Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 30 January 2024 · 22 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 19 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government prioritizes ensuring aid and humanitarian support reaches Gaza despite halting funding to UNRWA.
  • Foreign Secretary aims to strengthen UK-India relationship through trade and people-to-people cooperation during upcoming visit.
  • UK is working with countries like Chile, Brazil, Peru, and Mexico to secure critical minerals for green energy transition.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The United Nations special rapporteur stated that more than 2 million people in Gaza are facing famine. The UK has halted funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency.

Question

Now that the Government have opted to halt funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, how do they intend to ensure that the urgently needed humanitarian aid—as called for in the International Court of Justice ruling last week—will continue to be delivered to the innocent men, women and children in Gaza?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

As I set out, the Government's highest immediate priority is to ensure that aid and humanitarian support get into Gaza. We are relentlessly pursuing that objective. I have set out where we are on UNRWA, but there is no immediate effect on the food that it seeks to deliver in Gaza today.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific plan or commitment for ensuring humanitarian aid continues despite halted funding.

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The Foreign Secretary will be visiting India soon, with plans for free trade deal and cooperation in various fields.

Question

I understand that my noble Friend the Foreign Secretary will shortly be visiting India. Will the Minister set out what the Foreign Secretary will be aiming to achieve, particularly at a time when we are negotiating a free trade deal and building on the co-operation we already have?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Although I cannot comment in detail on future ministerial plans, I assure my hon. Friend that the UK Government have a broad and deep partnership with the Government of India. The Foreign Secretary has ambitions to further strengthen that relationship through trade and wider people-to-people relationships in defence, science and technology.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer provided general aims but did not give specific details about future plans or goals for the visit.

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Q3 Anna McMorrin Lab Cardiff North
Climate Energy
Context

Access to critical minerals is vital for a green energy transition, but this Government have ignored Latin American countries' potential in the matter.

Question

Access to critical minerals is vital as we face a climate and energy crisis. Will the Minister commit to working with countries such as Chile, Brazil, Peru and Mexico to deliver these essential supplies for a green energy transition?

Answer from David Rutley

Both sides of the House agree that this is an important issue, and I can assure the hon. Lady that we are working very hard. I have raised the importance of critical minerals on my visits to all those countries, and not least on my recent visit to Bolivia.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific commitment or timeline for working with Latin American countries.

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Q4 Tobias Ellwood Con
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The world is becoming more dangerous, with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The UK has taken a leadership role.

Question

By any measure our world is becoming more dangerous. Does the Minister agree that our foreign policy, our economy and, indeed, our security are interdependently related? Given the deteriorating threat picture, would he like to see an increase in our defence posture?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

My right hon. Friend, the former Chairman of the Defence Committee, is absolutely right to focus on these threats. The Foreign Secretary recently said that all the lights on the global dashboard are flashing red. The Government know that the first duty of the state is to defend and protect its citizens from external aggression.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific stance or commitment regarding an increase in defense posture.

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Q5 Martyn Day SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

Tensions are rising in the Middle East following a drone attack on American soldiers, potentially dragging Britain into another regional conflict.

Question

Does the Minister share my concern that we may be dragged into another regional war at the Americans' demand?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The American Government and the British Government have made it absolutely clear that they do not wish to see this conflict escalate more widely. Equally, the hon. Gentleman will accept that no country can accept with equanimity the appalling deaths of those American soldiers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address the specific concern about potential involvement in a regional war due to US demands.

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Q6 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Foreign Affairs
Context

British citizen Vladimir Kara-Murza has been moved from a Siberian prison to an unknown location, raising concerns about his welfare.

Question

Why was British citizen Vladimir Kara-Murza moved from a Siberian prison to an unknown location? What progress has been made on locating Vladimir and getting him released?

Answer from Leo Docherty

As the Foreign Secretary has said, we are deeply concerned about the reports that Mr Kara-Murza has been moved from the penal colony in Omsk to an unknown location. We are urgently following up to ascertain his whereabouts. Of course, Ministers have consistently condemned his politically motivated conviction and have called for his release both publicly and privately.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific reasons or progress updates on locating Kara-Murza.

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Q7 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Foreign Affairs
Context

ICC prosecutor said there are grounds to believe both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces are committing war crimes in Darfur.

Question

Will the Minister outline what diplomatic steps the Department is taking to help stop the violence?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The hon. Lady is absolutely right in her analysis of what is happening in Sudan—throughout Sudan, and in particular in Darfur—where there is clear evidence of crimes against humanity being committed. Britain holds the pen at the United Nations as I said earlier to my right hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Vicky Ford). We work through regional and international alliances.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific diplomatic steps being taken to address violence in Sudan.

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Q8 Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills
NHS
Context

Today is World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day. Malaria affects more than 250 million people annually and claims the life of a child every minute.

Question

Given that the British-backed R21 vaccination has gained pre-qualification at the WHO, what commitment will my right hon. Friend give towards further support for this vaccine through the next replenishment of Gavi?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Thanks to the British invention and technology, I hope very much that we will be able to make malaria history within the foreseeable future. The Government have been clear about supporting progress in this field.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on support for R21 vaccine through Gavi replenishment was not provided

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Q9 Alan Brown SNP
Context

The UK Government's decision to pull funding from UNRWA, the day after the International Court of Justice called for increased aid to Gaza, has been criticized by 21 aid agencies.

Question

What assessment have the Government made on the number of additional Palestinians now at risk due to pulling UNRWA funding?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The UK cannot overlook reported events but is seeking proper investigation. Britain has no additional funding plans for this year, but existing support will continue despite information brought to attention.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific number of Palestinians at risk was not provided

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Q10 James Sunderland
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

There is a significant concern within NATO about the US fulfilling its commitments to Ukraine in 2024, ahead of the Washington summit.

Question

Will the Minister assure me that every effort will be taken to leverage political pressure on our allies and secure support for Ukraine?

Answer from Leo Docherty

On the road to Washington, we continue to make points about the integral part of US in European security, as well as the commitment from other European member states of NATO.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or assurances were not provided

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Q11 Alison Thewliss SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The Minister has expressed concern about the dangerous situation in Sudan. Many constituents are awaiting processing of applications for family members to come to safety.

Question

What conversations have you had with counterparts in neighbouring countries like Egypt to facilitate movement out of Sudan?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We talk continually to surrounding countries, including Chad. The situation is appalling, with nearly 18 million people urgently needing food.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on conversations and facilitation efforts were not provided

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Q12 Stephen Crabb Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

This year marks the 120th anniversary of the entente cordiale and important moments in UK-France relations.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is an incredibly important moment to reinvigorate the bilateral relationship?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The relationship with France, especially now, is in excellent condition due to improvements under our Prime Minister.

Answered
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Q13 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Ukraine Women & Equalities
Context

Women are unequally affected by conflict, with recent examples of horrific violence against women from Hamas, Gaza, and Nigeria.

Question

Will the Minister comment on the Department's work to provide a better future for women in conflict zones?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The British Government have made it clear that this remains a top priority. The White Paper announced £38 million of additional spending to support women's rights organisations.

Answered
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Q14 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Foreign Affairs
Context

New heartbreaking testimonies have come to light regarding sexual violence and rape perpetrated by Hamas during the October attack.

Question

What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the silence of many international organisations, such as the International Red Cross, on this issue?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The British Government are not silent on that very important matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment was not provided

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Q15 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Foreign Affairs
Context

The Minister and the House were shocked by Venezuela's actions towards Guyana last year.

Question

What steps are being taken to uphold Guyana's sovereignty?

Answer from David Rutley

There is ongoing engagement with President Ali in Guyana, and conversations with Brazil, Colombia, the Commonwealth, and the US are being held to keep focus on that area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps were not detailed

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Q16 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The situation in Ukraine raises concerns about the security of nearby countries, particularly NATO allies like the Baltic states.

Question

What assessment have the Government made of the threat to the future of the Baltic states if Putin is seen to succeed in seizing territory permanently from Ukraine?

Answer from Leo Docherty

The Government recognises that the Baltic states are on the frontline, and we take pride in the enhanced forward presence including our troops in Tapa. NATO has a physical presence to ensure security.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific assessment or plan is provided regarding potential threats to the Baltic states if Russia succeeds in Ukraine.

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Q17 Mary Foy Lab City of Durham
Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

The United Nations reports chronic issues with humanitarian aid access for women and girls in Gaza, raising concerns about health services.

Question

As the death toll rises in Gaza, so does the misery of women and girls. What is going on? Is aid not getting to them? What steps are being taken to ensure aid reaches those in need?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The aim is to get humanitarian aid into Gaza and ensure a political initiative on the west bank. The UK is working to facilitate aid through narrow entrances.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps or timeline for ensuring aid reaches women and girls in Gaza are provided.

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Q18 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Context

There is concern that suspending UNRWA funding may compromise the agency's ability to deliver aid.

Question

If it transpires that UNRWA's ability to deliver aid is compromised due to suspended funding, will the Government review their decision?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

A meeting with UNRWA's head Philippe Lazzarini was held, and a review conducted by the UN is expected within two months. The British Government are closely watching this situation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No immediate review commitment if funding affects aid delivery capabilities.

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Q19 Apsana Begum Lab Poplar and Limehouse
Defence
Context

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to questions about UK involvement.

Question

Have there been any further military actions in Yemen since January 11? If so, what is the long-term plan regarding sustained military engagement?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We ensure our response to the Houthis is proportionate and right. We are focused on getting food into Yemen despite Houthi impediments.

Not addressed: The question about UK military action since January 11 was not addressed.

How: Deflecting To The Importance Of Food Aid

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Q20 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

Yasin Malik, a political leader, faces potential execution after his case was appealed.

Question

Has the Minister had discussions with Indian authorities regarding UK's long-standing opposition to the death penalty for Yasin Malik?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

My colleague raised the issue most recently on 10 January, highlighting UK's disagreement with the death penalty. Further discussion is possible if requested.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific plan beyond discussions mentioned.

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Q21 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Foreign Affairs
Context

There are concerns about the safety of British citizens in Thailand, with recent undetermined cause deaths.

Question

The Foreign Office recorded over 500 UK national deaths in Thailand in 2022, some due to murder. Does the Minister maintain that UK nationals do not get murdered there?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Our officials closely work with Thailand on these issues, and I am willing to meet to discuss specific consular cases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No confirmation or clarification of murder rates for UK nationals in Thailand was provided.

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Q22 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

UK nationals in Lebanon are facing Home Office restrictions due to their mother's non-citizen status.

Question

Ten-year-old constituents are stuck in the Israeli fire zone in southern Lebanon due to a Home Office restriction. Will the Minister help persuade the Home Office to relent on this issue?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

I am happy to look at the case immediately after Question Time, and I am sure that the Foreign Secretary's talks in the region can advance this.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific action plan or commitment was given regarding resolving the Home Office issue for UK nationals in Lebanon.

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