Topical Questions 2024-03-12
2024-03-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from the prolonged process of releasing funds from the sale of Chelsea FC, intended to aid Ukrainian war refugees.
Following recent events in Ukraine, what steps have been taken to speed up the process of releasing funds from the sale of Chelsea football club to support all victims of the war in Ukraine, wherever they are in the world?
The hon. Lady is quite right that releasing those funds is taking far too long. There are significant complications addressing the release, which involve the European Union and Portugal, as well as Britian. I can tell her, however, that there is renewed energy in the Foreign Office to try to bring this matter to a head as swiftly as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
complications involved with releasing funds not fully detailed
Renewed Energy
Trying To Bring To A Head
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The International Atomic Energy Agency has assessed that Iran has enough enriched uranium for three atomic warheads, prompting the question about potential sanctions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has recently made an assessment that enough uranium has been enriched in Iran to produce three atomic warheads. If that is true, what is the Government's consideration regarding snapping back sanctions on Iran?
These enrichment levels have no credible civilian justification. We are working with partners to ensure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, are prepared to use all diplomatic options, including triggering UN snapback if necessary, and will continue to monitor the situation very closely.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The Security Council recently called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan. The question is about increasing pressure on the warring parties.
Next month is the anniversary of a full year of unmitigated horror in Sudan. On Friday, the Security Council called for an immediate Ramadan ceasefire, and I know that our excellent diplomats and the Minister were pivotal in that resolution. The African Union, the Arab League and Members across this House echo that call, but the violence has not stopped. If the warring parties continue to refuse to listen, how can the Government work with partners to step up the pressure?
The hon. Lady is quite right to raise the appalling position in Sudan, which to some extent has been masked by other terrible events in the world. She will be pleased to hear that, thanks to British leadership at the United Nations, a new Security Council resolution was passed, I believe, last Friday. We are seeking to bring together all the different parties to try to make progress, so that the next round of talks, possibly in Jeddah, will be more successful than the last. Britain condemns any arming of either party inside Sudan. We are seeking also, through the work of our diplomatic mission in Khartoum, currently based in Addis, to help build civil society so that a political track can emerge.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is involved with critical minerals extraction and economic relations in Latin American markets.
As the Prime Minister's trade envoy to four key Latin American markets, I have seen at first hand the work that His Majesty's Government and the UK private sector are doing to help with the responsible extraction of key minerals such as lithium. With the drive to net zero accelerating, those minerals will only become more important, and competition is increasing. What diplomatic steps is the Department taking to strengthen the UK's security and its economic relations with countries in Latin America?
We are grateful for the outstanding work of our well-respected trade envoy—my hon. Friend does amazing work. Trade and security are two central tenets of the UK's relationship with Latin America. Joining the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership creates huge opportunities for businesses in Latin America and in the UK, and as my hon. Friend is aware, sustainable and reliable supply chains for critical minerals—including lithium—are key. I look forward to meeting the Bolivian vice-president this afternoon.
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Assessment & feedback
specific diplomatic steps not detailed
Central Tenets
Huge Opportunities
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue of Palestine's right to self-determination is raised.
State-hood is the inalienable right of Palestinian people and not in the gift of any neighbour, so does the Minister agree that no country has the right to veto the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state?
The British Government have always made it clear that they will recognise the Palestinian state when they think the time is right and such recognition would be helpful.
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Assessment & feedback
no country has the right to veto not addressed directly
When They Think The Time Is Right
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
Alutech, a Belarusian company, is operating in the UK despite sanctions. This affects Dewsbury-based Alunet's business.
The Belarusian company Alutech has somehow managed to circumvent sanctions and set up in the UK, in direct competition with its business partner, Dewsbury-based Alunet, whose turnover has been halved from £30 million to £15 million and has shed jobs as a result of that unfair competition. Will the Minister agree to meet with me and directors of Alunet to discuss how we can resolve this terrible situation?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. As he knows, some of our officials have met representatives of the company concerned, and we are continuing to take action to close gaps between our Russian and Belarusian sanctions—we keep them under constant review. I would be very happy to meet with my hon. Friend to discuss the Belarusian sanctions further.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a drive to seize and use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's military efforts.
The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have been clear that we must be bolder, seizing hundreds of billions of pounds of frozen Russian assets to support the Ukraine war effort, and that we must get hold of the interest on those assets. In February, the Prime Minister said, 'And then, with the G7, we must find lawful ways to seize the assets themselves and get those funds to Ukraine too.' Can the Minister update the House on progress within the G7?
The hon. Gentleman is right to ask that question. We are making progress, but he is also right to point out that what we do needs to be lawful. That is the key thing, and that is what we are working on.
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Assessment & feedback
lawful ways not fully detailed
Making Progress
Working On
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
The situation in Ethiopia's Tigray region is worsening with increasing food insecurity and starvation. The UK has power to influence the situation.
Would the Minister for development and Africa please update the House on his recent visit to Ethiopia? He was able to witness firsthand the alarming rise of starvation and food shortage, especially at the edge of the most food-insecure area. What efforts is the government making to address this crisis?
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I was recently in Ethiopia, and was able to visit Tigray and the edge of the most food-insecure area. The situation is as if a football was being kicked at a plate glass window; we have the power to alter its trajectory, but if we do not, it will smash that window. That is why Britain is setting up a pledging conference—working closely with the United Nations—and a contact group on Ethiopia. In the next financial year, we are increasing our bilateral funding very significantly.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
8 million people in Sudan are displaced, with 15 million having no healthcare and 24 million facing hunger. Aid is not reaching many areas due to conflict.
While the world looks the other way, Sudan is suffering from a catastrophe, with 8 million people displaced, 15 million without healthcare whatsoever, and 24 million going hungry. What efforts are being made to advocate for additional crossing points for aid to get into Chad and South Sudan and across conflict lines?
Yes, I do expect to attend that conference. I speak regularly to counterparts in the African Union, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and spoke last night to Tom Perriello, the new US special envoy for Sudan. We work very closely with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the Troika. We understand that the violence in Darfur bears all the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing and are funding an open-source organisation, the Centre for Information Resilience, to keep account of those events.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address efforts to increase aid crossing points
Working Closely With International Partners
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Q10
Direct Answer
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Context
Human rights abuses, antisemitism, and glorification of violence are issues in Palestine. Palestinians need to be free from Hamas.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that, in order to see Palestinian self-determination, we need an end to human rights abuses, antisemitism and the glorification of violence, and we need Palestinians free from Hamas?
We certainly agree with my hon. Friend's last point about a Palestine free from Hamas. There is no place for Hamas in the future Government of Palestine. On the point he makes about how we proceed further, the Government are absolutely clear that there is no place in our society, or anywhere else for that matter, for Islamophobia or antisemitism.
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Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Benny Gantz was granted special mission status by the Foreign Office despite Israel not granting his delegation official status.
Can the Minister explain why the UK Government still chose to provide diplomatic cover for Israeli Minister Benny Gantz, who has been suspected of breaches of international law?
Whatever the position of the Israeli Government, let me assure the hon. Member that Benny Gantz was received in this country. He was seen by the Foreign Secretary, and his visit was most welcome.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address reasons for diplomatic cover
Benny Gantz'S Visit Was Most Welcome
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The USA funds the majority of NATO budget, and there is a need for European nations to meet their 2% commitment.
Could I please ask him what is being done to coerce more of our NATO allies to meet their 2% commitment?
I do agree that we must put our money where our mouth is, but as we survey the landscape of European and Atlantic security on the 75th anniversary of NATO, we see—with the accession of Finland and Sweden—that NATO is in very good order indeed.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address efforts to coerce allies to meet financial commitments
Nato Is In Very Good Order
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
UK sanctioned four individuals involved with illegal settlements, but the number seems low.
Has he raised the activities of those settlers with his opposite number in the Israeli Government?
The British Government have certainly raised those activities with the Israeli Government. That is why we have asked that they should be arrested, prosecuted and punished for those activities. On those who may or may not be subject to a sanctions regime, we keep that fully under review, but the hon. Member will understand why I think it is best not to discuss that across the Floor of the House.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on discussions with Israeli government
Details Kept Under Review
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Disagreement over the extradition treaty following the Sacoolas case.
Has any Foreign Office Minister, official or embassy member had any discussions with our American allies over the dysfunctional extradition treaty since the disgraceful end of the Sacoolas case?
My right hon. Friend asks an extremely good question. He and I have co-operated on this matter many times in the past. If he would be so good as to table a question on this matter, I will make sure that he immediately gets a full answer to that question.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details of discussions
Will Get A Full Answer
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
Jeffrey Sachs, an adviser to the UN, criticizes Israel for starving Palestinians and engaging in war crimes.
Does that not give the UK Government pause to reflect on the funding of UNRWA, and to call for a ceasefire and the recognition of Palestine?
I think almost nothing that the hon. Gentleman has just said could possibly be deemed helpful in trying to bring the two sides together, achieve a pause, get the hostages out, get aid in and achieve a sustainable ceasefire. Therefore, I am afraid I am unable to offer any reassurance on any of the points he made.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address funding of UNRWA or calling for a ceasefire
Not Deemed Helpful
Unable To Offer Reassurance
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
287 children aged between five and 12 were kidnapped from their school in Nigeria last week. Additionally, 8,000 Christians were killed for their faith last year.
Last week, 287 children aged between five and 12 were kidnapped from their school in Nigeria. That comes on top of 8,000 Christians who were killed for their faith last year. What are we doing about it?
My right hon. Friend is right about these appalling events, and the high commission in Abuja has raised these matters. Our hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce), who is responsible for freedom of religion or belief, regularly focuses on what is happening in Nigeria and makes representations, which also ensures that the Foreign Office is kept up to the mark in pursuing it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions taken by the government beyond mentioning representation and raising matters
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Q17
Partial Answer
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Canada has resumed funding for UNRWA after receiving reports from the United Nations. The UK Government is currently reviewing its position regarding this funding.
Canada is to resume funding for UNRWA having received UN reports. Has the UK Government received such reports, are they being reviewed, and when will that review be concluded and decisions be made?
We are asking that we have an interim report on both the key reports as soon as possible, and we will look at those reports as soon as they arrive and make our decisions accordingly. During the course of these questions I have adumbrated both those who are supporting the same position as the UK and those who are restoring funding immediately.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline for concluding the review
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Q18
Partial Answer
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Haiti is on the edge of collapse, and the UK has national security responsibilities for Turks and Caicos Islands. The questioner seeks immediate action from HMS Trent and Royal Marine fast boats.
Haiti is on the edge of collapse, and only 100 nautical miles away are the Turks and Caicos islands, for whose national security the UK has responsibility. Will the Foreign Office fulfil its role by requesting of the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office that we deploy HMS Trent with its defensive capabilities, deploy Royal Marine fast boats, provide assets monitoring in the sea lane, and increase the policing footprint in TCI? Too often we have acted too slowly, which in the past that has resulted in threats to remove TCI from our overseas family. Please can we act now?
I assure my hon. Friend that I was recently in TCI and I understand the situation there. We have seen a rise in the number of people making the dangerous journey by sea from Haiti to TCI. We have put in place 13 serious crime investigators and seven firearms officers, and we are working with the Home Office and the MOD in building capability and capacity in this important situation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm deployment of HMS Trent or Royal Marine fast boats
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Calls are made for all warring parties to stop rockets, bombs, and bullets and release hostages.
I listened carefully, as I always do, to what the Minister said regarding calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, but it is now time to step up. It requires all warring parties to stop the rockets, the bombs and the bullets—exactly right—and for the hostages to be released. Surely it would send a very strong signal if the UK Government now called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he has said. He will have heard the five key priorities that the British Government have put on the table, and I am grateful to him for his agreement. Cross-party support is extremely helpful in driving forward an imperative about which Britain feels very strongly.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm calling for a humanitarian ceasefire
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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The UK has a moral responsibility towards the people of Hong Kong due to historical ties and loyalty.
Will His Majesty's Government make the strongest possible diplomatic protest against the draconian new national security laws being imposed on the good people of Hong Kong, and does the Minister accept that Britain still has a moral responsibility to the people of Hong Kong, who have been loyal to this country for so many years?
My hon. Friend raises an important point, and we continue to raise our concerns about breaches of the Sino-British joint declaration that we see, and about this new layer of legislation coming through. We consider that that continues to be in breach, and we continue to ask for those laws to be removed.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm making the strongest possible diplomatic protest
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Palestinian medics were allegedly detained, beaten, and humiliated at the Nasser Hospital last month.
Does the Minister agree that the alleged detention, beating and humiliation of 49 Palestinian medics at the Nasser Hospital last month needs to be investigated by the International Criminal Court—yes or no?
This session ends with the same question with which it started, and as I set out, we believe there must be accountability and we have made that clear to the Israeli authorities.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct yes or no answer regarding ICC investigation
Response accuracy