Topical Questions 2020-01-29
2020-01-29
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
In August, Alok Sharma announced an International Development Infrastructure Commission to mobilise additional private sector funds alongside public money to meet the UN's $2.5 trillion annual requirement for sustainable development goals.
I am concerned about my departmental responsibilities and would like a statement on them. Specifically, I want to know if the Secretary of State can make an update on preparations for COP26 in Glasgow.
A successful delivery of COP26 in November is a key priority for the Government, and cross-departmental work is being co-ordinated through the Cabinet Office. It is vital for current and future generations that all of us around the world step up to the challenge.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific preparations or timeline was provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
At the UK-Africa investment summit, almost £2 billion-worth of new energy deals were struck for fossil fuels. The Department disclosed that the event cost more than £15 million of aid money.
I am concerned about the spending of UK aid money on expanding fossil fuels overseas. Can you clarify your Department's policy on this issue?
If the hon. Gentleman had read the communiqué that came out of the summit, he would have seen not only the billions of pounds of investment, but the UK support going to developing countries. He always castigates private investment, but perhaps he ought to read what the UN Secretary-General wrote in November in the Financial Times.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether aid money was spent on business-class flights or five-star hotels
Changed Subject
Referenced Other Documents
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
At the UK-Africa investment summit, almost £2 billion-worth of new energy deals were struck for fossil fuels. The Department disclosed that the event cost more than £15 million of aid money.
I am concerned about the spending of UK aid money on expanding fossil fuels overseas and want to know if any of the £15 million was spent on business-class flights or five-star hotels, and how can he justify using taxpayers' funds for fossil fuel companies during a climate catastrophe?
I think the answer was given earlier by the Minister of State, Department for International Development, my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson), in respect of the statement the Prime Minister made at the Africa investment summit.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether aid money was spent on business-class flights or five-star hotels
Referred To Another Mp
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK-Africa investment summit highlighted the UK's distinct offer to support clean growth, and their expertise in low-carbon sectors and green finance.
I am interested in the measures being taken to empower the women's economy in developing countries. Can you provide more information on this?
Women and girls are very much at the heart of our approach to economic development, and I am sure that all colleagues would agree that no society can truly flourish if half the population is held back. At the UK-Africa investment summit, I announced further support for our work and opportunities for women programme, which will help at least 100,000 additional women to achieve better paid and more secure work.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK has a strategy to empower the women's economy in many developing countries.
I want to know what measures are being taken by his Department to empower the women's economy in many developing countries.
Women and girls are very much at the heart of our approach to economic development, and I am sure that all colleagues would agree that no society can truly flourish if half the population is held back. At the UK-Africa investment summit, I announced further support for our work and opportunities for women programme, which will help at least 100,000 additional women to achieve better paid and more secure work.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State announced further support for the work and opportunities for women programme, which will help at least 100,000 additional women to achieve better paid and more secure work.
Will he confirm that educating and employing women and girls will remain a key strategy for his Department?
Absolutely it will.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK has a major responsibility for the plastic pollution we see, particularly in developing countries.
What work are the UK Government doing to stop the trade in and export of plastic pollution from the UK?
I set out earlier what we are doing in this particular area. There is a legitimate export market for plastic waste and secondary raw material, but we take firm action against those engaged in the illegal export of contaminated, low-quality and unrecyclable plastic waste.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
There are issues with the allocation of British funding to the Kurdistan region, which has accommodated more than 1 million refugees and displaced people since 2014.
I want to pay tribute to the region for accommodating more than 1 million refugees and displaced people since 2014. Can you confirm that there are no delays in allocating British funding?
I most certainly do join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the Kurdistan Regional Government and other Governments in the area, who are helping. I am not aware of any delays to the allocation to which my hon. Friend refers, but I am happy to look into the matter.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm no delays exist
Response accuracy