Topical Questions 2023-01-31

2023-01-31

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem
Bath
Context
The question is about the Foreign Secretary's recent engagements and activities.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The Foreign Secretary has hosted meetings with international counterparts focusing on UK's contributions to Ukraine, including sending tanks. He discussed future strategic approach to foreign policy and upcoming AUKMIN meetings.
Since the last oral questions, I have hosted my German counterpart in London, travelled to the United States and Canada, and hosted the Georgian Foreign Minister for bilateral meetings. In those meetings, I discussed the UK's contributions to Ukraine's war effort, including the decision to send tanks. Consequently, I am delighted that the US, Germany and others have now committed to send tanks to Ukraine. Last December, I set out my vision for a far-sighted strategic approach to UK foreign policy. Over the next 25 years, we will invest even more in our relationships with the world's rising powers. We will continue with our Indo-Pacific tilt. On Wednesday and Thursday this week, the Defence Secretary and I will be hosting our Australian counterparts at the AUKMIN meetings.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem
Bath
Context
The Afghan citizens resettlement programme is heavily backlogged, with few individuals being resettled under pathways 2 and 3. The question addresses the plight of female NGO workers who are banned from working in Afghanistan.
The Afghan citizens resettlement scheme is heavily backlogged. Just four people have been resettled under pathway 2 and no one under pathway 3. The schemes do not even support female NGO workers who are banned from working in Afghanistan. What are the Government doing to support these women in desperate need who seek refuge in the UK?
The plight of women in Afghanistan and the reprisal attacks the Taliban are perpetrating are disturbing to us all. We are very proud of the fact that we evacuated 15,000 people during Operation Pitting and a further 6,000 since. The administration of the schemes the hon. Member has raised is a matter for the Home Office, but we continue to liaise very closely on operationalising the commitments we have made to the Afghan people.
Assessment & feedback
Does not address specific support measures or timelines for female NGO workers seeking refuge in the UK
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
The situation between Palestinians and Israelis has resulted in violence leading to the death of many. Security Council resolution 2334 declared Israeli settlements illegal.
We all condemn the violence that has led to the death of so many Palestinians and Israelis this month. Can the Foreign Secretary confirm that the UK still regards Israeli settlements as a flagrant breach of international law, as specified in Security Council resolution 2334? If that remains the case, what is the penalty for those continued breaches?
I can assure my hon. Friend that our position on the illegality of those settlements remains unchanged. We raise the matter with Israel. As I have said, in my initial call with the Israeli Foreign Minister, I raised our desire for a meaningful, peaceful two-state solution. We will always speak out when we believe that something is happening with which we disagree, but we will always seek to provide a route to reconciliation, to dialogue, to de-escalation and ultimately to the delivery of that peaceful, sustainable two-state solution.
Assessment & feedback
Does not specify penalties or enforcement actions for illegal settlements
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
David Lammy Lab
Tottenham
Context
The Government granted a sanctions waiver to Putin ally Yevgeny Prigozhin, allowing him to launch legal attacks on British journalists. The Treasury conceded that they would consider changing the rules.
Last week, in response to my urgent question, the Government admitted that there was no ministerial oversight when they granted a sanctions waiver to Putin warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin enabling him to launch a legal attack on a British journalist. The Treasury conceded that it would consider changing the rules. What is the Foreign Office doing to ensure that the sanctions regime is never undermined in that way again?
The House will understand why I do not speak in detail about that specific case, but I know that a Treasury Minister responded to the right hon. Gentleman's urgent question. More broadly, the whole point of sanctions is that they deter and change behaviour. That is why the enforcement of sanctions is so important. It is done predominantly through the Treasury, working very closely with my Department and in close co-ordination with our international partners. Enforcing sanctions is just as important as issuing them, so we will continue to work closely internationally to ensure that they are robust.
Assessment & feedback
Does not specify specific actions or new commitments for preventing future undermining of the sanctions regime
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister heralded the international fund as an exciting new way of empowering peaceful co-existence. The question explores support for this initiative and commitment to being at the heart of efforts towards a two-state solution.
Last month, the Prime Minister heralded the international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace as an exciting new way of empowering peaceful co-existence. Does the Foreign Secretary share my passionate support for this groundbreaking initiative? Will he commit the UK to being at the heart of the effort to prepare for the much sought-after two-state solution as we deepen the Abraham accords?
The Abraham accords were groundbreaking. The UK supported them at the time, and we continue to support them. We will explore opportunities to make the most of that normalisation of relationships, particularly at the moment, when there is a real desire to de-escalate the current tensions that we are seeing in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. I can assure my hon. Friend that I personally and the ministerial team put a huge amount of effort into ensuring that.
Assessment & feedback
Does not specify commitment or concrete actions towards deepening Abraham accords or two-state solution efforts
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Taiwo Owatemi Lab
Coventry North West
Context
Foreign governments require British workers to certify their COVID status before taking employment in their countries. This leaves people medically exempt from vaccination, like Mr Hussain-Khan, in a difficult situation.
Foreign Governments are requiring British workers to certify their covid status before taking employment in their countries. That leaves people who are medically exempt from vaccination, like my constituent Mr Hussain-Khan, in limbo. Without any formal documentation, their employment is at risk. Will the Foreign Secretary explain exactly what is being done to ensure that medically exempt people can get their status certified so that they can take employment?
If I have understood the hon. Lady's question correctly, it is about the employment of British nationals in other countries. Obviously, each country is responsible for its own employment practices, rules and regulations. I was not aware of the circumstances of the case that she raises, but if she writes to me I will be more than happy to look into the details and see whether there is something we can do domestically, within the UK, to facilitate the actions of other Governments in relation to employment.
Assessment & feedback
Does not specify concrete action or timeline for helping medically exempt individuals obtain certification
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
The glorification of martyrdom within Palestinian society remains a key obstacle to any future lasting peace agreement, including the payment of salaries to convicted terrorists by the Palestinian Authority.
Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that the glorification of martyrdom within Palestinian society remains a key obstacle to any future lasting peace agreements? That includes the payment of salaries to convicted terrorists by the Palestinian Authority, with higher salaries going to those who have killed more Israelis.
If there is to be any chance of a sustainable peace in Israel and the OPTs, it is incredibly important that people recognise the importance of tolerance and of working and living together. When I first became a Minister in the Department, I raised with the then Palestinian Education Minister the situation relating to textbooks being used in Palestinian schools. We will continue to work to encourage greater understanding and co-operation, rather than allowing this divisive narrative to be imposed on young Palestinian children.
Assessment & feedback
Does not specify concrete actions addressing glorification of martyrdom or payment of terrorist salaries
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The Northern Ireland protocol negotiations are ongoing, addressing various challenges for the region.
Most people and businesses in Northern Ireland accept the need for the Northern Ireland protocol, but they want pragmatic solutions. While conscious of sensitivities, I ask the Foreign Secretary to deepen engagement with the Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group to road-test emerging solutions ensuring practical application on the ground.
I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's positive comments about the tone of current conversations with the EU; professional but discreet negotiations are key to success. During my trip, I met a group raising specific concerns, and we took careful note of those issues.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm future engagement with Northern Ireland business community beyond previous meetings
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Context
The UK is funding the Montserrat port development project essential for economic recovery following volcanic eruptions and hurricanes.
The Monserrat port development project, funded by the UK, is crucial for Montserrat's post-disaster recovery. Will my hon. Friend confirm the Government's commitment to fund this until completion? Does he agree that it demonstrates the UK's support for overseas territories?
We are committed to supporting economic development in Montserrat and providing £28.3 million for the new port, with construction set to begin shortly.
Assessment & feedback
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Q10 Partial Answer
Jeff Smith Lab
Manchester Withington
Context
The Foreign Secretary discussed the impact of IRGC in Iran but did not specify future actions.
The Foreign Secretary spoke about the Iranian regime's persecution and supply of weapons to Russia, imposing new sanctions. However, he did not answer when more action would be taken regarding the IRGC. What further evidence will prompt such measures?
We have imposed new sanctions in response to Iran's persecution, weapon supply to Russia, and executions of protesters. I am willing to do more but will not speculate.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific future actions or evidence needed for further sanctions
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
The Government committed to £11.6 billion of international climate finance up to March 2026.
Can the Foreign Secretary confirm the full commitment to deploying £11.6 billion in ICF until March 2026? Will he also commit to setting out annual projections for spending over three years and a breakdown between mitigation and adaptation?
The Prime Minister announced £11,600 million in ICF commitment. We are discussing plans to ensure high-quality eligible projects.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to setting out annual projections or detailed breakdown of funding
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Many remain unjustly imprisoned in Egypt, including lawyers like Mohamed el-Baqer.
Thousands are unjustly imprisoned in Egypt, including many lawyers. Will the FCDO ensure continued representations for the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah's lawyer and human rights defender, Mohamed el-Baqer?
We are working closely on this case. I will ensure that the hon. Lady's views are relayed to Lord Ahmad.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm ongoing or future representations for Mohamed el-Baqer's release beyond current work
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
Oxfam's UnBlocked Cash project uses blockchain technology for digital identity verification.
As chair of the all-party parliamentary group for crypto and digital assets, I read about Oxfam's UnBlocked Cash project. What progress has been made on maximising UK aid reaching vulnerable populations via blockchain and distributed ledger technology?
The hon. Lady raises an important point, mentioning Oxfam's involvement which is worth pursuing.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific progress or plans regarding blockchain technology in UK aid
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
The FSO Safer is an oil tanker off the coast of Yemen facing deterioration, raising concerns over potential environmental disaster. Funding has been secured for its safe disposal.
FSO Safer continues to deteriorate and funds have now been raised. When will the oil be offloaded from the tanker to ensure it no longer poses a threat?
The Safer oil tanker is an issue of international concern and funds have been secured. I have spoken with various governments to resolve the matter, aiming to prevent an ecological disaster.
Assessment & feedback
When specifically offloading will occur
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Jeremy Corbyn Ind
Islington North
Context
Millions of Yemeni people have been displaced due to conflict, and the UK has sold billions in arms to Saudi Arabia involved in Yemen's war.
With four million Yemenis displaced and thousands dead from conflict, will Britain cease selling arms to Saudi Arabia as a step towards peace?
Will the right hon. Gentleman condemn Iran for providing weapons to Houthis? We aim to facilitate talks leading to a sustainable peace with Yemen, working alongside regional governments.
Assessment & feedback
Ending arms sales to Saudi Arabia
Condemning Iran Instead Of Addressing Uk'S Role
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
Millions in the Horn of Africa are facing starvation due to a severe drought; local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role.
With millions facing starvation, what portion of £156 million UK aid is being delivered through local NGOs?
We use the best vehicle for aid delivery. We are on track to meet our budgeted target of £156 million by year-end.
Assessment & feedback
Proportion going through local NGOs
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Judith Cummins Lab
Bradford South
Context
A UK Treasury official stated that the G7 response lacks results, while Japan seeks a strong stance against economic coercion.
Does the Minister agree with Japan's view on prioritising effective responses to economic coercion at this year's G7 summit?
I spoke with Foreign Ministers in Japan. Their focus will ensure discussions include economic security and its implications.
Assessment & feedback
Agreeing or disagreeing specifically
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Bob Blackman Con
Harrow East
Context
Recent BBC broadcasts led to protests outside its headquarters, raising concerns about how the Indian government is portrayed.
Following recent anti-India propaganda on the BBC, what discussions have you had with the Indian high commissioner?
I spoke to the high commissioner about various issues. I assured India's importance and our commitment to a strong relationship.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details of discussions with Indian high commissioner
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Ellie Reeves Lab
Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Context
During the national strike, gender-based violence was used as a tool of repression against protesters.
With new Colombian leadership committed to peace, will you ensure police never again use these tactics?
Yes, we are working on tackling atrocities against women. Recent conferences highlight our commitment to preventing sexual violence in conflict.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps being taken to prevent future incidents
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Sarah Champion Lab
Rotherham
Context
The percentage of UK aid marked as significant under the OECD's disability marker fell by 10% between 2019 and 2021.
Can you explain why disability marking dropped, and what steps are being taken to reverse this?
We prioritise disability. Over a third of development programmes now include disability-inclusive activities.
Assessment & feedback
Specific explanation and reversal plan
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Lilian Greenwood Lab
Nottingham South
Context
Daniel Gadsden is imprisoned in the Philippines on drug charges, with poor health and conditions.
Can you meet me to discuss ensuring Daniel receives fair treatment and trial?
We regularly raise issues of British nationals in poor prison conditions. Officials work closely with families, willing to meet the hon. Lady.
Assessment & feedback
Specific plan for Daniel's fair treatment and trial
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Debbie Abrahams Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Context
The question stems from a discrepancy between the Foreign Secretary's response to another MP and information on the Government's website, which states that pathway 3 of the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme is managed by the Foreign Office. There is concern about women at risk, including 70 female judges.
Contrary to the Foreign Secretary's response to the hon. Member for Bath (Wera Hobhouse), the Government's website says that pathway 3 of the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme is administered by the Foreign Office. Will he correct the record and say exactly what he is doing to support women whose lives are at risk, including 70 female judges, or are we going to see more cases like that of Mursal Nabizada, the former MP who was murdered?
The scheme is administered across a range of Departments, including the FCDO, which identified the initial list of individuals who are eligible. We work closely with the Home Office to ensure that all the relevant checks and administration are done so that those people can come to the UK. As I said, I am very pleased that we were able to resettle so many people so quickly through Operation Pitting, and we have resettled 6,000 people since Operation Pitting. We will continue to ensure we do right by the people who supported us in Afghanistan.
Assessment & feedback
The specific actions being taken to support at-risk women were not addressed.
Working With Partners
Response accuracy