Topical Questions

Question

If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities, the MP noted that despite the conflict in Ukraine, there are issues of rising food prices globally affecting poor communities. She specifically mentioned Yemen where food prices have increased by 150% according to an IMF report. She asked what assessment has been made regarding the impact and for details on the Government's response.

Question

The independent review of persecuted Christians that was carried out in 2019 by the Bishop of Truro has been mentioned this morning, and it has its formal review this summer. The FCDO has made progress in adopting the report's recommendations, but will the Secretary of State assure the House of further progress in this area by the summer?

Question

Wars rage in Africa, the middle east and now Ukraine. There is a growing climate crisis, food prices are surging and 300,000 children face death by starvation in Somalia. Britain's reputation is in tatters after two years of callous aid cuts, having shut down the world-renowned Department for International Development. It is clear that Britain needs a strategy for long-term development to stop lurching from crisis to crisis. Can the Secretary of State confirm today exactly when the new strategy will be published? Will it be backed with the funding, focus, ambition and expertise needed to make a lasting difference in the world?

Question

Across Keighley and Ilkley, there is no shortage of good will to help those who are affected by the conflict in Ukraine—including from Ilkley and Surrounds Support for Ukrainian Evacuees, a volunteer group led by Caroline Hyde that is working to help those seeking refuge within our community. Of course, that is dependent on the Government working with our European counterparts to ensure the safe passage of refugees from Ukraine. What discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with her counterparts to make sure that that happens?

Question

We are now three weeks into the UN-sponsored truce in Yemen, which has resulted in the release of 14 foreign captives including UK national Luke Symons and his family. It is also intended to open roads, allow fuel through the port of Hodeida and allow commercial flights from Sanaa to Jordan and Egypt. But it is a fragile truce that could collapse at any minute, so can the Minister tell me what steps the UK is taking to support Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy for Yemen, to keep the peace and to prevent a return to conflict and a re-escalation of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen?

Question

Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the £40 million support package over 10 years that was announced in 2016 for the Chagos island community?

Question

According to Human Rights Watch's World Report 2020, the Rwandan regime is active in arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and torture in official and unofficial detention facilities. Despite the Home Secretary's nonchalant dismissal of legitimate concerns about the safety of asylum seekers, what mechanisms will be used by the Foreign Secretary for oversight to ensure that similar mistreatment does not occur to vulnerable individuals being sent to Rwanda?

Question

Exmouth has welcomed Afghan refugees, but their relatives are still there. What assurances can be given that UK aid reaches those who need it most in Afghanistan?

Question

The recent fire at the Hargeisa market had a terrible effect on livelihoods. What practical help will be given to rebuild lives?

Question

Will the Government work with international allies to pressurise the Taliban to allow equal access to education?

Question

Will the Secretary of State make representations to her Saudi counterparts regarding the second death sentence given to Abdullah al-Howaiti?

Question

Will the Foreign Secretary play a leading role in events celebrating this anniversary and ensure continued support for democracy projects?

Question

If this occurred, does it constitute a breach of privilege and will the matter be raised with the Spanish ambassador?

Question

Next Tuesday is World Press Freedom Day, yet free media faces pressure globally. Does the Minister agree that an independent media like BBC World Service is crucial? Will she ensure they receive adequate funding?

Question

When will the UK ban imports from Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law?

Question

Has the Foreign Secretary discussed the cases of Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner with Ukrainian and Russian counterparts? What steps are being taken to secure their release?

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to protect minoritised communities in Afghanistan from violence? Are there plans to bring them to safety in the UK?

Question

Does the Foreign Secretary agree that we need a new international mechanism for bringing perpetrators of sexual violence to justice? Is the UK prepared to lead such efforts?