Written questions by Patel.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many (a) British and (b) British dual nationals are impacted by the closure of airspace in the Middle East by country; and what plans he has to support the repatriation of British nationals in the region.

It is not mandatory for British nationals to report incidents to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, or one of its diplomatic missions. The data we provide only cover incidents where we have offered consular assistance. We therefore cannot provide accurate reporting on the number of British nationals affected by closure of airspace in the Middle East. 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 advise British Nationals in countries affected by airspace closures to check the travel advice of the country they are in as well as any countries they plan to cross the border into.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Polish counterpart on threats to European security from Russia.

Poland is one of our closest partners and we consult frequently on countering the Russian threat. The Foreign Secretary met his Polish counterpart on 7 May while in Warsaw to join an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, and at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Foreign Ministers meeting on 3 April, and in London on 20 March where they discussed the threat to European security from Russia and our commitment to work together for the security of our continent.I attended the Belvedere Forum in Warsaw on 16 June where I met several Polish Ministers to discuss continuing cooperation with Poland in tackling the Russian threat and supporting Ukraine. I met Foreign Minister Sikorsky in Rome at the Weimar+ meeting on 12 June where we discussed Euro-Atlantic security and Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Statement on Gibraltar on 12 June 2025, Official Report, col 1130, if he will publish the draft of the sovereignty clause.

All parties are committed to finalising the text of the UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar as soon as possible. The final text will then be brought before the House for ratification in the normal way pursuant to the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.This Government is fully committed to the double lock: we will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another State against their freely and democratically expressed wishes. And we will never enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Statement on Gibraltar on 12 June 2025, what estimate he has made of the annual number of UK nationals who could be stopped at the airport as a result of Schengen checks.

As is the case today when UK nationals arrive at either a Gibraltar or a Schengen checkpoint, we expect the overwhelming majority of travellers to proceed without difficulty through the checks, which are carried out in the mutual public safety interest. British nationals who are resident in Gibraltar will not be refused entry to Gibraltar. As a result of the agreement announced on 11 June, we expect the number of passport checks in Gibraltar to reduce from approximately 10 million to 250,000. This model of dual checks is specific to the situation in Gibraltar and agreed by its Government. It will unlock the significant benefits of a fluid border.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Statement on Gibraltar on 12 June 2025, Official Report, col 1130, what steps he is taking to ensure the compatibility of the sovereignty clause with the section of the UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement, published 11 June 2025, on the future Agreement being without prejudice to the respective legal positions of Spain and the United Kingdom with regard to sovereignty and jurisdiction.

The sovereignty clause is fully compatible with the Joint Statement published on 11 June 2025.This Government is fully committed to the double lock: we will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another State against their freely and democratically expressed wishes. And we will never enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Statement on Gibraltar on 12 June 2025, what estimate he has made of the number of UK nationals who will enter Gibraltar each year who are (a) eligible for entry to Gibraltar under Gibraltarian controls and also (b) ineligible to enter the Schengen area.

As today, there is no automatic right of entry to Gibraltar for non-resident British nationals. Under the agreement announced on 11 June, immigration and entry to Gibraltar will remain the responsibility of the Gibraltarian authorities. Spain, on behalf of the EU, will be responsible for granting or refusing entry to the Schengen area. The Government of Gibraltar have taken the decision to mutually recognise decisions taken by Spain to refuse entry to Schengen. As is the case today when UK nationals arrive at either a Gibraltar or a Schengen checkpoint, we expect the overwhelming majority of travellers to proceed without difficulty through the checks, which are carried out in the mutual public safety interest. British nationals who are resident in Gibraltar will not be refused entry to Gibraltar.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of levels of support that (a) Russia and (b) China provide to Iran's (i) nuclear programme and (ii) military (A) in last year, (B) since 13 June 2025 and (C) over the next 12 months.

We have long been concerned about the deepening relationship between Iran and Russia. Last year, Iran's supply of ballistic missiles to Russia was a significant escalation of Iran's support for Russia's illegal war in Ukraine. Alongside partners, we responded with significant measures including sanctioning Iran Air. We are deeply concerned about Iran's nuclear escalation. We call on all parties to deescalate and pursue a diplomatic solution. We will continue to assess Russia's relationship with Iran over the next 12 months. As a signatory to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and P5 member of the United Nations Security Council, we will continue to coordinate with China and all other stakeholders as we try to find a diplomatic path to resolve the Iran nuclear issue.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the intended effect of Article 1 of the UK-Mauritius Treaty is to recognise Mauritius as being sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia since Mauritian independence.

Mauritius will become sovereign at the point of entry into force of the Treaty. The Treaty explicitly grants all rights and authorities that the United Kingdom requires for the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer given of 11 June 2025 to Question 54739 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected Areas, whether he has had discussions with his Mauritian counterpart on their plans for fishing activities on the Chagos Archipelago.

As with the reply to the Rt Hon Lady's previous PQ 59325, the terms of the management and support provided by the UK to Mauritius to establish and manage the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area will be agreed between the Parties by a separate written instrument, as part of implementation of the Agreement.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer given of 11 June 2025 to Question 54739 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected Areas, if a Mauritius Marine Protected Area will be implemented to coincide with the implementation of the UK-Mauritius Treaty.

As the Treaty states, the terms of the management and support provided by the UK to Mauritius to establish and manage the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area will be agreed between the Parties by a separate written instrument, as part of implementation of the Agreement.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Prime Minister’s oral contribution at Prime Ministers Questions on 11 June 2025, Official Report, column 969, on what evidential basis he said that (a) China, (b) Russia and (c) Iran are opposed to the treaty with Mauritius.

The deal to secure the base on Diego Garcia is vital for our national security.Our Five Eyes allies - the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada - as well as India, South Korea and Japan, all put out formal statements welcoming the deal.There are clear safeguards in the treaty, including a clear prohibition to prevent any other foreign security forces, civilian or military - including the Chinese - from establishing themselves on the outer islands.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 54745 on Chagos Island: Sovereignty, if he will make it his policy to extend the 21-day scrutiny period.

I refer the Rt Hon member to the reply to her PQs 54745 and 47650.I appeared before the International Relations and Defence Committee/International Agreements Committee on 17 June and will appear before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee on 23 June as part of the process of scrutiny.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether Mauritius will be able to conduct marine research activities (a) on Diego Garcia, (b) in the 12 nautical mile zone from Diego Garcia, (c) in the 12 nautical mile to 24 nautical mile zone and (d) in the Chagos Archipelago.

I refer the Right Honourable Member to the answer of 11 June 2025 to question 54739.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 56193 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, whether sanctions would be placed on Mauritius should the confidentiality of notifications be breached.

There is no notification requirement for UK or US access, basing or over-flights around the base. Agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end.Article 14 of the Treaty sets out the role of the Joint Commission in resolving disputes. It is expected that the majority of security concerns that arise during the implementation of the Agreement will be resolved via the Joint Commission. If an issue arises that relates to the essential security interests of either the United Kingdom or Mauritius, which cannot be settled through the Joint Commission, Clause 3 of Article 14 provides the ability for direct Prime Ministerial consultation.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54744 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals before the end of the 21-day period set through the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.

Primary legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 June 2025 to Question 56764 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected Areas, if he will list the dates and organisations that have held meetings with officials since July 2024.

On various occasions Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have met with the Chagos Conservation Trust, the Zoological Society of London and the BIOT Administration's Chief Scientific Adviser as part of stakeholder engagement. The most recent dates include meetings on 10 October and 9 December 2024, 12 February, 14 March, 21 March, 15 April, and 17 April 2025. We do not intend to provide a running commentary.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54740 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, whether measures have been put in place to (a) protect equipment on the Chagos Archipelago outside of Diego Garcia from interference, (b) ensure that the government of Mauritius maintains the confidentiality of the locations of that equipment and (c) respond to any breaches of the agreement by Mauritius.

The Treaty explicitly grants all rights and authorities that the United Kingdom requires for the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base. Furthermore, Mauritius has committed to not undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base, and shall cooperate to that end. It is expected that the majority of security concerns that arise during the implementation of the Agreement will be resolved via the Joint Commission. If an issue arises that relates to the essential security interests of either the United Kingdom or Mauritius, which cannot be settled through the Joint Commission, Clause 3 of Article 14 provides the ability for direct Prime Ministerial consultation.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 57196 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, whether changes were made to the (a) indexation measure for payments, (b) currency payments to be made and (c) the lease extension clause in the period between his oral statement of 7 October 2024 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Negotiations, Official Report, column 46, and the signing of the UK/Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025.

There has been no change to the terms of extension in the treaty. The treaty will last for 99 years and can be extended, securing the base well into the next century. As referenced in the UK/Mauritius joint statement on 3 October regarding the political agreement, indexation was always a part of the agreement. Between October and May, a shift to sterling values was agreed. At this point, we also strengthened provisions in the Treaty which secure the base and that will stop hostile actors or competitor states from establishing outposts in neighbouring islands. There was no increase to the overall quantum of the Agreement.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 June 2025 to Question 56763 on Chagosssians: Finance, from which line from his Department's budget the Chagossian Trust Fund will be resourced; when the implementation discussions will commence; what discussions he has had with his Mauritian counterparts on the Committee they are establishing to oversee the implementation of projects for the Chagos Archipelago; and what engagement he plans to have with the Chagossian community in Britain on the Trust Fund.

We recognise the importance of the islands to Chagossians and have worked to ensure the agreement reflects this. We will increase our support to Chagossians, including through the establishment of a £40 million trust fund. The UK Government regularly engages with Chagossian groups and representatives at both official and Ministerial levels. The Foreign Secretary and I met Chagossian groups on 22 May 2025. We continue to have regular dialogue with Mauritius on a range of Treaty-related issues including the Chagossian Trust Fund. We will not provide a running commentary on continued engagement. As we have previously stated the costs associated with the deal will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 June 2025 to Question 56762, on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, from which line of his Department’s budget the economic partnership with Mauritius will be resourced from.

The costs associated with the deal will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.