Written questions by Glindon.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps he has taken to encourage a ceasefire in Gaza.

Since day one, this government has been clear that we need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages cruelly detained by Hamas, better protection of civilians, significantly more aid consistently entering Gaza, and a path to long-term peace and stability. The UK has been clear that Israel must act in accordance with international humanitarian law and protect civilians. The war must end, and both sides need to show flexibility and do a deal now. We support the efforts of the US, Egyptian and Qatari negotiators and call on the parties to return to the negotiation table in a meaningful way. The Foreign Secretary met with Foreign Minister Sa'ar in Israel on 13 January, and stressed to him the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire with all restrictions on aid to Gaza lifted. We continue to raise issues of international humanitarian law compliance in Gaza with the Israeli Government. I raised this with the Israeli Government on 27 December.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to prevent the religious persecution of Christians in Syria.

Recent events in Syria have been extraordinary, and we have been closely monitoring the treatment of religious minorities. From the opposition offensive in North West Syria on 27 November to Assad fleeing Syria this weekend, our call for the protection of all civilians, including religious minorities, has been consistent. No one should live in fear because of their beliefs, and our dedication to upholding the right of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Syria will continue during its political transition. As the Foreign Secretary stated on 9 December, the Government's priority is the protection of all civilians. Promoting FoRB is crucial for building a sustainable future for all Syrians, advancing cultural and religious diversity, and ensuring equality and human dignity for all.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts in (a) November and (b) December on the security situation for Christians in Syria.

Recent events in Syria have been extraordinary, and we have been closely monitoring the treatment of religious minorities. From the opposition offensive in North West Syria on 27 November to Assad fleeing Syria this weekend, our call for the protection of all civilians, including religious minorities, has been consistent. No one should live in fear because of their beliefs, and our dedication to upholding the right of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Syria will continue during its political transition. As the Foreign Secretary stated on 9 December, the Government's priority is the protection of all civilians. Promoting FoRB is crucial for building a sustainable future for all Syrians, advancing cultural and religious diversity, and ensuring equality and human dignity for all.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support humanitarian organisations in (a) Gaza and (b) Lebanon to prepare for winter.

The UK is committed to alleviating humanitarian suffering in both Lebanon and Gaza, particularly with the arrival of winter. The Foreign Secretary, together with his French and German counterparts, has written to Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar to urge Israel to ensure sufficient aid, including vital medical treatment, reaches civilians in Gaza. Minister Dodds also raised aid restrictions in her meetings with Israeli interlocutors during her recent visit to the region, including with Deputy Foreign Minister Haskel. I raised this issue with Minister Haskel on 05 December and met with Mr Philippe Lazzarini, the UN's Commissioner-General of UNWRA in Doha on 08 December. The UK has announced £112 million for the Occupied Palestinian Territories so far this financial year, providing vital services to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank delivered through partner agencies. Additionally, we have provided £46 million in support to Lebanon, of which £15 million is additional funding to respond to the widespread lack of shelter, and reduced access to clean water, hygiene and healthcare.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on levels of food security in Syria.

Food, medical supplies and other humanitarian goods are not subject to UK sanctions. Culpability for the humanitarian situation in Syria lies with Bashar al-Assad and his backers, notably Russia. We have taken action to ensure that the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 include humanitarian provisions. In May 2024, the UK introduced a statutory instrument to further facilitate the provision of fuel to those delivering humanitarian assistance in Syria.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the Lebanese refugee population in Syria.

The UK is actively monitoring the displacement of refugees from Lebanon into Syria and continues to work closely with the UN and other partners to ensure that sanctions do not impact humanitarian operations. UK support includes Mobile Medical and Integrated Mobile Teams on the ground, which are offering critical services, such as healthcare, food and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) as well as essential support for women and girls, child protection and GBV needs. This is being directed towards border crossings and near areas where returnees are based.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on human rights in Syria.

Sanctions are one of the levers used to hold the Assad regime to account for the atrocities committed in Syria and it is right the UK has a robust sanctions regime in place. They target individuals and entities where there is evidence of their involvement in repressing the Syrian civilian population or have provided support to or benefitted from the Assad regime. Sanctions have significantly weakened both the capability and legitimacy of the Assad regime. The FCDO remains closely engaged across Government, with non-governmental organisations, and Syrian civil society to monitor their impact on the Syrian population. In concert with these efforts, the UK actively uses its leadership in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and Human Rights Council to draw attention to human rights abuses and push for a political settlement as laid out in UNSC Resolution 2254.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 in encouraging the Syrian regime to (a) refrain from actions, policies or activities which repress the civilian population and (b) participate in negotiations in good faith to reach a negotiated political settlement to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria; and how frequently his Department reviews those regulations.

Sanctions are one of the levers used to hold the Assad regime to account for the atrocities committed in Syria and it is right the UK has a robust sanctions regime in place. They target individuals and entities where there is evidence of their involvement in repressing the Syrian civilian population or have provided support to or benefitted from the Assad regime. Sanctions have significantly weakened both the capability and legitimacy of the Assad regime. The FCDO remains closely engaged across Government, with non-governmental organisations, and Syrian civil society to monitor their impact on the Syrian population. In concert with these efforts, the UK actively uses its leadership in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and Human Rights Council to draw attention to human rights abuses and push for a political settlement as laid out in UNSC Resolution 2254.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to encourage a ceasefire on the Israel-Lebanon Blue Line.

We were the first G7 country to call for the implementation of an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel, on 19 September. The Prime Minister has spoken with a number of international leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, His Majesty King Abdullah II, President Macron and Chancellor Scholz, to press the case for restraint. This builds on extensive discussions by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary at the UN with regional leaders. The Foreign Secretary spoke with counterparts in Egypt, Oman and Iraq about our ongoing efforts for de-escalation.