Written questions by Law.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to work towards (a) a ceasefire and (b) an end to the conflict in Sudan.

The UK is actively working towards ending the conflict in Sudan. The Foreign Secretary has spoken with regional partners to explore how the UK can assist international mediation efforts. Richard Crowder, UK Special Representative to Sudan, visited Port Sudan in December 2024 - the UK's first official visit to the county since outbreak of conflict in April 2023. He pressed for a resolution to the conflict, and for all parties to engage constructively in mediation talks, including by complying with the Jeddah Declaration of Commitments to Protect Civilians. We also continue to lead efforts in the UN Security Council to support peace and to keep international spotlight on this crisis.

How many Israeli armed forces personnel are attending training courses in the UK; which courses they are taking; and where those courses are located.

This information is being withheld in order to protect personal information and to avoid prejudicing relations between the United Kingdom and another State.

(a) how many visits to Israel and (b) for what purpose the (i) Chief of the Defence Staff, (ii) Chief of the Air Staff and (iii) Commander of Strategic Command have made since 1 January 2024.

Since 1 January 2024, the Chief of the Defence Staff has visited Israel twice and the Chief of the Air Staff has visited Israel once, to discuss the longstanding defence relationship, encourage de-escalation and compliance with international humanitarian law, and promote long-term peace in the region. Commander Strategic Command has not visited Israel since 1 January 2024.

(a) when and (b) where the next round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with Israel will take place.

On 29 July 2024, the Secretary of State announced the Government’s intention to deliver negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, India, Israel, South Korea, Switzerland, and Turkey. The Government continues its review of the objectives for these negotiations with Israel.We welcome the 15 January 2025 announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Minister for Development met representatives of the Israeli Government during her visit to Israel in December 2024.

I met Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel and Yuli Edelstein, Chair of Israel's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, during my official visit to Israel in December 2024.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many Special Mission Immunity certificates have been (a) applied for by and (b) granted to each state since 4 March 2013.

Government officials from any country can apply for and be granted special mission certificates as part of official visits to the UK. As set out in a Written Ministerial Statement by the former Foreign Secretary dated 4 March 2013, a special mission is a ...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he is taking steps to help ensure (a) stability and (b) continuity of (i) governance and (ii) institutions in Syria.

The UK has been at the forefront of the response to fast moving events in Syria. The UK Special Envoy for Syria and I are speaking regularly to regional and other partners about the situation. The UK joined talks in Aqaba on 14 December, hosted by Jordan,...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) promote stability and (b) safeguard institutions of governance in Syria in preparation for a transition to democratic elections.

The UK has been at the forefront of the response to fast moving events in Syria. The UK Special Envoy for Syria and I are speaking regularly to regional and other partners about the situation. The UK joined talks in Aqaba on 14 December, hosted by Jordan,...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2254.

The UK joined talks in Aqaba on 14 December, hosted by Jordan, with Arab, US, UN and EU partners during which we collectively expressed commitment to supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process based on the principles of UN Secur...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support (a) humanitarian aid efforts and (b) rescue efforts for Syrians still trapped in prisons.

The UK is working closely with humanitarian and other partners to monitor the humanitarian situation, assess impacts and needs, and determine how best to respond. We continue to support those in need across Syria, where it is safe to do so. Through NGOs a...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he is taking steps to help ensure a United Nations led process that restores democratic institutions of governance in Syria.

The UK has been at the forefront of the response to fast moving events in Syria. The UK Special Envoy for Syria and I are speaking regularly to regional and other partners, including the UN Special Envoy for Syria, about the situation. The UK joined talks...

How many applications for Pension Credit were received between (a) 29 July 2024 and 30 November 2024, (b) 29 July 2023 and 30 November 2023 and (c) 29 July 2022 and 30 November 2022.

On 28 November we published Pension Credit applications and award statistics. This publication provides application volumes up to 17 November 2024. Pension Credit applications and awards: November 2024 - GOV.UK, which is the nearest available data to the ...

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 December 2024 to Question 16506 on Israel Defence Forces, whether (a) UK-Israel military cooperation and (b) the sale of arms was discussed during the meeting between the Chief of the

The topics mentioned in the hon. Member's question were not raised during the meeting between Lieutenant General Halevi and the Chief of the Defence Staff on 25 November. In terms of the subject of discussions, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave...

Whether he met the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces during his visit to the UK in November 2024.

As part of the concerted UK effort, along with allies and partners, to reach a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, the Chief of the Defence Staff hosted his counterparts from Israel and other international partners on Monday ...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has granted any Special Mission Immunity certificates to any (a) visitor or (b) prospective visitor since 1 January 2024.

Government officials from any country can apply for and be granted special mission certificates as part of official visits to the UK. As set out in a Written Ministerial Statement by the former Foreign Secretary dated 4 March 2013, a special mission is a ...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the decision by the International Criminal Court of 21 November 2024 to issue arrest warrants for (a) Benjamin Netanyahu and (b) Yoav Gallant, if the Govern

We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. We will comply with our legal obligations.  This gover...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when his Department received the report of the United Nations General Assembly Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinia

The Government has been clear since day one that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) must be upheld, and civilians protected. The UK supports Israel's right to self-defence, but it must do so in accordance with IHL. On his first day in office, the Foreig...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights

We did not make an assessment of the Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (A/79/363). However, the Government has been clear since...

If she take steps to increase Official Development Assistance above 0.5% of gross national income.

The government has set departmental budgets for 2024-25 and 2025-26 to enable the UK to spend 0.5% of GNI on ODA in calendar years 2024 and 2025. On current forecasts, this will mean spending £13.7bn on ODA in 2024. The government remains committed to res...

Whether her Department plans to allocate funding to support (a) refugees and (b) asylum seekers from budgets other than Official Development Assistance.

The UK reports ODA spending consistent with internationally agreed OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) rules, which includes certain basic support costs for refugees and asylum seekers. The Home Office uses non-ODA funding for all other costs not ...