UK Pensioners Commonwealth Countries 2023-01-31
2023-01-31
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the support provided to British pensioners living in Commonwealth countries.
What steps he is taking to provide consular support for UK pensioners in Commonwealth countries?
We provide support to British pensioners in Commonwealth countries on the same basis as we do for any British national in foreign or Commonwealth countries. Our consular staff are contactable 24/7, 365 days a year and strive to provide the right tailored assistance to those who request our help, doing more for those who need more help.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the issue of UK pensioners not receiving annual inflation-related increases in their pensions, affecting around 1.2 million people.
Newport West is home to people from across the globe, many of whom have family living in other parts of the world. Those relatives are some of the 1.2 million UK pensioners living abroad, about half of whom do not receive the annual increases in their pensions related to inflation. Will the Minister answer Labour's call to right that wrong?
I will take note of the particular issues and raise them with the Department for Work and Pensions, which is responsible for those policy areas.
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Assessment & feedback
specific measures or commitments to address pension increases
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the potential move of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's international branch due to lack of legislative support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Co-ordination on all Commonwealth issues is assisted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's international branch, which is located in London. It is about to move, because the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is not bringing forward legislation to change its status. Will my right hon. Friend speak to other Ministers to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, before we lose that important asset?
My hon. Friend will, I hope, be aware that there was a meeting a couple of weeks ago with my fellow Minister Lord Goldsmith to discuss the issue in more detail. Officials are working closely with him to find a resolution.
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Assessment & feedback
immediate action or commitment for resolving the relocation issue
Response accuracy