Topical Questions

2026-06-16

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
John Whitby Lab
Derbyshire Dales
Context
An Iran-US agreement has been announced. The UK is involved in discussions to support regional stability and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
I want to formally welcome the fact that an agreement has been announced between the United States and Iran. We should be clear that this is an important diplomatic breakthrough, but it is still just the beginning of further discussions and negotiations that will be important to de-escalate tensions, restore regional stability and reopen the strait of Hormuz.
I want to formally welcome the fact that an agreement has been announced between the United States and Iran. We should be clear that this is an important diplomatic breakthrough, but it is still just the beginning of further discussions and negotiations that will be important to de-escalate tensions, restore regional stability and reopen the strait of Hormuz.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
John Whitby Lab
Derbyshire Dales
Context
At COP29, an agreement was reached to provide $300 billion of international climate finance annually to developing countries by 2035.
What steps is the Department taking to ensure that this commitment is delivered in full by our international partners, and will the Government press for that finance to be provided predominantly as grants rather than loans to avoid increasing debt burdens on developing countries?
My hon. Friend is right to raise the importance of this issue. Tackling climate change across the world helps in those countries, but it also helps us here at home. That is why we are supporting climate finance internationally, because we can multiply the impact we have by working through international climate finance and funds. As well as the billions of pounds of investment that the UK will be providing, we are mobilising billions more in finance from the private sector.
Assessment & feedback
Will the Government press for the finance to be provided predominantly as grants?
We Are Supporting Climate Finance Internationally
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Priti Patel Con
Witham
Context
China's human rights record is concerning, especially regarding the use of slave labour to supply solar panels across UK schools and hospitals.
Did the Foreign Secretary know, while she was enjoying the hospitality of the Chinese Communist party earlier this month, that Chinese slave labour is being used to supply solar panels across UK schools and hospitals to meet Labour's net zero targets? How has the Foreign Secretary allowed this to happen, and does she think it is acceptable for her Government to be turning a blind eye to Chinese slave labour and these awful human rights abuses?
I can be clear that this Government maintain high standards across our supply chains and are strengthening action against abuse within supply chains. While in China earlier this month, I raised issues around human rights and security.
Assessment & feedback
Does she think it is acceptable for her Government to be turning a blind eye to Chinese slave labour?
I Can Be Clear That This Government Maintain High Standards Across Our Supply Chains
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Priti Patel Con
Witham
Context
A secret camera was found in an office block where the plans for the Chinese spy hub super-embassy were approved.
Can she say whether this act of foreign espionage will be investigated, and does this incident not once again highlight why China must be placed on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme?
The shadow Foreign Secretary and I are both former Home Secretaries who take any security threats immensely seriously. That is why the Government are strengthening the legislation on state-backed threats—because we take security issues so seriously.
Assessment & feedback
Will this act of foreign espionage be investigated?
The Shadow Foreign Secretary And I Are Both Former Home Secretaries Who Take Any Security Threats Immensely Seriously
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Q5 Partial Answer
Daniel Francis Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
Context
Members of the Tamil community are concerned about accountability for atrocities committed during the civil war in Sri Lanka.
Can my hon. Friend outline the measures her Department is taking to press for accountability for both the historical and current persecution of Tamils in Sri Lanka?
We recognise the strength of feeling among diaspora communities and continue to press the Sri Lankan Government bilaterally and at the United Nations Human Rights Council for meaningful progress to improve the human rights situation. That includes securing truth, justice and accountability for past abuses affecting all communities, including Tamils.
Assessment & feedback
We Recognise The Strength Of Feeling Among Diaspora Communities
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Q6 Partial Answer
Edward Morello Lib Dem
West Dorset
Context
Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to seize control of 70% of the Gaza strip, destroying homes and causing an estimated $53 billion in damage.
What is the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office doing with European allies to help the Palestinian people?
I met with European partners and others in Paris on Friday to discuss the importance of providing new energy behind not just the two-state solution but, specifically, the Gaza 20-point plan. That is why we have announced the international peace fund.
Assessment & feedback
I Met With European Partners And Others In Paris
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Q7 Partial Answer
Luke Charters Lab
York Outer
Context
Anthropic has suspended access to Fable 5 and Mythos 5 for foreign nationals outside the US, raising concerns about UK's diplomatic goals.
With Anthropic being ordered to suspend access to Fable 5 and Mythos 5 for foreign nationals outside the US, will the FCDO pursue reliable UK access to frontier AI models as a diplomatic goal?
Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models have been withdrawn worldwide, including in the US. We respect that this is a decision for the US Government and are in direct contact with US Government officials as this develops. It reinforces the importance of Britain having greater sovereign control over critical technology and maintaining our national capabilities for us and our allies.
Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly state whether pursuing reliable UK access to frontier AI models will be a diplomatic goal
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Clive Jones Lib Dem
Wokingham
Context
Two people were convicted of spying on Hong Kong dissidents in the UK, one being a UK immigration officer.
What is the Minister doing to better protect Hongkongers in Wokingham and across the UK who are concerned about growing Chinese influence threatening their freedom and safety?
We are very clear that the UK will not tolerate any attempts by foreign states to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the United Kingdom. That continues to be our position.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or actions being taken to protect Hongkongers
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Jessica Morden Lab
Newport East
Context
Russia is using economic pressure to undermine Armenia's ties with the UK and Europe.
What more can we do on a practical level, through our strategic partnership and alongside EU allies, to support Armenia as it continues to pursue European integration?
I congratulate my hon. Friend on her damehood, which is well deserved, and on her consistent advocacy in relation to Armenia. I can assure her that we are monitoring the concerning situation regarding Russian economic pressure on Armenia. We are developing our strategic partnership further.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions or commitments
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem
North East Fife
Context
The FCDO sent representatives to meet women's organizations in Afghanistan.
May I seek assurances about the safety of those women's organisations going forward, and ask for a written statement on the outcomes and context of that meeting?
We call on the Taliban to respect the rights of women and girls, including the right to education, and condemn any ongoing restrictions. I will raise the hon. Member's question with the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Falconer), who is travelling, and ensure that she gets a full written answer.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide assurances regarding safety
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Sarah Edwards Lab
Tamworth
Context
The Midlands had its first defence procurement conference.
What opportunities are the ministerial team trying to develop in region, so that we can work with our allies to make the most of export business opportunities?
We are building long-term partnerships between UK regions and our global network to support local growth, including in the west midlands and with more ministerial and head of mission visits across the UK this year.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific opportunities or commitments
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Afzal Khan Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Context
The ICJ directed third states not to enter into trade dealings with Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories two years ago.
Does the Secretary of State recognise the UK's obligations to the ICJ, and will it comply?
The UK reiterates the call in the ICJ's advisory opinion that Israel should end its occupation of Palestine as rapidly as possible and in line with our goal of a two-state solution.
Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly state recognition or compliance
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Gareth Bacon Con
Orpington
Context
Hamas has not voluntarily disarmed in accordance with the peace plan.
What is the Government's practical strategy to ensure that Hamas is compelled to give up its weapons, cannot rebuild its military capabilities, and does not divert humanitarian aid?
Hamas is a terrorist organisation, and we have been clear that it must decommission its weaponry and no longer be allowed to pose a threat to Israel's security. The UK is committed to supporting the implementation of the 20-point Gaza peace plan in full.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific strategies or actions
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Anneliese Dodds Lab Co-op
Oxford East
Context
The Foreign Secretary visited Chad, which is dealing with a significant refugee crisis.
Will the Prime Minister be raising the Sudan crisis at the G7, because it must be raised at every international gathering? Is the UK advocating for countries such as Chad to be included in international talks?
I welcome my right hon. Friend visiting Chad and raising this issue, and I assure her that I have already raised it as part of the G7, when the G7 Foreign Ministers had a significant discussion.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if UK will advocate for inclusion of affected countries in talks
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Bob Blackman Con
Harrow East
Context
Pakistani security forces have fired on peaceful demonstrators, resulting in over 30 deaths and more than 200 injuries, including British nationals. The situation is drawing international attention.
In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Pakistani security forces have fired on peaceful demonstrators who were standing for human rights, and the right to food and proper security in their area. More than 30 people were killed, and more than 200 injured, including British nationals. What action has the Secretary of State taken to call in the Pakistani high commissioner and say not only that that is unacceptable, but ask what action is being taken to protect innocent bystanders?
We are concerned about developments in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including the loss of life of security personnel and civilians. We recognise that it is an internal matter for the authorities, but we changed our travel advice on 6 June to advise against all but essential travel to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region due to the ongoing situation. We continue closely to monitor the situation, including the impact on British nationals, engaging with the Government of Pakistan as appropriate.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific ask about calling in the Pakistani high commissioner or asking what action is being taken to protect innocent bystanders.
It Is An Internal Matter For The Authorities
Response accuracy
Q16 Direct Answer
Adam Jogee Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Context
The UK will take the chair of the G20 in January, providing a platform to lead international conversations and deliver domestically. The questioner seeks details on the UK's agenda.
Next January, the United Kingdom will take the chair of the G20, providing our country with a real platform to lead international conversations and to deliver here at home. Will the Minister tell the House what our priorities will be when we take the chair and what plans we have across Government to make the most of this unique position?
Tackling structural imbalances, future industries, open trade and reforming global economic systems to support developing countries will be our focus as we move into chairing the G20. The FCDO will play an important part co-ordinating the work across Government via the Cabinet Office.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Gregory Campbell DUP
East Londonderry
Context
An exhibition, '06:29AM—The Moment Music Stood Still', aims to provide information on the scale of murders in Israel and the Middle East. The questioner seeks support for the event.
Will the Secretary of State join me in recommending that people visit the “06:29AM—The Moment Music Stood Still” exhibition that I and colleagues visited this morning in London, which shows examples of what happened on 7 October, so that we may all get more rounded information on why there is such a scale of horrendous murder in Israel and the Middle East?
We continue to condemn the horrendous attacks on 7 October, which were an act of the most barbaric terrorism by Hamas and left deep scars for families who lost loved ones. Huge trauma was instigated as a result and it was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific ask about recommending the exhibition.
Condemned Terrorism
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Lloyd Hatton Lab
South Dorset
Context
British tax havens, such as the British Virgin Islands, are major contributors to billions of pounds not making it to Treasury coffers annually. An illicit finance summit offers an opportunity to tackle tax evasion.
Every year, billions of pounds never make their way to the Treasury coffers because of British tax havens, such as the British Virgin Islands. The upcoming illicit finance summit offers us a real opportunity to tackle tax evasion and dirty money in these havens. Ahead of the summit, does the Minister agree that we must ensure that these havens finally throw open their books, and that tackling tax dodging must be top of the agenda?
The illicit finance summit will convene a broad coalition to tackle dirty money globally and focus on financial transparency, property, crypto and illicit gold. The Crown dependencies and overseas territories with financial centres have committed to upholding international tax standards.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific ask about ensuring that tax havens throw open their books and tackling tax dodging.
Commitment To Uphold Standards
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Greg Smith Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Context
Chinese companies are involved in the manufacture of solar panels using slave labour, as well as mining cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The questioner seeks action against this practice.
My right hon. Friend the shadow Foreign Secretary rightly challenged the Government on the use of Chinese slave labour in the manufacture of solar panels. Chinese companies also dominate the mining companies using slave labour to extract cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo, so how much more needs to happen for the Government to challenge this evil use of slave labour, particularly by the Chinese state?
Following on from the Foreign Secretary's comments, we stand resolute in support of human rights around the world, including in supply chains. We continue to raise the issue with Governments and the international community at every available opportunity.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific ask about what actions are necessary for the government to challenge slave labour practices.
Stand Resolute In Support
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Ben Goldsborough Lab
South Norfolk
Context
Jimmy Lai's incarceration and the persecution of Hongkongers in the UK by China are deeply concerning. The questioner seeks government action to address these issues.
The incarceration of Jimmy Lai and the persecution of Hongkongers in the United Kingdom by China is deeply wrong and disturbing. Will the Secretary of State set out what action the UK will be taking to ensure our concerns are heard and action is taken to protect Hongkongers living in the United Kingdom?
I raised the case of Jimmy Lai during my meetings in China, we will continue to raise it. We believe that he needs to be released as swiftly as possible. We take the safety of Hongkongers across the UK immensely seriously.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific ask about what actions are being taken by the government to ensure concerns are heard and action is taken.
Raised Case During Meetings
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Christine Jardine Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Context
Many Scottish football fans were refused ESTAs, causing significant financial losses due to cancelled travel plans. The questioner seeks clarity on the issue and potential solutions.
Watching coverage of the football in America, it may be difficult to believe that a great number of Scottish football fans were refused ESTAs—the electronic system for travel authorisation—at the last minute, after they had previously been approved, costing them thousands of pounds in cancelled airfares and hotels. Will the Minister tell us whether there have been conversations with the American authorities about how this has happened and how to avoid it, and will she impress on them the economic loss that they will face from all those missed alcohol sales?
We wish Scotland very well and congratulate the team on their success against Haiti. The hon. Lady raises an important point. I have raised these issues with the US Government, as has our embassy in Washington.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific ask about conversations with American authorities and actions to prevent future occurrences.
Congratulated Scottish Team
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Imran Hussain Lab
Bradford East
Context
More than 60 parliamentarians have expressed concern about escalating tensions in Azad Kashmir, including reports of bloodshed and arbitrary arrests.
I am the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Kashmir. I have written to the Foreign Secretary raising concerns around serious escalation in tensions in Azad Kashmir, including reports of bloodshed, arbitrary arrests and food blockages. Will she reassure this House that she will use all diplomatic levers open to her to push for peace and justice in Kashmir? That includes the lifting of the lockdown, the restoration of all communications and the immediate resumption of peaceful table talks, at the heart of which must remain respect for Kashmiri human rights.
My hon. Friend will know how seriously we take this situation. We continue to monitor it closely—including, as has been raised, the impact on British nationals—and to ensure that we continue to engage with the Government of Pakistan where appropriate.
Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about lifting lockdown and restoring communication was not directly addressed
We Take This Situation Seriously
Response accuracy
Q23 Direct Answer
Martin Vickers Con
Brigg and Immingham
Context
The all-party parliamentary group on Gibraltar visited the Rock to assess responses to the proposed treaty.
Last month, along with other members of the all-party parliamentary group on Gibraltar, I visited the Rock in order to assess responses to the proposed treaty at first hand. Will the Minister give us an update? When does he anticipate that the treaty will be finalised?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his consistent advocacy on Gibraltar. We are committed to finalising this treaty imminently. The draft treaty text is undergoing its final legal checks, and as he will know, a draft was previously deposited in the House with a summary on 26 February. We look forward to signature imminently, and the provisional application is expected on 15 July.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Douglas McAllister Lab
West Dunbartonshire
Context
The Foreign Secretary raised the case of a constituent during her recent visit to India.
I thank the Foreign Secretary for raising the case of my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal during her recent visit to India. Will she update the House on whether her discussions were positive? Are we any closer to securing Jagtar's release and return home to West Dunbartonshire?
My hon. Friend is right. I raised this while I was in India, and I know how much he has been championing his constituent's case. There is concern about the length of time without a resolution, and we will continue to raise it.
Assessment & feedback
Specific ask on securing Jagtar's release was not directly addressed
There Is Concern We Will Continue To Raise
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Q25 Partial Answer
Monica Harding Lib Dem
Esher and Walton
Context
The international fact-finding mission has noted evidence of a genocide following the fall of El Fasher.
The world has failed Sudan. We know that the international fact-finding mission has noted evidence of a genocide following the fall of El Fasher. What is the UK doing as penholder at the UN to ensure that the belligerents responsible are being held to account, as well as the state actors aiding and abetting them?
I continue to raise Sudan in every international forum. We have to keep a spotlight on what is the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century. That includes shining a spotlight on international arms flows—more than a dozen countries are involved—and it involves pressure on the parties involved to agree some kind of ceasefire or humanitarian truce so that we can get humanitarian support in and start to build a better future for Sudan.
Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about holding accountable belligerents was not directly addressed
We Have To Keep A Spotlight It Involves Pressure
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