Topical Questions 2022-11-08

2022-11-08

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The question arises from the ongoing international efforts to address climate change and security threats.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The Foreign Secretary is in Egypt at COP27, continuing UK leadership on net zero transition and helping vulnerable countries adapt to climate shocks. Since last oral questions, the UK has worked with international partners and allies on all threats to peace and security.
The Foreign Secretary is at COP27 in Egypt, continuing UK leadership on net zero transition and helping vulnerable countries adapt to climate shocks. Since last oral questions, the UK has worked with international partners and allies on all threats to peace and security.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The question arises from the legacy of Boris Johnson's leadership in supporting Ukraine and his relationship with President Zelensky.
My right hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson) has built up a fantastic relationship with the Ukrainian President, and I thank him for his lead. Has his advice and expertise been sought as we work to continue this excellent relationship into the future?
My right hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip has led the world in ensuring Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine will fail, with work led by the Ministry of Defence to provide defensive weapons to the Ukrainian army and sanctions work led by my team at the FCDO.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about Boris Johnson's advice was not directly addressed.
Referencing Legacy
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Fabian Hamilton Lab
Leeds North East
Context
Brazil's recent election and concerns about deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
I hope the whole House will join me in congratulating Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his recent victory in the Brazilian presidential election. As we know, Brazil is home to the lungs of the planet, the Amazon rainforest, but because the previous Administration in Brazil turned a blind eye to deforestation, it has been systematically destroyed. Does the Minister agree that now is the time to support Labour's call for an international law of ecocide, to criminalise the widespread destruction of the environment?
We also welcome and congratulate President-elect Lula, and we will be working strongly with him on formal partnerships on not only trade, but climate change. I look forward to meeting the hon. Gentleman to discuss this more fully.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about ecocide was not directly addressed.
Referencing Future Meetings
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
Concerns about Iran's support for international terrorism and its role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Not content with being the world's largest state sponsor of international terrorism, Iran is using its same terror enforcer, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to brutally repress its own people. It is also now arming and training the Russian army in its barbaric invasion of Ukraine. So in the same vein as my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman), may I ask whether the Minister thinks it is now time to proscribe the IRGC?
The Government share my hon. Friend's concerns about the regime's shocking disregard for the rights of the Iranian people, and I will follow up with him later on.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was completely avoided.
Promising To Follow Up
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Dan Jarvis Lab
Barnsley North
Context
Concern about the responsibility of the UK towards Afghanistan following its involvement over 20 years.
Does the Minister agree that given everything we put into Afghanistan over the past 20 years or so, we have a particular responsibility not to look away, not least given that 6 million Afghans are living on the brink of famine?
This year alone we are committing £286 million of humanitarian aid that is being disbursed through international organisations, which is all the more needed because of the deprivations of the Taliban regime.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6 Direct Answer
Context
Recent protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini.
Images of thousands of peaceful protestors in Iran, young and old, male and female, of all religions and beliefs, are heartwarming for those who choose democracy and civil liberties and despise authoritarianism. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the Iranian regime will bow to the demands of liberty and freedom of the great Persian people?
We have given a robust response; we have summoned the Iranian head of mission to the UK to express our concerns and we have designated new sanctions. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Ellie Reeves Lab
Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Context
Concerns about the economic situation in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.
Afghans are starving, women's rights are in reverse and the economy is in freefall. The United Nations has warned that if insufficient action is taken now to treat the causes of the crisis, not just the symptoms, next year's humanitarian funding needs could double to $10 billion. So what is the Minister doing to convene international action to unlock Afghanistan's economy and secure a long-term solution for millions of Afghans on the brink of crisis?
We bring a huge amount of diplomatic pressure to bear. Clearly, it is difficult countering the deprivations of the Taliban regime, but we have disbursed £286 million-worth of aid this year alone.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about unlocking Afghanistan's economy was not fully addressed.
Referencing Diplomatic Pressure
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
Concerns about the level of support for relocated Afghan judges.
When Kabul fell, the Government rightly undertook to assist in the relocation of courageous Afghan judges who had taken a key role in the fight against the Taliban. Since then, however, a High Court decision has ruled against the operation of the latest resettlement schemes and there is concern that the level of support initially given is drying up. Will the Minister meet me to discuss, with members of British judiciary, schemes and ways by which we might improve and revise the system?
Of course, I am happy to meet. We have had some success extracting judges, but if my hon. Friend would like to meet me to furnish me with those specific details, I will try to expedite a response.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about improving the resettlement system was not fully addressed.
Promising To Meet
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
In the last two Foreign Office question sessions, concerns were raised about the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Members from both sides have urged for the IRGC to be banned.
For the 30th consecutive year, the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to condemn the US embargo and sanctions on Cuba. Today, I am raising again my concern about the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. They are protectors of the Iranian clerical fascist regime. Will the Minister go back to his Department and tell the officials to get on with banning the IRGC?
The list of proscribed organisations is kept under constant review, but we do not routinely comment on whether an organisation is or is not under consideration for proscription.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any specific commitment to ban the IRGC
Under Review Does Not Routinely Comment
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The UK Commonwealth Parliamentary Association provides essential services for Crown dependencies and overseas territories, including audits, scrutiny, and election observation.
Crown dependencies and overseas territories are an important part of the Commonwealth. The UK Commonwealth Parliamentary Association provides essential services to these regions but there are gaps. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss how we can tackle that, because those territories and countries deserve the best?
I would be delighted to meet my right hon. Friend. We are committed to deepening our ties with all our Commonwealth partners.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details or timeline for meeting
Committed To Delighted To Meet
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Grahame Morris Lab
Easington
Context
For the 30th consecutive year, the UN voted overwhelmingly to condemn US sanctions on Cuba. Tourism is vital for the Cuban economy.
Given the importance of tourism to the Cuban economy, can the Minister or the Foreign Secretary indicate what steps are being taken to restore direct flights between the UK and Cuba?
The hon. Member raises an important point. I will pick that up with our ambassador over there and follow up with him directly.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any specific steps or timeline for action
Will Pick It Up Follow Up
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Priti Patel Con
Witham
Context
The case of Mr Thomas Toolan involves the ongoing retention of his daughter in Poland since 2018.
This is a heartbreaking case that has been going on since 2018. Will the Minister meet me and other Members of this House who have similar child abduction cases in Poland, and will he please raise this case with his Polish counterpart?
I am aware of this case, and I thank my right hon. Friend for her advocacy on it. I know that she met our ambassador to Warsaw and, of course, I would be very pleased to meet her to see whether we can make some progress.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific commitment or timeline for the meeting
Very Pleased To Meet Advocacy On It
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Sarah Owen Lab
Luton North
Context
The UN Population Fund estimates that millions of people, including at least 650,000 pregnant women, have been affected by the floods in Pakistan.
Can the Minister tell us how much of the £10 million funding announced for flood relief efforts is being used to ensure that women who have lost everything can at least have access to maternal health services?
I am happy to write to the hon. Member with a specific breakdown, but I think that it is the majority, because women and children are disproportionately affected.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any concrete figures or breakdown of funding
Happy To Write Disproportionately Affected
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
Gabon and Togo are the newest Commonwealth countries.
What consideration have the Government given to opening two new high commissions in the two newest Commonwealth countries, Gabon and Togo?
Mr Speaker, if I may, I will ask the noble Lord Goldsmith to write to my hon. Friend with the details.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any specific commitment or timeline for action
Will Write If I May
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
The UK Foreign Secretaries of every political hue declare themselves defenders of democracy the world over.
Given that democracy is a continuous process and not a single event, does the Minister accept that Westminster's continued denial of Scottish democracy makes a laughing stock of UK foreign policy, and is it oligarchy or tyranny, when an argument for both could easily be mounted?
No, Mr Speaker.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the question on Scottish democracy and its impact on foreign policy
No Answer
Response accuracy
Q16 Direct Answer
Julian Lewis Con
New Forest East
Context
The plight of Afghan interpreters and others who assisted UK forces is a concern.
May I attend the meeting that the Minister is going to have about judges, so that the plight of Afghan interpreters and others who helped our forces can also be considered?
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q17 Direct Answer
Sarah Champion Lab
Rotherham
Context
A substantial proportion of the UK's international aid budget is being spent within the UK on costs attributed to Ukrainian and small boat refugees.
Will the Minister commit to publishing a breakdown for this financial year of how the UK's in-country refugee costs are being spent based on the DAC eligible costs guidelines?
Yes, I will, Mr Speaker. I pay tribute to the hon. Member for the work that she does through her brilliant International Development Committee.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q18 Direct Answer
Bob Blackman Con
Harrow East
Context
Benjamin Netanyahu has recently won an election victory in Israel.
Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Benjamin Netanyahu on his recent election victory in Israel and in wishing for Bibi to form a broad-based coalition across Israel, so that there is a proper stable Government for our key ally?
We congratulate Benjamin Netanyahu on his election victory. As one of Israel's closest partners, the UK looks forward to working with Israel to ensure that our relationship continues to flourish.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
Bardell raised concerns about Pakistan and Somalia facing dire humanitarian consequences due to the climate crisis, questioning how cutting international aid would help them.
Pakistan and Somalia are at the extreme ends of the climate crisis and face dire humanitarian consequences. Can those on the Government Benches tell me how cutting international aid will help them to help those countries—and do they have no shame?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that those are two terrible crises, and money is important. It is not everything, but it is important. We will have to wait until the outturn from the autumn statement to see where we stand on that.
Assessment & feedback
Mitchell did not provide a specific explanation of how cutting aid would help Pakistan and Somalia, focusing instead on the importance of funding generally without addressing the impact of reductions.
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Context
Cryer expressed frustration over the lack of designation for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) involved in cracking down on protesters.
As my right hon. Friend the Member for Warley has just pointed out, the IRGC has led and organised the brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran. What do those fascist thugs have to do to get themselves designated a terrorist organisation?
I understand the point the hon. Gentleman makes, and it has been made with real passion, but we are not able to add anything to the points we have already made to hon. Members on this issue.
Assessment & feedback
Rutley did not provide a new commitment or information regarding designating the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
We Are Not Able To Add Anything
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Alex Davies-Jones Lab
Pontypridd
Context
Davies-Jones praised the work of the British Council during a visit to Japan.
Last week I had the immense pleasure of visiting Japan with the British Council. I put on record my sincere thanks to the ambassador Julia Longbottom, Matthew Knowles and the entire British Council team in Japan. I got to see first-hand the brilliant work that the British Council does in Japan, educating people in our English language and using our arts and culture for the greatest good. What more can the Government do to support the British Council, not just in Japan, but across the world?
It is lovely to hear that and I know the team in Japan will be very pleased to have welcomed the hon. Lady there. Our bilateral relationship with Japan continues from strength to strength in every possible area, and we will continue to work closely with them.
Assessment & feedback
Trevelyan did not provide specific commitments or actions for supporting the British Council globally beyond general statements about relations with Japan.
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Richard Foord Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Context
Foord mentioned a constituent's sister who died while working with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation during an Ethiopian Airlines crash.
I was contacted by a constituent from Devon whose sister died in east Africa while working for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. Joanna Toole was serving humanity and our environment when Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 crashed near Addis Ababa. Will the Minister commit to lobbying the Ethiopian Government to release the air accident report so that an inquest in the UK can proceed?
I am extremely sorry to hear that terrible news from the hon. Gentleman's constituent. I suggest we have a meeting outside of the House to discuss the best way forward; I will be very happy to meet him to do that.
Assessment & feedback
Mitchell did not commit to lobbying for the release of the report but suggested an external meeting instead.
We Should Have A Meeting Outside
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Andrew Slaughter Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Context
Slaughter questioned the role of far-right parties in Israel's new government and their meeting with UK representatives.
What assessment have the Government made of the role of far-right parties in Israel's new Government, as they are Netanyahu's principal coalition partner? Will UK Ministers be meeting representatives of those far-right parties?
As I have already highlighted, Israel is one of our closest partners and we will continue to have a close working relationship with the new Government. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage, ahead of the Government's formation.
Assessment & feedback
Rutley did not provide an assessment on far-right parties' role or confirmation about meetings but noted that it is inappropriate to comment further without specific details.
It Would Be Inappropriate
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
Grady questioned the challenges to effective use of the aid budget, citing further cuts and double-counting issues.
What does the Minister for Development think are the biggest challenges to the effective use of the aid budget: the fact that it is facing further cuts, the fact that so much of it is being double counted against Defence expenditure or the fact that, as the Chair of the Select Committee said, it is being increasingly spent in the UK?
The aim of the international development budget, every penny of which is spent in Britain's national interest, is to prevent conflict and to build prosperous societies. That is the aim, and that is what we seek to do with every penny we spend. All that expenditure is completely in the interests of the British taxpayer.
Assessment & feedback
Mitchell did not provide a detailed assessment of challenges but instead reiterated the purpose of the aid budget without addressing specific issues raised.
Response accuracy