Topical Questions 2023-10-24

2023-10-24

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Context
The terrorist attacks on October 7 prompted discussions on international responses.
Following the terrorist attacks, will the Foreign Secretary make a statement about his department's priorities?
In response to the terrorist attacks, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, other Ministers and I have engaged intensively with allies, but we are equally determined to support Ukraine, tackle illegal migration, support stability in sub-Saharan Africa, and alleviate poverty around the world.
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Q2 Direct Answer
Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Context
France has announced its Foreign Minister's visit to the UN Security Council for a humanitarian truce discussion.
The Government of France have announced their Foreign Minister will attend the UN Security Council to advocate for a humanitarian truce in Gaza. Will the UK support this initiative?
We are trying to find every avenue to alleviate humanitarian suffering. We will be represented at senior ministerial level at the Security Council later today, aiming to take action that delivers aid and support to the Palestinian people in Gaza.
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Q3 Partial Answer
Context
George Lowe was murdered in Cyprus seven years ago, and the killers have never been brought to justice despite known identities.
Seven years after the brutal murder of George Lowe in Cyprus, his killers are still at large. Will the Foreign Office commit to continuing efforts until justice is served for George Lowe?
Consular staff remain in contact with Cypriot authorities regarding the investigation. We passed a letter from George's family to the Cypriot authorities and have followed up for a response, most recently on 5 October.
Assessment & feedback
specific commitment to bring killers to justice
We Will Keep In Touch To See What We Can Do
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Q4 Partial Answer
Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Context
The House passed a motion on June 27 calling for legislation to seize Russian state assets within 90 days, but no action has been taken.
120 days after the motion was passed, will the Foreign Secretary deliver what Ukraine needs by taking steps to ensure Russia pays for its actions?
The Government have made it clear that those responsible for brutalising Ukraine will ultimately pay for reconstruction.
Assessment & feedback
specific timeline or legislation for asset seizure
Vague Words
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Q5 Direct Answer
Context
The two-state solution is a key diplomatic issue.
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that Palestinians need to hear from the international community that the two-state solution is not dead? What discussions are taking place with Israeli counterparts?
The prospect of a peaceful and secure Israel alongside a peaceful and secure Palestine is our best route to navigate situations successfully, and it will remain at the heart of UK foreign policy.
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Q6 Partial Answer
Stephen Morgan Lab
Portsmouth South
Context
The delivery of fuel is crucial for preventing further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Is the Minister committed to ensuring that fuel supplies are delivered into Gaza to prevent a humanitarian disaster?
We are doing everything we can. These negotiations are complex to get food and other humanitarian supplies into the region and deliver them to those who need them.
Assessment & feedback
specific actions for fuel delivery
Complex Negotiations
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Q7 Direct Answer
David Simmonds Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Context
Promoters of terror need to be addressed from safe countries such as the UK.
Will my right hon. Friend work with allies to proscribe the activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?
Limiting, and ideally stopping, the ability of organisations and countries to fund terrorism remains a priority for us.
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Q8 Partial Answer
Ian Byrne Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Context
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Will the Secretary of State heed calls from the international community to support an immediate humanitarian ceasefire?
In order to have a ceasefire, all parties have to agree to it. We are doing everything we can to address the humanitarian problem.
Assessment & feedback
specific steps for ceasefire agreement
All Parties Must Agree
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Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker references the ongoing threat of AMR and previous government efforts to address it.
Building on the legacy of successive Governments on the threat of antimicrobial resistance, will my right hon. Friend commit to building a coalition of higher-income countries pledging to improve access to antibiotics, diagnostics, education and prevention, which we all know are vital to stopping AMR?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: AMR is the third biggest killer now. Meetings took place at the UN General Assembly, and I was there in April attending an AMR meeting. We will do everything we can, and we are greatly enhanced in our abilities by the presence of Sally Davies, who is an envoy on AMR. I can tell my hon. Friend that this has the absolute attention of the Government.
Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment to build a coalition was given
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Kerry McCarthy Lab
Bristol East
Context
The speaker highlights the dire conditions faced by pregnant women and new mothers in Gaza due to ongoing conflict.
Fifty thousand women in Gaza are pregnant, with 5,000 due to give birth now in truly hellish circumstances. If bombing a hospital is, as the Minister just said, a war crime, how would he describe the deliberate withholding of fuel to power those hospitals and keep them working?
The hon. Lady is ingeniously asking the same question that she asked earlier. I can tell her that we are doing everything we can to address the issue she has raised. It is as much a concern to us as it is to her, and we will continue to do that.
Assessment & feedback
Avoids addressing whether withholding fuel for hospitals constitutes a war crime
Repeating Previous Answer
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker raises concerns about the weakening of the judiciary in Israel and potential consequences for legal decisions regarding IDF rules.
It is vital for peace that the rule of law is established and upheld in both Palestine and Israel. Has my right hon. Friend made an assessment of whether the weakening of the judiciary in Israel will impact on legal decisions relating to the Israel defence forces' rules of engagement in the current conflict?
My hon. Friend raises an important point. While I was in Israel prior to the 7 October incidents, we of course discussed the proposals for judicial reform. Those proposals have not yet been taken forward by the Israeli Government, but I can assure her and the House that we remain committed to international law and will always communicate that to all parties involved.
Assessment & feedback
Does not provide a specific assessment of impacts on IDF rules
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker expresses frustration with the government's stance on a ceasefire and asks about supporting a humanitarian pause.
If Government will not back an actual ceasefire, will they at least consider supporting a humanitarian pause, to allow essential supplies to reach the 2 million civilians trapped in Gaza?
The Government, along with their partners, are doing everything to try to progress humanitarian support and supplies into Gaza.
Assessment & feedback
Does not specify if supporting a humanitarian pause is under consideration
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Q13 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker notes the importance of parliamentary democracy in the Commonwealth and calls for legislation to recognise CPA.
Strong parliamentary democracy is crucial to the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has a central role as one of the oldest Commonwealth institutions, with you as one of our co-presidents, Mr Speaker. My right hon. Friend's Department acknowledges that new legislation is needed to recognise the CPA as an international interparliamentary organisation, to keep it headquartered here in the UK. When does he plan to have that new legislation in place?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right about the extraordinary contribution that the CPA makes around the world. We are very anxious to address the issue she has raised and to find a mutually acceptable solution. I hope that this can be done by legislation once parliamentary time allows, but if it is not possible to place it in the King's Speech, she will know that there are other ways of pursuing the matter.
Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline for new legislation was provided
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker questions the government's stance on conducting a full independent international inquiry to assess accountability for crimes committed.
Do the Government agree that there needs to be a full independent international inquiry into the recent terrible events in Israel and Gaza, with full access to the Gaza Strip as well as Israel? Do the Government agree that the only way forward is a proper process of accountability for those responsible for the commission of any crimes—including war crimes—identified, whether Israeli or Palestinian? Will the Government review their position on the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court?
I have no doubt that, in the aftermath of the brutal terrorist attacks on 7 October and Israel's defensive response, there will be an assessment of what has happened. We would want any such assessment to be as comprehensive and independent as possible.
Assessment & feedback
No commitment to a full independent international inquiry was made
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Q15 Direct Answer
Context
The speaker raises concerns about the persecution of religious communities, particularly Hindus, and asks for representation.
Will the Foreign Secretary make representations to his Pakistan counterpart about deeply worrying human rights abuses committed against Hindus and other minorities, especially women and girls subjected to forced conversion and forced marriage?
Notwithstanding the challenges in Israel and Gaza, protecting freedom of religion or belief, including for minority communities, remains central to the UK Government's human rights engagement, including in Pakistan. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised the persecution of religious communities, which includes Hindus, with Pakistan's Prime Minister on 25 September.
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null
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Q16 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker advocates for an immediate ceasefire to de-escalate the conflict and address humanitarian issues.
On Saturday I stood with thousands of Glaswegians whose overwhelming message was clear that we need a ceasefire now. The only way we can begin to de-escalate this conflict—a conflict that has led to a humanitarian catastrophe—on both sides is by ending the bombardment of Gaza, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid and creating a space for engaging in diplomacy and dialogue. In the light of all that, why do the British Government not call for an immediate ceasefire now?
As we have seen over and over again this morning, calling for a ceasefire is the easy bit; actually negotiating something meaningful is considerably harder. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has said repeatedly from the Dispatch Box, we are working with all parties. The hon. Member for Glasgow East (David Linden) has made reference to Israel's actions, but I remind the House that a ceasefire without Hamas stopping its bombardment of Israel is not a meaningful ceasefire.
Assessment & feedback
Does not address reasons behind reluctance to call for immediate ceasefire
Changing Subject To Negotiation Difficulties
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Q17 Partial Answer
Context
The speaker proposes a partnership agreement on critical minerals to reinforce supply chains, highlighting the importance of electric vehicle battery production.
Last week, China put export restrictions on graphite, which is essential for electric vehicle batteries. Four out of 10 of the top producers of graphite are Commonwealth members. Will the Government pursue a partnership agreement on critical minerals with the Commonwealth to reinforce those supply chains?
I commend my right hon. Friend on his pursuit of this subject, which I know was very much in his thinking when he was in my position. I can assure him that a critical minerals strategy is something that I regularly discuss with Commonwealth leaders and others, particularly in Africa. It is in their interest and ours that they protect their natural resources.
Assessment & feedback
Does not commit to pursuing a specific partnership agreement
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Q18 Partial Answer
Context
The question addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, specifically concerning the fuel shortage that threatens to exacerbate existing conditions such as hospital shutdowns and civilian deaths.
Let us have another try: has the international development Minister had direct discussions with his Israeli counterpart about getting fuel into Gaza? Once the fuel runs out, hospitals stop and people die.
I have not had those discussions with my Israeli opposite number, but the hon. Gentleman may rest absolutely assured that the contact with the Israeli Government—not least during the visit of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary over the past few days—focuses on every aspect of this issue.
Assessment & feedback
Direct discussions with Israel
But The Hon. Gentleman May Rest Absolutely Assured That The Contact With The Israeli Government—Not Least During The Visit Of The Prime Minister And The Foreign Secretary Over The Past Few Days—Focuses On Every Aspect Of This Issue.
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Q19 Direct Answer
Wendy Morton Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Context
The question is prompted by the ongoing war in Ukraine and concerns about whether the UK's support for Ukraine has diminished.
The war in Ukraine is undoubtedly the largest land war in Europe for decades. Notwithstanding other pressures around the world, will my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary reaffirm the UK's commitment to its support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people?
I can confirm to the House that Ukraine's ability to defend itself remains a focus of the Government. The Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary and I discuss this matter regularly, and I continue to have regular communications with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.
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Q20 Partial Answer
Context
The question is about the UK's stance on human rights violations during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially regarding collective punishment and indiscriminate bombing.
When atrocities take place, we have a duty to call them out. When Hamas murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians, we rightly called it out, and when Putin targeted innocent Ukrainians and Assad targeted hospitals, we expressed our horror in this House. Now we also have a duty to speak on behalf of innocent Palestinians who are being collectively punished, starved, and indiscriminately bombed in their homes by Israeli forces. Children's bodies are lying in the street. It is wrong, and it is why we need a ceasefire. Will the Secretary of State convey that to his Israeli counterpart?
Again, the hon. Lady asserts her interpretation of international law, which is not necessarily one that is shared by the Government. The preservation of all life, including Palestinian life, remains at the forefront of our thinking.
Assessment & feedback
Calling out human rights violations and pushing for a ceasefire
Again, The Hon. Lady Asserts Her Interpretation Of International Law, Which Is Not Necessarily One That Is Shared By The Government.
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Q21 Partial Answer
Context
The question concerns diplomatic efforts involving Japan and China to ease tensions in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
What discussions has my right hon. Friend had with Ministers Kamikawa of Japan and Wang Yi of China about their respective countries' role in easing tensions in the Israel-Gaza conflict?
I have not had the chance to speak with the Chinese Foreign Minister on this issue, but I have spoken a number of times with the Japanese Foreign Minister about it. Of course, we are more than happy to work with any international partner that can alleviate the pain and suffering of both Israelis and the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza, and we will continue to do so.
Assessment & feedback
Discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister
I Have Not Had The Chance To Speak With The Chinese Foreign Minister On This Issue,
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Q22 Partial Answer
Fabian Hamilton Lab
Leeds North East
Context
The question is about public support and action towards the Iranian regime's oppression of women's rights activists.
I am sure the whole House will want to join me in congratulating Narges Mohammadi on being awarded the Nobel peace prize for her outstanding work to raise awareness of the struggle for women's rights and equality in Iran. Will the Minister publicly support the brave women who are campaigning against the forced hijab laws in Iran, and once again, will he commit to proscribing the woman-hating regime that is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?
On the proscription of the IRGC, the hon. Gentleman will have heard the answers I have already given a number of times from the Dispatch Box, but I can assure him that we continue to stand with the brave women of Iran, who are standing up for their rights in the face of their Government's oppression.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to proscription of IRGC
On The Proscription Of The Irgc, The Hon. Gentleman Will Have Heard The Answers I Have Already Given A Number Of Times From The Dispatch Box,
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Q23 Direct Answer
Neil Hudson Con
Epping Forest
Context
The question addresses the potential implications of the Israel-Hamas conflict spreading to a wider regional conflict.
I pay tribute to the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and their teams for their important diplomatic efforts in the middle east in recent days. The potential implications of the conflict between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas are deeply concerning for the wider region, so can the Foreign Secretary update the House on the steps the Government are taking to prevent this conflict from spreading to the wider region?
In the conversations I had with the Israeli Government in the immediate aftermath of the 7 October attacks, they expressed a desire for this not to turn into a regional conflict. That desire was echoed by all the leaders of the Arab world that I have spoken to.
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Q24 Partial Answer
Richard Burgon Lab
Leeds East
Context
The question is about the necessity of a ceasefire for effective humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
Is it not simply impossible to get aid in on the scale that is needed if we are to end the humanitarian nightmare under way in Gaza without a ceasefire?
The hon. Member has heard the detailed responses from the Dispatch Box today on the difficulties entailed, and I reiterate what I said earlier: we are doing everything we can to try to make sure that we help those who are suffering in Gaza today.
Assessment & feedback
Ceasefire for aid delivery
The Hon. Member Has Heard The Detailed Responses From The Dispatch Box Today On The Difficulties Entailed,
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