29 May 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment the National Cyber Security Centre has made of the impact on national security of awarding software contracts to Palantir.
ReplyThe UK supports the open, responsible, secure and resilient development of technologies globally and the Government takes the security of its data and digital systems very seriously. The Cabinet Office sets the framework for government procurement. All pr...
13 May 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with (a) the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and (b) Israel’s ambassador to the UK on (i) the welfare of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and (ii) acc
ReplyI refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 August 2025 in response to Question 68153.
3 Mar 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what information her Department holds on the availability of consular assistance for UK citizens unable to leave Israel as a result of the war in Iran who require to return home for life saving cancer treatments.
ReplyThe Government's top priority is the safety and welfare of British nationals affected by the conflict in the Middle East. Airspace closures and security restrictions have made travel extremely difficult, but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stood up 24/7 consular support and is working closely with airlines and regional governments to help British nationals return home as soon as routes become viable. British nationals across the region should register their presence with the FCDO so we can provide direct updates. We will continue to prioritise assistance to the most vulnerable as the situation develops.
2 Mar 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether foreign nationals married to UK citizens will be entitled to accompany their spouse on repatriation flights from the UAE.
ReplyThe safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. On 3 March, the Foreign Secretary spoke to the House about the consular support available to individuals in the Middle East, and plans for a first assisted departure from Oman. We will provide further updates on a regular basis, including details of any further evacuation plans, but for now, the primary objective remains to secure an end to Iran's attacks on countries in the region, and the resumption of normal commercial flights.
3 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 August to Question 67990 on Hussam Abu Safiya, what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and (b) Israel’s ambassador to the UK on (i) the reasons for the detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and (ii) access to detention facilities for the International Committee of the Red Cross.
ReplyWe remain deeply concerned by the ongoing detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and other medical staff from Gaza. We continue to call on Israel to clarify the reasons for the detention of Dr Abu Safiya and other medical personnel, and to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross immediate access to detention facilities. I have on multiple occasions raised Dr Hussam Abu Safiya's case with both the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and Israel's ambassador to the UK. Given the famine and dire medical conditions in Gaza, it is more essential than ever that medical workers are allowed to carry out their work safely.
23 Jun 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish the eligibility criteria for repatriation flights from Israel.
ReplyThe eligibility criteria for repatriation flights from Israel is published on the UK Government Travel Advice page for Israel (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel).
18 Jun 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of facilitating repatriation flights for UK nationals in (a) Israel and (b) the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in the context of similar arrangements being make by (i) Czech Republic and (ii) Slovakia.
ReplyThe Government has been working around the clock to provide charter flights for those who wished to leave, as soon as it was safe to do so and once airspace reopened. Two charter flights for UK nationals wishing to leave Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have departed from Tel Aviv and landed safely in the UK. Further flights are being considered, taking into account the demand from British nationals. We urge British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to register their presence, follow our travel advice for the latest updates, and follow local authorities' advice.
2 Dec 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what his policy is on Zimbabwe's application to re-join the Commonwealth.
ReplyThe criteria for membership include commitment to the Commonwealth values and principles as set out in the Commonwealth Charter. The UK has always been clear that we would like to see Zimbabwe return to the Commonwealth. Whilst we recognise there has been...
2 Dec 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to the Commonwealth Secretariat on publication of the independent report of the Commonwealth Observer Group on Zimbabwe's elections in 202
ReplyThe UK greatly values the Commonwealth Secretariat's work on observation missions. The full report of the Commonwealth Observer Group to the 2023 Zimbabwe Harmonised elections was published on 6 November. We note some of the findings in the report and sup...
9 Sept 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken with international partners to establish an International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace.
ReplyThis government has prioritised working to end this conflict and secure the safe release of hostages, in co-ordination with international partners, since day one. We will continue to use every diplomatic lever to bring about a ceasefire deal as the first ...
3 Sept 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 30 July 2024 to Question 1627 on Bangladesh: Demonstrations, whether he has had discussions with his Bangladeshi counterpart on recent (a) protests
ReplyOn 9 August, the Foreign Secretary's statement welcomed the appointment of the Interim Government in Bangladesh, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The Interim Government in Bangladesh has the UK's full support as it works to restore peace and...
2 Sept 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the contested elections in Venezuela.
ReplyThe UN was clear that the outcome of Venezuela's elections cannot be deemed credible without the regime publishing full results. The Foreign Secretary has publicly called for the swift and transparent publication of full, detailed results to ensure that t...
17 Jul 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he plans to take to help tackle (a) money laundering and (b) tax evasion in the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories (CDOTs), in the context of the number of CDOTs that have created a publicly accessible register of company ownership.
ReplyFinancial secrecy facilitates illicit finance including money laundering as well as tax and sanctions evasion. It enables serious and organised crime, undermines our national security by supporting kleptocracies around the world, and it diverts resources needed for vital public services.Tackling illicit finance in the UK, as well as in our Overseas Territories and the Crown Dependencies, is a priority for the new Government.We will be working closely with the UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies to increase transparency, including through publicly accessible registers of company beneficial ownership. We note the progress made in a number of jurisdictions, but will be looking to work with UKOTs and CDs to urgently accelerate progress in others.