Foreign and Commonwealth Office

The Government have invested more than £130 million in vaccine research at Oxford and Imperial College, adding to the £250 million for CEPI and £1.65 billion for Gavi. The Prime Minister has set up a Vaccine Taskforce and committed over £313 million of UK aid to global initiatives aimed at equitable access.

Inquires about the Government's plans to strengthen partnerships between Israeli MedTech companies and UK researchers, particularly in vaccine development and preparation for future pandemics.

Critiques the merger of DFID into FCO as dangerous and destabilising during a pandemic. Questions why the decision was made against advice from numerous health agencies, MPs, and foreign aid experts.

Responds to questions regarding the impact of new national security legislation in Hong Kong on Britain’s international relations and interests. Emphasises commitment to upholding China's obligations under the Sino-British joint declaration and urges Beijing to reconsider.

Calls for the Foreign Secretary to fulfil promises made regarding BNO passport holders, Magnitsky legislation, and Huawei’s role in 5G infrastructure, following China's enactment of national security laws contrary to the joint declaration.

Discussed the national security legislation regarding Hong Kong and emphasised the need to wait for its publication before making further comments.

Asked about representations made to the Israeli Government on their planned annexation of parts of the West Bank and questioned the effectiveness of current sanctions.

Stated that the UK opposes unilateral annexation by Israel, which would be a breach of international law. Emphasised ongoing dialogue with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to facilitate a negotiated two-state solution.

Inquired about the assessment made regarding the effect of Israel’s plan on human rights in the region and pressed for actions beyond strong words.

Critiqued the UK Government's silence on Israeli annexation, urging action such as a ban on settlement imports and recognition of Palestine.

Called for more concrete actions rather than just warm words to influence Israel regarding annexation and proposed labelling illegal settlements and targeted sanctions.

Asked about diplomatic steps taken to strengthen UK relations with France, including the importance of maintaining strong ties despite temporary disagreements.

Discussed recent high-level meetings between UK and French leaders, highlighting shared history and future joint ambitions. Also addressed concerns about staffing levels post-Brexit transition period in Brussels.

Inquired about the number of staff employed by his Department in Brussels pre-2021, and questioned plans for reduction to 50 after December 2020. Sought clarity on UK's continued representation in Brussels.

Asked about recent assessments of the political and humanitarian situation in Yemen.

Inquired about recent assessments made regarding the political and humanitarian situation in Yemen, seeking further clarity on UK's position.

Asked for details of recent discussions with international counterparts aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire in Yemen.

The UK Government’s role in Yemen exemplifies the joined-up foreign policy and development work needed in the new merged Department.

There is an urgent need to continue working to prevent hunger and suffering in Yemen, asking for reassurance that prioritising covid will not come at the expense of vulnerable people.

The Minister should ensure conversations with other Government Departments and international partners address the humanitarian disaster in Yemen, highlighting 1.7 million internally displaced children and 2 million acutely malnourished children according to UNICEF.

Questions about discussions had with NGOs and counterparts on the creation of FCDO, emphasising tensions around aid undermining foreign policy.

Asks for examples where international aid undermined diplomatic processes in justification of DFID's abolition.

Critiques the timing of the merger and questions if 30% cuts to ODA budget will be implemented this financial year or future spend.

Welcomes the election of Lazarus Chakwera in Malawi, questioning if DFID's specialised work on governance and democracy will continue post-merger.

I am concerned by reports that as part of the DFID merger, the Government have agreed to pause all new aid spending, including the conflict, stability and security fund. At a moment of such global insecurity, that would be an extraordinary decision.

I can reassure the hon. Lady that conflict prevention—humanitarian aid—is going to remain, if not be elevated, as one of the key strategic priorities of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. There has been no sustained pause, but we are having a review based on the economic figures that will apply given the impact of covid-19 on GNI.

What recent assessment he has made of the effect of China’s deep sea exploration in the South China sea on peace in that region; and if he will make a statement. I am grateful for that reply, but it misses the bigger picture.

The United Kingdom is disturbed by reports of militarisation, coercion and intimidation in the South China sea... We take no sides in sovereignty disputes. We are clear that the best way to reduce tensions in the South China sea is for all parties to resolve their disputes peacefully in accordance with the UN convention on the law of the sea.

I thank my right hon. Friend for his question... With regard to the nine-dash line, as I have said previously, we do not take a position on the underlying sovereignty claims in the South China sea, but we do urge all parties to be transparent.

From the Himalayas to the South China sea, Beijing’s aggressive expansionism could have serious consequences for our national security... Will the Government be making a robust statement of support for Taiwan given that Taiwanese airspace is repeatedly being buzzed by Chinese fighter jets?

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman’s question... Our approach to China remains clear-eyed, and it is rooted in our values and beliefs.

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle the covid-19 pandemic in the overseas territories. I very much welcome my hon. Friend’s answer.

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle the covid-19 pandemic in the overseas territories. South Derbyshire residents care about our deep relationship with our overseas territories...

We will always stand by the overseas territories... So far, we have procured and delivered medical supplies to all inhabited overseas territories except Pitcairn.

I very much welcome my hon. Friend’s answer. I wonder whether he will elaborate on the steps being taken to ensure that those medical supplies and equipment are reaching our overseas territories so that they can respond to covid-19 rapidly.

I can confirm that we are working with the overseas territories to support their healthcare systems... We have supported a number of them to recruit additional medical personnel.

South Derbyshire residents care about our deep relationship with our overseas territories... Will my hon. Friend update the House on what security assistance has been provided to the overseas territories?

It is great to answer a question from my predecessor, who did such a fantastic job as Minister for Asia... The Ministry of Defence and the Home Office have provided in-territory support to the Turks and Caicos Islands through a security assistance team.

Whether the Government plan to ring-fence the budget for official development assistance in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Secretary of State will soon be responsible for a sizeable amount of official development aid...

Whether the Government plan to ring-fence the budget for official development assistance in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Those with long memories will remember the Pergau dam scandal of the 1990s... What steps will the Government be taking to ensure that we do not see a repeat of the Pergau dam scandal in the future?

Whether the Government plan to ring-fence the budget for official development assistance in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The UK is rightly proud of its commitment to spend 0.7% of GDP on international aid... Will the Minister confirm that the budget for international aid will be ring-fenced within a future Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office?

We continue to spend 0.7% of our gross national income on aid, and that is enshrined in law... We are bound by law to spend 0.7%, so it is not a choice; it is in the law, and we will obey the law.

The merger of DFID within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is seen as vital for achieving Her Majesty's Government’s vision for global Britain, which includes diplomacy, trade, and development working together. Imran supports this merger to ensure a more cohesive strategic approach.

The Labour MP questions the Government's failure to produce the Russia report, which she believes shows weakness in national security given recent revelations about Russian exploitation during the covid-19 pandemic.

Khan reminds the House of the ongoing Kashmir lockdown, criticising it for being unjust and calling on the UK Government to condemn human rights abuses in Kashmir and push for an immediate end to the blockade.

Mullan is concerned about state-based cyber-attacks against Australia and seeks information on steps taken by the UK Government to support its ally, along with progress on establishing a rules-based order for cyber warfare.

Lewell-Bentley questions how the UK reconciles its commitment to Yemen's people and its arms sales to Saudi Arabia, given that these sales contribute to civilian deaths in Yemen.

Fuller raises concerns about press freedom around the world and asks what representations have been made by the Foreign Office regarding the conviction of Maria Ressa, a journalist from the Philippines.

Elliott calls for a ban on trade with Israeli settlements due to their illegal status under international law, arguing it is now time for such action rather than sanctions alone.

Discussed concerns about Iran's conduct and the desire to maintain the joint comprehensive plan of action while stressing the importance of holding Iran accountable through international collaboration. Mentioned efforts in triggering a dispute resolution mechanism with France and Germany. Also, acknowledged cooperation with Cuba during the covid-19 crisis for repatriation assistance.

Asked Dominic Raab to speak to his US counterpart regarding attempts by US Senate Republican majority members to target countries, like Cuba, which provide life-saving medical assistance during the pandemic.

Acknowledged the proactive support from Cuba in repatriating British citizens trapped on the Braemar cruise ship and praised Cuban efforts. Also mentioned over 1 million UK nationals returned due to concerted efforts by the Foreign Office.

Asked about the work done by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to repatriate British citizens stranded abroad during the pandemic.

Provided details on efforts made, including over 1 million UK nationals returned via commercial flights and special charter flights. Mentioned £75 million invested in helping stranded individuals return home.