Topical Questions

Answer from James Cleverly

Since the last oral questions, I have hosted my German counterpart in London, travelled to the United States and Canada, and hosted the Georgian Foreign Minister for bilateral meetings. In those meetings, I discussed the UK's contributions to Ukraine's war effort, including the decision to send tanks. Consequently, I am delighted that the US, Germany and others have now committed to send tanks to Ukraine. Last December, I set out my vision for a far-sighted strategic approach to UK foreign policy. Over the next 25 years, we will invest even more in our relationships with the world's rising powers. We will continue with our Indo-Pacific tilt. On Wednesday and Thursday this week, the Defence Secretary and I will be hosting our Australian counterparts at the AUKMIN meetings.

Answer from James Cleverly

The plight of women in Afghanistan and the reprisal attacks the Taliban are perpetrating are disturbing to us all. We are very proud of the fact that we evacuated 15,000 people during Operation Pitting and a further 6,000 since. The administration of the schemes the hon. Member has raised is a matter for the Home Office, but we continue to liaise very closely on operationalising the commitments we have made to the Afghan people.

Answer from James Cleverly

I can assure my hon. Friend that our position on the illegality of those settlements remains unchanged. We raise the matter with Israel. As I have said, in my initial call with the Israeli Foreign Minister, I raised our desire for a meaningful, peaceful two-state solution. We will always speak out when we believe that something is happening with which we disagree, but we will always seek to provide a route to reconciliation, to dialogue, to de-escalation and ultimately to the delivery of that peaceful, sustainable two-state solution.

Answer from James Cleverly

The House will understand why I do not speak in detail about that specific case, but I know that a Treasury Minister responded to the right hon. Gentleman's urgent question. More broadly, the whole point of sanctions is that they deter and change behaviour. That is why the enforcement of sanctions is so important. It is done predominantly through the Treasury, working very closely with my Department and in close co-ordination with our international partners. Enforcing sanctions is just as important as issuing them, so we will continue to work closely internationally to ensure that they are robust.

Answer from James Cleverly

The Abraham accords were groundbreaking. The UK supported them at the time, and we continue to support them. We will explore opportunities to make the most of that normalisation of relationships, particularly at the moment, when there is a real desire to de-escalate the current tensions that we are seeing in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. I can assure my hon. Friend that I personally and the ministerial team put a huge amount of effort into ensuring that.

Answer from James Cleverly

If I have understood the hon. Lady's question correctly, it is about the employment of British nationals in other countries. Obviously, each country is responsible for its own employment practices, rules and regulations. I was not aware of the circumstances of the case that she raises, but if she writes to me I will be more than happy to look into the details and see whether there is something we can do domestically, within the UK, to facilitate the actions of other Governments in relation to employment.

Answer from James Cleverly

If there is to be any chance of a sustainable peace in Israel and the OPTs, it is incredibly important that people recognise the importance of tolerance and of working and living together. When I first became a Minister in the Department, I raised with the then Palestinian Education Minister the situation relating to textbooks being used in Palestinian schools. We will continue to work to encourage greater understanding and co-operation, rather than allowing this divisive narrative to be imposed on young Palestinian children.

Answer from James Cleverly

I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's positive comments about the tone of current conversations with the EU; professional but discreet negotiations are key to success. During my trip, I met a group raising specific concerns, and we took careful note of those issues.

Answer from David Rutley

We are committed to supporting economic development in Montserrat and providing £28.3 million for the new port, with construction set to begin shortly.

Answer from James Cleverly

We have imposed new sanctions in response to Iran's persecution, weapon supply to Russia, and executions of protesters. I am willing to do more but will not speculate.

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The Prime Minister announced £11,600 million in ICF commitment. We are discussing plans to ensure high-quality eligible projects.

Answer from David Rutley

We are working closely on this case. I will ensure that the hon. Lady's views are relayed to Lord Ahmad.

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The hon. Lady raises an important point, mentioning Oxfam's involvement which is worth pursuing.

Answer from James Cleverly

The Safer oil tanker is an issue of international concern and funds have been secured. I have spoken with various governments to resolve the matter, aiming to prevent an ecological disaster.

Answer from James Cleverly

Will the right hon. Gentleman condemn Iran for providing weapons to Houthis? We aim to facilitate talks leading to a sustainable peace with Yemen, working alongside regional governments.

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We use the best vehicle for aid delivery. We are on track to meet our budgeted target of £156 million by year-end.

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

I spoke with Foreign Ministers in Japan. Their focus will ensure discussions include economic security and its implications.

Answer from James Cleverly

I spoke to the high commissioner about various issues. I assured India's importance and our commitment to a strong relationship.

Answer from David Rutley

Yes, we are working on tackling atrocities against women. Recent conferences highlight our commitment to preventing sexual violence in conflict.

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We prioritise disability. Over a third of development programmes now include disability-inclusive activities.

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We regularly raise issues of British nationals in poor prison conditions. Officials work closely with families, willing to meet the hon. Lady.

Answer from James Cleverly

The scheme is administered across a range of Departments, including the FCDO, which identified the initial list of individuals who are eligible. We work closely with the Home Office to ensure that all the relevant checks and administration are done so that those people can come to the UK. As I said, I am very pleased that we were able to resettle so many people so quickly through Operation Pitting, and we have resettled 6,000 people since Operation Pitting. We will continue to ensure we do right by the people who supported us in Afghanistan.