Topical Questions 2024-10-22
2024-10-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the BBC World Service's funding in comparison to defence spending.
The BBC World Service is vital UK soft power. The Foreign Office's contribution to its funding is about £100 million per year—about the cost of an F-35 fighter jet. The UK has plans to acquire 74 of these fighter jets. Would the Minister agree that we might consider acquiring only 73 of them, if that was the price of preserving the BBC World Service?
That is a very fine question. The BBC World Service is a UK soft power asset. We give £104 million to the BBC World Service—[Interruption.]
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address the proposal but acknowledged the importance of the BBC.
Acknowledged Importance Without Commitment
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the spread of disinformation and its impact on national security.
Recent events in Moldova are yet another example of the importance of combating the modern scourge of weaponising disinformation. What new measures are the Government planning to implement to counter disinformation spread by our adversaries?
I am grateful to the shadow Foreign Secretary for raising such an important issue. We are launching a new global programme to support resilient, free, open and trustworthy independent media as a bulwark against disinformation. That builds on the success of previous media development programmes. We are also determined to work with international partners, including UNESCO, to make sure that we play a role in combating disinformation.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the potential cancellation of a BBC World Service programme that holds those in power accountable.
Further to the comment from the hon. Member for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket (Peter Prinsley), does the Minister share my dismay that, although the director general of the BBC professes that it represents a key source of democratic soft power in the face of the spread of state and non-state disinformation, it now intends to cancel its internationally admired interview programme “HARDtalk”, which has a global reputation for holding those in power to account?
Any editorial decisions on BBC content will be made by the BBC alone—that is right and proper. All I can say is that wherever I am in the world, it is clear quite how powerful the BBC is—a soft power perhaps, but a very important reflection of our values as a country and of deep connections between the people of Britain and other nations. We are determined to ensure that that remains the case.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide an opinion on cancelling HARDtalk but acknowledged its importance.
Acknowledged Importance Without Commitment
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the protection of aspects of the foreign aid budget.
While we await the outcome of the Foreign Secretary's reviews and our Chancellor's forthcoming Budget, and remain confident that the Home Office's plans will be successful in reducing domestic refugee costs, this issue remains of concern across the House. Will the Minister reassure the House that she will do everything she can to protect these aspects of our foreign aid budget, and will she meet me and concerned colleagues to discuss how we can take them forward after the Chancellor's Budget?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this issue. I would be very happy to meet him and other Members, particularly from the Government Benches, where we have a considerable number of MPs with direct experience of international development work. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is committed to bringing order to the asylum system. She has taken steps to unblock the backlog of claims. The fact that we lacked a plan to do that previously led to spiralling costs, which hit the international development budget very hard.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide direct reassurance but offered to meet to discuss.
Offered To Meet
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the imprisonment of a British-Egyptian citizen, Alaa Abd el-Fattah.
Laila Soueif is in the Gallery with us today. She is currently on hunger strike in protest against the continued imprisonment of her son, the British-Egyptian citizen Alaa Abd el-Fattah, in Egypt despite the end of his five-year sentence on 29 September. In 2022, the then shadow Foreign Secretary talked about serious diplomatic consequences for Egypt failing to release Alaa, and of leveraging our trading partnership with Egypt to progress the case. Does the Minister agree with the now Foreign Secretary on those points, and will the Government take steps—
I welcome Laila to the House. I saw her in Cairo last week, and raised these issues with the Egyptian Foreign Minister. Alaa's case is very much in our mind, and we will do everything we can to secure his release as quickly as we can.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is seeking to work with the US on peace building and Palestinian economic development.
In 2020, the US committed £250 million to support peace building and Palestinian economic development. Will the Minister consider how we can work with our partners in the US, using our world-leading development expertise and our experience in conflict resolution in Northern Ireland, to take a lead in this vital work?
My hon. Friend asks an important question. Peace building at a civil society level has an important role to play in trying to resolve this conflict. I will write to him with details of our plans.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit directly but said would write back with plans.
Will Write
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the scale of need for climate finance and its inclusion in aid.
I welcome this Government's ambition in seeking a new climate finance goal at COP29 in Baku shortly. Will the Minister assure me that she understands the scale of need? The UN Environment Programme says that 10 to 18 times more funding is needed for adaptation than is currently on the table. Will she make sure that it includes loss and damage and is additional to aid?
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for a very important question. The UK Government could not have been clearer that climate and nature must be at the heart of all that we do, including in foreign and development policy. The Foreign Secretary underlined that at Kew, and I underlined that in the Chatham House speech that I gave last week.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the specific need for funding but acknowledged importance of climate action.
Acknowledged Importance Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the contaminated rubble in Gaza and its impact on post-conflict reconstruction.
It is estimated that more than 42 million tonnes of rubble could be contaminated by unexploded bombs and ordnance in Gaza. It is vital that such a serious threat to human life is dealt with effectively to ensure Gaza's post-conflict reconstruction. Will the Minister commit to redoubling our country's support for the work of organisations such as the HALO Trust?
The amount of unexploded remnants of war throughout Gaza poses a serious threat to life and the provision of humanitarian assistance. The UK is working proactively with a number of key stakeholders. We very much recognise the expertise of the HALO Trust, and we will redouble the work done, particularly towards reconstruction.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Lebanese civilians are being used as human shields by Hezbollah, leading to accusations from the caretaker Prime Minister of blatant interference in Lebanon's affairs by Iran. This raises concerns about Israel and Lebanon facing threats.
Hezbollah continues to use Lebanese civilians as human shields, with the caretaker PM accusing Iran of interfering in Lebanon's affairs. What more will the Minister do to help ensure Israeli and Lebanese counterparts can face down the threat from Iran?
I referred to our actions against Iran in the region, and the importance of removing its influence in Lebanon as best we can. This week I will attend the Lebanon conference in Paris, where these matters will be discussed.
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Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Previous questions raised concerns about the UK's commitment to international climate development, especially under the new UK government.
Further to the question on climate change, what steps is the Minister taking to support climate change development internationally?
My hon. Friend raises an incredibly important point. It is critical that the UK can speak with credibility on these issues—and now, under the new UK Government, we can, given the creation of GB Energy and the other measures that we have taken. We are ensuring that climate leadership is always to the fore, including in the conferences of the parties. Of course, the COP nature summit in Colombia is fast approaching.
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Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Winter is approaching, causing concern for the lack of basic necessities such as homes, water, and electricity for civilians in Palestine and Lebanon.
Winter is now approaching the northern hemisphere. Many civilians in Palestine and Lebanon are without homes, water, and electricity. What are the Government doing to support winterisation efforts in the region?
The hon. Gentleman raises an incredibly important question. Many displaced people have very few of the clothes and belongings that they desperately need, particularly given that the threat of winter and much worse weather is coming speedily down the track. The Government have been discussing the issue with many of our partners.
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Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace supports peace-building efforts in the region.
What update can the Minister give us on UK support for the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace? Will the Government convene a summit of international partners to ensure that civil society is at the heart of peace building in the coming years in the region?
I refer my hon. Friend to my previous answer. I will also write to him with further details of what we will do.
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Assessment & feedback
Will Write
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The global hunger crisis is exacerbated by conflicts and climate change. The upcoming Paris conference aims to address this issue.
We are experiencing a global hunger crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and climate change. That makes the forthcoming Paris Nutrition for Growth conference even more important. What preparations are the Government making for an effective contribution to the summit?
The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to raise that point. We are preparing at pace for that Paris conference, which is incredibly important. We need to do all we can to secure access to the food required, and it must be nutritious, healthy food. In addition, the UK is preparing to sign up to the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty—something that I committed the UK to doing in Brazil just a few weeks ago.
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Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Governments in the Western Balkan region are increasing efforts to tackle human trafficking, exploitation and coercion. This raises concerns about proactively addressing the issue.
I have lived and worked in the western Balkans, where Governments continue to increase efforts to tackle human trafficking, exploitation and coercion. What steps are proactively being taken with Albania and other western Balkan and Mediterranean countries to tackle human trafficking at source?
The Government are committed to working more closely with partners across Europe, including Albania and partners across the western Balkans, to tackle people trafficking and the gangs profiting from it. That has been a regular part of my bilateral discussions. In July, we announced steps to reinforce our co-operation with Europol and committed £4 million towards the Rome process—an Italian Government project to tackle the root causes of irregular migration.
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Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns about the application of distinction and proportionality in international humanitarian law.
What discussions have Ministers had with their Israeli counterparts about the application of distinction and proportionality in international humanitarian law?
The Foreign Secretary has set out our views on the Israeli application of international humanitarian law at greatest length in relation to the decision to suspend arms licences. We keep those issues under regular review and will update the House if there is a change in our assessment.
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Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
War crimes continue to occur in Gaza, prompting calls for real action from the international community.
As we have heard again today in the Chamber, war crimes in Gaza continue, making it clear that the time for empty promises and hollow words is over. Does the Minister agree that the international community must finally fulfil its responsibility and take real action, starting with immediate sanctions on the hard-right extreme Ministers in the Netanyahu Government?
I hope Members recognise that the words that we have been speaking at this Dispatch Box have not been hollow. Since coming into government, we have restored funding to UNRWA. We have also taken steps in the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, and in relation to the arms suspension that I referred to a moment ago. As for the far-right settlers to whom I think my hon. Friend was referring, we introduced sanctions last Thursday. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made it clear during Prime Minister's questions that we continue to review these issues, and we will return to the House.
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Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns about the US President's statements regarding Israel's response to the Iranian terror threat.
The outgoing President of the United States has indicated that he has been told where and when the Israeli Government will respond to the Iranian terror threat. Have our Government been informed?
I think that you, Mr Speaker, and other Members will understand that it is not appropriate to comment on that in the House.
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Assessment & feedback
Not Appropriate
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
The ICJ has ruled that member states must distinguish their dealings between green-line Israel and occupied territories.
As the Minister will know, the ICJ has ruled that member states such as the UK are obliged to distinguish in their dealings between green-line Israel and occupied territory. In line with that ruling, as well as obligations under United Nations Security Council resolution 2334, what steps are the Government taking to address the issue of products entering the UK from illegal settlements?
I will write to my hon. Friend about the complex issue of trade with Israel and how we make that distinction, if that is okay.
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Assessment & feedback
Will Write
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Sara Sharif's case in Woking, where siblings fled to Pakistan and did not return with parents standing trial.
I am sure that the Minister is aware of the tragic case of Sara Sharif, which occurred in my constituency, but he may not be aware that when Sara's family fled from Woking to Pakistan, they took Sara's two siblings, and when the parents returned to stand trial, those siblings did not return with them. Will he write to the Pakistani Government informing them that unless they vouch for the siblings' safety, those children should be returned to the UK?
I can assure the House that the safety and wellbeing of British children overseas, which appears to be relevant in this case, is of the utmost concern to the Government as a whole, and to me as the Minister responsible for consular affairs. I will write, and will meet the hon. Member, if that will be useful in helping us to understand the case and what we can best do to support those children.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to writing to the Pakistani government specifically about vouching for siblings' safety or their return
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
98,000 children in Gaza had disabilities before the conflict; thousands more have been injured. Medical evacuations are facilitated by the Government but Israel controls the Rafah crossing.
Even before the start of the current conflict in Gaza, 98,000 children there had a disability. Thousands more have now been horrifically injured, and those with long-term conditions have not received any medical support. While I welcome the Government's commitment to facilitating medical evacuations, how is that possible when Israel is controlling the Rafah crossing?
My hon. Friend has detailed knowledge of this issue through her work on the International Development Committee. We are of course determined to do all that we can for the wellbeing and safety of children in Gaza, in partnership with other countries. She raises the issue of healthcare; we have been supporting UK-Med and other organisations in that regard, and also in respect of education. Many children have been out of school for a year, and we are determined to rectify the situation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific information on how medical evacuations can be facilitated given Israel's control over Rafah crossing
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
16 million children face severe food shortages according to Save the Children.
Will the Minister update the House on the grim situation in Sudan? In particular, what pressure is being put on regional actors to stop fuelling the crisis, and what is the UK doing to help the 16 million children who, according to an estimate from Save the Children, face severe food shortages right now?
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is the worst in the world. Millions of people face food insecurity, and disturbingly, it has now been verified that there is famine in the Zamzam refugee camp. We in the UK will continue to do all that we can, for instance in our role as a penholder. We will work with partners to raise the profile of this situation and make it clear to the warring parties that they must allow access to aid.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify what pressure is being put on regional actors or exact steps taken for aid
Response accuracy