Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 25 February 2025 · 15 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alison Bennett asked about emergency legislation to seize Russian assets to support Ukraine, to which the Foreign Secretary responded that the issue requires coordinated action with European allies.
  • Joe Morris inquired about the Government's support for the Gaza ceasefire deal, and the Minister confirmed ongoing support through all phases of the agreement.
  • Priti Patel questioned the Government's delay in implementing the foreign influence registration scheme, and the Minister stated that plans for the scheme will be presented shortly.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alison Bennett Lib Dem Mid Sussex
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The question follows discussions about the need for international cooperation to address Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Question

Will the Government bring forward emergency legislation to seize frozen Russian assets and ensure they are repurposed to support Ukraine in the wake of Trump’s talks with Putin? If not, can the Foreign Secretary explain why?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

The hon. Lady raises an important issue. It is not something on which any Government can act alone; we must act with European allies. It was a topic of conversation at the G7 and at the Weimar group. Of course, Europe has to act quickly, and I believe we should move from freezing assets to seizing assets.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to emergency legislation but suggested cooperation with European allies.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Joe Morris Lab Hexham
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question pertains to the ongoing ceasefire deal in Gaza and its future phases.

Question

The Gaza ceasefire deal remains fragile and, as we enter the final week of its first phase, it is crucial that both the Israeli and Palestinian Governments continue to uphold the agreement and reunite families with dignity. Will the Minister assure me that this Government will continue to support the ceasefire deal into its remaining stages and work with international partners such as Jordan and Egypt to secure a lasting peace?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)

I can confirm that we will continue to support the ceasefire deal through all three of its phases, which we hope to see concluded in full. I am working with international partners, as are other Ministers; I saw the Jordanian and Egyptian ambassadors on this question just last week.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Priti Patel Con Witham
Justice & Courts Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The question addresses the international effort to prosecute Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Question

This House stands united with the people of Ukraine. In the light of Putin’s brutality towards the people of Ukraine, what discussions will the Foreign Secretary be having with allies, including his American counterpart, on the international effort to prosecute Russia for the invasion of Ukraine and the sheer barbarism it has inflicted on the people of Ukraine?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for raising the issue of justice and accountability. As she knows, this work was begun under the previous Government, when we led the world in ensuring there were sufficient funds in Ukraine. The Foreign Office supports lawyers working in Ukraine to gather evidence; I will never forget the scenes that I saw in Bucha and the victims I stood with. The UK will not let up on justice. When it comes to accountability, Putin should pay—not the British and European people.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Priti Patel Con Witham
Foreign Affairs Standards & Ethics
Context

The question concerns the foreign influence registration scheme and its implementation.

Question

Russia, Iran and China all pose threats to Britain, and they go out of their way to do us harm. Can the Foreign Secretary explain why the Government have yet to implement the foreign influence registration scheme, which the previous Government legislated for, and can he confirm when it will come in and whether China will be on the enhanced tier?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

Again, the right hon. Lady raises an important issue. We inherited a process that was not quite working; she knows of the issues. We will come forward shortly with our plans for the foreign influence registration scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on implementation timeline or China's tier status.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question is about the UK's response to the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements.

Question

T3. The International Court of Justice delivered its advisory opinion last July, in which it made crystal clear that the illegal settlements at that time were just that—unlawful. Yet we have seen threats to displace Gazans and tanks on the west bank. When will the Government deliver their response to the advisory opinion? Will it be before the conference in Switzerland in a few weeks?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question and for her long commitment to these issues. As I made clear in the Westminster Hall debate on 12 February, the UK respects the independence of the ICJ, and we are considering the court’s advisory opinion with the rigour and seriousness it deserves. We remain clear that Israel should bring an end to its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as rapidly as possible, while making every effort to create the conditions for negotiations towards a two-state solution.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q6 Calum Miller Lib Dem Bicester and Woodstock
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question addresses the situation of British-Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abd el-Fattah.

Question

The whole House will be shocked to learn the worrying news that the mother of British-Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Laila Soueif, was admitted to St Thomas’ hospital last night. She is 68 years old and has been on hunger strike now for 149 days. Will the Foreign Secretary update us on whether the Prime Minister has spoken to the Egyptian President to secure the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah and allow Laila to break her strike?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)

The whole House is engaged in this case, and we are all hoping for Laila’s health. The Prime Minister recently met Laila and the rest of her family—a meeting I was pleased to join—and has undertaken to make every effort to ensure Alaa’s release. We will continue to do so.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q7 Jacob Collier Lab Burton and Uttoxeter
Defence
Context

The question pertains to the strategic defence efforts involving UK commando forces in Norway.

Question

T4. On a recent visit to Camp Viking, I witnessed the vital role that this hub for UK commando forces in the high north plays in our strategic defence efforts. What engagement has the Minister had with our Norwegian counterparts to counter Russian aggression and strengthen our collective security in the region?

Answer from The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Stephen Doughty)

I am delighted that my hon. Friend has visited those incredible commandos during their training. I, too, have visited our Royal Marines and Army commandos in the high north in Norway and witnessed the vital role that they play in our strategic defence efforts. The UK and Norway work closely together as NATO and joint expeditionary force allies. Our Prime Minister signed a strategic partnership agreement in December, and, last week, the Defence Secretary visited Norway to launch a new agreement on deeper defence co-operation. I and the Foreign Secretary have also visited our counterparts, and I can tell my hon. Friend that security and defence co-operation were absolutely at the heart of our efforts and discussions with our Norwegian friends.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q8 Monica Harding Lib Dem Esher and Walton
Ukraine Economy Foreign Affairs
Context

The question addresses the need to protect the UK's development budget amid increased defence spending.

Question

T6. President Trump and Elon Musk slashing US aid was a great day for Russia and China. Will the Foreign Secretary avoid giving them another great day by committing to protect the UK’s development budget, even as we raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP? As he knows, preventing wars is cheaper than fighting them.

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

I am proud of the work that the UK has done over many decades in relation to development: the work that I have seen in Ukraine, in Gaza and in Sudan. All of that work will, of course, continue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explicitly commit to protecting the budget but emphasized the importance of ongoing development efforts.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q9 Fred Thomas Lab Plymouth Moor View
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question focuses on steps taken to deter further Russian aggression towards European borders.

Question

T5. The security of Europe is absolutely paramount. What new steps is the Secretary of State taking to address this, specifically in terms of deterring further Russian invasion and aggression?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

I can confirm that we will continue to support the ceasefire deal through all three of its phases, which we hope to see concluded in full. I am working with international partners, as are other Ministers; I saw the Jordanian and Egyptian ambassadors on this question just last week.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address steps to deter Russian aggression but focused on supporting ceasefire efforts.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q10 Robin Swann Ulster Unionist Party South Antrim
Northern Ireland Foreign Affairs
Context

A Minister in the Foreign Office had previously challenged the Northern Ireland Executive to be more robust in their reporting of international affairs and meetings. Recent meetings between the First Minister, Deputy First Minister, and the Chinese consul have not been reported or shared.

Question

In January, a Minister in the Foreign Office said that they would challenge the Northern Ireland Executive to be more robust in their reporting of international affairs and meetings. At the start of this month, the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister met again with the Chinese consul, but still no details of that meeting or previous meetings have been reported or shared. Has that challenge been made, and what was the response?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Catherine West)

We regularly engage with Northern Ireland on all matters of foreign policy. However, this Chinese consular matter is not something that Ministers can discuss at the Dispatch Box.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific challenge and response was not addressed directly; instead, a general statement about engagement was provided.

How: This Is Not Something That Ministers Can Discuss At The Dispatch Box

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q11 Joe Powell Lab Kensington and Bayswater
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK Government announced a large sanctions package against Russia. The questioner seeks to know if China should take a more proactive role in preventing its companies from supporting Russia.

Question

T7. I warmly welcome the massive sanctions package announced yesterday by the Government, but does the Foreign Secretary agree that China should be taking a significantly more proactive role in preventing its companies from supplying Russia’s military?

Answer from The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)

I thank my hon. Friend for his praise and support for the action that the Foreign Secretary has just mentioned. This was our largest ever sanctions package since the start of Russia’s illegal and barbarous invasion. We and our G7 allies are absolutely clear on the principle that Russia must pay for the damage that it is causing to Ukraine, and we of course look at third country routes by which support is being given to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine. As part of the package announced yesterday we are taking a number of steps in that regard, including with companies in China.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q12 Al Pinkerton Lib Dem Surrey Heath
Foreign Affairs Environment
Context

The FCDO may revisit the issue of explicit carbon monoxide warnings on travel advisory pages. The questioner wants to encourage the Front-Bench team to ensure that this change is made in the name of a constituent.

Question

Last week, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), left open the possibility that the FCDO might revisit the issue of explicit carbon monoxide warnings on FCDO travel advisory pages—a change that we contend would have a cascading effect on the UK travel industry, drive up the use of carbon monoxide alarms and save lives of British travellers overseas. May I encourage the Front-Bench team to pick up this issue in the name of my constituent, Hudson Foley, to ensure that the lives of British travellers overseas are kept safe?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)

I can confirm that I will be adding information to our dedicated page for independent travellers to highlight the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning globally. I shall be writing to Cathy Foley, who I was moved to meet, and to the hon. Member.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q13 Sonia Kumar Lab Dudley
NHS
Context

Gaza's healthcare system is devastated, and many civilians need urgent medical treatment not available in Gaza. The questioner seeks to ensure that the Government continue to raise this issue with Israel.

Question

Gaza’s healthcare system has been devastated, and many civilians are in desperate need of treatment and specialist care, which is not available in Gaza itself. Will the Minister ensure that the Government continue to raise with Israel the importance of allowing safe passage out of Gaza for those children in need of urgent medical treatment? Will they consider additional evacuation routes for critically unwell children?

Answer from The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that important question. We have been working closely with Egypt, which has sought to support many of those requiring medical assistance. Across Government we continue to look carefully at this issue, but Gazans need healthcare support in Gaza, and the UK Government have been supporting that.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q14 James Cleverly Con Braintree
Defence
Context

The questioner asks about the commitment of spending 3% of GDP on defence, emphasizing its importance for international influence and encouraging other European countries.

Question

As I am sure those on the Treasury Bench know, soft power and diplomacy are most effective when they are backed up by hard power. When will the Government commit to spending 3% of GDP on defence, to make sure that we have a real voice at the international table to encourage European countries to increase their defence spending?

Answer from Lammy

Why did the right hon. Gentleman not decide to do that? The Conservatives left it to this Government to get back to 2.5%, which we last had under a Labour Government. The right hon. Gentleman should have done it, and we are going to do it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The commitment to spending was not directly answered; instead, the response focused on past performance and future plans.

How: Redirecting The Question To Past Conservative Policy

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q15 Sadik Al-Hassan Lab North Somerset
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The questioner looks forward to improved relations between the UK and Iraq under a Labour Government. The question seeks recent conversations on reducing trade barriers.

Question

I look forward to seeing relations between the UK and Iraq blossom in the years to come under this Labour Government. Will the Minister share the recent conversations that he has had with Iraqi counterparts on reducing barriers to trade, such as diverging trade regimes?

Answer from Falconer

I was very pleased to meet the Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr Fuad Hussein during the official visit of Prime Minister Al Sudani to the UK from 14 to 16 January. During that visit our two Prime Ministers signed the landmark partnership and co-operation agreement, a wide-ranging treaty on trade and strategic co-operation, and announced a trade package worth up to £12.3 billion.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email