Topical Questions 2025-05-13
2025-05-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Foreign Affairs Committee heard from the Falkland Islands Government about detrimental post-Brexit tariffs affecting Falklands exports.
What discussions has the Secretary of State had with his Department and European counterparts to address those tariffs for a new trade arrangement for the Falkland Islands?
I reassure the hon. Gentleman that we are always seeking to reduce tariff burdens for our overseas territories, and we are in ongoing discussions with the European Union in particular.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on concrete actions or commitments beyond general reassurance.
Ongoing Discussions
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Alawite, Druze and Christian minority communities in Syria are living in fear of attacks from militiamen.
What steps are the Government taking to put pressure on the Syrian Government to prevent any further attacks?
We emphasise the necessity of demonstrating commitment to the protection of human rights in all our engagements with the Syrian Government. Our public statements have also made it clear that civilians must be protected from violence, and those responsible held to account.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps or commitments beyond general emphasis on protecting human rights.
Public Statements
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
China's failure to address the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Will the Foreign Secretary provide details on the discussions that have taken place with President Zelensky over his forthcoming visit to Turkey, and what direct support is Britain giving for any discussions he will have with Putin?
On 22 April, I raised concerns with my Chinese counterpart on China’s supply of equipment to Russia and on the relationship with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea—North Korea—and Russia and Iran. The right hon. Lady will know that I sanctioned Chinese entities that were supplying dual-use technology to the Russians, killing Ukrainians.
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Assessment & feedback
Focused more on actions taken against China rather than direct support for Ukraine's diplomatic efforts with Putin.
Sanctions
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
71,000 children are at risk of famine in Gaza as the Israeli Government use food as a weapon of war.
Will Ministers ensure that Dame Barbara Woodward takes a message from my constituents, including Mairi MacKinnon, Ian Stephen, Louise Scullion and Malcolm MacLean, who expressed their disgust and condemnation of the Israeli Government using food as a weapon of war?
I can confirm that our permanent representative in New York will be expressing the full force of our views, as we heard earlier in this session.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions beyond confirming message transmission through diplomatic channels.
Permanent Representative
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Current negotiations over the future of Gibraltar.
Will the Minister confirm the state of the current negotiations over the future of Gibraltar, including whether they will be concluded before the EU-UK reset?
I spoke to the Chief Minister of Gibraltar just this morning. We have been working closely with him and, indeed, with our EU and Spanish counterparts, and all sides agree on the importance of concluding a treaty as soon as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline or confirm completion before EU-UK reset.
Working Closely
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
An airport worker and his wife have been raising funds for Hezbollah-linked groups in Lebanon.
What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that charitable donations in the UK cannot be used to fund terrorism in the Middle East?
Raising money for terrorist organisations is a criminal offence. This Government will continue to take robust action against those suspected of raising money for terrorist organisations in the middle east and around the world.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps or actions beyond general reassurance on criminal offences.
Robust Action
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Nearly every single child is at risk of famine in Gaza as the Israeli Government use starvation as a weapon of war.
If now is not the time to take those actions, when will that be?
We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving a reality most conducive to long-term peace in the region.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timing or commitment beyond general commitment.
Long-Term Peace
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister recently warned of a dangerous new era, raising concerns about the government's approach to international relations.
Given the Prime Minister’s warning that the world has fundamentally changed and that we are in a dangerous new era, will the Secretary of State commit to protecting the British Council and its soft power role in strengthening global relationships, and does he agree that any cuts to its support would undermine decades of trusted UK diplomacy?
The British Council has no greater champions than Labour Ministers on the Front Bench. It does a fantastic job to promote the UK abroad. Across this House, we love the British Council.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to protect funding for the British Council
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
A point of order was raised regarding the Department's failure to respond to a letter about arms exports to Israel.
The right hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) raised a point of order yesterday following the Department’s failure to respond to a letter from a number of hon. Members asking the Secretary of State to come to the House to make a statement on alarming research that shows that the UK continues to send large-scale exports of lethal weaponry to Israel. May I beseech the Secretary of State to make a statement to the House on this matter? If he is not willing to do so, can he confirm that all statements that he has made in this House since September 2024 relating to arms exports to Israel have been completely accurate and fully transparent?
Yes, I can.
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Assessment & feedback
Detailed commitment to make a statement or transparency on UK arms exports to Israel
Non-Specific Affirmation
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent met with the MP to discuss concerns about hostages held by Hamas and their release.
On Sunday, I had the honour of meeting Emily Damari. She told me about her good friends, Ziv and Gali Berman, who remain in captivity. It is so clear to me that no hostage will be free until all hostages are free. Hamas footage at the weekend serves only to deliver more torment to the families. Will the Minister set out, before the 600 day-anniversary later this month of the 7 October attacks, the steps he will be taking to ensure humanitarian access for those hostages?
I welcome the release of Edan Alexander after an agonising 583 days in captivity, and I thank Qatar and Egypt for their support. We urge all parties to seize this opportunity to re-engage with negotiations and return to a ceasefire. That is what will see the return of those hostages. When I discussed this with Secretary of State Rubio and, indeed, with partners in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, I urged them to raise those issues with the President this week.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps being taken before the 600 day-anniversary for hostage release and humanitarian access
Non-Specific Statement
Response accuracy