Topical Questions 2025-06-24

2025-06-24

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Daniel Francis Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
Context
The UK has imposed sanctions on two Israeli officials earlier this month. The situation in the Middle East remains tense with ongoing conflicts.
I know that this House, alongside my constituents across Bexleyheath and Crayford, welcomes the sanctions taken against two Israeli officials earlier this month. What discussions are the UK Government holding with our international partners regarding further actions that could be taken in relation to the incitement of violence against Palestinian citizens?
My hon. Friend will have seen that we worked with Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway on taking those sanctions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. I cannot speculate on future sanctions, but I reassure him that we are co-ordinating with our allies. He will know that on the issue of humanitarian aid, for example, 26 countries joined us.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific details about further actions beyond current coordination efforts.
Cannot Speculate
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Priti Patel Con
Witham
Context
There are concerns about the threat Iran poses to the United Kingdom and its allies.
Given the clear threat that Iran poses to the United Kingdom, our allies and the middle east, does the Foreign Secretary support the actions undertaken by the United States to degrade Iran’s nuclear weapons? He will have heard that President Trump has said that Iran’s nuclear capabilities are gone. Does he welcome that?
It was important to be alongside Secretary of State Rubio last week in DC. We continue to work closely with President Trump, and the Prime Minister spoke to him just two days ago. The initial assessments of those attacks in Iran are coming in, and we will assess that in due course.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not directly confirm support for US actions but noted ongoing assessment.
Initial Assessments
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Priti Patel Con
Witham
Context
There are concerns about the safety and evacuation of British nationals currently stranded in Israel.
Given the situation that has emerged in the middle east and the fact that the de-escalation has not taken place in recent hours, can the Foreign Secretary outline what measures he is overseeing, in what is effectively quite an urgent situation, to bring back 4,000 British nationals now stranded in Israel? He, like me, will have received overnight a large volume of correspondence from concerned families. What immediate steps will be taken? I understand that another plane is being put in place, but we are now speaking about 4,000 British nationals who are clearly stuck in Israel.
I was very pleased to see that that flight came into Birmingham. We will do all we can to work with the Israeli Government to open airspace and to continue flights. We have a ceasefire. I have seen, of course, that that ceasefire has been violated, and I urge all partners to keep to that ceasefire so that airspace can open up and commercial flights can resume.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific measures beyond working with the Israeli Government.
Working With The Israeli Government
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Chris Hinchliff Lab
North East Hertfordshire
Context
There are concerns about the use of British military bases in supporting Israeli operations in Gaza.
Many of my constituents have raised concerns about the use of RAF Akrotiri to support Israel’s military activity in Gaza. Given the rapidly developing situation with Iran, can Ministers assure this House that British arms and military bases will not be likewise implicated in any further escalations of that conflict?
I cannot comment on hypotheticals, but I can assure my hon. Friend that we will do all we can to protect our assets and our troops in the region and always to stay within international law.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific assurances beyond staying within international law.
Cannot Comment On Hypotheticals
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Graham Leadbitter SNP
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Context
The issue of the two-state solution in Israel-Palestine conflict has been a long-standing debate.
Ministers have collectively restated their commitment to a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, but only one of those states is currently recognised. I believe there is support in this House for recognition of Palestine, and that if the matter were put to a vote, that support would be expressed. Would that not strengthen Ministers’ hand, and will they bring the issue to a vote?
We have discussed these issues many times. Earlier, an hon. Friend asked me why, when Ministers say things at the Dispatch Box, they do not happen. The view of this House on the question of a two-state solution is clearly very important, but it is the job of Foreign Office Ministers to try to make it a reality in practice, through diplomacy.
Assessment & feedback
The specific request for bringing recognition of Palestine to a vote was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Gregor Poynton Lab
Livingston
Context
There is a ceasefire announced by President Trump between Israel and Iran, but the situation remains fragile.
Does the Minister join me in welcoming the ceasefire between Israel and Iran announced by President Trump, and although the situation clearly remains fragile, does he see an opportunity to restore stability and develop a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear programme—one that ensures that Iran never has access to nuclear weapons?
Assessment & feedback
The minister only confirmed his support for the ceasefire but did not address further opportunities for a diplomatic solution.
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Melanie Ward Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Context
The International Court of Justice handed down a judgment last year on the illegality of Israel's occupation of Palestine.
I pay tribute to the Foreign Secretary and his team for all their diplomatic efforts on de-escalation in the middle east. With the rules-based order under enormous strain, upholding international law and multilateral institutions matters more than ever. It is almost a year since the International Court of Justice handed down its judgment on the illegality of Israel’s occupation of Palestine. Given that senior Government Ministers received advice last year on the implications of that judgment for the UK, when can we expect the Government’s response?
I recognise the appetite in the Chamber to hear more about the ICJ advisory opinion. It was a far-reaching and complex judgment, and we are taking our time with our response.
Assessment & feedback
The specific timing of the government's response was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Jim Dickson Lab
Dartford
Context
Simone White died after drinking a free vodka shot in Laos, raising concerns about the hostel where this happened.
I thank the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Friern Barnet (Catherine West), for her support for the family of Simone White, who tragically died last year after drinking a free vodka shot in Laos. I hear worrying reports that the hostel where that happened is due to reopen shortly under another name. What assurance can the Minister give me and the family that everything is being done to hold those involved accountable, and to keep travellers safe from the dangers of methanol poisoning?
I thank my hon. Friend for his hard work for his constituents. I met Simone’s family on 14 May and, as he is aware, I met the Minister responsible in Vientiane. I will raise my hon. Friend’s point today, as a result of this question.
Assessment & feedback
The assurance about accountability and safety was promised but not fully detailed.
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The UK recently agreed a successful trade deal with India, but issues like crisis diplomacy, the Air India plane crash, and human rights concerns need attention.
We recently agreed the successful UK-India trade deal, but FCDO co-ordination with India on crisis diplomacy has never been more important, particularly following the recent terrorist attack, the Air India plane crash and human rights concerns, including about the case of Jagtar Singh Johal. Can the Secretary of State explain how security co-operation and consular support are being pursued in the light of the trade deal?
May I first say how deeply shocked and saddened we all were by the devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad? The Foreign Secretary visited India in his first month in office, and since then, we have agreed the groundbreaking technology security initiative and the free trade agreement, as my hon. Friend said. On human rights issues and the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, I will meet my hon. Friend the Member for West Dunbartonshire (Douglas McAllister), who represents the family, hopefully this week or next, when our diaries can align.
Assessment & feedback
The specific measures regarding security cooperation and consular support were not fully detailed.
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Nick Timothy Con
West Suffolk
Context
The question addresses the diplomatic stance of the UK following military actions against Iran.
What does it say to Britain’s allies, and to our enemies, when neither the Foreign Secretary nor the Prime Minister can bring themselves to say that the strikes again Iran were right and legal?
I have spoken to Secretary of State Rubio every single week that I have been in office. The Prime Minister and the President of the United States have the best of relationships. That is a signal of how well our special relationship is working.
Assessment & feedback
The legality and righteousness of military strikes against Iran
Changing Subject To Us-Uk Relations
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Mike Tapp Lab
Dover and Deal
Context
The question highlights the Iranian regime's severe human rights abuses.
The Iranian regime hangs gay people from cranes. It funds and arms terror groups, and arms Vladimir Putin. A regime such as that must never have nuclear weapons. What will the Foreign Secretary do to prevent it from ever achieving its goals?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for reminding us of the horrendous human rights record of this regime, a regime that is the worst sponsor of state terrorism in the world.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons
Acknowledging The Issue But Not Providing Concrete Actions
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Gregory Campbell DUP
East Londonderry
Context
The question refers to military actions against Iran and their impact on Iran's ability to acquire nuclear weapons.
Can the Foreign Secretary declare from the Dispatch Box that an Iran with no nuclear weapons is now a more likely prospect as a result of the actions of the Israeli and American forces over the past 10 days?
I recognise the point that the hon. Gentleman has made, but let me make this clear to him. Once a country has acquired the ability to enrich uranium to 60%, that scientific knowledge is there and does not go away. Ultimately, this will require a diplomatic solution. That is what President Trump is pushing for, and that is what the UK Government want to see as well.
Assessment & feedback
Specific declaration regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions
Acknowledging The Issue But Not Making A Clear Statement
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Andy Slaughter Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Context
The question pertains to the upcoming French-Saudi conference regarding a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
The postponed French-Saudi conference on a two-state solution may take place as early as next month. Does the Minister think it will provide the significant opportunity that he seeks for us to recognise Palestine as a state, alongside UK allies?
We are talking to the French and the Saudis about their plans. Obviously events in the middle east are moving quickly, but I recognise the force of what my hon. Friend has said.
Assessment & feedback
Significant opportunity for recognising Palestine
Acknowledging Talks But Not Committing To Specific Outcomes
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Richard Holden Con
Basildon and Billericay
Context
The question addresses the issue of cousin marriages being used as a cover for forced marriages.
Cousin marriage is often used as a cover for forced marriage. Have the Government raised the issue of the incredibly high rate of first-cousin marriage with the Pakistani Government, given that so many of those marriages are between UK and Pakistani nationals?
As the right hon. Gentleman probably knows, I was in Pakistan recently, and we discussed a range of human rights issues.
Assessment & feedback
Specific discussion on cousin marriages with Pakistan
Mentioning Recent Visit But Not Specific Discussions
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Richard Burgon Lab
Leeds East
Context
The question pertains to an upcoming emergency ministerial conference called by Colombia and South Africa in support of Palestinian rights.
The Foreign Secretary will be aware that Colombia and South Africa, as co-chairs of the Hague Group, have called an emergency ministerial conference in defence of international law and the rights of the Palestinian people, to take place in Bogotá in July. Countries across the world are confirming their attendance. Will the UK Government send a representative, and join nations around the world in standing up for international law?
My hon. Friend will recognise that we, alongside our partners throughout the global community, continue to raise serious issues relating to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, and of course I will look in detail at the conference to which he has referred.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to sending a representative to the conference
Acknowledging Raising Issues But Not Committing To Attendance
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Mark Pritchard Con
The Wrekin
Context
The question addresses recent arrests of opposition leaders in Georgia.
Melia, Gvaramia, Badri Japaridze, Khazaradze, Zurab Japaridze and Vashadze: all six opposition leaders arrested over the last two weeks in Georgia. What are the British Government going to do about it, and what is the message from the British Government to the Georgian people, who are suffering as a result of this huge democratic backsliding?
The Georgian people have made clear their Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We absolutely condemn not only those arrests of opposition politicians, but the closing down of civil society space. I have communicated my concerns directly to Georgian Dream in recent weeks, and will be doing so again.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions regarding arrests in Georgia
Condemning Actions But Not Providing Concrete Steps
Response accuracy