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Stephen Doughty
LAB✓ Current MP
🏛️ Cardiff South and Penarth
📅 2012–2026
2,017 speeches on Hansard record
✅ Votes attended: 75.72% (#246 of 650 MPs)
🟢 Rebelled against party: 0.00%
📝 Topics: Overseas Aid, Dominican Republic, Public Expenditure
🤝 Member of 3 All-Party Parliamentary Groups
Written Answers
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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The texts of treaties that have been signed since July 2024 and laid before Parliament for scrutiny can be found on GOV.UK, including details of any termination provisions.
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers she received on 13 February in response to Question 110763, and on 12 November 2025 in response to Question 88232.
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I refer the Hon Member to the read-out of the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach, available on gov.uk.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 2 March to question 111415.
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The UK is a strong and consistent supporter of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, which will hold to account those senior political and military leaders responsible for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The UK has been active in negotiations alongside…
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I refer the Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 26 February, and related statements in the Gibraltar Parliament. The final text of the treaty will be brought before the House for scrutiny in the usual way in due course.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 to Question 120276.
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The Government has a wide range of sanctions in place in relation to Iran, including a range of sanctions measures which apply to key figures and entities who have provided funds or economic resources to the Iranian regime. These have resulted in a range of impacts: for example the freezing of UK…
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Jonathan Powell was appointed in line with standard procedure, and his appointment announced in the usual way.
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Ukraine faces significant reconstruction needs across its energy sector following sustained Russian attacks. Over the past year, the UK has provided emergency assistance to the energy sector, including £87 million announced over the winter for grid repairs, generators, physical protection and…
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The Overseas Territories Ministerial Board (OTMB) which I chair already meets regularly, interspersed with official level meetings, and other ad hoc meetings as required between individual Ministers - to consider strategic and cross cutting issues affecting the OTs. We also meet…
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Mr Powell was appointed as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy in early August 2024. All activities undertaken by him in that role were conducted appropriately and in line with established procedures.
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The UK continues to monitor the human rights situation in Azerbaijan closely. On 4 December, senior officials from our Embassy in Baku raised this case with senior members of the Azerbaijani Government, including ensuring due legal process and where necessary access to medical care in accordance…
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Yes, on both counts.
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The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
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I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 30 April 2025 in response to Question 47082.
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.
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I spoke with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, on 9 March, expressing the UK's full solidarity with Azerbaijan in the face of the unacceptable Iranian drone strikes on Nakhchivan Airport and nearby sites. The UK condemns such attacks for threatening Azerbaijan's security and…
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The British Embassy in Washington engages on a regular basis with a wide range of organisations and partners across the United States in order to advance UK interests and the wider UK-US relationship.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 March in response to Question HL15025.
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Nature-based solutions, including forests, are among the most impactful and cost-effective climate solutions. Nature regulates our climate and is vital to climate resilience, both acting as a carbon source and sink, and helping us to adapt to the impact of climate change and boost our resilience to…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided by the Minister of State for Defence in the House of Lords, Lord Coaker, on 10 December 2025, Official Report, vol. 851, cols. 235-238. We will confirm details of representation at the conference in the usual way in due course.
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I refer the Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 26 February, and to my answers to the questions raised in response to that statement.
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Ministers and officials in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are in constant discussion with their US counterparts across a wide range of issues.
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The Prime Minister has made clear that the UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus, and British military personnel and civilians based there. The UK had already deployed additional military capabilities to the region, in January and February, to defend our interests and has deployed further…
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I refer the Hon Member to the recent public and parliamentary statements made by the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary, in which all these questions were addressed in detail.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 5 March in response to Question 115943.
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The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 January in response to Question 101336.
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We assess our relevant treaty obligations in accordance with the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 3 March in response to Question 115117.
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The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Administration is responsible for immigration matters in BIOT.The last Heritage Visit for Chagossians to visit the Archipelago took place in February 2020, and was attended by 27 Chagossians. Heritage visits were paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic…
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The responses to questions 113021 and 113433 were provided to the Rt Hon Member on 10 and 5 March, respectively.
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The UK already made a declaration pursuant to Article 298 of UNCLOS. This does not however affect our assessment on the risks to the UK-US base on Diego Garcia. I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer cited in his question.
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I refer the Hon Member to the public and parliamentary statements made by the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary, in which all these questions were addressed in detail. I regularly speak to the Cypriot Foreign Minister on a range of issues.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 3 February in response to Question 108232.
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This work is ongoing, as I told him in my response of 24 July 2025 to Question 68353. We will provide further updates in the normal way in due course.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 7 January in response to Question 102330, which sets out the action that the Government is taking to support our Overseas Territories in tackling organised immigration crime.
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Each UK Government Department already has an assigned Minister responsible for their department's relationship with the Territories. These Ministers meet as a Ministerial Group, chaired by myself as the Minister for the Overseas Territories.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 2 March to question 111415.
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I refer the Hon Member to the first paragraph of the answer he received on 7 January in response to Question 101093.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 November 2025 in response to Question 90684.
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The UK's approach to Antarctica, including the British Antarctic Territory, is set out in the UK Antarctic Strategy. There is no doubt about our sovereignty claim. All claims are held in abeyance by the Antarctic Treaty.
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I refer the Hon Member to the details of the duration of the treaty set out in the Explanatory Memorandum published on 22 May 2025, and to the extensive discussion of all these issues that has subsequently taken place during the passage of the Bill.
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 12 February 2026 in response to Question 109960.
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The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government is responsible for devolved matters, including the Howard Hamilton International Airport redevelopment. Officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are in close contact with TCI Government to understand their decision and stand ready…
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As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 November 2025 in response to Question 87175.
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The UK is committed to standing up for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) globally. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. We will work to uphold the right to Freedom of Religious Belief through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora and in our…
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We welcome the progress made towards delivery of the EU's €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan: this will be critical to meeting Ukraine's pressing needs. The loan's regulation also makes clear financing may be used by Ukraine to assist in the financing of compensation, as a form of reparations,…
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The Government of Anguilla is responsible for devolved matters. UK Government officials including in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office play an ongoing role supporting our Overseas Territories to pursue sustainable economic and fiscal strategies.
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Further action against Russia's shadow fleet is critical to increasing economic pressure on Russia's war machine. We are also clear on the need to crack down on the dangerous and illicit practises that are employed by these vessels to evade sanctions and international safety and environmental…
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This would not be a matter for the UK Government, but I thank the Hon Member for his commitment to the Ukrainian cause, and he may wish to consider writing to the Costa Rican and Ukrainian ambassadors so they can jointly consider his suggestion.
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Poland is a vital UK ally and a NATO member, playing a central role in the defence of NATO's eastern flank and security in the Baltic region. Poland is also a crucial partner in supporting Ukraine, including through military, humanitarian and logistical assistance. Poland is not currently seeking…
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The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new…
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No meetings took place between ministers from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius from the period 5 July 2024 to August 2025.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 February in response to Question 110708.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer to Questions 114799 and 114800.
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I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member's question. The question was answered on 2 March.
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Ministers and officials in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are in constant discussion with their US counterparts across a wide range of issues.
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UK officials in London and at the our Embassy in Yerevan continue to monitor developments in the relationship between the Armenian Government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. We have consistently underlined the importance of all actions being fully in line with Armenia's constitutional and legal…
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Independent reporting by the UN Commission of Inquiry and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Moscow Mechanism has highlighted widespread abuses of prisoners of war, including violations of their fundamental rights. The UK has been clear that prisoners of war must be treated…
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Last year, the Government invested over £31 million in programmes in the Western Balkans, supporting women and girls, protecting democratic values, and enhancing resilience to hostile state influences, including funding for counter-disinformation and cyber defence support. We will set out…
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I refer her to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to Question 115118 on 3 March.
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The UK has had no advance notice of specific disclosures on the US Justice Department's website.
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The UK remains committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of the Pitcairn Islands. Our funding supports a medical clinic on island and enables the Government of the Pitcairn Islands (GPI) to refer complex medical cases to Tahiti or New Zealand with support from an external…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided in response to Questions 115117 on 3 March.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to Question 115118 on 3 March.
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Mr Powell was appointed as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy in early August 2024. All information provided to him in that role was shared appropriately and in line with established procedures.
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I refer the Hon Member to the details of the forecast cost at the time, and duration of the treaty set out in the Explanatory Memorandum published on 22 May 2025, and to the extensive discussion of all these issues and methodologies that has subsequently taken place during the passage of the Bill.
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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have met Chagossian individuals and groups over 30 times since 2024. I have met with Chagossian groups and individuals four times. The new Chagossian Contact Group has held meetings in September and December 2025, and again in January. The…
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It is for the United States to set its own security and defence policy, as it is for any government.However, there are many issues and initiatives where we share common objectives with the US, ranging from the AUKUS treaty and our joint work on critical minerals, to the ongoing efforts to secure…
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Last week, the Foreign Secretary visited Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, where she announced £5 million of UK funding to support justice and accountability for victims and survivors of alleged Russian war crimes.Together with First Lady Olena Zelenska, the…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.
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The Government is working with Turkey to help it manage the challenges of hosting approximately 2.3 million refugees, the majority of whom have fled conflict and persecution in Syria. The February 2023 earthquakes near the Turkish-Syrian border had a devastating impact on refugee communities,…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 February in response to Question 110708.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 2 March to question 111415.
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I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We…
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I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We…
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I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We…
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I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We…
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I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We…
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I refer the Rt. Hon Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process.…
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The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill is essential for the protection of the UK's national security. Timings will be announced in the usual way.
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I refer the Rt. Hon Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process.…
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I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We…
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I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We…
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I refer the Hon member to the answer given on 13 February to question 110763.
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I refer the Hon. Member to the November 2025 Joint Ministerial Council Communique. Overseas Territories are being supported to define their local needs so that tailored child advocacy support can be offered.
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UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) participated in the 2025 Joint Ministerial Council, as part of discussions on economic growth. Overseas Territory officials also attended UKEF's recent UK Trade and Export Forum, strengthening understanding of…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 28 January in response to Question 106998.
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For the reasons explained at length on previous occasions, no such discussions are required or intended. We will continue to operate the base exactly as we have done before.
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The Government of Anguilla is responsible for Anguilla's water infrastructure, health services, environment, economic development, and representational premises. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office works closely to support Anguilla, including providing £500,000 to improve…
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The UK works with partner governments to strengthen water resilience, including resilience to severe drought, and to expand access to safely managed water services. For example, through the Just Transitions for Water Security programme, we have supported developing countries to build resilience to…
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Russia must be held accountable for its illegal actions in Ukraine. The UK is a founding member of the Register of Damage and I signed the Convention to establish an International Claims Commission for Ukraine on 16 December 2025. We expect to lay the treaty before Parliament in the current…
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Further to the answer the Rt Hon Member was provided on 18 June 2025 in response to Question 57626, we continue to speak to our counterparts in the Maldives on a regular basis about a range of issues. However, I would reiterate to her that the question of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago is…
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I am aware of the report in question, and I have raised my own concerns about the imprisonment of opposition figures, pressure on civil society, and attacks on independent media directly with the Georgian Government. The UK will continues to raise those human rights issues with the Georgian…
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer she was provided on 13 February in response to Question 110763.
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The Blue Belt Beyond the Reef Expedition (13 January-28 February) is a pioneering survey of the largely unexplored offshore waters of Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Cayman Islands. A full assessment of findings will follow the conclusion of the survey and subsequent data analysis.
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I refer the Rt. Hon Member to the answer provided on 16 February to question 112094.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 22 September 2025 to question 76553.
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That is a matter for the French authorities, as was the original decision to make the award.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 7 November 2025 to question 86672.
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We keep the impact of all UK sanctions designations under constant review.
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I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member, a response was issued on 18 February 2026.
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We are deeply concerned by and condemn the ongoing domestic repression imposed by the Lukashenko regime, and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners.
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On 17 December 2025, His Majesty's Government issued a licence which permits the transfer of over £2.5 billion proceeds from the club's sale into a new foundation for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. We would have preferred to take this action with the cooperation of Mr Abramovich and his…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853, and I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.
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The UK remains resolute in our support for civil society, independent media and democratic freedoms in Georgia. Legislation introduced by the Georgian Government over recent years continues to target non-governmental organisations, opposition leaders and independent voices. We are monitoring…
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The UK Government keeps in regular contact with our counterparts in the United States and Mauritius regarding progress on the implementation of the agreement. We do not intend to provide a running commentary on these conversations.
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The UK is actively providing assistance, working in partnership with the St Helena Government and Governor. I have been in contact with the St Helena Chief Minister to underline our support and met the St Helena Health Minister and London Representative on 11 February. The St Helena airport now has…
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I refer the Rt Hon Member once again to the answers I gave her on 12 and 13 November 2025 in response to Questions 88232 and 88233.
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The Government's legal position was set out on 22 May 2025 when the treaty was signed and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-secures-future-of-vital-diego-garcia-military-base-to-protect-national-securityI would also refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement made by US…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 November 2025 in response to Question 90684.
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The then government explained to Parliament in 2009 that the purpose of the meetings in 2009 was to establish a dialogue between the UK and Mauritius on the British Indian Ocean Territory. Officials set out their respective views on the issue of sovereignty at that time. There were discussions on…
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 22 December 2025 in response to Question HL12714. Any updates will be provided in the usual way in due course.
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I am aware of a recent incident in which a flight to Gibraltar was diverted to Malaga due to bad weather and some passengers were subsequently returned to the UK. Border control in Spain, as in all Schengen states, is the responsibility of the national (in this case Spanish) authorities. Passengers…
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I recognise the distress of all those affected by international parental child abduction (IPCA). It is an issue this Government takes very seriously. Ministers and officials continue to raise IPCA with the Polish authorities at every appropriate opportunity. Most recently, the Deputy Prime Minister…
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 January to Question 103253.
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The Government's legal position regarding the British Indian Ocean Territory has been published and discussed at length in both Houses of Parliament. Our international partners are fully aware of our position and the security and operational implications. The agreement between the UK and Mauritius…
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As set out in the Explanatory Memorandum to the UK-Mauritius Treaty, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) calculated the forecast costs of the deal by discounting the sums due to be paid to Mauritius over the duration of the treaty, using the standard…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853, and I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.
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The five biggest allocations of funding for nature in each year between 2021-22 and 2024-25 are shown in the tables below, one for each financial year. 2025-26 figures are not yet available as accounts have not yet been finalised:Programme NumberProgramme titleNature - FY21- 22 SpendICF-0040-MFF…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853, and I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.
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In 2025 we sanctioned several refineries and terminals in third countries for importing Russian energy. Our action, and that of our partners, is having an impact. Russia's oil export revenues are now at their lowest since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Russia's overall energy revenues fell…
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The current Foreign Secretary has not yet had a face-to-face meeting with her Irish counterpart but looks forward to doing so when schedules allow, and continuing the constructive discussions they have already had by telephone, on the range of subjects set out in previous answers. UK and Irish…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 5 February 2026 to Question 109565.
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In 2009/10 interactions between the UK and Mauritius focussed on the creation of the Marine Protected Area (MPA), which the UK declared in 2010 and which Mauritius objected to. It was not until 2022, under the previous government, that negotiations regarding sovereignty began.
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All the issues raised by the Hon Member, including the protection of biosecurity, the prohibition of non-native species, and the impact of tourism, are important for the UK Government and are reflected in the objectives of our UK Antarctic Strategy published on 1 December 2025. We discuss and…
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The UK works with resource-rich developing countries to reduce potential negative impacts of resource extraction. Programming through the Jobs and Inclusive Growth Centre of Excellence supports the sustainable development of critical mineral resources across Asia, Africa, and South America…
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 September 2025 in response to Question 70432.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 January to Question 105450. As concerns the algorithms of social media platforms, the Online Safety Act gives Ofcom the power to request information on their design, including as this relates to allegations of illegal mis- and disinformation.
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All Antarctic Treaty Parties have a responsibility to ensure their activities in Antarctica are undertaken in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty and its Environmental Protocol.
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I refer the Hon Member to the response given to question 109027 on 5 February.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 January in response to Question 105450.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 19 January 2025 to Question 105729. Discussions on non-British nationals detained in US facilities are a matter for the US authorities and the nations of those detained.
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In November 2025, I announced our intention to impose a maritime services ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), cutting off access to UK services which facilitate these exports globally. The measure will be introduced this year and come into full effect at the end of the year. We have already…
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Sir Peter Openshaw's report contains extremely serious findings which are deeply concerning, and which must be urgently addressed. The UK Government takes its constitutional responsibilities very seriously and expects the highest standards of good governance to be upheld in all our Overseas…
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I refer the Hon Member to the Urgent Question debate on 26 January and the Opposition Day debate on 28 January, where these and other issues were addressed at length.
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 November 2025 to Question 89462.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave on 15 January in response to Question 104147.The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the Overseas Territories, recognising that sustainable economic prosperity is central to our shared future. The 2025 Joint Ministerial Council included…
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided on 12 January in response to Question 103250, and in the Urgent Question debate on 26 January.The costs of the Treaty will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided by the Ministry of Defence on 14 January in response to Question 103951, and on 5 December 2024 in response to Question 16455.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answers I gave on this and other matters during the Urgent Question debate on 26 January. As an expert in the financial services industry, he will understand that it is simply wrong to ignore the effects of inflation and the changing value of money on the real costs of…
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The Hon Member will be aware that it has been the stated intention of the US administration since January 2025 to expand the facilities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to serve as a large-scale migration detention centre. As stated in the answer to Question 76596, that remains a matter for the US.
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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not have any specific remit in that regard.The UK government cooperates on a regular basis with our close ally and partner France on a range of security issues.
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As stated in my answer to Question 105155, the UK and Ireland are jointly committed to deepening our security and defence cooperation on the full range of threats facing both our countries. That includes countering Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine.
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UK nationals travelling for the purposes of taking up work or providing a service in a Member State will need a visa and/or work permit to work in most EU countries. While the visa policy of EU Member States is a matter for those countries, the Government will continue to listen to and advocate for…
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given on 1 December 2025 to Questions 92971-73.Belarus continues to support Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, including the stationing of Oreshnik missiles on its soil, and we remain clear that Belarus must end that support and return to compliance with…
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 November in response to Question 87351.
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The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), including those related to climate change, at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK. Where available, details of additional expenditure incurred in meeting the FCDO's net zero…
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I refer the Hon Member to the written ministerial statement I gave to the House on 15 December 2025 (HCWS1166).
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The Government is taking decisive action alongside international partners to increase pressure on Russian energy revenues. Last year, the UK and US sanctioned Russia's four oil majors. Russia's oil export revenues are now at their lowest since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. On 15…
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Ministers, officials and executives from a wide range of UK departments and agencies are in regular dialogue with US interlocutors on an equally wide range of issues. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not hold records of all such discussions.
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The final text will be brought before the House in due course for scrutiny in the normal way pursuant to the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer she received on 20 January in response to Questions 104701-02.
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We follow political and security developments in Kosovo closely, including in the northern municipalities, with British Embassy staff travelling and engaging with communities across the country. We also work closely with international partners, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's…
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 September 2025 to Question 74449. Subsequent to that, in December 2025, the Peace Implementation Council and representatives of political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) met to discuss long‑term solutions to BiH's challenges,…
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The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), including those related to climate change, at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK. Where available, details of additional expenditure incurred in meeting the FCDO's net zero…
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The costs of the Treaty will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and are non-ODA funded.
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While this particular issue was not on the agenda for that call, the Ministers did discuss countering Russian aggression and our support to Ukraine, and we continue to discuss priority issues with our Irish counterparts as and when they arise, including at Ministerial level.
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Details of how to search for UK treaties can be found via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's dedicated treaty unit at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-treaties
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The UK signed the Pax Silica Declaration in December 2025. The initiative is in its early stages, and no financial contribution has been made.
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Decisions on allocations of Official Development Assistance for the next three years are currently under consideration, and will be announced in the usual way.
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In her speech on 9 December 2025 marking the centenary of the Locarno Treaty, the Foreign Secretary spoke at length about the rising threat from information warfare, designed to create division and undermine democracy in societies like ours. We are working closely with European and other allies,…
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I refer the Hon Member to my opening statement in the general debate on Ukraine held on 14 January.
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 July 2025 to Question 66922, and I can confirm that in December 2024, the UK suspended all programme support to the Georgian government.
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The matters raised by the Rt Hon Member are primarily for the Cabinet Office who were responsible for the written statement to which her questions refer, and the Ministry of Defence who are the responsible department for defence industrial matters.We however continue to deepen and strengthen our…
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The UK and Ireland continue to discuss how we can improve our security cooperation, including maritime and cyber security. On 3 December, the Foreign Secretary spoke to her counterpart Helen McEntee, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, about defence, security and other…
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The Government's policy in relation to Ukraine, as with other aspects of the UK's foreign affairs and international relations, is a reserved matter under the terms of the Scotland Act 1998.However, as several policy pillars of the 100‑Year Partnership fall within areas of devolved…
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The UK is steadfast in its commitment to NATO. For over 75 years, NATO has kept us safe, prosperous and united.Last week, the Foreign Secretary visited the Arctic Circle, where she emphasised that Arctic security is a critical transatlantic partnership issue for the security of the UK and NATO, and…
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Democracy in Georgia is under threat, and we are working closely with our European allies to respond to that concern.Last October, I reiterated my concerns to Georgian Foreign Minister Botchorishvili over democratic backsliding, opposition arrests and attacks on allied Ambassadors.We urge…
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We are proud of the bond that the United Kingdom shares with the Falkland Islands as part of one Great British family, and we deeply value the relationship between our governments.I was pleased to speak with the new Assembly within a week of their election, and my officials have been engaging with…
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Most Academic Technology Approval Scheme applications are straightforward and 98 per cent of applications during the past year were processed within 30 working days. No new service standard is therefore considered necessary at this time.
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We are considering the International Relations and Defence Committee (IRDC) findings carefully and will respond in full in due course. A date for ratification will be confirmed once both Parties have finalised all domestic procedures necessary to achieve ratification.
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As the Rt Hon Member knows, it has been the UK's longstanding position under successive governments, including the one he supported for over a decade, not to comment on intelligence related litigation.
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The work experience competition referred to by the Hon Member is in its fourth year in Belgium, run by the UK embassy alongside their counterparts from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Netherlands, and not only provides an outstanding opportunity for the young women selected to take part, but…
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The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the Overseas Territories, recognising the importance of sustainable economic prosperity to the whole UK family. The 2025 Joint Ministerial Council included discussions with UK Export Finance regarding their infrastructure offer and credit…
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We keep our sanctions powers, regimes, designations and measures under review to respond to new developments and changing circumstances.The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) may issue general or specific licences on behalf of His Majesty's Treasury to allow activities otherwise…
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It has been the long-standing policy of the United Kingdom under successive governments never to speculate on hypothetical operational responses to hypothetical scenarios.I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 January, and her responses to questions…
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I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 January, and her responses to questions raised in that debate, where she set out in comprehensive terms the UK's position on Greenland. The Foreign Secretary and I are in regular contact with our Danish…
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As the Hon Member is experienced enough to know, there are standard procedures for such matters. The Government's recommendations for State Visits are discussed at the Royal Visit Committee. These are then endorsed by the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister before being presented to His Majesty…
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I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 January, and her responses to questions raised in that debate, where she set out in comprehensive terms the UK's position on Greenland.
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The UK Government hugely values the role of civil society in the South Caucasus, and supports their work in Armenia and Azerbaijan through both diplomatic engagement and programming. We engage with organisations focused on peace, security, democracy, equality, and inclusion, and work with…
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers I gave her on 12 and 13 November 2025 in response to Questions 88232 and 88233.
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I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer I gave her on 11 June 2025 in response to Question 57628.
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I thank the International Relations and Defence Committee (IRDC) for its swift work in producing the report. As the report acknowledges, there is a wide range of views amongst the Chagossian community. We are considering the IRDC findings carefully and will respond in the usual way in due course.
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The Young Leaders Programme was launched in 2023 and aims to strengthen ties between the UK and Italy, the third largest economy in the EU, the UK's 9th largest trading partner, and a key NATO ally. The programme promotes collaboration between young UK and Italian professionals, including in trade…
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The Net Zero targets for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its arm's length bodies are available in the sustainability section of the FCDO annual report and…
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I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's Locarno Centenary speech on 7 December, and to the evidence I gave to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 6 January, links to both of which can be found…
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The European Union is the UK's largest trading partner, and cooperation with our European partners is - among other issues - central to the Government's work on trade, security, illegal migration, development and climate change, not to mention our support for Ukraine. Future budgetary and resource…
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The UK Government has been in talks with Mauritius to ensure that resettlement is open to all Chagossians. The Mauritian Government confirmed on 12 December that all Chagossians born on the Archipelago before 31 December 1973 and their children will be eligible for Mauritian citizenship and…
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Following the tragic deaths and injuries in Crans-Montana the Foreign Secretary and I contacted our Swiss counterparts to express the UK's condolences and offer assistance, as did the Prime Minister with his counterpart.
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Following extensive representations and engagement by this Government, the Mauritian Government has confirmed that a UK-based Chagossian will sit on the Board of the Trust Fund alongside representatives living in Mauritius and the Seychelles. The UK High Commissioner to Mauritius will also attend…
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I refer the Hon Member to the statement to the House made by the Foreign Secretary on 5 January, and her responses in that debate.
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I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853.
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