Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Nepal: UK Government Support

14 October 2026 · 9 other contributors · 12,170 words

Opened by Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

Responding minister: Chris Elmore

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Matt Rodda raised concerns about nepal: uk government support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Matt Rodda expressed concern over the devastating floods in Nepal, resulting in over 1400 deaths and 5000 people missing.
  • Rodda requested an update on the UK's humanitarian response and ongoing work in Nepal, including reconstruction efforts and environmental risk assessment.
  • The UK Government has provided 5 million for immediate relief and established a 333 million fund for climate resilience projects.

Key requests to Government

Rodda asked the Minister for an update on the UK's humanitarian response and ongoing work in Nepal, including the reconstruction of bridges, schools, and homes. He also requested a review of environmental issues and the risk of future floods, as well as support for Nepal's development and trade initiatives. Additionally, he inquired about the pension arrangements for Gurkha soldiers who retired before 1997.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

Matt Rodda expressed deep concern about the devastating floods in Nepal, which resulted in the loss of over 1,400 lives and left 5,000 people missing. He highlighted the significant impact on the British Nepalese community and the broader community in Reading, noting the emotional and logistical challenges faced by families. He also raised issues about the long-term environmental risks and the need for resilience building in mountainous regions, particularly in the context of climate change.

Other contributors (9)
  • Anneliese Dodds Lab Oxford East

    Anneliese Dodds highlighted the contributions of the Nepalese community in Oxford and expressed condolences for those affected by recent climate disasters in Nepal. She advocated for increased political and multilateral action to address climate change and called for the UK to work with Nepal on climate justice and common positions at international events.

  • David Reed Con Bury South

    David Reed expressed deep concern over the devastating floods in Nepal, highlighting the loss of over 1,400 lives and the displacement of 84,000 people, including 32,000 children. He praised the UK's response, including the deployment of the rapid deployment team and £5 million in emergency humanitarian assistance, but asked for further details on consular support for missing British citizens, the status of search and rescue operations, and the effectiveness of the aid package.

  • Gareth Thomas Lab Harrow West

    Gareth Thomas highlighted Nepal's ongoing vulnerability, particularly due to climate change and recent catastrophic floods that killed 1,455 people and displaced over 100,000. He praised the UK's £5 million emergency humanitarian assistance but urged for continued engagement to meet the estimated £5 billion recovery and reconstruction needs. Thomas also called for the UK to work with China and India to raise funds and support Nepal's development, noting the importance of resilient infrastructure and cross-border information sharing.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    Noted the heartwarming response from faith groups in the UK to the devastation in Nepal, including significant fundraising efforts.

  • Jayne Kirkham briefly mentioned the efforts of Mr Sharma and his family in Cornwall, who raised over £2,600 for Nepal through their restaurant appeal.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Described the catastrophic flooding in Nepal, highlighting the destruction of homes, loss of lives, and displacement of thousands. Raised concerns about religious persecution and unequal aid distribution to minority communities. Called for mechanisms to ensure fair aid distribution and engagement with the APPG for international freedom of religion or belief.

  • Luke Murphy Lab Basingstoke

    Luke Murphy highlighted the catastrophic impact of the floods in Nepal, noting 1,455 confirmed deaths and over 5,000 missing people. He praised the acts of heroism by Nepalese individuals and the fundraising efforts by the Basingstoke Nepalese community. He welcomed the UK Government's support, including £5 million in humanitarian assistance and £100 million for disaster resilience. He asked for further action to support Nepal's recovery and for continued support for affected British nationals, including resolving the pensions issue for Gurkha veterans.

  • Monica Harding Lab Nottingham North

    Monica Harding expressed concern about the impact of climate change on Nepal, noting that the country faces significant financial costs for rebuilding after floods. She criticised the lack of funding in the loss and damage fund and the reduction in the UK aid budget, which has been slashed to 0.3% of GNI. She highlighted the importance of the UK's commitment to climate finance and the need for the Government to revisit the cut to the humanitarian crisis reserve. She also pointed out the strategic implications of climate change for UK national security, including the impact on global food production and water security. She urged the Government to take bold steps with its development and climate strategy, particularly in light of the UK's upcoming G20 presidency. Is the Minister confident that the work of British International Investment, particularly in Nepal, is targeted on climate resilience and adaptation?

  • Seema Malhotra Lab Feltham and Heston

    Seema Malhotra highlighted the devastating impact of the recent floods in Nepal, expressing condolences for the loss of life and the extensive damage caused, which is estimated at $2.7 billion. She emphasized the importance of international cooperation, particularly with the Indian and Chinese governments, and with international NGOs and financial institutions, to aid Nepal's recovery and development. Malhotra also discussed the long-term economic growth aspirations of Nepal, noting a growth rate of 2%, 3.7%, and 4.4% in 2023, 2024, and 2025 respectively, with ambitions for 7% growth over the next decade. She raised the need for investment in resilience and clean energy projects, urging the UK to support greater scientific partnerships and international finance to address climate change impacts. Malhotra also mentioned the importance of supporting regions that lack investment and highlighted issues like building bridges and roads, safeguarding children, and providing humanitarian aid.

Government Response

Chris Elmore

The UK Government has provided £5 million in humanitarian assistance to support immediate relief efforts following the floods in Nepal, and a £333 million fund has been established for climate-driven instability and resilience projects. The Government is collaborating with international financial institutions to provide support for reconstruction and has committed to working bilaterally and multilaterally to address climate resilience and disaster recovery. The UK is supporting Nepal's recovery and resilience agenda and will continue to engage with multilateral institutions to ensure Nepal's needs remain on the international agenda.

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