Topical Questions 2026-04-21

2026-04-21

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Naseem Shah Lab
Bradford West
Context
UK Security Vetting recommended against gra [3D [K granting vetting of Peter Mandelson, and the Foreign Office granted the vet [3D [K vetting instead.
If she will make a statement on her departmental [K responsibilities regarding UK Security Vetting's recommendation against gra [3D [K granting vetting to Peter Mandelson and the decision by the Foreign Office [K to grant it.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister updated the House tha [3D [K that UK Security Vetting recommended against granting vetting of Peter Mand [4D [K Mandelson and that the Foreign Office granted it instead. The permanent und [3D [K under-secretary is no longer in post, and I have commissioned a review of a [1D [K all information provided.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about the steps [K taken to address the issue or commit to providing more detailed information [11D [K information.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Naseem Shah Lab
Bradford West
Context
Modern warfare involves ballistic and hyper [5D [K hypersonic missiles that can overwhelm traditional air defence systems, wea [3D [K weaponising energy supplies, food security, and critical goods.
As modern warfare evolves, with ballistic and hyp [3D [K hypersonic missiles capable of overwhelming traditional air defence systems [7D [K systems, will the Foreign Secretary set out specific steps taken by the For [3D [K Foreign Office in coordination with the Ministry of Defence to prepare for [K these threats?
My hon. Friend is right to highlight changing techn [5D [K technology, geopolitics, and security threats. We are increasing both the d [1D [K defence budget and the Foreign Office's work around a range of hybrid threa [5D [K threats, including cyber, and we will need to continue to do so.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps or actions taken b [1D [K by the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Priti Patel Con
Witham
Context
Sir Olly Robbins said there was a dismissiv [9D [K dismissive attitude and pressure from No. 10 towards security vetting due t [1D [K to its desire to get Mandelson in post as soon as possible.
Given Sir Olly Robbins' account, why did the Fore [4D [K Foreign Secretary lose confidence in him last week? Is it true that the Pri [3D [K Prime Minister passed the buck for his own failures and appalling judgment? [9D [K judgment?
The starting point was the appointment of Peter Man [3D [K Mandelson; he should never have been appointed to his post. The Prime Minis [5D [K Minister has apologised, and Ministers have a responsibility to provide acc [3D [K accurate information to the House and ensure that we get that information f [1D [K from officials.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address why confidence was lost in Sir Ol [2D [K Olly Robbins directly or confirm/disprove passing the buck.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Priti Patel Con
Witham
Context
Peter Mandelson was on the board of Sistema [7D [K Sistema alongside Russian spies, and concerns were raised during his securi [6D [K security vetting.
Has she now checked whether the concerns raised d [1D [K during Peter Mandelson's security vetting related to his business links wit [3D [K with Russia and China? Has she asked for mitigations mentioned by Sir Olly [K Robbins this morning?
I have been informed of the conclusions of UK Secur [5D [K Security Vetting's report and assessment, but I have not seen the detailed [K content. The Prime Minister has instigated a full investigation by Sir Adri [4D [K Adrian Fulford into this process and what was known, as well as the whole v [1D [K vetting process.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm or deny checks made on business l [1D [K links or request for mitigations.
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Oliver Ryan Ind
Burnley
Context
There have been 78 violent attacks in more [K than 148 Palestinian settlements in the West Bank since the Iran war began. [6D [K began.
Despite the Government's recognition of a Palesti [7D [K Palestinian state, with 56 new illegal west bank settlements approved by Is [2D [K Israel in 2025 and ongoing violence, what can the UK do to pressure, sancti [6D [K sanction and stop this annexation and violence?
I have raised concerns about the west bank with cou [3D [K counterparts from the United States, high representatives from the board of [2D [K of peace, and most importantly with the Palestinian Prime Minister. Settlem [7D [K Settlements are expanding at an historic rate and causing deep controversy [K both in Israel and this House.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions to pressure, san [3D [K sanction or stop annexation and violence.
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Calum Miller Lib Dem
Bicester and Woodstock
Context
There were reports that officials in No. 10 [2D [K 10 pressured the FCDO to appoint Matthew Doyle, a friend of a convicted sex [3D [K sex offender.
This morning the Foreign Affairs Committee learne [6D [K learned about pressure put by No. 10 on FCDO to hire Matthew Doyle as ambas [5D [K ambassador. Does the Foreign Secretary see a pattern here? Was she informed [8D [K informed about this proposal from No. 10? Will she commit to investigating [K and publishing records held by FCDO regarding this appointment?
I was not involved in that case, so I do not know t [1D [K the circumstances. It would not have been an appropriate appointment. As fo [2D [K for FCDO staffing decisions, it is concerning if officials were told not to [2D [K to inform the Foreign Secretary about proposals from No. 10.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask regarding publishing and investi [7D [K investigating records was not directly addressed.
Did Not Provide A Commitment
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Rachel Blake Lab Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Context
Sudan faces a severe humanitarian crisis wi [2D [K with millions needing assistance. An estimated 130 humanitarian workers hav [3D [K have been killed.
The UK attended the third international conferenc [9D [K conference on Sudan's situation last week. What did the conference say abou [4D [K about establishing humanitarian corridors to ensure aid delivery?
The Berlin conference called for an urgent ceasefir [8D [K ceasefire and humanitarian access. Over ÂŁ1 billion was pledged, including ÂŁ [1D [K ÂŁ146 million from the UK this year.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps to establish human [5D [K humanitarian corridors.
Focused On Pledges But Not Concrete Steps
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Robin Swann UUP
South Antrim
Context
Sir Olly Robbins was dismissed from his pos [3D [K position after a security vetting recommendation against him.
The Foreign Secretary has paid tribute to Sir Oll [3D [K Olly Robbins multiple times. Can I ask what grounds led to his dismissal an [2D [K and if he had the opportunity to defend himself?
Ministers should have been informed about the secur [5D [K security vetting recommendation against Peter Mandelson. The Prime Minister [8D [K Minister spoke to Sir Olly before making the decision.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide reasons for dismissal or opportun [8D [K opportunity to respond.
Focused On Information Disclosure But Not Spec [4D [K Specific Dismissal Details
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Dave Robertson Lab
Lichfield
Context
Concerns about the impact of Iran's situati [7D [K situation on fuel and fertiliser prices in the UK.
My constituents are concerned about the cost of l [1D [K living due to issues with Iran. What steps is the Department taking to ensu [4D [K ensure that fuels and fertilisers can reach market without price increases? [10D [K increases?
I have been pursuing diplomatic meetings with five [K countries and 12 Foreign Ministers. The Chancellor will make a statement sh [2D [K shortly regarding domestic issues.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific issue of fuel and fe [2D [K fertiliser prices.
Changed Subject To Diplomatic Efforts
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Will Forster Lib Dem
Woking
Context
The EU is meant to be taking a tougher line [4D [K line on Israel following Viktor Orbán's defeat in Hungary.
Many constituents are concerned about Netanyahu's [11D [K Netanyahu's actions in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank. Will this country j [1D [K join the EU in taking a tougher line against Israel?
The Government have not ignored events in Lebanon o [1D [K or Israel-Palestine. I was in Beirut last week and met with the Palestinian [11D [K Palestinian Prime Minister. The EU's actions are a matter for itself.
Assessment & feedback
Did not answer whether UK will align with EU on t [1D [K tougher stance.
Changed Subject To Diplomatic Activities
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Gill Furniss Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Context
A constituent from Somaliland is concerned [K about privacy and data protection regarding the new e-visa system introduce [9D [K introduced by Somalia.
In my constituency, I met a young woman who lost [K 14 family members to fighting in Somaliland. She is wary of using the e-vis [5D [K e-visa system due to privacy concerns. Will the Minister raise these issues [6D [K issues with Somali counterparts?
The British embassy in Mogadishu has raised e-visa [K issues with Somalia's Federal Government. We will update travel advice as n [1D [K necessary.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a clear commitment to raise priva [5D [K privacy concerns specifically.
Acknowledged Issue But Did Not Commit
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Ben Maguire Lib Dem
North Cornwall
Context
Sudan faces a civil war, famine affecting m [1D [K millions and displacement of around 14 million people. Aid delivery is obst [4D [K obstructed by warring factions.
Last week marked three years since Sudan's ongoin [6D [K ongoing civil war began. What are the Government doing to combat obstructio [10D [K obstruction of aid delivery by Rapid Support Forces and other warring facti [5D [K factions?
We discussed this issue at the Berlin conference. W [1D [K We urge all parties to allow humanitarian access.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures being taken.
Referred To General Discussion But No Concrete [8D [K Concrete Actions
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Phil Brickell Lab
Bolton West
Context
Businesses in Bolton West, including Indespensi [10D [K Indespension, face issues due to the UK's failure to negotiate mutual recog [5D [K recognition of conformity assessments post-Brexit.
Businesses in my constituency including trailer manuf [5D [K manufacturer Indespension are labouring under a mountain of repetitive, cos [3D [K costly and unnecessary paperwork because the last Government failed to nego [4D [K negotiate a regime for mutual recognition of conformity assessments. What p [1D [K progress has the Foreign Secretary made, with the Paymaster General, in rem [3D [K removing the Brexit barriers to trade that are holding back British busines [7D [K businesses abroad?
My hon. Friend raises an important question on behalf o [1D [K of his constituents. Our long-term national interest, and indeed the intere [6D [K interest of businesses in his constituency, requires a closer EU partnershi [10D [K partnership anchored in common understanding. We are tackling trade barrier [7D [K barriers, and we are working hard on these issues with the Paymaster Genera [6D [K General. We continue to discuss the challenges faced by manufacturers on bo [2D [K both sides, as well as trade and co-operation agreement implementation, at [K the trade specialised committees.
Assessment & feedback
Specific progress made in removing barriers was not d [1D [K detailed
Working Hard Discussing Challenges
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Bob Blackman Con
Harrow East
Context
A group linked to Iran has claimed responsibili [12D [K responsibility for recent terrorist attacks in north-west London, affecting [9D [K affecting Jewish synagogues, places of worship, businesses, and homes.
Ministers will be aware that Ashab al-Yamin has claim [5D [K claimed responsibility for the terrorist attacks across north-west London o [1D [K on Jewish synagogues, places of worship, businesses and homes. That is a gr [2D [K group that takes its orders directly from Iran and the Islamic Revolutionar [12D [K Revolutionary Guard Corps. What action have Ministers taken to call in the [K diplomats from Iran and expel them, because they are instructing terrorist [K attacks on our citizens?
As the hon. Member may know, I have repeatedly summoned [8D [K summoned the Iranian ambassador on concerns about what goes on in the UK. S [1D [K Some elements of the alleged attacks in the UK are still sub judice, but I [K want to leave him in no doubt about how forcefully we have raised these poi [3D [K points with the Iranian ambassador, and indeed with the Iranian regime.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions taken against diplomats were not det [3D [K detailed
Repeatedly Summoned Forcefully Raised
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Nick Smith Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Context
Constituents involved in the local Rotary club [K have expressed concern about UK's continued commitment to polio eradication [11D [K eradication.
Constituents involved in my local Rotary club have co [2D [K contacted me about the global polio eradication programme. I am reliably ad [2D [K advised that Ministers want to concentrate resources for the best impact. C [1D [K Can the Minister reassure my constituents that the UK remains determined to [2D [K to protect the important gains made in polio eradication for the future?
I can offer my hon. Friend that reassurance, and I pay [K tribute to Rotarians who have worked for the eradication of polio over so m [1D [K many decades. We will continue to support global polio eradication directly [8D [K directly until December 2026 and then support our polio eradication fund th [2D [K through ÂŁ248 million of fully flexible core funding to the World Health Org [3D [K Organisation between 2025 and 2028.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Lisa Smart Lib Dem
Hazel Grove
Context
The Rycroft review confirmed persistent strateg [7D [K strategic interference from hostile states, with important local elections [K scheduled in Stockport.
Last month, the Rycroft review confirmed that the UK [K faces persistent and strategic interference from hostile states and warned [K that our defences against information warfare are “worryingly weak”. With i [1D [K important elections across the country in two weeks' time, including in my [K Stockport council area, what steps are the Government taking, working with [K our allies, to prevent disinformation from overseas aimed at those particip [8D [K participating in UK elections?
The hon. Lady raises a crucial issue, and I work closel [6D [K closely with the Security Minister and others on these matters. Our elector [7D [K electoral system is highly resilient and to date we have not seen evidence [K of successful Russian interference in UK democratic processes.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to prevent disinformation were not det [3D [K detailed
Work Closely Resilient Electoral System
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Mary Foy Lab
City of Durham
Context
Israel revoked the licences of international NG [2D [K NGOs working in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, leading to concerns about [K aid access.
On 1 January, Israel revoked the licences of 37 inter [5D [K international non-governmental organisations working in the occupied west b [1D [K bank and Gaza. The United Nations human rights chief called the suspensions [11D [K suspensions “outrageous” and said that they made an already intolerable sit [3D [K situation even worse for the people of Gaza. What is the Minister doing to [K ensure that the Israeli Government allow lifesaving aid to enter Gaza, reve [4D [K reverse the suspensions of the licences and do not politicise or weaponise [K aid and humanitarian relief?
We have continued to raise the importance of all the ne [2D [K necessary aid getting into Gaza. It is welcome that over the last week the [K amount of aid that has gone in has increased, but it is still not adequate [K to the needs.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions regarding licences were not detailed [8D [K detailed
Raising Importance Aid Getting Into Gaza
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Brendan O'Hara SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Context
A new death penalty law in Israel has raised co [2D [K concerns about ethnic discrimination.
Would the UK consider a state to be a democracy and w [1D [K would it continue normal diplomatic relations with that state were it to in [2D [K introduce a differential death penalty based on ethnicity?
I think the hon. Member refers to the legislation passe [5D [K passed in the Israeli Knesset. We oppose the death penalty everywhere.
Assessment & feedback
Specific diplomatic stance was not detailed
Oppose Death Penalty Legislation Passed
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Emily Thornberry Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Context
The Foreign Affairs Committee has raised securi [6D [K security concerns regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambass [6D [K Ambassador to the US.
May I associate myself with the comments of the Forei [5D [K Foreign Secretary with regard to the Foreign Office and the dedication and [K hard work of its officials? At a time like this, we are particularly in nee [3D [K need of a Foreign Office that is absolutely at the top of its game, not jus [3D [K just in this country but across the world. However, the Foreign Affairs Com [3D [K Committee's concerns remain about security more than anything else, and the [3D [K the impact of employing Peter Mandelson causes us great concern. During his [3D [K his time as the ambassador to the United States, he was given access to top [3D [K top secret information. How can we protect our country against his leaking [K any of that, given his record?
I know that my right hon. Friend has been taking eviden [6D [K evidence on that issue and that she has raised issues around security. We t [1D [K take the issue of security extremely seriously.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to protect against leaks were not d [1D [K detailed
Taking Evidence Extremely Serious
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Gareth Bacon Con
Orpington
I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Point 13 of the first phase of the Gaza peace plan negotiated by the United States is very clear that Hamas must disarm, dismantle their terrorist infrastructure and play no role in Gaza’s future. The Government have expressed support for that and they are right to do so, yet Hamas have been equally clear that they are not going to disarm, and every indication is that they are doing the reverse. What steps will the Government take to ensure that the removal of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza become a reality?
I was discussing precisely these issues yesterday. Hamas must disarm; there must be a process by which their weapons are decommissioned. There are ongoing discussions on those questions. Hamas must agree, voluntarily, to disarm. That is vital and it is a key component of the 20-point plan. Without agreement on that point, it will be difficult to make progress. I was discussing that with a range of our international counterparts yesterday and we will continue to remain very focused.
Mr Speaker, may I take the opportunity quickly to correct—
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Anneliese Dodds Lab Co-op
Oxford East
On Sudan and the failing international response, will the Foreign Secretary consider further economic measures and sanctions, including against the nationals of the countries that support the belligerents? Will she encourage the Prime Minister to prioritise Sudan in his international engagements so he can show the leadership that she has shown?
I can assure my right hon. Friend that we are continuing to raise matter this as well. We assess that around a dozen countries are providing different kinds of arms flow support to the warring parties. That is an extremely serious concern and we are raising it with a range of countries. We also continue to look at the issue of sanctions.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Andrew Mitchell Con
Sutton Coldfield
Following the Minister’s answer to Question 1 on illicit finances, we still do not have publicly accessible registers of beneficial ownership in the overseas territories, nearly 10 years after this House passed the necessary legislation and made it clear that they must be set up. When will the Government put their foot down, say that there has been enough delay and obfuscation, and fully open up these registers to proper scrutiny now?
The right hon. Gentleman will know that we have publicly accessible registers in some of the overseas territories—in Gibraltar and Montserrat—and there has been welcome progress on legitimate interest access registers in a number of them, including in recent weeks, but I absolutely agree that we need to go much further. We are working closely to ensure that there is progress, and I have set out my expectations very clearly.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Douglas McAllister Lab
West Dunbartonshire
I have always been assured by both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary that the case of my constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been arbitrarily detained in India for eight and a half years, would continue to be raised at all levels, but I understand that the Foreign Secretary met her counterpart Jaishankar on two occasions recently and was unable to do so. Can I have the Foreign Secretary’s assurance that she remains committed to raising Jagtar’s case and is actively working to secure his release?
I can give my hon. Friend the assurance that we continue to raise the important case of Jagtar Singh Johal and to seek a resolution to his case as soon as we can.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Robert Jenrick Reform
Newark
Context
The UN General Assembly voted for reparatio [9D [K reparations, and the UK abstained from voting.
Last month, the United Nations General Assembly v [1D [K voted to demand that countries including the United Kingdom pay reparations [11D [K reparations for slavery. The Foreign Secretary instructed our ambassador to [2D [K to abstain and issued a statement that failed to mention the UK's role in e [1D [K eradicating slavery. Will the UK unequivocally state it will never pay repa [4D [K reparations?
We are against reparations, and I do not know what [K position the right hon. Gentleman now holds on this issue. He appears to be [2D [K be seeking a social media response.
Assessment & feedback
The UK's stance on reparations
Attacking The Questioner
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Euan Stainbank Lab
Falkirk
Context
March was one of the deadliest months for s [1D [K settler violence against Palestinians.
Will the Government expand sanctions on Israeli o [1D [K officials empowering settler violence against Palestinians, beyond diplomat [8D [K diplomatic pressure?
We will not speculate on further sanctions but we t [1D [K treat this issue with seriousness.
Assessment & feedback
Specificity of future sanctions against Israeli o [1D [K officials
Speculation Avoidance
Response accuracy
Q26 Direct Answer
Brian Mathew Lib Dem
Melksham and Devizes
Context
The Berlin conference did not achieve a Sud [3D [K Sudan ceasefire.
Can the Foreign Secretary detail diplomatic, econ [4D [K economic, and political measures being used to end violence in Sudan, parti [5D [K particularly with allies like the UAE?
We have discussed this matter extensively at the Be [2D [K Berlin conference and with various countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabi [5D [K Arabia, Egypt, and the US.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Greg Smith Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Context
There are rumours about a potential reset B [1D [K Bill with the EU.
Can the Foreign Secretary guarantee that there is [2D [K is nothing in the reset negotiations or rumoured Bill incompatible with sec [3D [K section 38 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act?
The Minister for the Cabinet Office has set out ans [3D [K answers to those questions.
Assessment & feedback
Redirecting Question
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Julian Lewis Con
New Forest East
Context
The issue concerns the security vetting pro [3D [K process for former minister James Purnell, where there is a claim that the [K House was not fully informed about the circumstances.
Does the Foreign Secretary accept that this House [5D [K House was misled about the circumstances of Mandelson's security vetting, e [1D [K even if that misleading was inadvertent?
The House was not given the full information. It is [2D [K is important that it should be given the full information, and I have under [5D [K undertaken to write to the Select Committee ensuring that full, as well as [K accurate, information is provided.
Assessment & feedback
Specific acceptance or denial of misleading the H [1D [K House was not provided
It Is Important That It Should Be Given The Fu [2D [K Full Information
Response accuracy
Q29 Partial Answer
Carla Lockhart DUP
Upper Bann
In the UK, we pride ourselves on allowing people to practise their religion freely. Can the Minister update the House on what he is doing with any new regime in Iran to protect the rights of Christians to worship openly there?
Freedom of religious belief continues to be an important issue that the Foreign Office pursues with vigour. I am glad that we are joined in the Chamber by our envoy on that question, my hon. Friend the Member for North Northumberland (David Smith). We have raised questions of freedom of religious belief with the Iranian Government on countless occasions. It is clear, given the scale of restrictions that they have put on their own people, that they are not listening to the United Kingdom’s advocacy on these questions, but we will continue to raise these questions and pursue the matter with our partners.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy