Topical Questions 2021-11-30
2021-11-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question follows up on previous statements by the Foreign Secretary and seeks an update on her recent activities.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The Foreign Secretary has launched several initiatives including a campaign to stop sexual violence in conflicts, British international investment, and visited south-east Asia to deepen economic ties with partners such as Indonesia.
Since the last oral questions the Foreign Secretary has launched a campaign to stop sexual violence in conflicts. Last week she launched the British international investment, which will invest billions in honest and reliable infrastructure and technology in low and middle-income countries. She has visited south-east Asia to deepen our economic, tech and security ties with partners including Indonesia, and yesterday she hosted the first UK-Israel strategic dialogue with her Israel counterpart Yair Lapid in London. Today she is meeting NATO allies in Riga, delivering the message that we must act together to stand up against Russia's malign activity.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The question arises from the Foreign Secretary's strong personal support for freedom of religion or belief, highlighting its fundamental nature and connection to other freedoms.
Do Ministers agree that FORB for all is a fundamental strand of the network of liberty that the Foreign Secretary has spoken of recently? Where FORB is violated, we see abuses such as racism, gender inequality, and societies prone to violent extremism. The questioner emphasizes the importance of promoting freedom of religion or belief.
Promoting freedom of religion or belief for all is one of the UK's long-standing human rights priorities and a key pillar of the integrated review. Where FORB is under attack, other human rights are often threatened too. We used our G7 presidency to defend and advance these fundamental freedoms, and next year's international ministerial conference will play a key role in shaping the network of liberty.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The incident involved the deaths of 27 people attempting to cross from France to the UK. Both Governments have engaged in public disputes over this issue.
How can the Government hope to maintain good relations around the world with a Prime Minister who is more interested in burning bridges than building them? The questioner criticises the Prime Minister's approach and its impact on relations.
The incident in the channel last week was tragic. The Prime Minister spoke to French President Macron on 24 November, agreeing on stepping up joint efforts to prevent deadly crossings and stop gangs responsible for putting lives at risk. UK and French Ministers discuss issues including small boats, with Home Secretary regularly contacting her counterpart.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister promised to help evacuate Afghans in danger, but many have been left behind, including female judges and other vulnerable individuals.
What impression does the Minister think this gives to our allies across the globe? When will the resettlement scheme actually be up and running? The questioner highlights the perceived abandonment of Afghan allies who stood up for democratic freedom and rule of law.
The evacuation from Afghanistan involved 5,000 locally employed Afghan staff and special cases of vulnerable Afghans including Chevening scholars, journalists, human rights defenders and judges. The resettlement scheme will provide protection for the most vulnerable identified as at risk, to be announced by the Home Office in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
When the resettlement scheme will actually be up and running
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Q5
Partial Answer
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The UK Government has proscribed Hezbollah and Hamas terror groups. The questioner raises concerns about Iran's financial support for terrorist proxies through the IRGC.
Does my right hon. Friend share my view that the IRGC is the nexus of Iran's malign activities around the world? What steps are the Government taking to tackle this problem?
Iran's destabilising activity risks regional peace and prosperity, raised regularly at UN Security Council. More than 200 UK sanctions designations in place against Iran under various regimes, including IRGC in its entirety. We continue to support allies' security through close defence partnerships across the middle east.
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Assessment & feedback
What steps are being taken specifically to tackle the problem
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The Colombian peace agreement marks its fifth anniversary, but concerns remain over human rights abuses, particularly eye trauma from police violence during protests.
What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the Colombian Government's investigations into this brutal police strategy against people who were exercising their democratic rights?
Colombia is an FCDO human rights priority country. We regularly raise human rights concerns with the Colombian Government and in multilateral fora. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs visited Colombia last week to discuss human rights.
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Specific assessment of investigations into police strategies that led to abuses
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Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
None provided.
There are significant science and tech superpowers around the world, so I am delighted that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has agreed a new strategic approach with friendly countries spanning cyber, tech, trade and defence, especially if these are delivered through Government-to-Government agreements. Does the Minister agree that this will help to create high-quality jobs in Dudley, the UK and elsewhere?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and for his passion for high-quality jobs in Dudley. We are building a network of liberty with our friends and allies. It will include new technological partnerships to embrace the opportunities of a global economy shaped on innovations in tech. In June, the Prime Minister agreed to develop a new, landmark bilateral technology partnership with President Biden to enable a new era of strategic co-operation between our countries. The AUKUS alliance will deepen security and defence-related science and technology with the US and Australia.
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Millions of Afghans are at risk due to famine and winter conditions.
Further to the Minister's reply on the question of Afghanistan, Afghan residents in my constituency and elsewhere are watching the slide of that country into starvation with absolute horror and they contact my office every day to ask when people they know, including family members, who are trapped in Afghanistan and on the borders will be able to apply for the citizenship resettlement scheme. Saying that this will be “in due course” is simply not acceptable. It is three months since the collapse of Afghanistan and we need to know now when people will be able to apply under that scheme.
On the points about humanitarian aid, we are doubling our assistance for Afghanistan, taking it to £286 million in this financial year. At the end of October, the Prime Minister announced an allocation of a further £50 million to provide more than 2.5 million Afghans with food, health, shelter and warm clothing.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timing for when Afghan residents can apply under the citizenship resettlement scheme was not addressed.
In Due Course
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Q9
Direct Answer
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Some international travel is restricted, affecting those currently travelling abroad.
Although everyone would like to see our borders open for travel as normal, my constituents understand that decisions have to be made putting restrictions on some international travel. Will the Minister confirm that her Department will provide whatever support is needed to British nationals currently travelling abroad in those countries where restrictions have become necessary?
British people who are currently in red list countries should check the Department's travel advice for the latest rules on returning to the UK. If they need to change their travel plans, they should speak to their airline or travel agent. Consular staff are available 24/7 to provide assistance to any British national who needs help overseas, through a call to their local consulate, embassy or high commission.
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Q10
Partial Answer
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Afghanistan faces a severe food security crisis with millions teetering on the edge of famine.
The Government promised that they would not abandon the Afghan people, yet millions are teetering on the edge of famine, with winter fast approaching. Will the Minister stop with the meaningless pledges and start with meaningful action? She will have seen the harrowing report from John Simpson and the powerful words of David Beasley, from the World Food Programme, who said: “imagine that this was your little girl or your little boy, or your grandchild about to starve to death…We let any child die from hunger. Shame on us. I don't care where that child is.” A failure to act is a betrayal of those people. So will the funds be disbursed to save lives in Afghanistan today?
Afghanistan faces one of the largest food security crises in the world. We are aware that the crisis is approaching levels where there is severe, acute malnutrition, which is why we have doubled UK aid for Afghanistan to £286 million this year. In addition, between April and November this year we have disbursed more than £55 million, including life-saving humanitarian support for emergency food, health, nutrition, shelter and water sanitation. We are providing a lot of support.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timing or immediacy of the funds being disbursed to save lives was not addressed.
Providing A Lot Of Support
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Some Afghan nationals seeking refuge have been told to apply for expensive visas with prohibitive salary requirements.
As well as the Prime Minister's promise to bring vulnerable Afghans to refuge in this country, other Ministers suggested that they travel to neighbouring countries as the first step. I have constituents who took those Ministers at their word, but the Afghanistan resettlement scheme is not open, as we have noted, and those who fled are told to apply for expensive visas, with prohibitive salary requirements. Will the Minister at least agree to speak to the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister and urge them to fulfil their promises without delay?
The Afghan citizens resettlement scheme will welcome up to 5,000 vulnerable Afghans in its first year and up to 20,000 over a five-year period. As I have set out previously, the Home Office will make an announcement in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to speaking with other government officials or provide a specific timeline for when the scheme would open.
In Due Course
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Human rights violations are reported in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Thousands of my Bury North constituents have concerns about repeated human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to support the victims of brutality and human rights abuses in IAK?
My hon. Friend is a passionate voice for his constituents in Bury North. We recognise the human rights concerns in Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including the continuation of some temporary restrictions in Indian-administered Kashmir. We encourage all states to ensure that their domestic laws are in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights violations or abuse is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly and transparently. We have raised our concerns with the Governments of India and Pakistan.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific actions being taken to support victims were not detailed, only general encouragement for laws in line with international standards was mentioned.
Encouragement
Transparency
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Q13
Partial Answer
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China is facing international scrutiny for its attitude in the South China Sea, towards Taiwan, and Uyghur Muslims.
In the run-up to the winter Olympics, the Chinese Government have made clear their international standing in terms of their attitude in the South China sea and their attitude to Taiwan, the Uyghur Muslims and Members of this House. Internationally, China should be a pariah; why are we not joining an international approach to ensure that it is regarded as such?
The hon. Gentleman raised several different issues. As I set out in earlier answers, the Government are leading international action and taking robust action in respect of some serious concerns about a number of different areas relating to China. As I said earlier, in particular we have imposed sanctions in relation to those responsible for the atrocities in Xinjiang.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific reasons why the UK is not joining an international effort were not addressed.
Robust Action
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue of prolonged positive PCR tests affecting international travel for recovered individuals is noted.
Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction tests can remain positive for up to 90 days post infection, which can create problems for those who have recovered and wish to travel abroad. What conversations is my right hon. Friend having with our international friends to ensure that there is a consistent and accepted form of proof of recovery for British citizens in that situation?
Officials are in regular contact with host Governments to understand their requirements and update FCDO travel advice. Travellers should consult the latest covid-19 restrictions on that advice.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address conversations about consistent proof of recovery across countries.
Under Review
Looking At This
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Q15
Partial Answer
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The issue of preventing atrocities and supporting peacebuilding in conflict-prone regions is discussed.
On genocide, when we say, “Never again”, we must mean it. Will the Minister commit to introducing an atrocity-prevention strategy for every country—the countries-at-risk-of-instability process just does not go far enough—and specifically to support civil society peacebuilding in Republika Srpska to prevent future conflict and atrocities in Bosnia?
The Government are committed to an integrated approach to preventing conflict, addressing its drivers and strengthening fragile countries' resilience.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to a separate atrocity prevention strategy specifically.
Working On This
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Q16
Direct Answer
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Concerns about the future of British Council offices due to proposed budget reductions are raised.
Further to my constructive Adjournment debate on the British Council with the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, my right hon. Friend the Member for Braintree (James Cleverly), and given the fact that the FCDO's overall budget is to increase by 21% over the coming three-year spending review period, I seek clarity from those on the Front Bench as to whether the Government still intend to cut funding to the British Council, which will mean it will have to close a further 20 overseas offices on top of the 20 that it is already having to close.
The British Council's budget has increased by £189 million, a 27% increase from last year. While cuts had to be made in other areas, we have actually increased money provided to the British Council.
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Q17
Partial Answer
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Request for sanctions against an individual accused of atrocities is raised.
I have a wonderful Tamil community in Croydon, and they still feel the devastating impacts of the civil war. May I add my voice to those from across this House for sanctions against General Silva who has been accused of great crimes? Does the Minister have some words of comfort on this point for my constituents?
We do not comment on any possible future sanctions.
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No Comment
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Q18
Partial Answer
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Discussion about the hope for peace but fear of conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina is highlighted.
On a recent visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina with the all-party group for the armed forces, which was duly declared in the Register of Members' Financial Interests, our overall impression was one of hope for the best, hope that the Republika Srpska will recognise the genocide, hope that the geography of Bosnia and Herzegovina will hold together, and hope that the whole thing will survive, but, none the less, fear that it might not. Does the Minister not agree that of incredible importance right now are messages from this place—particularly messages to the Bosnian Serbs—to say that we are watching what is happening in Bosnia very closely indeed and that the questions that we are asking today and in the debate on Thursday are of immense importance, as they say to the Bosnian Serbs that we care, that we will not allow a return to what happened all those years ago and that we support the Dayton agreement?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: voices in this House matter. It is excellent that the serious situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been raised by colleagues a number of times today.
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Working On This
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Q19
Partial Answer
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Concerns about drug shortages, particularly anaesthetics, affecting women's health in Malawian hospitals are raised.
Is the Minister aware of the drastic shortages of drugs being faced by hospitals in Malawi, not least anaesthetics, which is having an impact on the treatment of women, particularly those trying to give birth. What discussions will she have with counterparts in the country to try to address these shortages, and what impact does she think that the proposed 50% cut in the UK's aid budget to Malawi will have on its ability to respond to this kind of crisis?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising access to women's health in Malawi and will write to him on that specific issue. Thanks to increased funding, we have restored funding to girls' education and humanitarian aid.
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Under Review
Working With Partners
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Q20
Partial Answer
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Recognition and praise for efforts to enhance response to tragic accidents involving British nationals abroad.
Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to John and Ceri Channon from my constituency who, following the tragic death of their son, Tom, in Majorca in the summer of 2018, have worked tirelessly with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Minister for Europe, and the embassy in Spain to enhance the various authorities' response to tragic accidents overseas, resulting in Tom's Check, which was reported in the news today?
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question. I know that he has met my ministerial colleague, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton), and also the family.
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Working With Partners
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Q21
Partial Answer
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The question was prompted by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, including human rights atrocities. The MP met with a democratically elected Afghan MP who highlighted these issues.
The Government's response on Afghanistan is simply not good enough. Yesterday, I met with a democratically elected Member of Parliament from Afghanistan who set out the escalating human rights atrocities as well as the humanitarian situation. Will the Minister urgently meet with MPs from Afghanistan to talk about the situation and put aid in the right places to stop this crisis from getting worse?
As I have mentioned in a number of answers, we have doubled aid for Afghanistan. This is being provided via UN agencies and non-governmental organisations—not directly to the Taliban—to ensure that it is reaching the people who really need it, and helping those who are most vulnerable and for whom it is intended.
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Urgent meeting with Afghan MPs was not addressed specifically
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Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a growing interest in forming Government-to-Government partnerships globally, which offer significant commercial benefits for the UK.
There is a huge global appetite for Government-to-Government partnerships with the UK, with significant commercial benefits to be unlocked. Will the Minister undertake to work with the Department for International Trade to build UK Government-to-Government capability, so that we cease to lag behind our competitors?
We are absolutely committed to deepening our economic partnerships across the world, because they bring jobs and investment home to every region and nation of the UK, as well as helping other countries.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to work with DIT was not addressed
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