage and support the Syrian Government on the protection of human rights and an inclusive and representative political transition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Syrian Ambassador on the suicide bombing in Damascus on 22 June 2025; and what diplomatic steps he is taking to help protect people practicing minority religions in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Mar Elias Church, and remains committed to combatting terrorism. There is not currently a Syrian Ambassador to the UK, but during the Foreign Secretary's recent visit to Damascus, he expressed his condolences to President Al-Sharaa. He also underlined the importance of an inclusive political transition and protecting the rights of all Syrians, and offered the Syrian Government our support in achieving this. We continue to press the Syrian Government on the need to improve their response to sectarian violence, protect human rights and hold those responsible to account.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on reports that IDF forces opened fire on children at aid distribution points. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: It is horrifying that 875 people have been killed at or near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites. We regularly engage with Israeli counterparts to urge them to improve the situation on the ground. Most recently, on 21 July, the Foreign Secretary spoke to Foreign Minister Sa'ar, to once again reiterate his grave concern over civilian casualties while collecting aid in Gaza.

On 11 July, I called for an independent investigation into the killing of women and children while collecting aid in central Gaza.

We have repeatedly called for an immediate investigation into theses mass casualty incidents, and we expect the perpetrators to be held to account.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Sarah Owen:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he is taking steps to help support Palestinians with student visas to (a) travel to and (b) commence their studies in the UK. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are aware of Palestinian students seeking to commence studies in the UK and are considering the request for support.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Mr Calvin Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of placing sanctions on Israel Katz in the context of his proposals for the Gazan population in Rafah. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As the Foreign Secretary said to the House on 21 July, Minister Katz's proposal is a cruel vision that must never come to pass. We condemn it unequivocally. Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law.

Sanctions can be used to achieve a range of foreign and security policy objectives. We use sanctions when they complement other tools as part of a wider strategy. It would not be appropriate to speculate about future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to support the (a) provision of (i) paediatric and (ii) neonatal services and (b) supply of fuel for (A) incubators and (B) operating theatres in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Healthcare in Gaza is on the brink following Israel's expanded military operations.  It is appalling that nearly all Gaza's hospitals are damaged or partly destroyed according to the World Health Organization (WHO). We recently announced a £7.5 million package to strengthen medical care for Gazan civilians in Gaza and the wider region, including additional funding for UK-Med and WHO Egypt. The UK is supporting the WHO to deliver vital care to some of the almost 8,000 Gazans who have been medically evacuated to Egypt.

Through our partnership with UK-Med, they have provided over 500,000 patient consultations in Gaza since January 2024. But we urgently need more supplies reaching healthcare facilities and better protections for aid workers.

The UK has also supported delivery of Polio vaccination protecting over 600,000 vulnerable children across Gaza.

The UK continues to demand that a full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza takes place immediately, including fuel essential for water supply, hospitals and ambulances. We continue to raise this issue as a matter of priority with our Israeli counterparts.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help prevent the destruction of (a) hospitals and (b) medical facilities in the Gaza Strip. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The healthcare system in Gaza is now on the brink of collapse. As the Minister for International Development said in August, essential medicines are running our while all of Gaza's hospitals have been damaged, with most no longer functioning at all. Humanitarian workers must be protected, and medical and aid workers must be able to do their jobs safely.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials and I are in regular dialogue with our Israeli counterparts on the protection of healthcare facilities in Gaza. We will continue to make both public and private representations to the Government of Israel to protect healthcare staff and facilities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has had any engagement with (a) the Tony Blair Institute and (b) the Boston Consulting Group on the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories since 7 October 2023. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Officials have met with the Tony Blair Institute to discuss Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories since 7 October 2023. We have no record of meetings with the Boston Consulting Group. We continue to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, for the release of the hostages and for Israel to allow for a full and unhindered resumption in the flow of aid, including allowing the entry of more types of aid such as medicine, fuel and shelter.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

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Iqbal Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has held discussions with the (a) Tony Blair Institute and (b) Boston Consulting Group on the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories since 7 October 2023. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Officials have met with the Tony Blair Institute to discuss Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories since 7 October 2023. We have no record of meetings with the Boston Consulting Group. We continue to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, for the release of the hostages and for Israel to allow for a full and unhindered resumption in the flow of aid, including allowing the entry of more types of aid such as medicine, fuel and shelter.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-08-06)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-08-06 conversation_43

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his expected outcomes are of the UK-Kenya strategic partnership on (a) trade and (b) economic cooperation. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership 2025-2030 provides a comprehensive framework to progress our shared objectives, strengthening the bilateral relationship and delivering growth for the UK and Kenya. This new partnership will potentially deliver £1 billion through exports, engineering jobs and defence manufacturing jobs in Northampton and County Durham. We have also agreed with Kenya to explore a new Digital Trading Agreement, and to aim to double trade by 2030 in areas including financial services, digital and technology, and defence and security. The Partnership has also seen Lloyd's of London enter the Nairobi insurance market, which will be a gateway to the East Africa Market, valued up to £0.5 billion (Kshs.88billion).