Topical Questions 2021-07-20
2021-07-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions about international cooperation and responses to threats against democratic systems.
Is the Foreign Secretary concerned about the erosion of trust in America's electoral system, specifically in Arizona, where there is no evidence of electoral fraud? Does he think the Elections Bill will help or hinder our democracy?
We work in collaboration with partners such as the US to address attacks on democracies through misinformation or cyber-crime. The Elections Bill is part of our efforts to protect democratic systems.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not directly address whether the Elections Bill will help or hinder democracy, focusing instead on general collaboration with partners.
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Welcoming Muslim communities in the UK and expressing concern for Muslim populations in Xinjiang, China.
On Eid al-Adha, will the Foreign Secretary welcome the number of Muslims who have come to make their lives in the UK? Will he reach out to Muslim communities around the world to stand with those in Xinjiang?
We celebrate all religious communities in the UK. He is right to raise concerns about persecution based on religion, creed or ethnicity, particularly in Muslim-majority countries.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Criticism of the Government's approach towards European partners, particularly regarding the G7 summit.
Does the Foreign Secretary accept that his needlessly antagonistic approach has undermined our relationship with Europe? Will he commit to treating European partners as equals to work together on common concerns?
Particularly after the Harry Dunn case, we must ensure that privileges and immunities are tailored to their functional need. We can hold people accountable for ordinary crimes.
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Assessment & feedback
The Foreign Secretary did not commit to treating European partners as equals or a more collaborative approach, focusing instead on the Harry Dunn case.
Harry Dunn Case
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
A complex constituency case involving a child's repatriation from another jurisdiction to the UK.
What help can FCDO officials provide to constituents with favourable court orders in both this country and another jurisdiction for repatriating a child?
Consular officials provide support to British people affected by international parental abduction, advise on the most effective way to make local authorities aware of court orders. FCDO can express interest with relevant courts and liaise with local authorities.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The FCDO published a human rights report listing 31 priority countries; 23 of them receive arms licences from the UK.
How can the granting of those licences be reconciled with any meaningful commitment to improve human rights in these countries?
We take our responsibilities on such issues seriously, regularly reviewing our stringent export control regime. We introduced an autonomous sanctions regime to hold violators accountable.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address how arms licences can be reconciled with human rights commitments directly.
Regularly Reviewing
Stringent Export Control
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister mentioned the government's reluctance to join an initiative due to a lack of information. The MP references a similar program in Northern Ireland that was effective.
Why has the Government not shown more initiative in working with the US on joining the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace? Our chief negotiator in Northern Ireland held a similar initiative, the International Fund for Ireland, to be the great unsung hero of the peace process. Does the Minister agree that the Middle East need be no different?
The UK values and welcomes means for Israelis and Palestinians to work together, and we call on both leaderships to do so. We work closely with our US counterparts and will consider their details once they are in a position to engage more.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to joining the fund or taking specific actions, only stated that it will be considered when further information is available
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP received emails from constituents expressing concerns about violence towards worshippers at the al-Aqsa mosque and threatened evictions of Palestinian families.
In response to constituent concerns, will the Minister outline what steps have been taken to raise these issues directly with the Israeli Government?
The Foreign Secretary raised this issue with his Israeli counterpart, I have raised it with the Israeli ambassador. We continue to call for a permanent ceasefire and work with all parties in pursuit of that aim.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the Foreign Office's funding of projects to explore modern slavery in Malaysian factories, and the Department of Health's purchase of rubber gloves from these factories.
Why does the Department of Health and Social Care not take similar actions regarding allegations of human rights abuses in Malaysian factories that supply rubber gloves for the NHS?
We scrutinise carefully any allegations of human rights abuses. During the pandemic, we looked at all possible suppliers including Malaysia, which is a major global supplier of rubber gloves.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why Health and Social Care does not take similar actions
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
Following the G7 summit, which focused on vaccinations and their global roll-out, the MP asked about the challenges of antimicrobial resistance.
Does my hon. Friend agree that the challenges of AMR are at least as great and therefore need a similar focus in terms of research, manufacturing and distribution?
AMR is one of the most pressing global challenges we face this century. The UK has invested more than £360 million in research and development on AMR since 2014.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the UK Government rolling out a red carpet for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who faces criticism over discrimination against LGBT+ citizens.
Does the Secretary of State regret welcoming Viktor Orbán into No. 10 just weeks ago given Hungary's increasing hostility towards its LGBT+ citizens?
The Prime Minister met Hungarian PM on May 28. Co-operation with Hungary is important for UK's prosperity and security; values such as media freedom were raised in the meeting.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address regret over hosting Orbán, only mentioned raising concerns
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern over Iran's flagrant violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal and asked if sanctions would be reimposed.
Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that Iran has failed to live up to its commitments under the JCPOA, and will he confirm that nothing is off the table including the reimposition of sanctions?
Iran's systemic non-compliance with JCPOA commitments; wide-ranging sanctions are in place. We urge Iran to halt all activities violating the deal and return to negotiations.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q12
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern over the lack of peace process progress due to settlement building and evictions, which are illegal under international law.
Does the Secretary of State agree that attempts to get a meaningful peace process back up and running are made harder by the building of settlements and eviction of Palestinians?
Totally agree. We support Israel but also make clear that evictions, demolitions in Jerusalem, and settlement building are contrary to international law and counterproductive.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q13
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from discussions around effective use of the UK's aid budget. The speaker emphasises the importance of investing in global girls' education.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that one of the best possible investments the UK can make with its aid budget is in the education of girls globally? Will he outline the steps he is taking to further that aim at the Global Partnership for Education next week?
We have just made the biggest ever donation to the Global Partnership for Education, a 15% increase on last time. As a result, at the G7 we corralled one of the biggest G7 sets of donations—close to $3 billion. We are hosting, with our Kenyan friends, the Global Education summit in the next few days. The point is that, through the leadership of our official development assistance contribution and our diplomatic leadership, we are bringing the world together in pursuit of two targets: 40 million more girls receiving 12 years quality education, and 20 million more girls literate by the age of 10.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the new US Administration's recognition of the Armenian genocide. The speaker asks for UK to follow suit in recognizing the 2 million dead under Ottoman empire as Armenian genocide.
It is cheering to see the new US Administration repairing relations that the previous President damaged. Will we take a leaf out of our closest ally's book and recognise the 2 million dead under the Ottoman empire from 1915 to 1923 as Armenian genocide, as Biden and dozens of other states worldwide have done? Can we also commit to playing our part to resolve current disputes with Azerbaijan?
Our position on the Armenian genocide is unchanged, but certainly in relation to the other disputes the hon. Lady mentioned, we of course work with the international community to try to alleviate the plight of those on all sides who are suffering.
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Assessment & feedback
Recognition of Armenian genocide
Our Position Is Unchanged
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
The situation in Tigray is escalating with fears of further mass atrocities. The question arises from concerns about the Prime Minister of Ethiopia's statements regarding Tigray.
The situation in Tigray is truly horrifying, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia sparked fears of further mass atrocities by saying that the “weeds” of Tigray will be crushed. What steps is the UK taking to urgently de-escalate the conflict, and map out Ethiopian and Eritrean forces perpetrating atrocities so that they can be held accountable? Will the new conflict centre look at what further steps, such as Magnitsky sanctions, can be taken to alleviate the crisis?
The UK is supporting the joint investigation into abuses and violations in Tigray, which will inform actions against those identified as having committed abuses or violations. I want to be very clear: we will consider all—all—policy options in response. We will also co-sponsor a resolution at the July Human Rights Council, and conflict experts are providing technical advice to guide our response during this crisis.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy