Topical Questions

Question

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Since the last oral questions, I have opened the first ministerial meeting of the global Media Freedom Coalition of 37 countries, which the UK co-chairs alongside Canada; I have spoken to Prime Minister Abiy of Ethiopia to call for an urgent ceasefire in the Tigray region; and worked with my Five Eyes counterparts to issue a joint statement expressing serious concern regarding China's imposition of new rules to disqualify legislators in Hong Kong.

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Will the Secretary of State identify opportunities to pressure the Chinese Government into ratifying the forced labour convention, the abolition of forced labour convention, and the 2014 protocol to the forced labour convention, allowing the UK to be sure that supply chains being used by UK businesses and government are in no way supporting the Chinese Government's persecution of the Uyghurs? Does he agree that if UK business cannot get a full assurance, they should preferably onshore their supply chains back to UK plc?

Question

Our existing 0.7% aid commitment sends a strong signal that the UK is a reliable partner for long-term economic, social, environmental and educational advancement across the globe, and this is cheaper than fighting wars—not my words but those of the CBI and the former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Lord David Richards. Does the Secretary of State agree that rowing back on our promise to the world's poorest people would jeopardise our soft power status ahead of the year when the UK will host the G7 and COP26, and will he recommit to his manifesto pledge, made exactly a year ago today, to spend 0.7% of GNI on aid?

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Does my right hon. Friend agree that the aggressive language from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, saying that the west should beware of their eyes being poked and blinded, demonstrates that country's contempt for freedom and democracy and that now is the time for stringent actions, including targeted sanctions? If the current sanctions regime does not allow for the targeting of those responsible for what is happening in Hong Kong, will the Government consider new regulations that target those authority figures who are truly guilty, not innocent Hongkongers?

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Christians, Muslims and others have been persecuted for their faith across India. What are the UK Government doing to ensure that people have freedom of religion and belief worldwide?

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It was reported last week that the Government are considering reducing our international aid spending from 0.7% to 0.5% of our GNI, despite that being a commitment enshrined in UK law and a firm Conservative manifesto promise. Does the Secretary of State agree that the pandemic landscape has changed things in such a way that this spending is probably needed now more than ever, and the FCDO must build up the resilience of vulnerable and developing countries to tackle current and future pandemics? Is the 0.7% commitment written in stone?

Question

My right hon. Friend is aware of my concern about the economic collapse that the pandemic has caused in some of the world's most important conservation areas and the resulting increase in poaching and the illegal wildlife trade in many areas. Could he reassure me that, over the coming weeks and months, he will target more of our aid budget at helping communities in those areas, protecting wildlife and tackling the illegal trade, which is damaging so much of our conservation?

Question

British citizen Caitlin McNamara has spoken publicly about being seriously sexually assaulted by Sheikh Nayhan. Has the Foreign Secretary raised that case with his counterparts in the UAE and demanded action on it? Have the Government looked at using Magnitsky sanctions against Sheikh Nayhan, given that he is based in the UK and owns property here?

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The Dunn family lost their appeal against the Foreign Office regarding the recall of Anne Sacoolas to the United Kingdom. Could my right hon. Friend make a statement about this, and does he think that, with the change of Administration, she might now be able to come back to the United Kingdom?

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A cross-party group with constituents affected has written to the Minister for Africa about Kenyan Government pension arrears. Will the Minister meet us to discuss what more can be done to ensure that these payments resume and that the arrears due are paid?

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Does my right hon. Friend agree that the £500 million investment by the UK in tackling malaria is both a welcome step against disease abroad and a benefit at home?

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The human rights abuses that Kashmiri people face are unacceptable. What is the Foreign Secretary doing to contribute to an international coalition to support India and Pakistan in negotiations on de-escalating the immediate crisis, and will he commit to targeting development funding to support Kashmiris?

Question

Will the Secretary of State comment on the FCDO's activities promoting Wales in the world, particularly around St David's Day? What other Wales-focused activities does it conduct in its embassies and diplomatic missions globally?

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Given the confirmation by the IAEA that Iran is building a new underground nuclear facility and its enriched uranium exceeds JCPOA limits, will the Minister confirm readiness to consider sanctions if Iran continues non-compliance?

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After two deaths of UK citizens abroad due to negligence and five months delay in receiving a response from the provincial court's president, does the Minister agree that waiting for a reply after such tragic incidents is unacceptable?

Question

Given Sri Lanka's withdrawal from previous UNHRC commitments, can we rely on the Foreign Secretary to lead in securing a new resolution for prosecuting war crimes and ensuring accountability for human rights violations?

Question

In light of China's aggressive actions against Australia, will the Secretary of State publicly condemn these actions and support our ally during this challenging time?