theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_885
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_885

Katie Lam:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much and what proportion of the Official Development Assistance budget has been reallocated to meet asylum-related costs since July 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: The Home Secretary is committed to ensuring that asylum costs fall and has already acted. The Government has taken measures to reduce the asylum backlog and reform the asylum accommodation system to end the use of expensive accommodation in the next Spending Review period to ensure more of our Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget is spent on our development priorities overseas.

The aid spent in the UK on refugee and asylum costs fell by a third last year and the Home Office is working to bring it down further. The provisional Statistics on International Development show that in 2024, £2.8 billion was spent on support to refugees or asylum seekers in the UK, a £1.4 billion or one third reduction on the previous year. This reduces the share of ODA spent on asylum costs in the UK to 20 per cent, down from 28 per cent.

We report on ODA spend annually as part of the Statistics on International Development publication. Provisional figures for 2025 will be available in spring 2026.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_886
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_886

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 8 of Annex 2 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps his Department plans to take to ensure investigations by the Government of Mauritius of criminal offences do not compromise classified military operations in Diego Garcia as defined by Article 19 of the Agreement. \p Stephen Doughty: Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end. This will ensure that military operations are not compromised in any way. Additionally, by ensuring Mauritius has jurisdiction over any future illegal migration, it will close off a dangerous immigration route.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_887
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_887

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(f) of Letter No.1 of the Exchange of letters concerning implementation and interpretation of Article 11 of the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, dated 22 May 2025, of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether his Department has made an assessment of (a) the likelihood of UK businesses being awarded contracts and (b) the Mauritius legal framework on procurement to facilitate contracts being awarded to UK businesses. \p Stephen Doughty: Full details of the mechanisms of use for the development framework grant will be agreed between the UK and Mauritius during the implementation period, before the first payment of the grant in year 4 of the Agreement.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_888
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_888

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Letter No.1 entitled “Exchange of letters concerning implementation and interpretation of Article 11 of the agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia”, from which budget will the £120m be taken for years four to thirteen of the Agreement. \p Stephen Doughty: The costs associated with the deal will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_889
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_889

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if he will set out the access to waters within the (a) 12 nautical miles zone; and (b) 24 nautical miles zone that (i) fisheries vessels and (ii) shipping will have; and what procedures will be used to grant vessels access. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK will have the right to manage the area up to 12 nautical miles around Diego Garcia for defence purposes. Between 12 and 24 nautical miles, no construction, installations, structures or sensors can be installed without the UK's agreement. Fishing and commercial shipping vessels will have the right of innocent passage within the territorial sea of the Chagos Archipelago, as described in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which precludes use of force, weapons exercises, propaganda, launching of aircraft or military devices or interfering with communications systems.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_890
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_890

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 11 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what oversight the UK plans to ensure the Government of Mauritius will use the grants to (a) promote the ongoing economic development and (b) welfare of (i) Mauritius and (ii) its people. \p Stephen Doughty: Full details of the mechanisms of use for the development framework grant will be agreed between the UK and Mauritius during the implementation period, before the first payment of the grant in year 4 of the Agreement.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_891
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_891

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 14(1)(h) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what the (a) functions and (b) authority of the Joint Commission will be in resolving disputes on the interpretation of the Agreement. \p Stephen Doughty: Article 14 of the Treaty sets out the role of the Joint Commission in resolving disputes while Annex 3 paragraph 6 sets out the functions of the Joint Commission. All decisions of the Joint Commission require the agreement of both parties.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_892
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_892

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(b) of Letter No.1 of the Exchange of letters concerning implementation and interpretation of Article 11 of the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, dated 22 May 2025, of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether his Department will determine the eligibility of projects for grant funding through the development framework. \p Stephen Doughty: Full details of the mechanisms of use for the development framework grant will be agreed between the UK and Mauritius during the implementation period, before the first payment of the grant in year 4 of the Agreement.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_893
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_893

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article  3(3) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), how his Department plans will co-operate with the Government of Mauritius on trafficking in narcotics; and what estimate has he made of the cost to the public purse of such co-operation over the next ten years. \p Stephen Doughty: The new UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework will provide a comprehensive mechanism for delivering for the UK and Mauritius, including on areas such as narco-trafficking. UK and Mauritian Ministers will meet in the coming months to finalise the partnership and will then meet in an Annual Strategic Dialogue. This will review and keep evolving the Framework as necessary to support the security and prosperity of our countries into the future.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_894
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_894

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, CP 1334, whether payments to be made will be allocated to the (a) defence and (b) official development assistance budget. \p Stephen Doughty: The costs associated with the deal will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. None of the funds will be classed as development aid.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_895
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_895

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 5(2) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse supporting the Government of Mauritius in (a) establishing and (b) managing the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area over the next ten years. \p Stephen Doughty: The Blue Belt Programme, which is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office, currently supports BIOT to manage the current Marine Protected Area. As the Treaty states, the terms of the management and support provided by the UK to Mauritius to establish and manage the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area will be agreed between the Parties by a separate written instrument, as part of implementation of the Agreement.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_896
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_896

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if will list the measures in the Agreement that address the wrongs of the past as stated in the preamble to that Agreement; and what estimate has he made of the cost to the public purse of those measures over the next ten years. \p Stephen Doughty: The costs of the Treaty have been published in the Finance Exchange of Letters, laid in Parliament together with the Treaty on 22 May.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_897
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_897

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the total cost to the public purse was of the production of his Department's Diego Garcia Military Base explainer video. \p Stephen Doughty: This video was produced in-house by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office communications team. There was therefore no additional cost to making the video.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_898
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_898

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 10 of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what mechanism will his Department use to initiate high-level consultations. \p Stephen Doughty: High-level consultations can be requested by either party through the mechanism of the Joint Commission or, in the event of any urgent concerns, through their respective High Commissions.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_899
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_899

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(b) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if he will set out (a) how many locations fall within paragraph 3(b) of Annex 1, (b) which department of the Government of Mauritius will be informed of the locations, and (c) whether the Agreement binds the Government of Mauritius to keep those locations confidential. \p Stephen Doughty: There are a range of vital facilities and capabilities on the base on Diego Garcia and the surrounding area that keep the UK and our allies safe. Many of these are too sensitive to be discussed publicly.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_900
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_900

Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of allegations of electoral fraud during the Georgia elections held on 26 October 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK supports the findings and conclusions of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) election observation mission following Georgia's 26 October parliamentary elections. That includes reports of election-day irregularities which demonstrate that the elections were not conducted according to international standards. We call on the Georgian Dream Government to implement all ODIHR recommendations as a matter of urgency. On 15 May, I raised my concerns over Georgia's negative democratic trajectory with Georgian Dream representative, Deputy Prime Minister Davitashvili. I am currently considering how to support election monitoring in the upcoming municipal elections.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_901
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_901

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 5 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what mechanisms will be used to resolve conflicts of the environmental regulations of the Government of Mauritius. \p Stephen Doughty: Under the agreement, the UK shall be responsible for environmental protection on Diego Garcia and the surrounding 12 nautical miles. This shall be undertaken in accordance with applicable international law, and with due regard to applicable Mauritian environmental laws, but Mauritius will not be able to place environmental restrictions on marine activities within that area. Beyond 12 nautical miles, the UK shall provide support and assistance to Mauritius in the establishment and management of a Marine Protected Area. This support shall be agreed before entry into force of the treaty. Any future issues that may arise as a result of the environmental regulations of Mauritius shall be resolved through the Joint Commission, as described in Annex 3.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_902
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_902

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, CP 1334, what estimate his Department has made of the monetary value of each payment in cash terms to be made in each year of the agreement. \p Stephen Doughty: As stated in the Explanatory Memorandum, the average annual cost to the UK during the initial 99-year period of the treaty is £101 million in 2025/2026 prices.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_903
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_903

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Exchange of letters concerning implementation and interpretation of Article 11 of the agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, Letter No. 1, from which budget the £165m be taken from for the first three years of the Agreement. \p Stephen Doughty: The costs associated with the deal will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_904
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_904

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to point 3, sub paragraph f of the Exchange of letters concerning implementation and interpretation of Article 11 of the agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, Letter No. 1, what steps he is taking to involve UK businesses in the delivery of projects supported by grant funding from the UK. \p Stephen Doughty: Full details of the mechanisms of use for the development framework grant will be agreed between the UK and Mauritius during the implementation period, before the first payment of the grant in year 4 of the Agreement.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_905
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_905

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much the US paid for the sub rental of Diego Garcia in the last financial year. \p Stephen Doughty: As agreed in the US-UK Exchange of Notes which governs the US use of Diego Garcia, there is no direct payment between the US and the UK for use of the base. The US pays for the operating and maintenance costs of the Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia, which are significant. The US supports the Treaty, with US Secretary of State Rubio publicly noting that the Treaty "secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint US-UK military facility at Diego Garcia".
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_906
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_906

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the United Nations Development Programme. \p Stephen Doughty: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office maintain a close working relationship, with regular senior-level discussions to align on strategic priorities, coordinate development efforts, and respond jointly to global challenges.

His Majesty the King and the Foreign Secretary engaged with the UNDP on Clean Energy in April at a UK-hosted Roundtable in Rome. Nick Dyer, the Second Permanent Under-Secretary met with the UNDP Administrator at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference on 2 June.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_907
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_907

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of UK-US sub-rental of Diego Garcia atoll will be offset in the next financial year by the same year's equivalent payment of the UK's exit deal of the Chagos islands. \p Stephen Doughty: As agreed in the US-UK Exchange of Notes which governs the US use of Diego Garcia, there is no direct payment between the US and the UK for use of the base. The US pays for the operating and maintenance costs of the Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia, which are significant. The US supports the Treaty, with US Secretary of State Rubio publicly noting that the Treaty "secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint US-UK military facility at Diego Garcia".
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_908
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_908

Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in Uzbekistan on in relation to reports of (a) harassment of Christian converts, (b) restrictions on house church gatherings and (c) employment discrimination against members of religious minorities. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief for all. Whilst the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has not made direct representations to his counterparts in Uzbekistan regarding these issues, our Embassy in Tashkent regularly raises human rights with the relevant authorities in Uzbekistan and maintains a dialogue with human rights groups in the region. In Uzbekistan's most recent UN universal periodic review the UK raised our concerns regarding upholding freedom of religious belief amongst other human rights concerns and we continue to seek opportunities to raise concerns where appropriate.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_909
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_909

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 16 November 2016 on British Indian Ocean Territory, columns 11WS-12WS, what his policy is on the £40 million fund for Chagossians. \p Stephen Doughty: Of the £40 million ten-year commitment made by the 2016 Conservative Government, only £1.6 million was spent by the time this government came into power in July 2024. This government will take a new approach to ensure projects are fully informed by the needs of Chagossians, engaging more closely with the community when considering the design of projects.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_910
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_910

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Joint Communique: UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework, published on 22 May 2025, from which budget the £12m Access to Climate Finance programme to be provided to Mauritius will come. \p Stephen Doughty: The UK established a Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance in 2021, and is currently working with six partner countries to mobilise finance, strengthen climate policy, drive capacity building and manage inclusive platforms to coordinate climate finance activities. Mauritius has been part of this programme since 2023. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is the funding department for the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_911
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_911

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 6(e) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps his Department would be able to take under the Agreement if the Government of Mauritius breached the terms of the Agreement. \p Stephen Doughty: Both sides have negotiated this Agreement in good faith and we are confident that Mauritius intends to uphold it in full, just as we will. Were an issue to arise in relation to the interpretation or application of the Agreement, that would be resolved in accordance with the dispute settlement provisions in the treaty.   While any disputes were being resolved, the Agreement would remain in force and we would have the full legal basis to continue to exercise all the rights and authorities necessary for the operation of the base, as well as the legally binding protections to keep our adversaries out of the area.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_912
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_912

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraphs 7 to 9 of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if he will set out the rights his Department will have to monitor such activities; and how much funding will be allocated to monitor such activities over the next ten years. \p Stephen Doughty: The Treaty ensures that the UK can monitor and notify Mauritius of activities which risk conflict with obligations in Article 3 (2)(b). As the Treaty notes, the UK can provide written reasons as to why this activity may be against treaty obligations, and escalate this to political level for urgent consultations.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_913
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_913

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 18 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if he will set out the (a) internal requirements and (b) procedures that the UK must complete for the Agreement’s entry into force; and what his planned timeline is for the completion of these steps. \p Stephen Doughty: The explanatory memorandum in sections 4 and section 5 sets out the process for both Entry into force and implementation.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_914
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_914

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he will bring forward legislative proposals to implement the UK-Mauritius Treaty; and what legislation will be (a) amended and (b) revoked. \p Stephen Doughty: Section 5 of the Explanatory Memorandum sets out the process for the Treaty to be implemented.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_915
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_915

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2025 to Question 25788 on Cyprus: Foreign Relations, whether the Sovereign Base Areas were discussed during those conversations. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Kombos discussed the role of the Sovereign Base Areas, including in humanitarian initiatives, as part of a broader exchange on defence and security cooperation. The Republic of Cyprus is a trusted and valuable partner, and the Sovereign Base Areas support joint UK-Cyprus efforts on many shared challenges. UK sovereignty was retained over the Sovereign Base Areas under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_916
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_916

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Oral Statement of 7 October 2024 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Negotiations, Official Report, column 46, and Article 2(1) of the of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), published on 22 May 2025, for what reason the Agreement only authorises the UK to exercise the rights and authorities of Mauritius with respect to Diego Garcia in accordance with the terms of the Agreement rather than in full; what the impact of this change is on (a) UK security and defence interests, (b) the marine environment and (c) control over Diego Garcia as defined in Article 19 of the Agreement; and on what date was the change to the position outlined by him to the House on 7 October 2024 was agreed. \p Stephen Doughty: The Treaty explicitly grants all rights and authorities that the United Kingdom requires for the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base. The rights referred to in the Foreign Secretary's statement of 7 October 2024 are the same rights that are detailed in the treaty. Indeed, compared to the treaty negotiated by the last government, we have strengthened provisions which secure the base and that will stop hostile actors or competitor states from establishing outposts in neighbouring islands.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_917
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_917

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 11 and Letter No.1 of the Exchange of letters concerning implementation and interpretation of Article 11 of the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, dated 22 May 2025, of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what estimate he has made of the (a) annual rate of the GDP deflator in each of the next 99 years and (b) annual payments in each of the next 99 years; and if he will set out which budget will (i) capitalise the Chagossian Trust Fund, (ii) fund the 25 year economic partnership and (iii) fund the establishment of the Mauritius Marine Protected Area. \p Stephen Doughty: As stated in the explanatory memorandum laid alongside the treaty, the UK government uses the Office for Budgetary Responsibility forecast GDP Deflator in its calculation of future expected payment values. The average annual payments across the length of the Agreement in 2025-26 prices is £101 million. The budget for payments made under the UK-Mauritius Agreement will come from both the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_918
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_918

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories' Oral Statement of 15 May 2025 on Sanctions Implementation and Enforcement, Official Report, columns 524-526, what his planned timetable is for publishing a new enforcement strategy. \p Stephen Doughty: In the conclusions of the sanctions enforcement review, the Government committed to publish a government-wide sanctions enforcement strategy. The development of this strategy will take place during the current financial year. I will keep the House updated on progress in implementing the review conclusions.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_919
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_919

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 6 of of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether he has received guarantees from Mauritius on the rights of British Chagossians to (a) resettle on and (b) visit the Chagos Archipelago. \p Stephen Doughty: Under the agreement, Mauritius will be able to resettle the islands, other than Diego Garcia. It will be for Mauritius to set the terms of and manage any future resettlement. Separate to the agreement, we will work with Mauritius to start a new programme of visits for Chagossians to the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_920
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_920

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraphs 1(b)(viii), 2 and 3(a) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if he will set out (a) the process by which the UK will notify the Government of Mauritius, (b) the designated points of contact in the Government of Mauritius to receive such notifications and (c) whether the Agreement binds the Government of Mauritius to keep those notifications confidential. \p Stephen Doughty: There is no notification requirement for UK or US access, basing or over-flights around the base. Agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_921
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_921

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the forceful closure of schools administered by UNRWA. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We were dismayed to hear of the forcible closure of six United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools in East Jerusalem on 8 May. These closures will deny 800 Palestinian children their right to education. We stated our strong opposition to the closure jointly with 16 other diplomatic missions, in a statement issued on X. The UK is clear that Palestinian children, like all children, deserve safe, uninterrupted access to school. The Israeli order to close these schools is deeply worrying. The vital work of UNRWA in ensuring that Palestinians have access to education and healthcare must be protected in East Jerusalem, as well as in Gaza and the West Bank. The Foreign Secretary continues to raise these issues with his Israeli counterpart.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_922
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_922

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the quantity of aid supplied into Gaza between 19 January and 18 March 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: During the ceasefire and prior to Israel's aid block on 2 March, the UN and humanitarian Non-Governmental Organisations demonstrated that they can deliver humanitarian aid at scale to those who need it most, due to their logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage. Israel's recent announcement that it will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. Due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data, it is difficult to quantify the volume of aid currently awaiting entry. However, partners provide regular updates. On 19 May, the UK signed a joint donor statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza calling for a full resumption of aid and for Israel to allow the UN and other aid organisations to operate independently.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_923
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_923

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he will consider enabling medical evacuations in Gaza for children (a) with life-threatening injuries and (b) with family resident in the UK. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has supported Project Pure Hope's initiative to bring a small number of children from Gaza to the UK for privately funded specialist care. On 1 May, I confirmed that two children had arrived for treatment and also announced a £7.5 million package to strengthen medical care in Gaza and the region, including support for UK-Med, World Health Organization Egypt and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund. The UK's Immigration Rules allow entry for private medical treatment, with further requests considered case by case. The Government continues to assess support for Palestinians and urges Israel to allow urgent medical evacuations.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_924
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_924

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will list the changes made to the Treaty with Mauritius over the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory between 3 October 2024 and 22 May 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: The Government has always been clear that it would not provide a running commentary on negotiations. However, it is worth noting that the deal signed on 22 May is stronger than earlier versions of the treaty, particularly that inherited by the previous government in July 2024. Since 3 October 2024, the UK agreed additional measures with Mauritius that provided an effective UK veto to prevent any security threats to Base operations from the outer islands of the Archipelago - some over 100 nautical miles away. We have also agreed a change to the structure and timing of payments, meaning some of it will be front-loaded into the first few years. The overall cost of the deal has not changed from that negotiated under the former Mauritian Prime Minister in October 2024.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_925
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_925

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help support community health initiatives in Botswana. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: UK investment in the Global Fund continues to support community health initiatives in Botswana. The UK pledged £1 billion towards the Global Fund at the last replenishment cycle in 2022 and continues to invest in other multilateral funding essential to Botswana's community health responses. Botswana received circa $25 million from the current Global Fund cycle - which goes towards HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria response. The funding is also strengthening community health systems for effective responses to communicable and non-communicable diseases. Calvin Bailey MP, as Trade Envoy for Southern Africa, met with Botswana's Health Minister in May to discuss the UK-Botswana partnership in eliminating Malaria and the upcoming Global Fund replenishment.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_926
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_926

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of value for money of his Department’s day to day spending. \p Catherine West: Value for money is an intrinsic part of what we do and is embedded in our work. We have effective systems and frameworks to deliver good value for money outcomes, and we are always looking for ways to improve. The Minister for Development recently appeared before the International Development Committee to reconfirm our commitment to value for money and our plan to modernise the UK's approach to development.

The FCDO2030 reform programme is also focused on delivering the greatest possible impact for the benefit of the British people. This will be our key priority for the next Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_927
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_927

Bob Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the US Executive Order entitled Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources, published on 24 April 2025, whether he is taking steps to advance a global moratorium on deep-sea mining as a member of the International Seabed Authority. \p Catherine West: The Government notes the US Executive Order on 'Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources'. The UK is a party to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and is committed to the continued work of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to finalise the draft exploitation Regulations. The UK supports a moratorium on the granting of exploitation licences for deep sea mining by the ISA until there is sufficient scientific evidence to assess the potential impact of deep-sea mining on marine life, and until the ISA adopts robust, enforceable regulations. This is a matter for all member States to consider carefully, and the UK will continue to engage actively at the ISA Council and Assembly in July.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_928
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_928

Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 53437 on Republic of Ireland: Omagh Bombing Inquiry, on what date the Memorandum of Understanding was cleared by his Department. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Honourable Member to the Answer of 23 May 2025 to Question 53437.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_929
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_929

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he is taking steps to investigate a potential breach of paragraph 9.1 of the Ministerial Code in relation to the publication of unredacted hard copies of the Strategic Defence Review to (a) people and (b) companies before Members of Parliament on 2 June 2025. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: I refer to the statement made to the House by the Leader of the House of Commons on 2 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_930
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_930

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the name is of each unit within the business unit of 10 Downing Street; and whether any changes have been made since 4 July 2024. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: As was the case under the previous administration, it would not be appropriate to provide a list of individual teams within 10 Downing Street.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_931
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_931

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he considered preparing a business case for the refurbishment of the media room in 9 Downing Street. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: A business case was not required.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_932
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_932

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2025 to Question 49754 on Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, whether the post-legislative review of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 has concluded. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: Post-legislative scrutiny of the Lobbying Act 2014 was undertaken by the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and has concluded. Their report, Lobbying and Influence, was published on Parliament's website here: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/44541/documents/221331/default/
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_933
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_933

Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent steps Government Departments have taken to comply with the Supreme Court's ruling on For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers. \p Georgia Gould: We will review and update policy wherever necessary to ensure it complies with the latest legal requirements.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_934
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_934

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what propriety and probity checks are undertaken on people proposed for honours. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: I can advise him that there have been no changes to the guidance or policies that were in place under the previous government. Honours committee members have no formal role in identifying people to receive honours. Members play a role in supporting Government departments to build pipelines of possible future nominees in their area of expertise.

Further information on probity checks is available on gov.uk.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_935
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_935

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to merge the chair roles of Cabinet Office advisory non-departmental public bodies. \p Georgia Gould: The Cabinet Office sponsors 6 different advisory non departmental public bodies, each with their own Chair.

A cross government Arms Length Body landscape review was commissioned in April and is ongoing.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_936
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_936

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has had discussions with the Public and Commercial Services Union on the industrial action relating to outsourced staff at (a) OCS, (b) ISS and (c) G4S. \p Georgia Gould: The Cabinet Office meets regularly with Civil Service trade unions to discuss a variety of subjects. As is longstanding practice, the Government does not provide an ongoing commentary on industrial disputes.