Topical Questions 2024-11-26
2024-11-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the context of recent diplomatic engagements.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. In the past month, growth was at the heart of my visit to Africa where we agreed work on a new global plan in South Africa and a new strategic partnership with Nigeria. During our UN Security Council presidency we have shown support for Ukraine 1,000 days into the war and pressed for a lasting peace in the Middle East.
In the past month, growth was at the heart of my visit to Africa. We agreed work on a new global plan in South Africa and a new strategic partnership with Nigeria. During our UN Security Council presidency we have shown support for Ukraine 1,000 days into the war and pressed for a lasting peace in the Middle East, and I condemned Russia's shameful veto of a resolution on Sudan. Finally, throughout COP we have been restoring British leadership on climate.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Concerns raised about the UK Government's publishing information related to Israel but not in Hebrew.
Since coming into office, the Government have suspended arms export licences to Israel; rolled over on the International Criminal Court, with nothing new against Hamas terrorists; and poured cash into the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, despite concerns over a significant number of its staff double-hatting with Hamas. Many of those things have been published in Arabic on the UK Government's website. Who decides what should be published in Arabic? Why are they being published in Arabic? As they relate to Israel, why is nothing being published in Hebrew?
The art of diplomacy is speaking to foreign leaders and foreign nations as best we can in the UK's national interest. That does sometimes involve foreign languages, which is why, for example, we support the BBC World Service.
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Assessment & feedback
Why Hebrew was not used or considered
Slightly Bizarre Question
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The need for coordinated efforts with France to tackle human trafficking.
We can all agree that ending human trafficking across the English channel requires an approach that is co-ordinated with that of all the countries from which people are being trafficked. Can the Foreign Secretary assure the House that the French Government share our commitment to smashing the gangs and ending these crossings?
My hon. Friend will be pleased to hear that I met the French Foreign Minister in London just last week, when we discussed these issues and agreed to co-ordinate better, and that the Home Secretary is working closely with the new French Interior Minister.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Concerns about the relationship with China and its implications for security, economic practices, and human rights.
The relationship that the Government are building with China appears to be all give and no take. In order to convince the House that the situation is different, can the Foreign Secretary tell us what has been achieved with regard to advancing Britain's interests in respect of security, economic practices and human rights since his recent visits to China, and what he expects to be achieved during his future visits?
I welcome the right hon. Lady to her place, and also remind her that under the last Government there were about seven different China policies and very little was achieved. We have had four and a half months. I was very pleased to be in China discussing issues on which we disagree, on which we agree and on which we challenge China, and I will continue to do that over the coming months and years.
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Concrete achievements or future plans
Remind Her About Past Policies
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Concerns regarding the UK's stance on Hong Kong, including the national security law and Jimmy Lai.
In the light of that response, can the Foreign Secretary state categorically whether, as part of his conversations with Chinese counterparts, the UK Government have explicitly called for the repeal of the national security law in Hong Kong, whether he has specifically called for Jimmy Lai be released, and whether he will ensure that no deals—such as China's application for a new embassy—can go ahead until Jimmy Lai is free?
I thank the right hon. Lady for raising the situation in Hong Kong, which formed a substantial part of our conversation. Of course we raised issues relating to Jimmy Lai—as I have said in the House before—and the security law in Hong Kong.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details or future actions regarding Jimmy Lai and embassy deals
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Concerns raised about the lack of accountability and justice for aid worker deaths.
It is nearly eight months since an attack by the Israel Defence Forces on a World Central Kitchen convoy killed seven aid workers, including three Britons: James Henderson, John Chapman and James Kirby. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that their families deserve to see accountability and justice for their deaths?
It was very important for me to meet the families of those people a few weeks ago. The killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including those British nationals, in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza on 1 April was appalling, and a matter of great concern.
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Concrete actions or timelines for investigation progress
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Concerns about the effectiveness of UK sanctions enforcement against Russia.
I welcome the Foreign Secretary's announcement that the UK will sanction Russia's so-called shadow fleet, but I understand that the UK has not levied a single fine for breach of the existing sanctions on Russia's oil. Will the Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor now take more robust action to ensure that UK sanctions are complied with?
I was very pleased to see President Zelensky recognise just yesterday the UK's leadership in challenging the shadow fleet. As the hon. Gentleman will know, I have made this part of my personal mission, and it has involved a record number of oil tankers.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific enforcement actions or timelines for improvement
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Q8
Partial Answer
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The importance of supporting Ukrainian children and young people who have fled the conflict.
When I met the Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom, General Zaluzhnyi, last month he raised the importance of ensuring that Ukrainian children and young people who have been forced to flee this terrible conflict in their own country receive the support and education that they need, so that they can be the generation that rebuilds Ukraine. What conversations has the Foreign Secretary had with the Ukrainian Government and his ministerial colleagues to ensure that that happens?
My hon. Friend raises a very important issue. A few months ago, I met Ukrainian children who had been taken to Russia and who had fortunately been brought back to Ukraine by a non-governmental organisation that we were supporting.
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Specific details on conversations or support measures
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Q9
Partial Answer
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The EU has expressed willingness for a new youth mobility scheme with the UK, separate from trade agreements. The question arises in light of this opportunity.
The EU has been very clear that it would welcome a new youth mobility scheme with the UK. As the Minister knows, that would not be a return to freedom of movement and could be agreed separately from the trade and co-operation agreement that the UK signed when we left the EU. Can the Minister tell me, this House and the young people of this country why the Government will not sit down with European allies to agree a new youth mobility scheme?
My colleagues in the Cabinet Office, me, the Foreign Secretary and others are engaged in a number of conversations with our EU counterparts, but I will not give a running commentary. We will look at EU proposals on a range of issues, but there are no plans for a youth mobility scheme; neither will we return to freedom of movement.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline for negotiating a youth mobility scheme
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Q10
Partial Answer
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Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine has led to increased military and humanitarian aid from various countries, including the UK.
It is vital that we continue to supply Ukraine with aid in the face of Russian aggression. Is that aid combined with diplomatic efforts to bring about a just and lasting peace, in line with UN conventions?
Our support is absolute and resolute. I am happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss these issues further. We will maintain our position.
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Specific diplomatic efforts or alignment with UN conventions
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Q11
Partial Answer
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The NATO alliance faces challenges, particularly with the incoming US President who may have different views on international defence cooperation.
Will the Foreign Secretary take every opportunity to impress on the incoming President the importance of the article 5 guarantee, whereby the United States will come to the aid of any NATO country that is attacked? Will he impress on President Trump that we will do everything that we can to encourage other NATO allies to contribute more to the cost of defence?
Yes, yes, yes and more yes. I thank the right hon. Gentleman for highlighting this very important issue. The NATO alliance is the strongest and best alliance that the modern world has seen, and the UK will continue to impress that point on anyone who will listen.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments or actions regarding Article 5 and contributions from allies
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Q12
Partial Answer
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The UK is conducting a comprehensive review of its relationship with China, focusing on economic ties and security concerns.
Given the upcoming audit into the UK's relationship with China, how does the Foreign Secretary plan to strike a balance between economic growth and growing security concerns about China's dominance in critical national infrastructure and Chinese-made IoT modules?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his question. On coming into government, it was important that we conducted a China audit right across Whitehall to look at the range of relationships. Underpinning that are the three Cs: we will co-operate with China where we can, we will compete with China where we should, and we will challenge China where we must.
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Specific measures or policies to balance economic interests and security concerns
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Q13
Partial Answer
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There are ongoing discussions about NATO's strategic defence requirements, including the maintenance of key military capabilities such as HMS Albion and Bulwark.
What conversations did the Foreign Secretary have with the Defence Secretary about the diplomatic implications of scrapping key military capabilities such as HMS Albion and Bulwark, and of the failure to set a timeline for spending 2.5% of GDP on defence spending?
The right hon. Gentleman knows that I have huge respect for him, but that is a little bit rich, given the drop in defence spending that we saw under the last Government. The Prime Minister indicated just last week that we will set out our plans in due course. I am pleased that the Defence Secretary, on coming to power, launched a strategic defence review. Frankly, it should have been done under the last Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Details of conversations and specific implications regarding HMS Albion and Bulwark
Criticizing Previous Government'S Actions
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Q14
Partial Answer
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There are concerns about Iran's involvement in supporting Russian aggression in Ukraine, potentially threatening Europe's security.
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that Iran's support for Russia's war in Ukraine is a direct threat to Europe's security, and can he outline what steps he is taking to respond?
We are deeply concerned by Iran's malign behaviour. The transfer of ballistic missiles to Ukraine was escalatory, which is why I sanctioned Iran Air and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines. I will continue to speak to the Foreign Minister in Iran about these issues. Clearly, we are very concerned about any attempts by Iran to get nuclear capability.
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Specific steps against Iranian actions supporting Russia
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Q15
Partial Answer
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Scotland celebrates its national day, St Andrew's Day, which is an opportunity to highlight Scotland's international brand.
Scotland's international brand is used to boost our economy throughout the world, selling Scottish products and experiences and boosting our soft power, so can the Foreign Secretary tell us how his Department will be marking St Andrew's day on Saturday?
I am delighted to be able to take this question, as one of many Scots in the House. We are incredibly proud of brand Scotland, and our Scottish Secretary has been driving that forward and really pushing the case for Scotland's place in the world, working as part of the UK. We will most certainly be celebrating St Andrew's day—I certainly will.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or actions to mark St Andrew's Day
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Q16
Partial Answer
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The Knesset's vote to sever ties with UNRWA is likely to reduce access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, a concern for international organizations.
Action for Humanity research conducted in Gaza revealed that 53% of respondents already received no humanitarian aid during so-called evacuations, and there are fears that the Knesset's vote to sever ties with UNRWA is likely to reduce access to aid even further. The Minister has already referred to the representations that have been made, but what specific immediate actions will the Secretary of State undertake to reinforce the UN's multilateral framework and the Israeli Government's obligations under international law to ensure that sufficient aid reaches civilians in Gaza?
We recognise the impact of sometimes repeated displacements on the population, with this happening up to nine times in some cases. We have used every opportunity to make clear the essential role of the UN, including UNRWA, in Gaza.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific immediate actions to secure aid and reinforce international obligations
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Q17
Partial Answer
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The ICC's recent decisions are perceived to have implications for the ongoing conflicts and humanitarian situations in the Middle East, particularly regarding hostages and aid access.
Does the Minister agree that the ICC's decision does nothing to help secure the release of hostages, deliver more aid into Gaza or deliver a sustainable end to the war in the middle east?
As I set out to the House yesterday afternoon, the ICC is the primary method of accountability for war crimes, and it should be supported across the whole House. Our support for the ICC does not limit the actions we take in relation to the other issues. We have already talked about hostages this morning and about the vital importance of the ceasefire, and we will continue to—
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions regarding hostage situations and aid delivery based on ICC decisions
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Q18
Partial Answer
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The issue of corruption and kleptocracy among Putin's cronies is raised in the context of tackling Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
I thank the Foreign Secretary for his leadership in tackling and sanctioning those aiding and abetting the illegal invasion of Ukraine, but what more can we do to tackle the wider issues of corruption and kleptocracy that define Putin's cronies?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. He served in Haringey before taking up his place in this House and we have been good friends over many years. He is right to raise this issue. We said that illicit finance would be a priority, and it will be. I hope to make further announcements on the back of the sanctions announcements that I made this week.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions or commitments beyond acknowledging the importance of the issue
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Q19
Direct Answer
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World Aids Day is approaching and the UK's contribution to the Global Fund for fighting HIV/AIDS globally is under discussion.
With World Aids Day approaching, I am sure the whole House will agree on the impact that the Global Fund has had on tackling HIV and AIDS globally. With our replenishment coming next year, will Ministers commit to the UK continuing to make a significant contribution to the Global Fund?
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his question and for the leadership that he has shown on this issue, along with others across the House. The UK is determined to see successful replenishments for all the health-related funds, and we have announced with the WHO just this week that we are definitely going to do that.
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Q20
Partial Answer
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The question relates to efforts being made by the UK government to tackle global hunger through innovative means, including supporting specific local initiatives such as Alora.
Innovation plays a key role in tackling hunger. Can the Minister expand on what efforts we are taking to tackle hunger and how we are supporting innovators such as Alora, based at Norwich Research Park, which is using revolutionary technology to create the world's first ocean agriculture system?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this. We have incredible facilities in Norwich working on agricultural innovation, and they are important not only for global food production but for UK farmers. The research is used intensively by our local farmers as well as by others globally.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about support given to Alora or other innovators
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Q21
Partial Answer
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There are serious concerns about some of the Sri Lankan asylum seekers on Diego Garcia having criminal records or involvement in child abuse.
It is ridiculous that Britain should even contemplate taking some of the 61 Sri Lankan asylum seekers on Diego Garcia as part of its agreement with Mauritius. There are serious concerns in Whitehall that some of those Sri Lankans have criminal records, and there are allegations that some of them may be involved in child abuse. I have raised this with the Home Office to no avail. Will Ministers in the Foreign Office make sure that all records are checked in Sri Lanka and in Diego Garcia to ensure that no such criminals or abusers are allowed into Britain?
The Government inherited a situation in the British Indian Ocean Territory involving Tamil migrants from India and Sri Lanka who had arrived there. We are delivering a solution that protects migrants' welfare but avoids opening a dangerous new migration route. The hon. Gentleman's concerns regarding safeguarding and any other issues are absolutely at the heart of that and are being dealt with by Home Office and other ministerial colleagues.
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Did not commit to checking criminal records explicitly, but acknowledged concerns
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Q22
Direct Answer
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There is growing concern over the increasing number of women being given death sentences by Iranian authorities.
My right hon. Friend will share my concern about the increasing number of women being given death sentences by the Iranian authorities. What urgent representations will he make to the Iranian Government to overturn those death sentences and ensure that women receive a fair trial?
I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's ambassador to Iran will continue to raise this appalling issue directly with Iranian officials in Tehran. Furthermore, the UK was instrumental in the adoption of the Iran human rights resolution at the UN Third Committee last week. The resolution calls on Iran to establish a moratorium on executions and to end reprisals against women human rights defenders.
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Q23
Partial Answer
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The Government's stance on arresting the democratically elected Prime Minister of Israel is under scrutiny for breaching state immunity.
The Government have indicated that they would arrest the democratically elected Prime Minister of Israel. Doing so would contradict an Act of Parliament and breach state and diplomatic immunity. Will the Foreign Secretary tell the House whether he believes compliance with the ICC's decision sets a precedent for future decisions of a similar nature? Is he not concerned that he is contradicting international norms?
We considered this question at exhaustive length yesterday. I repeat that the shadow Attorney General has written on the question of which elements of international law are most properly followed in this case, and the Attorney General is set to respond, although we suspect that this case would go to the courts in the usual way.
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Did not directly address whether it sets a dangerous precedent
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Q24
Direct Answer
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The British citizen Jimmy Lai is in failing health, raising concerns about his treatment and the support needed for his release.
My constituent, the British citizen Jimmy Lai, is in failing health, and I thank the Foreign Secretary and his Department for all their work to uphold his rights under international law. Can the Foreign Secretary share his assessment of the scale of international support for Jimmy Lai's release?
'Massive' is probably the word I would use. His case is being raised in America and across the European Union, and we are raising it too. His trial has begun, and he is now well into his 70s, which is why I have made the case to the Chinese that he should be released. This is becoming cruel and unusual punishment, frankly.
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Q25
Partial Answer
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The International Criminal Court has confirmed that the Israeli Government have unleashed a campaign of crimes against humanity on innocent Palestinian civilians.
The International Criminal Court has confirmed what we have all known for months, which is that the Israeli Government, under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu, have unleashed a concerted campaign of crimes against humanity on innocent Palestinian civilians. This is no longer a question of which side we are on, or of who is right or wrong. It is cold, hard legal fact, and we cannot allow it. Can the Secretary of State assure us that the Government are considering appropriate action against Netanyahu and Gallant to properly hold them to account?
I can assure my hon. Friend the Member for Tooting (Dr Allin-Khan) that the UK Government intend to stand by our international obligations in relation to the ICC, and in relation to many other things, too.
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Did not commit to specific actions against Netanyahu and Gallant
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Q26
Partial Answer
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Following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Richard Burgon questions why similar sanctions on Israel have not been imposed as were applied to Russia after a warrant was issued against Putin.
After the issuing of the arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, can the Foreign Secretary confirm when the Government will impose the scale of sanctions on Israel that it rightly imposed on Russia after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Putin? A war crime is a war crime, and an arrest warrant is an arrest warrant. All lives are equal, and we must ensure there can be no accusations of double standards.
Since the Government took office in July, it has been clear how important questions of international law are to us, how soberly we treat these issues and how we ensure that in all matters, including in relation to the ICC cases described, we follow due process.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timing or details of sanctions against Israel were not addressed.
We Follow Due Process
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Q27
Partial Answer
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The civil war in Sudan has caused significant casualties and displacement, with UNICEF and the World Food Programme warning that over 700,000 children may suffer from acute malnutrition unless more is done. Kim Johnson asks what steps the UK is taking as a UN penholder to address this issue.
The civil war in Sudan has killed around 150,000 people and displaced 14 million, with UNICEF and the World Food Programme warning that over 700,000 children may suffer from acute malnutrition unless efforts are stepped up. Can the Minister tell us what steps the UK is taking as the UN penholder to end this malnutrition and support the Sudanese?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this. The Foreign Secretary recently co-led a resolution on the protection of civilians in Sudan, but unfortunately it was vetoed by Russia despite 14 votes in favour. We will continue to push on these issues and have doubled our aid to Sudan due to the crisis.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to address malnutrition were not detailed.
We Will Continue To Push
Doubled Our Aid
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