Topical Questions 2022-06-21
2022-06-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Kigali.
This Thursday I will be heading to Kigali for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. Can she make a statement on her departmental responsibilities?
This Thursday I will be heading to Kigali for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. In a world where freedom and sovereignty are being threatened by aggressors, the Commonwealth is more important than ever. It represents a third of the world's population and about 30% of the votes at the United Nations. The British Government will be backing Kamina Johnson Smith, the Jamaican Foreign Minister, as the new Secretary-General to ensure that the Commonwealth delivers for all its members in areas such as trade, investment and defending democracy.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses the under-Secretary's previous statement about Sri Lanka and concerns over war crimes.
In answer to an earlier question about Sri Lanka, the Under-Secretary said that she would continue to lobby the Sri Lankan Government. Given credible accusations of war crimes by people in their military, is lobbying really enough?
On Sri Lanka, let me start by absolutely emphasising again that violence against peaceful protesters is unacceptable. We absolutely condemn the violence we see happening at the moment and we are urging everybody towards calm. We will continue to work to make sure that we support the country through funding from our conflict, stability and security fund, which has supported peacebuilding, and we continue to respect the independence of the prosecutor when it comes to investigating war crimes of the past.
▸
Assessment & feedback
specific commitment to address war crime accusations directly
Continuing To Lobby
Supporting Peacebuilding Efforts
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question stems from concerns about the European Court of Human Rights impeding the effectiveness of migration control measures.
The Rwanda plan was designed to protect our borders, but the European Court of Human Rights is challenging it. Does my hon. Friend agree we should distance ourselves from the ECHR?
We were disappointed that last week's flight was unable to depart, but we are not deterred from doing the right thing in delivering on our plans to control our nation's borders. We are providing further information to the Court. It would not be appropriate to comment on individual cases at this time. However, we strongly believe that this project meets our obligations under both national and international law, and the Home Secretary has made it very clear that we will do what it takes to deliver this new partnership.
▸
Assessment & feedback
direct question about distancing from ECHR
Providing Further Information
Stating Belief In Compliance With Law
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is about the reduction of humanitarian aid despite ongoing conflicts and starvation issues.
Millions face starvation in Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Mali, and Ukraine. Given the scale of these crises, why has humanitarian aid been reduced by 35% compared to pre-cut levels?
We are a major donor of humanitarian aid. On the Ukraine crisis, we are the third largest donor in the world. Through our international development strategy, we are committing £3 billion-worth of humanitarian aid over the next three years.
▸
Assessment & feedback
specific reasons for 35% reduction
Committing To Ongoing Aid
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question concerns the impact of war on Ukrainian students' ability to participate in scholarship programmes.
Chevening scholarships help exceptional international students study in the UK. What is being done to ensure that Ukrainian students can still access this programme despite their current situation?
Prior to Russia's terrible invasion, 68 Ukrainian candidates were shortlisted for interviews for those really special Chevening scholarships. Obviously, those interviews could not take place, but I am absolutely delighted to give those brilliant, talented and often young people some good news: they will all be offered scholarships. That will treble the number of Chevening scholarships offered to Ukraine. For those who are unable to take up their scholarships, if, for example, they are defending their country, they will be able to defer.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses the imprisonment of a British national in Egypt on day 81 of hunger strike.
Alaa Abdel Fattah, an Amnesty International prisoner of conscience imprisoned for his pro-democracy views since Sisi took power, is on day 81 of a hunger strike. Will she consider meeting his family to discuss how we can ensure his release?
I assure the hon. Lady that we are working hard to secure Alaa Abdel Fattah's release. Lord Ahmad has met the family and I am seeking a meeting with the Egyptian Foreign Minister who is due to visit the United Kingdom shortly, where I will raise this case.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question discusses the importance of peace and stability in Bosnia, which is being undermined by Russian destabilisation attempts.
Last year, I visited Bosnia to understand first hand the situation in the country. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure peace and stability in the western Balkans?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; that is a vital issue. We are seeing attempts by Russia to destabilise the western Balkans. I recently visited Sarajevo, as has the Minister for Europe and North America, to do what we can to support the country through greater investment, so that there are alternatives to malign investment, and to make clear our support for security in the nation.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question concerns the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel's ongoing blockade of Gaza.
Israel's blockade of Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Will the Minister condemn this blockade and outline steps being taken to end it?
As it happens, after this session I will be travelling to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which will obviously be a good opportunity to explore a number of different issues and our bilateral relationship with Israel.
▸
Assessment & feedback
specific condemnation or action plan
Planning Travel Instead
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Drought conditions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have led to severe food insecurity in the Horn of Africa, affecting millions. The UK has already provided substantial aid.
Across the horn of Africa, we are seeing one of the worst droughts in 40 years. Coupled with the tragedy of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, that is pushing millions of people into starvation. What more can we do to help on the ground and save lives?
This is a terrible tragedy. So far this year, we have provided more than £72 million of additional support to countries in the region, which is helping about 8 million people. We played a vital role in convening a roundtable in Geneva that raised about $400 million. Last week, I wrote to the president of the World Bank to urge it to mobilise further funding urgently. I will meet representatives of the Disasters Emergency Committee later this week to discuss further steps.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Direct Answer
▸
Context
A constituent from Nottingham described severe human rights abuses, including political violence and property damage, affecting anglophones in north-west and south-west Cameroon.
My constituent Godwin Suh from Bafut in Cameroon, who now lives in Nottingham, came to see me. He described the political violence that, as anglophones, he and his family have suffered. His brother is missing, his nieces and nephews have been hospitalised, and lately his house there has been badly damaged by Government forces. Will the Minister for Africa meet me and Godwin to hear more about the human rights challenges that many face in north-west and south-west Cameroon?
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right; the human rights situation in north-west and south-west Cameroon is really concerning. There have been recent incidents with tragic civilian casualties. I would be happy to meet and discuss it with him.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The UK is discussing a Marshall plan with international partners to help reconstruct Ukraine after the war. The MP suggested monetising seized Russian assets.
I welcome the statement last week that we are talking to our international partners about a Marshall fund for Ukraine. I previously suggested that we should consider not only seizing the assets of sanctioned Russians, but monetising them, either by putting a lien on them or by outright sale. Clearly, that would need to be done in conjunction with partners. Has my right hon. Friend considered that?
We are working with our allies and Ukraine on a new Marshall plan to help reconstruct Ukraine after the appalling war. There will be a Ukraine recovery conference in Lugano in the coming weeks, at which the United Kingdom will put forward our offer. We are looking at how we can seize Russian assets to help fund the rebuilding of Ukraine, which is something we are working on across Government and with our G7 partners.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A report found that five Hong Kong officials and six lawmakers own property in the UK. The report suggests these individuals are complicit in human rights violations.
A recent report by the Hong Kong Watch non-governmental organisation found that five Hong Kong officials and six lawmakers complicit in the ongoing human rights crackdown currently own property in the UK, so will the Government now commit to using the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 to sanction these Hong Kong and Chinese officials?
We remain deeply concerned about the appalling human rights violations in China and about the deterioration of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. We keep all evidence on potential designations under close review, guided by the objectives of the relevant sanctions regime, but it is not appropriate to speculate about future sanctions and designations as to do so would reduce their impact.
▸
Assessment & feedback
the specific use of Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 to sanction individuals was not directly addressed
Not Appropriate To Speculate
Response accuracy
Q13
Direct Answer
▸
Context
A key lesson learned from Hurricane Irma in 2017 was the importance of having a naval presence in affected regions during hurricane season.
It is vital that we do not forget the painful lessons we learned in the wake of Hurricane Irma in 2017, a key component of which is always to have a naval presence in the region ahead of hurricane season. Will the Minister please assure me those preparations are already being made?
The Department co-ordinated a cross-Government hurricane exercise earlier this month as part of its review of plans to ensure the UK provides a rapid and effective response this year. Officials also hosted a pre-hurricane season conference in May. Having visited Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands, I totally understand the importance of hurricane preparedness. I reassure my hon. Friend that I met the Minister for the Armed Forces last week to discuss how our Departments can work together on an effective and appropriate response in the event of a major disaster.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The FCDO has set an annual budget limit for the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, which prevents it from carrying out its workplan agreed with the Select Committee.
Is the Foreign Secretary aware that the FCDO has set an annual budget limit for the Independent Commission for Aid Impact that will prevent it from carrying out the workplan to scrutinise UK aid that it previously agreed with my Select Committee? Will she look into this, please?
I am very happy to look into it and to discuss it with the hon. Lady.
▸
Assessment & feedback
specific commitment or timeline for investigation was not provided
Very Happy To Look Into
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
I recently took over as chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Latvia, and it was a pleasure to meet my opposite number from the Latvian Parliament, Rihards Kols, last week to discuss the importance of our future work together. Does the Minister agree that, now more than ever, it is important that we strengthen even further our long-standing relationship with countries such as Latvia that share a common set of values and principles with the UK?
I congratulate my hon. Friend on taking up his position. The UK enjoys close diplomatic, security and economic relations with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. I recently went to Estonia, and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has also been to the region and taken part in the three seas initiative that co-ordinates a number of workstreams in the Baltic and other parts of eastern Europe.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns about the use of arbitrary arrest and detention in India, particularly under the Public Safety Act, have been raised.
Since the illegal revocation of articles 370 and 35a, it has become absolutely clear that the right-wing Modi Government are bolder than ever before in their persecution of Kashmiris and minority groups in India. Most worrying, however, is the acceleration in their use of arbitrary arrest and detention of political and human rights activists, including Yasin Malik and hundreds of others, under the illegal Public Safety Act, which takes away any right to due process, yet the UK Government remain silent once more. Does the Foreign Secretary think it is right to continue negotiating a trade deal with the right-wing Modi Government, even at the expense of the blood of innocent men, women and children?
We are very clear that it is for the Indian and Pakistani Governments to find a long-term solution to Kashmir.
▸
Assessment & feedback
the specific question about negotiating a trade deal was not addressed
For The Indian And Pakistani Governments
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from a meeting with the Speaker of Alberta, who highlighted potential for energy support.
Canada is a key partner. This morning I met the Speaker of Alberta who emphasised the potential for Alberta to help the UK through its present energy crisis. What is the Foreign Secretary doing to further deepen our relationship with Canada?
Canada is a fellow member of G7, NATO, and Commonwealth. We speak regularly to my Canadian counterpart about how we can bolster our energy security through areas like nuclear co-operation.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific steps taken or planned for the current UK energy crisis with Canada
Broad Statements
Omission Of Specifics
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Francia Márquez became the first black woman Vice-President in Colombia, where it is dangerous for activists to advocate.
On Sunday, Francia Márquez made history as the first black woman elected VP in Colombia. Colombia is one of the most dangerous places for environmental activism. Will the Minister commit herself to working with Francia and her colleagues to ensure social and environmental rights are protected and UK aid prioritises activist protection?
We work in Colombia on projects for peace, stability, environment, and climate change. We will continue these efforts.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to working specifically with Francia Márquez or prioritising protection of activists
Broad Statements
Omission Of Specifics
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
▸
Context
High energy prices are driving inflation, but OPEC is not intending to increase supply.
The solution to the inflationary crisis driven by high energy prices and lack of supply is international. What is my right hon Friend the Foreign Secretary doing to challenge OPEC's position of not increasing oil and gas supply?
We need more renewables, nuclear energy, and short-term oil/gas solutions. The Energy Secretary works closely with Gulf counterparts.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions being taken to encourage OPEC supply increase
Broad Statements
Omission Of Specifics
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
▸
Context
British citizens Morad Tahbaz and Mehran Raoof remain in Iranian custody.
Will the Minister update the House on cases of British citizens Morad Tahbaz and Mehran Raoof who are still in Evin prison in Iran?
The UK Government remains committed to securing full release of British dual nationals in Iran. We will continue to work on this with alacrity.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific updates or details about efforts to secure their release
Broad Statements
Omission Of Specifics
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Northern Ireland businesses are affected by the Northern Ireland Protocol, with trade concerns.
Can the Foreign Secretary give an assurance to businesses in NI that her Bill will solve their east-west trade problems, along with other political issues?
We are proceeding with the Bill. We consult closely with business on red/green lanes to ensure it works for companies.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not give specific assurances about solving east-west trade problems or other political issues
Broad Statements
Omission Of Specifics
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Bangladesh and northern India are experiencing severe floods. Many constituents have family/friends in the Sylhet area.
Bangladesh and northern India face worst floods in 100 years. My constituents worry about family/friends, especially in Sylhet. Can the Minister assure that UK will take action on humanitarian aid, including food/water/sanitation?
I will raise this with Lord Ahmad.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to providing specific humanitarian aid actions or assurances
Forwarding The Issue
Broad Statements
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UK's threats to withdraw or disengage from ECHR are seen as encouraging non-compliance in Eastern Europe.
When I led the Joint Committee delegation to Strasbourg last week, we were told that UK threats of withdrawal give succour to Eastern European states like Russia. Will the Foreign Secretary tell PM to tone down threats and advise Back Benchers to back off?
I thought she would welcome UK's leadership in kicking Russia out of Council of Europe.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the concern about threats to leave ECHR or advise PM/backbenchers
Changing Subject
Forwarding The Issue
Response accuracy