Topical Questions 2025-10-28
2025-10-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs provided an update on Hurricane Melissa's impact in Jamaica, including fatalities, displaced people, and UK support measures.
I thank the Foreign Secretary for that update on Jamaica and the diligence of the FCDO in preparing for events there. Tomorrow I am hosting Hong Kong Watch in Parliament as it releases its latest report on the erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy. The report highlights how Beijing has increasingly sought to dismantle Hong Kong’s autonomy while exploiting the privileges of Hong Kong’s special status. This is increasingly having an impact on business operations in Hong Kong, and is something that is well understood by the Government, but has yet to be fully recognised, including in last week’s FCDO six-monthly report. Will the UK consider additional steps to push back against these violations of China’s international treaty obligations?
We strongly condemn China’s non-compliance with the joint declaration, as described in the latest published six-monthly report, which details the continued deterioration of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. We have continually pressed China to uphold the rights of Hongkongers; its non-compliance is one of the reasons we remain steadfastly committed to the British national overseas visa route.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not provide specifics on additional steps or actions to counter Beijing's violations.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary mentioned the decision to remove HTS from the list of proscribed terrorist organizations, raising concerns about its potential threat.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham traces its roots back to the barbaric terrorism of al-Qaeda, which caused death and destruction, and harm to our allies. Can the Foreign Secretary explain to the House why her Government have de-proscribed HTS, and does she believe that it is no longer a terrorist threat to the world?
Both of us know from our former role as Home Secretary that the proscription process is very detailed and considered, and it draws on a range of security expertise. That process no longer assesses HTS to be an alias of al-Qaeda, after extensive consideration and a full assessment of the available information. As the right hon. Lady knows, that was the grounds on which it was proscribed. We will ultimately, however, judge them on their actions, not their words, but the new Syrian Government have conveyed their strong commitment to working with the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not clarify if HTS is still considered a threat and what conditions would be imposed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Miller expressed concern over foreign influence in UK politics, specifically regarding potential lobbying for Trump's golf courses.
In the United States, President Trump continues to use his public power to advance his private financial interests. In the UK, as well as rooting out traitors like Nathan Gill, who take funds from our enemies, we must prevent this corrosive cronyism from entering our politics. I wrote yesterday to the new Ethics and Integrity Commission, calling on it to investigate whether Department for Culture, Media and Sport officials lobbied for Trump’s golf courses. I intend to bring a Bill to this place that would create enhanced protections against UK Ministers and officials lobbying for foreign powers. Will the Secretary of State commit to supporting the principle of the Bill?
Not having seen the hon. Member’s proposals, I will not comment on them at this stage, but we take all evidence of foreign interference in this country very seriously. I work closely with Ministers across Government, including the Home Office and the Security Minister, to keep these issues under regular assessment.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not commit to supporting the proposed legislation or provide a specific stance on it.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Slinger highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong and respected relationship with the Kurdish region in Iraq for security reasons.
I declare an interest as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on the Kurdistan region in Iraq, and as I led a delegation there. The 2005 federal Iraqi constitution agreed in a popular vote to underpin Kurdish rights. We were told that Baghdad deliberately withholds salary payments to public employees in the region. The Foreign Secretary visited Erbil when she was Home Secretary, and knows how important this part of Iraq is to our security. Does she agree that we need our Kurdish ally to be strong and respected in a federal Iraq, and that a better relationship there would enable vital reform, for the benefit of that region and, indeed, our own country?
The relationship between Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah is of vital importance. I continue to discuss these issues with the Iraqi Foreign Minister, and Iraqi Kurdish politicians as well. We will continue to do so, and I look forward to visiting the region shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
The Under-Secretary did not provide a specific commitment on ensuring salary payments or reform measures.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The UN Secretary General has warned that it is now inevitable that we will fail to keep global warming under 1.5°C, with devastating consequences like the loss of the Amazon rainforest.
While the Conservatives and Reform continue to sabotage climate action, I am concerned about further cuts to our international aid budget which could affect contributions to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility fund. Will the Foreign Secretary commit to no further reductions in this budget?
The UK remains committed to providing international climate finance, now and in the future, and to playing our part alongside other developed countries and climate finance providers. We are committed to delivering £11.6 billion in international climate finance by the end of 2025-26.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment was given on not making further cuts to the aid budget.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Friday was World Polio Day. My constituent Anne Strike, a former Paralympian, continues to campaign for the eradication of polio.
What reassurances can the Minister give me that the UK will continue to be a leading player in the aim of eradicating polio?
The UK is a long-time supporter of the initiative and we have confirmed a £1.25 billion pledge to Gavi for 2026-30. Other spending, including on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, is being reviewed as part of the spending review and the official development assistance allocation process.
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Assessment & feedback
The commitment is not clear beyond the existing pledge.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
Given this Government’s passion for international human rights, and that we all agree how badly the Chagossians have been treated, will the Government finally agree to grant them a referendum on this dreadful deal?
The hon. Gentleman knows full well that this had to be a treaty negotiated between the UK and Mauritius—that is the basis on which it is done. We absolutely recognise the historic wrongs done to the Chagossian people.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment was given for granting a referendum.
We Are Committed
Legal Proceedings
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
Does the Minister agree that we should stand ready to expand that package to stop Russian financial institutions financing Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine?
We are absolutely committed to choking off Russia’s war machine and bringing Putin to the table. Our sanctions alongside others have denied Russia access to at least £450 billion since February 2022, which would have funded two more years of this illegal and barbarous war.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment was given on expanding the package of sanctions.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
What diplomatic actions is the Department taking to ensure an end to violence against Palestinians and to improve their rights while a two-state solution is negotiated?
The initiatives that the hon. Member rightly highlights highlight the importance of rubble movement in Gaza, which is an enormous logistical challenge. We have contributed and will continue to contribute to efforts locally to ensure that those resident in the west bank can exercise their rights.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific actions were detailed for ending violence or improving rights.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
Will she give an assurance that in the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, we will give every possible help and support to the people of Jamaica?
We have very strong links between our communities—between the people of Jamaica and the people of Britain. We discussed this matter in the crisis centre this morning, including what we might be able to deploy on request from the Jamaican Government. We stand ready to help and respond.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific assurance was given for immediate support measures.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
Can the Foreign Secretary help with the context of the middle east conflict? Specifically, can she provide an independent verifiable number for rocket attacks into Israel over different time periods?
We have condemned rocket attacks into Israel throughout—both before and after 7 October. The nature of the rockets from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad makes it harder to have a clear and indisputable number, but I will try to assist the hon. Gentleman on some of the other rockets.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific numbers were provided.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
Will the Minister meet me to discuss their case and how the Department can develop a victims code to better support families like Mr Thandi’s?
I thank my hon. Friend for her letter, and I am very happy to meet her to discuss this matter.
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Assessment & feedback
No issues avoided as a meeting was committed to.
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
Is the Foreign Secretary ready to admit that no matter how people try to spin it, Brexit has been an all-out disaster for Scotland and these islands?
The Chancellor accepted that Brexit has caused huge damage to the economy. This week sources suggest that the Prime Minister is being advised to go further in his realignment with the European Union, as the Office for Budget Responsibility is reportedly forecasting a new black hole of around £20 billion.
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Assessment & feedback
No admission was given about Brexit's negative impacts.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has given notice to the Insolvency Service that 1,885 jobs are at risk due to a reduction in workforce by 25% following Overseas Development Aid cuts. This is impacting smaller departments such as conflict prevention.
Members might not be aware that the FCDO has given notice to the Insolvency Service that 1,885 jobs are at risk due to the 25% reduction in the workforce that follows the ODA cuts. This is a massive drop in staff numbers and it is bound to have a real impact, particularly on smaller departments such as conflict prevention. Will the Foreign Secretary please comment, being new in post, on how this will impact on her ability to shape the Department as she wants? The forward plan for the Department is still not finalised. How can she operate without the staff to do so?
My hon. Friend the Chair of the Select Committee will know that the Government have taken the difficult decision to reduce the aid budget in order to fund the defence resources that we need at a time when there are significant security pressures. She will also know that we are working to find different ways, including private finance and new investment, to maintain not just the multilateral investment that is so important but crucial aid programmes in areas such as Sudan and Gaza. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss these details further.
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Assessment & feedback
The impact of job cuts on shaping the department was not directly addressed.
Acknowledging The Reduction In Aid Budget Without Elaborating On Its Specific Impacts.
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
Cuts to spending in Afghanistan disproportionately affect women and children, who are more likely to be employed by NGOs forced to make cuts and need assistance.
Cuts to spending in Afghanistan inevitably impact women and children disproportionately. They are more likely to be employed by NGOs forced to make cuts and more likely to need assistance. Does the Minister agree that we need to ringfence and protect funding to Afghanistan?
We have to be clear about who is driving the oppression of Afghan women and girls. The Taliban have put further restrictions on women and girls. They have taken further steps, including restricting the internet, that undermine the viability of Afghanistan’s economy at a fundamental level. But I assure the House that we continue to allocate significant funding to Afghanistan, with £151 million this year. That is a small decrease from last year, but I assure the hon. Member, who I know remains committed to these issues, that we remain very much focused on them.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of protecting funding for Afghan women and children was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Medics in Gaza are calling for a humanitarian corridor between Gaza and the west bank so that those Palestinian children can stay in Palestine. The Secretary of State has met the doctor who raised this issue.
Last week I met Nada, an Oxford plastic surgeon who told me horrific stories of the children she has been treating in Gaza. I believe that the Secretary of State has met her, too. The most concerning thing is that if these wounds do not have care, they will lead to life-changing disabilities. Medics are calling for a humanitarian corridor between Gaza and the west bank so that those Palestinian children can stay in Palestine. What discussions has she had on the matter?
I have met the doctor to whom the hon. Member referred. Her work is inspiring, and she deals with the most terrible stories of suffering. We agree that we need to be able to get humanitarian corridors in place and to treat children, especially in the region, but, as the hon. Member will know, we are also medevacing children to the UK for treatment.
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Assessment & feedback
The focus on medevacing rather than establishing a humanitarian corridor was emphasized.
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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The British Council is in dire financial straits and the invaluable soft power it wields could disappear if it does not receive support.
The British Council is in dire financial straits. If it disappears, so will the invaluable soft power that it wields. Will the Foreign Secretary commit to meeting the chief executive of the British Council to discuss that as soon as possible?
The British Council plays a crucial role in supporting UK interests around the world, including helping people to learn English and promote the arts and culture. The Foreign Office is providing £160 million in grant aid to the council this year, which underlines our support. I have already met the vice-chair and the deputy chief executive, and I will meet the chief executive and the chair in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to meeting with the chief executive was not explicitly made.
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
Dr Peter Prinsley, a British Jew and member of the Board of Deputies, has been banned from entering Israel by its government.
My hon. Friend Mr Yaxley-Lennon was recently fêted in Israel at the invitation of a Government Minister, while I have been banned from entering Israel. What does the Minister think can be usefully done to rectify that?
My hon. Friend is an incredibly thoughtful, long-standing commentator on these issues. Both he and his family have made a great contribution to UK-Israeli relations. It was an act of great foolishness to prevent him from entering Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We called on the Israeli Government at the time, as we did in previous such instances. We cannot prevent the Israeli Government from making decisions that are not in their interests, but that was clearly one of them.
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Assessment & feedback
Mr Falconer did not provide specific actions or steps to rectify the situation.
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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The Government has acknowledged China poses serious national security threats but does not categorize it as a threat itself.
How can the Government’s position make sense that communist China can and does pose a wide range of serious threats to the United Kingdom but is not a threat itself?
The right hon. Gentleman will have heard me set out very clearly the threats that China poses to our national security, including those of transnational repression, support for Russia and espionage. He will know that range of threats and that is why it is deeply frustrating that the prosecution has not taken place. He will also know that China is a trading partner and that we continue to have strong economic relations. It is possible for both those things to be true.
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Assessment & feedback
Yvette Cooper did not provide clarity on how these contradictions align with government policy.
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Despite a ceasefire being in place for almost a year, Israeli forces struck UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon over the weekend.
What work are the Government doing with the Lebanese Government and in particular the Lebanese armed forces to shore up our crucial ally in the region?
Lebanon is a crucial ally. I will travel there shortly and intend to go to the area affected. It is vital that Lebanon’s borders, in both the east and the south, are secure. That is vital for their security, as well as for ours.
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Assessment & feedback
Mr Falconer did not provide specific actions taken or planned by the government to support Lebanon's security.
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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British national Jimmy Lai is currently in solitary confinement in a prison in Hong Kong, where he has been for five years and his trial will soon conclude.
Ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit, what representations has the Foreign Secretary made to the White House to ensure that when President Trump meets President Xi, the case of Jimmy Lai will be raised?
We continue to be deeply distressed by this case and continue to make representations, discuss the case with the US and stay in contact with Jimmy Lai’s family.
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Assessment & feedback
Yvette Cooper did not provide specific details on diplomatic efforts made regarding Jimmy Lai's case.
Response accuracy