Topical Questions

Question

Under the new Israeli coalition Government, which contains far-right elements, violence against Palestinians has escalated, including Israeli forces attacking Muslim worshippers at the al-Aqsa mosque and attacks against Palestinian Christians at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We must condemn all forms of violence, including the devastating murder of three British Jewish citizens, but does the Secretary of State agree that the cycle of violence will not end and there will be no prospect of a lasting peace if the occupying forces are busy building more illegal settlements and trying to evict and oppress an entire people?

Question

President Zelensky has said that Tehran has provided Moscow with around 2,000 drones, which are being used to devastate Ukraine. Does my right hon. Friend share my concern about the IRGC's complicity in international aggression, and does he agree with me and many other Members that it is now time to revisit the proscription of the IRGC?

Question

Scottish Government Minister Neil Gray MSP along with the agencies Scottish Development International and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have proved that direct foreign engagement works for Scotland by securing a £300-million manufacturing investment for subsea cables in the renewables industry, working with Sumitomo in Osaka. It is a game changer that has been welcomed across the highlands, so why does the Foreign Secretary seek to sabotage such vital economic activity by instructing UK diplomatic staff to hinder Scottish Government direct engagement?

Question

The humanitarian situation in Sudan is extremely serious and is spreading to affect neighbouring countries, as many thousands of people are fleeing Sudan. Many of those neighbouring countries themselves are very fragile. What are the UK Government and other international partners doing to support humanitarian efforts, not only in Sudan, but in neighbouring countries?

Question

Following the adoption of the global women and girls strategy, how is it being promoted and operationalised in Saudi Arabia, particular in terms of advocating for women's and girls' rights and amplifying the work of local women's organisations in the region?

Question

This summer's Vilnius summit will be an important test of NATO's willingness to fulfil its long-standing promises to Ukraine. Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is now ludicrous to say that Ukraine's NATO membership might be in some way provocative to Russia, since Putin has shown what he is willing to do when Ukraine is not a member of NATO and because Ukraine is not a member of NATO? Does he agree that it should therefore be the policy of the Government that Ukraine should be invited to make the necessary preparations to join as soon as possible under the rules, for the sake of clarity, stability and peace in Europe?

Question

Will the Foreign Secretary explain how the diplomatic staff overseeing Scottish Minister meetings will prevent discussion of forbidden topics? Given that foreign direct investment growth was 14% in Scotland versus 1.8% in rest of UK last year, why is such interference necessary?

Question

How will the Windsor framework improve trade between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain, particularly Wales? Will it facilitate UK trade with Ireland and EU?

Question

On the 75th anniversary of Nakba, will the Foreign Secretary support an independent investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh's death and agree it is overdue?

Question

How does Finland's recent NATO accession unite Europe against Russian aggression? What lessons can be drawn for other nations?

Question

Will the Foreign Secretary support an independent investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh's death and agree it is overdue?

Question

Thank you to the UK Government and RAF for evacuating people from Sudan. Will the Foreign Secretary continue working with allies for evacuations and push for a long-term ceasefire?

Question

What has the Government done and will do to raise the issue of the Lachin corridor blockade with the Azerbaijani Government?

Question

May I urge the Foreign Secretary to have a meeting with Vahid Beheshti who has been on hunger strike for 69 days, and raise concerns about IRGC threats in UK?

Question

The conflict in Sudan is a humanitarian disaster impacting 46 million people and potentially leading to hundreds of thousands or millions of refugees. What discussions has the Minister had with the African Union to promote African leadership, involvement and mediation?

Question

Of the remaining work on the Truro review, recommendation 6 seeks permanent constitution for the freedom of religion or belief special envoy role through a short Bill. Would the Foreign Secretary kindly meet me quickly to progress this?

Question

Will the Foreign Secretary speak with Cabinet colleagues and set out a plan for youth negotiators forming an integral part of the UK's delegation at COP28?

Question

What are we doing to support the Philippines in addressing maritime issues caused by Chinese militia ships?

Question

What is the Minister doing to ensure that Dr Alaa Elmutaz Mohamed Mahmoud and her young son can be evacuated safely?

Question

What is the Foreign Secretary doing to ensure that the UK is on the front foot in planning how to fund post-war reconstruction of Ukraine?

Question

Could the Foreign Secretary please outline what he is doing to support the overseas territories ahead of the JMC next week?

Question

Does my right hon. Friend accept that targeting is happening? If he does, will he please do something about it?

Question

With reference to Nagorno-Karabakh, what steps has the Department taken to support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognised borders?