Every parliamentary written question tabled by Mike Wood this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 161–171 of 171 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Ministers may use diplomatic passports for personal overseas travel.
Where Ministers exceptionally hold a diplomatic passport, this is for official use only and not for personal overseas travel.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the planning application to Westminster City Council, reference number 25/01451/LBC, whether his Department plans to display Government Art Collection artworks that are not currently on display; and what the total cost is of the works to install picture rails.
The outcome of the Listed Building Consent application is not yet known. A decision about artwork will be finalised after approval has been granted and the cost of purchasing and installing picture rails has been determined.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) utilising or (b) amending the provisions of the Trading with the Enemy Act 1939 to designate Russia as an enemy for the purposes of that Act.
The Trading with the Enemy Act 1939 can only be used in relation to countries that are at war with the UK. The UK is not at war with Russia, so we cannot use the Act. The UK has implemented extensive sanctions against Russia, which already significantly restrict trade and other financial dealings with Russia. We have sanctioned 2,300 individuals from Russia, and our sanctions have deprived Russia of $450 billion in revenue since February 2022. We, along with international partners, have excluded Russia from the SWIFT system, which stopped Russian banks from conducting financial transactions worldwide in a fast and efficient manner. Russian imports into the UK have fallen by more than 98 per cent compared to pre-invasion levels, and UK exports to Russia are down by more than 80 per cent.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2025 to Question 44591 on Stonewall: Arms Length Bodies and Government Bodies, if he will make it his policy to discontinue his Department's partnerships with Stonewall.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works closely with a range of civil society organisations to defend the human rights of LGBT+ people around the world. This has included valuable work with Stonewall to reduce violence and discrimination towards LBT+ women in the Caribbean, Southern Africa, and Eastern Europe; protect LGBT+ people in high-risk situations; and relocate the most vulnerable LGBT+ people from Afghanistan. Future funding decisions will be taken as part of the spending review, in keeping with FCDO policies.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 January 2025 to Question 23476 on USA: Diplomatic Service, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of Lord Mandelson's previous interests in relation to China.
There is an established mechanism in place for the management of interests held by all Senior Civil Servants. This ensures that steps are taken to avoid or mitigate any potential or perceived conflicts of interest. I can confirm that this mechanism applies in the usual way to Lord Mandelson's appointment. In line with guidance, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not publish declarations of interest.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether candidates for the US Ambassador role were vetted to Developed Vetting level.
All those appointed to FCDO roles undergo pre-employment checks and National Security Vetting. All Ambassador roles require Developed Vetting level clearance.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 12 November 2024 to Question HL1945 on USA: Elections, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact on US-UK relations of the letter of 22 October 2024 to the Federal Election Commission from Donald J. Trump for President 2024, Inc. on Labour Party involvement in the Presidential elections.
Party political matters are not for the Government to address. As the Prime Minister has said the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary look forward to working with President Trump, to continue our shared mission to ensure the prosperity and security of two great nations.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) senior officials and (b) special advisers had discussions with President Trump's transition team following his election in 2024.
It is the long-standing practice of successive governments not to comment on matters of national security and private diplomatic meetings.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Foreign Secretary has had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the International Criminal court arrest warrant.
The Foreign Secretary has visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories three times since taking office. During those visits, in engagement with his Israeli counterpart, he has been focused on pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza, to protect civilians, ensure the release of all hostages, and secure an increase in humanitarian aid into Gaza, as well as supporting Israel's security and regional challenges. We have been clear that the UK respects the independence of the International Criminal Court.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Bangladeshi counterpart on (a) corruption in Bangladesh and (b) the laundering of money into the UK.
The UK Government is supporting the Bangladesh Interim Government's work to create a pathway to an inclusive democratic future. We do not comment on any individual asset recovery cases. We are in discussions with the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre hosted by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and the International Centre for Asset Recovery on how to support the Interim Government of Bangladesh. The NCA visited Dhaka in October and November 2024 as part of the UK's effort to support Bangladesh in this area as well as wider engagement on law enforcement issues. The UK and international partners continue to push for progress towards accountability and justice, and due process in Bangladesh, including through an impartial and independent fact-finding mission by the United Nations.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether any (a) Ministers and (b) officials will attend the inauguration of President Trump.
Dame Karen Pierce, the UK Ambassador to the US, attended the inauguration. The Foreign Secretary has congratulated President Trump on his inauguration and JD Vance on becoming Vice President. He looks forward to seeing the President again soon.