Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Asked about the diplomatic steps being taken with international counterparts to tackle the spread of covid-19.

Inquired about discussions on vaccine development with countries such as the US, Australia, and Israel, emphasising the importance of collaboration for faster vaccine development.

Asked what steps are being taken to ban wet markets in China and south-east Asia, recognising these areas as sources of emerging diseases.

Queried about the updates made to travel advice regarding countries affected by covid-19, including Australia's self-isolation requirement.

Asked how UK nationals based overseas will be supported during the pandemic, especially as more airlines and operators go out of business.

Criticised the US President's lack of international leadership in addressing the pandemic, highlighting his divisive statements about vaccine development.

Asked how the Government is ensuring that UK nationals stranded abroad can access embassies for support and repatriation.

Expressed concern about the World Health Organisation's response to previous crises, questioning if similar issues are present now and asking for assurance of proper international co-operation despite such concerns.

Asked about steps being taken to support a ceasefire in Syria and questioned what measures were being implemented to support Syrian refugees, particularly those in Lebanon.

Discussed the need to hold the Syrian regime and Russia accountable for the refugee crisis. Mentioned aid provided by the UK in Idlib, including £89 million in new aid and 37 tonnes of UK aid delivered by RAF on 11 March.

Asked about steps being taken to support the preventing sexual violence in conflict initiative. Also asked for representation at the UN and ensuring focus on gender-based violence during conflicts.

Stated that preventing sexual violence in conflict is a top Government priority, with over £46 million committed across 29 countries since 2012. Announced a new £67.5 million multi-country programme to prevent gender-based violence for the year.

Queried about Lord Hague's comments on the UK's commitment to preventing sexual violence in conflict and asked if the initiative will receive necessary funding and political leadership.

Asked about human rights issues discussed during the recent visit to Saudi Arabia, specifically regarding detained women's rights defenders like Loujain al-Hathloul.

Inquired about discussions with Saudi Arabian counterparts on the detention, ill-treatment and trial of women human rights defenders in their country.

Asked for a resolution demanding an independent UN-led investigation into war crimes committed by Saudi Arabia in Yemen. Also questioned about the ongoing inquiry into Jamal Khashoggi's murder and why serious consequences have not followed.

Asked for an assessment of the stability of the regime in Riyadh given arrests and incarcerations. Also questioned about the ethical implications of arms sales to Saudi Arabia regarding Yemen's conflict.

Responded to questions regarding efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Yemen, emphasising diplomacy and engagement with Saudi Arabia. He also addressed concerns about Saudi Arabia's role in promoting radical Islamist doctrines beyond its borders.

Asked if constructive dialogue with Saudi Arabia can hasten progress on human rights issues and the ongoing conflict in Yemen, to which Raab responded positively.

Inquired about the Government’s latest assessment of the role of Saudi Arabia in promoting radical Islamist doctrines beyond its borders. Raab acknowledged that there has been a reduction in government promotion of such extremism and noted ongoing efforts to ensure compliance.

Asked about the steps taken by the Government to strengthen human rights throughout the world, questioning why no additional Commonwealth countries had joined since June 2019. He also inquired about efforts to support Chan Kin-man.

Inquired about steps taken by the Government to strengthen protection of human rights globally, and specifically questioned the Minister's stance on Hong Kong protests and the imprisonment of Professor Chan Kin-man.

Critiqued the UK’s position regarding the European Convention on Human Rights and its refusal to support it alongside Belarus. The Minister responded by highlighting continued work with regional organisations to promote human rights.

Asked about discussions with International Trade Secretary regarding development of new trade routes across the Arctic ocean, particularly concerned about environmental protection. The Minister responded that climate change is a significant threat to the Arctic.

Inquired whether legislative proposals would be brought forward for a global human rights sanctions regime post-transition period and about the benefits of leaving EU for faster action on human rights abusers. The Minister confirmed plans but highlighted the need to get it right.

Asked why there had been delays in implementing Magnitsky sanctions after two years, urging for quicker action on bringing forward statutory instruments. The Minister responded that they are working hard to ensure the regime is effective.

Asked whether sanctions against individuals profiting through corruption and human rights abuses would be included in the upcoming Magnitsky regime. The Minister emphasised that the sanctions are intended to target serious violations rather than individual countries.

Inquired about representations made regarding persecution of Christians in Nigeria, to which James Duddridge responded by stating that the UK condemns attacks against all communities.

Asked the Minister about the UK's role in asserting pressure on the Nigerian Government regarding freedom of religion or belief, as recommended by the Truro review.

Responded that the UK accepts the Truro recommendations fully and is working closely with Nigeria through bilateral and multilateral efforts to address issues related to religious freedom. He noted the complexity of the situation in Nigeria involving ethnic rivalries, criminal activity, and land disputes.

Clarified that the UK is not only engaged bilaterally but also multilaterally through forums such as the International Religious Freedom Alliance to raise issues concerning freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria.

Asked if Nigerian authorities hold out hope for a cessation of violence and improved safety for religious groups in the near future.

Responded that while there is ongoing work to improve security, the situation remains complex with various interrelated issues contributing to conflict.

Asked about progress on tackling climate change through international cooperation and for diplomatic steps to enhance soft power overseas.

Responded that the UK is working towards a successful COP26 by encouraging ambitious climate targets from global partners. She also discussed the Government's record in addressing climate change and their efforts to engage international partners.

Questioned if the Department for International Development contributions to the international climate fund were adequately matched by other funding, and whether consistent engagement with international partners is ensured.

Responded that the Government have a good record in engaging internationally on climate change issues. She highlighted the Prime Minister’s commitment to taking renewed action and urging countries to come forward with ambitious targets.

Asked about diplomatic steps taken to enhance UK soft power overseas.

Also asked about diplomatic steps to enhance UK soft power overseas, emphasising the role of cultural exports such as film and television in contributing to soft power.

Responded that the UK's strengths in diplomacy, culture, and scientific research contribute significantly to its soft power. He mentioned specific programmes like Chevening scholarships and support for cultural institutions such as the BBC World Service and British Council.

Inquired about the status of released prisoners from Evin prison in Iran, particularly Aras Amiri and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

Responded that concerns have been raised with the Iranian authorities and families are kept informed about developments. He noted that efforts continue to ensure releases.

Asked if disregarding international court rulings on the sovereignty of Chagos Islands is a diligent use of UK soft power.

Responded that the Government are confident in their position regarding the Chagos Islands and expressed willingness to discuss further details directly with the MP.

Asked about discussions on recent violence in Delhi, including arrests and damage to places of worship. He also asked if business is returning to normal in India.

Responded that the UK monitors the situation closely and supports Prime Minister Modi's call for peace and harmony. He noted ongoing efforts to address concerns regarding religious minorities.

Responded to questions about Sri Lanka's human rights issues, expressing concerns and urging the Sri Lankan government to reconsider its position on UNHRC resolutions.

Expressed concern over surveillance and harassment of human rights activists in Sri Lanka by the Sri Lankan security agencies, urging for a more robust response from Britain.

Asked about his constituent's incarceration in France without charge or trial, citing Brexit as one of the reasons for the delay in release.

Called on the UK Government to welcome Maryam Rajavi to promote peace and reform in Iran instead of banning her presence.

Expressed concern over Iran's violation of the 2015 nuclear deal by nearly tripling its stockpile of enriched uranium, urging for further steps to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Asked for an update on the situation in Gambia concerning President Barrow's regime and his adherence to human rights standards.

Inquired about the consular engagement provided by the Foreign Office for British nationals affected by the epidemic, particularly those on cruise ships in quarantine off Latin America.

Called on the Foreign Secretary to meet with members of the all-party parliamentary group for Tamils to discuss leadership regarding human rights issues in Sri Lanka.

Asked about steps being taken by the Government to improve security in the Sahel region, where two new embassies are being opened.

Inquired about help provided by the Foreign Office for UK nationals stranded overseas due to lack of flights and travel restrictions during the epidemic.

Thanked the Department for their quick assistance with a constituent's issue in the Philippines, asking when non-essential travel guidelines will be clarified.

Asked about representations made to the Nigerian Government to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, a young Nigerian schoolgirl who has been in captivity for two years.

Inquired about steps taken by the Foreign Office to maximize cross-border cooperation with the Republic of Ireland to manage the epidemic effectively on the island of Ireland.

Stressed the importance of regular contact between UK and Ireland to discuss responses to covid-19, mentioning a meeting held on Saturday at North South Ministerial Council where discussions took place regarding health issues. Assured that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is in regular contact with his counterpart.

Asked about support provided by the Government to constituents stuck in Vietnam due to flights with someone who had coronavirus, particularly focusing on two young women in poor living conditions. Requested a meeting to discuss how to assist these individuals.

Acknowledged the issue raised by Munira Wilson and informed that he has spoken with other MPs about similar cases. Mentioned speaking with the Vietnamese ambassador to seek urgent relocation of British nationals into better conditions.

Asked whether the idea of having an Association of Southeast Asian Nations investment forum is supported by the Government, given its commitment to joining ASEAN formally with dialogue partner status and ratifying CPTPP.

Acknowledged Richard Graham's enthusiasm for greater trade and partnerships in south-east Asia. Confirmed support for ratification of CPTPP and joining ASEAN, stating that the idea of an investment forum is interesting but difficult to host conferences at present.

Inquired about incomplete travel advice provided by FCO for constituents in Poland, leading them to believe they had until midnight to leave the country. Wanted clarification on what action could be taken if any insurance claims made are now invalid.

Responded that she would speak with Gavin Newlands after questions to provide more information. Stated that travel advice remains in place and referred to the Foreign Secretary for broader updates.

Asked about discussions held between the Department and counterparts in USA regarding repatriation of constituents on the MS Marina, en route to Miami with health concerns due to refusal at ports of Lima and Panama.

Acknowledged Mary Robinson's serious handling of constituency casework. Confirmed that Foreign Office staff are working hard to tackle the situation, mentioning awareness of multiple cruise liners in the region and offering to provide more information.