Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the government's response to the Beirut explosion and its aftermath, noting that the Lebanese people were already suffering from civil war consequences.
What steps are the Government taking to support the Lebanese people since the explosion in Lebanon on 4 August 2020? The MP mentioned the UK medical, humanitarian, military, and logistics experts deployed after the blast and asked about further actions.
Our thoughts remain with those affected by the Beirut explosion. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and I spoke with Lebanese officials. We deployed medical, humanitarian, military, and logistical support immediately after the blast. The UK committed £25 million to help the most vulnerable people in Lebanon.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the government's efforts to bring about a stable political settlement in Lebanon, especially regarding Magnitsky-style sanctions.
What is being done by the Minister to help bring political stability to Lebanon? The MP also asked if the Foreign Secretary would consider introducing Magnitsky-style sanctions if any political leaders were found culpable for destabilising actions. He highlighted the need for international support in this matter.
My right hon. Friends have engaged with Lebanese officials to ensure stability. We support Lebanon through various means, including military aid. Our humanitarian efforts are aligned with diplomatic ones. Future designations under our autonomous sanctions regime will be reviewed but cannot be speculated upon now.
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Assessment & feedback
Future designations under the Magnitsky sanctions regime
Not Wishing To Speculate
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the resumption of safe and legal routes for refugees to enter the UK, highlighting the need for action amidst ongoing issues in Lebanon.
Now that the pandemic situation is stabilising, will the Minister take steps this week to assist in restoring safe refugee resettlement routes from Lebanon? The MP highlighted the Prime Minister's previous commitment of helping 20,000 vulnerable refugees and suggested reopening these routes as a priority.
As of March this year, the UK had taken in 19,768 out of 20,000 committed refugees under the Prime Minister's initiative. Future acceptances will depend on the pandemic situation and will be reviewed.
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Assessment & feedback
Immediate action towards reopening resettlement routes
Covid Situation Review
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about conversations between the UK and other countries regarding potential investment to aid Lebanon's economic recovery, given concerns over Hezbollah.
Has my right hon. Friend had discussions with counterparts in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf states on what they can do to help Lebanon? The MP mentioned the reluctance of investors due to fears about funding going to Hezbollah.
My hon. Friend is correct; we have spoken with our friends across the region about supporting the Lebanese people. We can assure him that UK money committed to support Lebanon was targeted directly at vulnerable individuals and did not go through Hezbollah.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the UK Government's plans to work with international allies, such as France, on aid delivery and Beirut port reconstruction.
How are the Government planning to collaborate with international partners like France to ensure rapid aid delivery and port reconstruction in Lebanon? The MP highlighted the importance of Beirut as a crucial entry point for UN aid to the region.
My right hon. Friends engaged swiftly at high levels and coordinated with international leaders. British experts were deployed to help with the port's technical rebuilding efforts, demonstrating our commitment to the Lebanese people.
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Assessment & feedback
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