Written questions by Rosindell.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to implement the recommendations of the report by the Eminent Persons Group entitled A Commonwealth of the People – Time for Urgent Reform, published in October 2011.

The 2011 Eminent Persons' report made a valuable contribution to the debate on Commonwealth reform. A number of recommendations were adopted, including the establishment of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013 and reaffirmed by His Majesty the King on 13 March 2023. The role of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group was also strengthened as a consequence of the Eminent Persons' report recommendations. Further reforms were adopted at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali in 2022. The UK remains a strong proponent of Commonwealth reform and fully supports the reform agenda of the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Colombian counterpart on their offer to host a UK technical delegation to assess migration and border control improvements.

The Minister for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean has discussed migration and border control issues with her Colombian counterparts, including the potential for a technical visit from the UK to Colombia. We also regularly engage on these issues with the Colombian Government through our Embassy in Bogotá. Tackling irregular migration into the UK remains our top priority. The UK Government keeps its visa and immigration system under constant review given our commitment to border security.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the Commonwealth’s role in advancing the UK’s Global Britain strategy post-Brexit.

The Commonwealth will continue to be an ever-important network for the UK, particularly in these challenging geopolitical times. The UK will work with Commonwealth members to boost economic growth, tackle the climate and nature crisis and create opportunities for future generations. The Commonwealth presents a particularly significant opportunity for future UK economic growth, as it is home to some of our biggest trading partners, such as India, Canada and South Africa, as well as six of the world's ten fastest-growing economies.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland on recent events in Ballymena.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland discussed this with the Tánaiste on 12 June.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote (a) digital connectivity and (b) internet access in (i) small island development states and (ii) other nations in the Commonwealth.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office supports the inclusive, responsible, and sustainable digital transformation of partner countries.Our Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030 aims to support last-mile connectivity, to help close the digital divide in a world where 2.6 billion people are still offline.Through our Digital Access Programme, we catalyse sustainable, scalable technology and business models that enhance access to inclusive and affordable Internet connectivity.We work with telecoms regulators in developing countries, facilitating peer learning with Ofcom, and sharing approaches to spectrum management that enable internet service providers to serve remote low-income areas.To drive safe and productive use of digital connectivity, we support digital skills and cyber-hygiene awareness, with a focus on underserved communities and marginalised groups, for example women and persons living with disabilities.The Digital Access Programme has sustainably improved the digital inclusion of over 15 million people, within 5,000 communities across 5 countries, including 3 Commonwealth members: Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.In Indonesia, we supported 'community networks' that use local recyclable materials and renewable energy for local internet infrastructure; and we're sharing this knowledge through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and with the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific.Working with the Commonwealth Telecoms Organisation we are engaging with its 33 member states (including SIDS) to support policies, strategies, and regulations that create a conducive environment for inclusive connectivity and affordable digital access.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, published on 19 May 2025, whether he plans to incorporate the proposed security and defence partnership with the EU into the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of doing so on UK compliance with EU (a) foreign and (b) defence policy in the context of trade restrictions.

A broad and ambitious Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) was adopted at the UK - EU Summit on the 19 May, stemming from a shared commitment to safeguard European security and support Ukraine. There are no plans to bring the SDP under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to send election monitors to monitor the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in October 2025.

In line with the rest of the international community except Turkey, the UK does not recognise the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has no plans to send election monitors to monitor the "election" taking place in the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in October 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 50066 on Venezuela: Human Rights and Politics and Government, whether he plans to meet UK-based civil society organisations supporting democracy in Venezuela.

The UK remains gravely concerned about Venezuela's democratic future. The UK has been clear that Nicolas Maduro's claim to power is fraudulent and that the outcome of the presidential elections on 28 July 2024 was neither free nor fair. The UK Government will continue to support the restoration of democracy to Venezuela, which is essential for the well-being of the country and its people. We are in regular contact with international partners, civil society and political figures towards this end. The UK continues to pay testament to the millions of Venezuelans who turned out to vote on 28 July 2024.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on the status of Jesús Armas.

The UK strongly condemns the ongoing repression against civil society and members of the opposition in Venezuela. We remain gravely concerned about reports of human rights abuses and violations, including arbitrary arrests and detentions. Over 900 Venezuelans remain arbitrarily detained, including Jesús Armas whose whereabouts remain unknown.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2025 to Question 50072 on Syria: Druze, what assurances his Department have received from the Syrian Government on the protection of the Druze minorities.

We have been clear that violence earlier this year against Syria's diverse communities, including the Druze, was appalling. In our engagement with the Syrian government we emphasise that the protection of all Syrians and their full inclusion in the transition process is vital for peace in Syria. There has been some positive progress, including a commitment made in the Constitutional Declaration to the protection of freedom of religion and belief. We will continue to judge the Syrian Government by its actions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the proposed EU security and defence partnership, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed third-state rules on UK foreign policy autonomy in (a) Gibraltar, (b) the Falkland Islands and (c) other overseas territories.

The UK is sovereign over its Overseas Territories (OTs) and is responsible for their external affairs, defence, and security. The UK is proud of the significant role the OTs play to support the UK's, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization's, global security and defence objectives. The Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) will in no way impact that significant role, nor will it affect the security and defence relationship between the UK and our Overseas Territories. Furthermore, the SDP does not impact existing or future cooperation between European Union partners and UK Overseas Territories across the globe. The SDP is clear that UK Overseas Territories can be included in future arrangements or agreements.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his (a) counterpart in Venezuela and (b) the Venezuelan Ambassador in London on Jesús Armas.

Protecting human rights in Venezuela is a priority for the UK and we have repeatedly called for the immediate and unconditional release of those arbitrarily detained, including at the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 18 March. On 26 May the Minister of State for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean expressed the UK's deep concern about continuing repression and arbitrary detentions in Venezuela. The UK was also party to the G7 Foreign Ministers' statements of 24 September and 26 November 2024 calling for all unjustly detained political prisoners to be released. The UK will continue to work with international partners to achieve a peaceful solution in Venezuela and for the immediate and unconditional release of those arbitrarily detained.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the proscription of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham on UK relations with the Syrian Government.

As both the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary have said, the fact that Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is a proscribed terrorist group does not prevent the UK from engaging with it nor the Syrian government that includes HTS. We continue to engage the Syrian government because we want to promote stability in Syria, which is in the UK's interests, including through protection of human rights, unfettered access for humanitarian aid, safe destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles, and combatting of terrorism and extremism.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 50064 on China: Caribbean, whether he plans to provide guidance to the Inter-American Development Bank on the financing of infrastructure in Caribbean nations as an alternative to Chinese state-backed loans.

The UK is a shareholder of and supports the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank (WB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in their work in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) regions, providing financial support for sustainable development and growth, including sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructure, to bolster climate resilience, advance citizen security and create economic opportunities to improve lives across the region.The UK is a leading development partner within the IDB Group, exemplified by its flagship UK Sustainable Infrastructure Programme (UKSIP), a partnership between IDB and the UK. UKSIP supports countries in LAC to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, ensure infrastructure and communities are resilient to its effects, and invest in cost effective nature-based solutions through technical assistance and blended finance investments.IDB has robust and well-established policies and procedures in place. As one of the Bank's shareholders, we engage closely with the bank to help shape their strategies, policies and procedures.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of Anguilla's ambulance fleet since the provision of UK Government funding in February 2025.

Earlier this year, the UK expanded Anguilla's ambulance fleet by providing two FCDO-funded ambulances from West Midlands Ambulance Service. These are now operational and have improved Anguilla's emergency response capacity. The West Midlands Ambulance Service will also assist with further training for Anguillan paramedics. This uplift was part of wider UK support for Anguilla's emergency services, including a new search-and-rescue vessel, and support to Anguilla's new Joint Emergency Services Control Room.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support the British Overseas Territories to enforce sanctions against Venezuela.

On 10 January, the UK sanctioned 15 new individuals associated with Maduro's contested regime responsible for undermining democracy and committing serious human rights violations. The UK and Overseas Territories Governments work closely to apply UK sanctions across the Territories. The UK Government has been providing technical support to teams across the Overseas Territory Governments to build capability and to strengthen sanctions enforcement.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 50828 on Saint Helena: Politics and Government, how many constitutions of the Overseas Territories other than Saint Helena contain a provision that gives their governor special responsibility for finance; and for what reason a provision giving the governor of St Helena special responsibility for finance has been retained in its constitution.

The special responsibilities of Governors varies between each Overseas Territory constitution, including, where relevant, in relation to finance-related responsibilities. Some constitutions, particularly on islands with small populations, confer powers on Governors in respect of finance, including in St Helena.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena has a Public Service Commission to advise the Governor when making appointments to the public service.

St Helena does not have a Public Service Commission. The Governor works closely with the St Helena Government on public service appointments and in accordance with the St Helena Constitution.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to provide (a) financial and (b) technical support to enable the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena to deliver (i) financial and (ii) banking services to non-residents.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to work closely with the Government of St Helena to strengthen its financial sector and banking services, which have been identified as potential growth sectors.The FCDO provides financial assistance to St Helena through annual financial aid, which supports essential public services and economic development initiatives. This includes funding to help modernise the island's financial infrastructure.The FCDO has facilitated access to technical expertise across the UK Government to help St Helena improve its financial regulatory framework. This includes support for compliance with international standards and enhancements to the island's banking services.The FCDO will continue to engage with the Government of St Helena to explore further opportunities for support. The St Helena Financial Services Regulatory Authority is actively involved to ensure robust oversight.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 May 2025 to Question 49725 on Saint Helena: Public Finance, what initiatives other than the Tourism Development Fund his Department supports to improve financial self-sufficiency.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is providing £35.79 million in financial aid to St Helena for the 2025/26 fiscal year. The St Helena Government (SHG) allocates a portion of this funding to advance its policy objectives, including attracting investment and increasing revenue. The FCDO also funds the £30 million Economic Development and Investment Programme which supports economic development of St Helena through infrastructure development.  Prioritised jointly with St Helena Government, this will fund projects such as new port facilities in Rupert's Valley, which, when completed, will open the waterfront for new economic activities and opportunities. The funding also supports the St Helena Government's aim to increase the use of renewable energy to help underpin the island's future financial self-sustainability. Other FCDO programmes, including the Overseas Territories Fund, support a range of initiatives, including on climate, essential equipment and technical support which all contribute to St Helena's economic growth.