Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence against Women and Girls

Tuesday 16 June 2026 · 4 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister made violence against women and girls a priority for the Foreign Office.
  • Launched an international coalition to end violence against women and girls, working with several countries.
  • Commits to maintaining and strengthening the priority of women and girls in overseas development aid, aiming for at least 90% of UK bilateral aid to support issues related to women and girls by 2030.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Anna Dixon Lab Shipley
Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

Violence against women and girls is a global issue that requires international cooperation.

Question

What steps are you taking with your international counterparts to help tackle violence against women and girls?

Answer from Yvette Cooper

I have made violence against women and girls a priority for the Foreign Office. Last month, I launched an international coalition to end violence against women and girls, working with Spain, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Jamaica, Morocco, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Answered
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Q2 Anna Dixon Lab Shipley
Women & Equalities
Context

Recent budget cuts may affect development aid programs that aim to reduce violence against women and girls.

Question

Jo Cox was a strong advocate for overseas development aid. Will you assure me that recent cuts will not have an adverse impact on projects helping to reduce the incidence of violence against women and girls?

Answer from Yvette Cooper

We are clear that as part of changes to overseas development, we will maintain and strengthen the priority of women and girls, so that by 2030 at least 90% of UK bilateral aid will support issues relating to women and girls.

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Q3 Caroline Voaden Lib Dem South Devon
Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

A UN report and a consortium report highlight systematic use of rape and sexual violence by Israeli settlers.

Question

Will you commit to publishing a response to both reports detailing abuse and violence against women and girls in the west bank?

Answer from Yvette Cooper

We take the abuse of and violence against women and girls in situations of conflict seriously. We are looking at issues relating to the West Bank, including those raised with us by hon. Members.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to publish a specific response was not given

How: Looking At Issues

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Q4 Priti Patel Con Witham
Crime & Law Enforcement Foreign Affairs
Context

Daesh fighters who return to Britain are involved in crimes, including sexual violence. The International Criminal Court suspended Karim Khan over sexual misconduct.

Question

What steps are being taken to investigate and prosecute Daesh fighters for their crimes, and what is the Government's response to the suspension of Karim Khan from the International Criminal Court?

Answer from Yvette Cooper

We take allegations extremely seriously in any institution. We expect accountability for crimes of sexual violence, whether that is by individuals who come to the UK or issues across the world. We are also supporting expert evidence gathering in areas of conflict.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on steps for investigating and prosecuting Daesh fighters were not provided

How: Cannot Comment In Detail

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