Topical Questions 2023-05-02
2023-05-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Israeli coalition government has escalated violence against Palestinians, including attacks on Muslim worshippers and Palestinian Christians.
Under the new Israeli coalition Government, which contains far-right elements, violence against Palestinians has escalated, including Israeli forces attacking Muslim worshippers at the al-Aqsa mosque and attacks against Palestinian Christians at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We must condemn all forms of violence, including the devastating murder of three British Jewish citizens, but does the Secretary of State agree that the cycle of violence will not end and there will be no prospect of a lasting peace if the occupying forces are busy building more illegal settlements and trying to evict and oppress an entire people?
I am not sure the hon. Gentleman was in his place during my earlier response, but our position on settlement demolitions is long-standing. We believe they are illegal under international law and undermine the best possible chances of a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
President Zelensky has reported that Iran is providing Russia with military drones for use in Ukraine.
President Zelensky has said that Tehran has provided Moscow with around 2,000 drones, which are being used to devastate Ukraine. Does my right hon. Friend share my concern about the IRGC's complicity in international aggression, and does he agree with me and many other Members that it is now time to revisit the proscription of the IRGC?
We have sanctioned the IRGC in its entirety. We have also put in specific sanctions on the supply of those military drones to Russia, which have been utilised to attack civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. We will continue to keep our deterrent posture towards Iran under review.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Scottish Government has secured a significant manufacturing investment in the renewables industry.
Scottish Government Minister Neil Gray MSP along with the agencies Scottish Development International and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have proved that direct foreign engagement works for Scotland by securing a £300-million manufacturing investment for subsea cables in the renewables industry, working with Sumitomo in Osaka. It is a game changer that has been welcomed across the highlands, so why does the Foreign Secretary seek to sabotage such vital economic activity by instructing UK diplomatic staff to hinder Scottish Government direct engagement?
The competences of the Scottish Government and the reserved position of the UK Government are absolutely clear. I would say to the hon. Gentleman and the House that Scotland has an excellent advocate overseas—it is me.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Explanation of why diplomatic staff hinder engagement efforts was not provided
Changing Subject To Personal Role As Advocate For Scotland
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The humanitarian situation in Sudan has worsened and is affecting neighboring countries.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is extremely serious and is spreading to affect neighbouring countries, as many thousands of people are fleeing Sudan. Many of those neighbouring countries themselves are very fragile. What are the UK Government and other international partners doing to support humanitarian efforts, not only in Sudan, but in neighbouring countries?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right; the situation is simply appalling. The head of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is expecting to be in the region within the next day or so. The essential fact that is required is a ceasefire.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Details on specific actions and commitments not provided
Stating The Need For A Ceasefire Without Concrete Steps
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The UK has adopted a global women and girls strategy.
Following the adoption of the global women and girls strategy, how is it being promoted and operationalised in Saudi Arabia, particular in terms of advocating for women's and girls' rights and amplifying the work of local women's organisations in the region?
Progress is being made on women's rights in Saudi Arabia, with 37% of all those employed now women. I can tell her that our excellent embassy team in Riyadh is running leadership and skills development programmes to help women, particularly those in the cyber sector and those who engage in sport.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The upcoming Vilnius summit is a crucial test of NATO's support for Ukraine.
This summer's Vilnius summit will be an important test of NATO's willingness to fulfil its long-standing promises to Ukraine. Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is now ludicrous to say that Ukraine's NATO membership might be in some way provocative to Russia, since Putin has shown what he is willing to do when Ukraine is not a member of NATO and because Ukraine is not a member of NATO? Does he agree that it should therefore be the policy of the Government that Ukraine should be invited to make the necessary preparations to join as soon as possible under the rules, for the sake of clarity, stability and peace in Europe?
Before I answer fully, I place on record the gratitude that I and others have for the leadership that my right hon. Friend showed at a vital point in time, ahead of the explicit, most recent escalation of aggression from Russia towards Ukraine. I know that Ukrainians hold him, as I do, in very high regard because of the decisions that were made.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Discussion of Boris Johnson's leadership rather than NATO stance on Ukraine membership
Changing Subject To Praising Boris Johnson
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Foreign Secretary's diplomatic staff will oversee meetings between Scottish Ministers and other countries' ministers, prompting concern over restricted topics.
Will the Foreign Secretary explain how the diplomatic staff overseeing Scottish Minister meetings will prevent discussion of forbidden topics? Given that foreign direct investment growth was 14% in Scotland versus 1.8% in rest of UK last year, why is such interference necessary?
Scottish Ministers should focus on supporting Scotland rather than discussing forbidden topics. The FCDO promotes Scottish interests overseas, improving health outcomes and tax rates.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific ask about how diplomatic staff will prevent discussion of forbidden topics or why such interference is necessary.
Changed Subject To Promoting Scotland'S Interests
Did Not Mention Prevention Of Forbidden Topics
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Windsor framework is aimed at improving trade between Northern Ireland, Wales, and the rest of UK/EU.
How will the Windsor framework improve trade between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain, particularly Wales? Will it facilitate UK trade with Ireland and EU?
The Windsor framework improves trade from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, benefiting businesses in Wales producing goods for Northern Ireland.
▸
Assessment & feedback
While the answer mentioned improved trade, it did not address whether the framework will facilitate UK trade with Ireland and EU.
Did Not Specify About Uk-Eu/Ireland Trade
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
▸
Context
It is 75 years since the Nakba, prompting a request for a message from Foreign Secretary to displaced Palestinians.
On the 75th anniversary of Nakba, will the Foreign Secretary support an independent investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh's death and agree it is overdue?
The UK supports a two-state solution to ensure safe homes for Palestinians and Israelis. The case will be reviewed further, but swift investigations are prioritized.
▸
Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the investigation's importance, it did not fully commit to supporting an independent investigation specifically for Shireen Abu Akleh.
Did Not Directly Support A Specific Investigation
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Finland has recently joined NATO, prompting questions about its impact on unity against Russian aggression.
How does Finland's recent NATO accession unite Europe against Russian aggression? What lessons can be drawn for other nations?
Our diplomatic efforts are focused on Sweden's accession to NATO, highlighting Finnish military courage and diplomatic support.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address how Finland's NATO accession unites Europe against Russian aggression or draw lessons for other nations.
Changed Subject To Sweden'S Nato Application
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Shireen Abu Akleh was killed a year ago, prompting a call for an independent investigation.
Will the Foreign Secretary support an independent investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh's death and agree it is overdue?
The UK calls for swift, transparent investigations of fatalities in the region. The case will be reviewed further to provide more details on Shireen Abu Akleh's death.
▸
Assessment & feedback
While supporting swift investigations generally, it did not directly commit to an independent investigation specifically for Shireen Abu Akleh's death.
Did Not Specify Commitment To An Independent Investigation
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UK has evacuated people from Sudan, prompting a request for continued work on evacuations and a ceasefire.
Thank you to the UK Government and RAF for evacuating people from Sudan. Will the Foreign Secretary continue working with allies for evacuations and push for a long-term ceasefire?
Our top priority is securing a permanent ceasefire. We keep every option open to look after British citizens still in Sudan, including evacuation options.
▸
Assessment & feedback
While prioritizing the ceasefire and looking after citizens, it did not fully commit to continued work with allies on evacuations.
Did Not Specify Commitment To Continuing Evacuation Efforts
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Lachin corridor blockade is causing humanitarian concerns, prompting a request for Government actions with Azerbaijan.
What has the Government done and will do to raise the issue of the Lachin corridor blockade with the Azerbaijani Government?
The issue was raised in February. Advocating for all sides to return to negotiations, and looking at circumstances firsthand in Armenia soon.
▸
Assessment & feedback
While advocating for negotiations and personal involvement, it did not specify concrete actions or commitments with Azerbaijan.
Did Not Specify Concrete Actions With Azerbaijan
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Vahid Beheshti is on a hunger strike, prompting a request for the Foreign Secretary to meet him.
May I urge the Foreign Secretary to have a meeting with Vahid Beheshti who has been on hunger strike for 69 days, and raise concerns about IRGC threats in UK?
I urge Vahid Beheshti to end his hunger strike. We know IRGC's threat to people in Iran, region, and UK. Working closely with Home Office on protection measures.
▸
Assessment & feedback
While addressing the IRGC's threats and working on protection, it did not commit to a meeting with Vahid Beheshti.
Did Not Specify Commitment To Meeting With Vahid Beheshti
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The conflict is causing humanitarian issues with potential for mass displacement of people. The situation impacts not only Sudan but the broader East African region.
The conflict in Sudan is a humanitarian disaster impacting 46 million people and potentially leading to hundreds of thousands or millions of refugees. What discussions has the Minister had with the African Union to promote African leadership, involvement and mediation?
I had a meeting with chairperson Mr Moussa Faki on Saturday morning. Everyone is focused on precisely the problem set out by the hon. Member.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific nature of discussions and actions taken to promote African leadership was not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Recommendation 6 from the Truro review aims to permanently constitute the freedom of religion or belief special envoy role through a short Bill. Time is crucial.
Of the remaining work on the Truro review, recommendation 6 seeks permanent constitution for the freedom of religion or belief special envoy role through a short Bill. Would the Foreign Secretary kindly meet me quickly to progress this?
The whole Government are deeply conscious of my hon. Friend's work as an envoy, and we will answer her question as speedily as possible—I hope later today.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment to a meeting or timeline given.
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The voices of young people should be heard in climate negotiations. They are set to inherit the future and their concerns must be addressed.
Will the Foreign Secretary speak with Cabinet colleagues and set out a plan for youth negotiators forming an integral part of the UK's delegation at COP28?
I commend the hon. Gentleman for his action in this area and I took the opportunity at COP26 and COP27 to meet young climate activists, and it is incredibly important that we find some way of both formally and informally having their voices heard.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No concrete plan or commitment was given.
Response accuracy
Q18
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Philippines, a growing trade partner, is suffering from maritime incursions by the People's Republic of China despite the UNCLOS arbitration award.
What are we doing to support the Philippines in addressing maritime issues caused by Chinese militia ships?
I was in the Philippines just a few weeks ago discussing with the Philippines coastguard the realities of the coercive behaviour that Chinese militia ships are demonstrating in the western Philippine seas. We continue to work closely with them through our maritime security work to support their efforts.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Dr Alaa and her son were trapped in Sudan during a holiday, facing travel difficulties due to conflict.
What is the Minister doing to ensure that Dr Alaa Elmutaz Mohamed Mahmoud and her young son can be evacuated safely?
I do not know her constituent's current position but this is probably an issue that is better dealt with outside the Chamber and I would be happy to see the hon. Member immediately.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific action or commitment given for safe evacuation.
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
▸
Context
World Bank estimates the minimum amount of money needed for post-war reconstruction in Ukraine is £411 billion.
What is the Foreign Secretary doing to ensure that the UK is on the front foot in planning how to fund post-war reconstruction of Ukraine?
The UK will be hosting the Ukraine reconstruction conference in June. We are doing what the UK perhaps does best: bringing together influential voices and finance, ensuring they meet and talk, and putting an arm of protection around Ukrainians for the foreseeable future.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific plan or commitment on how much funding will be provided was given.
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The upcoming Joint Ministerial Council meeting is an opportunity to discuss support for the UK's overseas territories.
Could the Foreign Secretary please outline what he is doing to support the overseas territories ahead of the JMC next week?
Metaphorically speaking, yes. The overseas territories are part of the immediate family. All relevant Departments will have a nominated Minister with responsibility for the relationship of their Departments with the OTs and we are launching a new OTs strategy.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific commitments or actions were detailed.
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Hazaras are one of the most persecuted groups in Afghanistan, facing targeted violence and discrimination since the return of the Taliban.
Does my right hon. Friend accept that targeting is happening? If he does, will he please do something about it?
He is absolutely right that the Hazara community are being specifically targeted by the Taliban. Our ability to support people in Afghanistan at the moment is limited, but we keep them at the heart of our thinking with regard to preventing human rights abuses.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No concrete action was provided beyond recognition of the issue.
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is complex, with Azerbaijan asserting its territorial integrity and sovereignty over the region.
With reference to Nagorno-Karabakh, what steps has the Department taken to support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognised borders?
We continue to urge both sides to return to the negotiating table, and we recognise—I have told them this directly—how important both countries are as geostrategic allies.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps taken by the Department to support Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty were not addressed.
Urging Negotiation
Acknowledging Strategic Importance
Response accuracy