Written questions by Morton.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Western Balkan countries.

We support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Western Balkans countries as a route to promote stability and prosperity in the region, to help address threats to European security, and to counter irregular migration and serious organised crime. We work closely with the EU and other international partners, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to support regional cooperation and reforms that drive integration with Euro-Atlantic institutions. We also work together to counter Russian disinformation and economic and political coercion in the region. This year's UK-hosted Berlin Process will support Western Balkans countries' Euro-Atlantic aspirations by focusing on strengthened regional cooperation to tackle irregular migration and serious organised crime, reinforced European security, and unlocking barriers to growth.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage (a) local leadership and (b) community involvement in the (i) planning and (ii) implementation of UK-funded development programmes.

Promoting the resilience and local legitimacy of local civil society and mutual aid groups helps to protect civic space and support open societies and human rights. There is strong evidence that local organisations are particularly effective at driving social accountability and improvements to public services for marginalised groups, including women and girls. Examples include our innovative £60 million partnership with Comic Relief to build the capacity of Southern civil society organisations, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's programmes to support local Disabled People's Organisations and local Women's Rights Organisations. We are working to support the network to take a locally led approach that strengthens the leadership and resilience of local institutions, organisations, and communities. Delivery, leadership, and decision-making by local people is often the best solution, particularly in times of crisis and in complex contexts.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on the Falkland Islands economy.

The UK Government is working closely with the Falkland Islands Government to understand the impact of the US tariffs, this includes engaging and meeting with experts in the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. I spoke to the Chair of the Legislative Assembly on 3 April on this issue, and discussed it again with the full Legislative Assembly and Governor on 23 April.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 April 2025 to Question 41877 on Ukraine: Drug Resistance, which (a) projects and (b) work streams are focusing on tackling AMR.

We are funding the Ukrainian Red Cross (URCS) who are treating people, including some which have these infections. However, our humanitarian support does not specifically involve or target the particular issue of anti-microbial resistance (AMR). The URCS have funded UK-based surgeons and nurses to provide expertise to the burns unit in Kyiv. This unit supports people who have been injured through shelling, attacks, and debris, as well as household accidents. The medical staff coming to Kyiv help with best practice sharing; improving current procedures including infection prevention and control to help prevent infection which result in AMR. Through a partnership with the Unbroken Rehabilitation Centre, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust have launched an infection control programme which aims to strengthen capacity and capability of medical personnel in both the UK and Ukraine to manage the healthcare burden created by AMR.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of repatriating patients with antimicrobial resistance from conflict zones on (a) UK citizens and (b) the NHS.

The Department recognises conflict as a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing significant risks to populations in fragile and conflict-affected states, the wider global community, and the United Kingdom. In response, the Department of Health and Social Care is working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to raise global awareness and understanding of this growing threat. The Government does not routinely repatriate patients from conflict zones, and where these have taken place, it has been under exceptional circumstances, or at the individual's expense to reduce avoidable burdens on UK taxpayers.Evidence indicates that inward migration from countries with a high prevalence of AMR is likely contributing to the rising AMR burden in the UK, which includes the risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB). To address this risk, there is a UK pre-entry screening programme for migrants coming for more than six months from countries with high incidence of TB. This will include countries with high incidence of MDR disease. Further information on the evidence is available at the following link:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6032478/The UK Health Security Agency does not currently undertake routine surveillance of AMR specifically in patients repatriated from conflict zones, but remains committed to strengthening surveillance of drug-resistant infections more broadly regardless of source, to ensure early detection and to enable a rapid response to emerging threatsThe National Health Service is a residency-based system, which means that people who do not live here on a lawful, settled basis must contribute to the cost of their care. However, some of the most vulnerable people arriving in the UK, including refugees and some asylum seekers, do not pay for NHS treatment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 39012 on Sudan: Refugees, how much and what proportion of official development assistance funding to Sudan will be spent on Sudanese refugees in Chad in the 2025-26 financial year.

Since the start of the conflict in Sudan, almost one million people have crossed the border into Chad which now has Africa's largest refugee caseload per capita. On average, 200 people each day seek safety in Chad from Sudan. In January, whilst in Chad, the Foreign Secretary announced a doubling of aid to Sudan with an overall allocation of £226.5 million for financial year 2024/25. Last financial year, we provided over £40 million to address humanitarian needs in eastern Chad. This benefitted 300,000 people: both Sudanese refugees and local Chadian host communities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is encourage democracy and human rights in Belarus; and what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in Belarus on the disappearance of (a) opposition activists and (b) Anzhelika Melnikava.

We are deeply concerned by the ongoing repression that the Lukashenko regime conducts against its own people. The UK works closely with its likeminded partners on the ground in Minsk, in capitals, and in international organisations such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, UN, and International Labour Organization to encourage democracy and human rights in Belarus. In August 2024, the UK announced £2.5 million of funding to support Belarusian human rights and civil society causes.I am concerned by reports of Angelika Melnikava's disappearance. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials are following the case closely. While the situation remains unclear, I have not raised this with Belarusian counterparts.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Poland on reports of the disappearance of Anzhelika Melnikava and her daughters.

I am concerned by reports of Angelika Melnikava's disappearance. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials are following the case closely. While the situation remains unclear, we have not raised this with the Polish government.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of planned reductions to the Official Development Assistance budget on the effectiveness of programmes to tackle infectious diseases.

Decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used are being worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review, based on various factors including impact assessments.We plan to publish final 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Annual Report & Accounts this summer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to take steps to monitor the potential impact of the Mutual Security treaty between Russia and Belarus on (a) regional security and (b) human rights in Belarus.

Across His Majesty's Government we take steps to ensure we stay up to date on relevant developments in Belarus, including on the Russia-Belarus Treaty on Mutual Security Guarantee signed into force by Presidents Putin and Lukashenko in March. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials will continue to monitor the impacts of the Mutual Security Guarantee in all aspects, including on regional security and human rights in Belarus.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which development programmes he plans to maintain funding for after the planned reduction of the Official Development Assistance budget is implemented.

Decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used are being worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review, based on various factors including impact assessments.We plan to publish final 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in the FCDO Annual Report & Accounts this summer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the decision to set annual aid budgets from 2027 in cash terms based on GNI forecasts at the Spending Review.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) budgets from 2025/26 onwards are set in cash terms based on Gross National Income (GNI) forecasts. This change means the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO's) ODA budgets will no longer be exposed to the volatility of ODA spending by other departments, including asylum costs.As The Minister of State for International Development set out in her 27 March letter to the International Development Committee, this is a significant and positive change to the way the FCDO manages its ODA budget, increasing the predictability of our budgets and allowing us to plan with more certainty.Departmental ODA allocations will be confirmed at the Spending Review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his European counterparts on accountability for the actions of the Lukashenko regime.

I condemn Belarus' relentless repression, which continues to become ever more draconian and punitive. The UK works closely with our likeminded partners on the ground in Minsk, in capitals, and in international organisations to work to hold the Lukashenko regime to account.The UK also co-sponsors the UN's accountability mandates and works on accountability measures through the International Accountability Platform for Belarus, which the UK led in establishing in 2021, working alongside Germany, Denmark, and a range of other partners. We also coordinate with our European partners on statements, sanctions, and work in Minsk to hold the regime to account.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Voluntary Service Overseas ACTIVE programme in the 2025-26 financial year.

The Prime Minister has taken the decision to increase spending on defence to 2.5 per cent of GDP from 2027, funded by reducing Official Development Assistance (ODA).The ODA budget will be gradually reduced to the equivalent of 0.3 per cent of GNI by 2027, to help smooth the transition.This difficult choice reflects the evolving nature of the threats we face, and the strategic shifts required to meet them, while maintaining economic stability.We are evaluating all ODA funding to ensure value for money for UK taxpayers and have to work harder than ever to make sure our development work delivers for the British public and our Plan for Change.Our approach balances the UK's proud tradition of supporting the world's most vulnerable with our fundamental responsibility to protect British interests in an increasingly unstable world.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 April 2025 to Question 41839 on Ukraine: Overseas Loans, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the loan to Ukraine.

The Government is providing £2.26bn as part of the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme. This will be repaid using profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets in the EU.The G7 has assessed and agreed that the ERA can support $50bn of support to Ukraine – the entirety of which has been pledged. Any amendment to the ERA scheme would need to be agreed by the G7.The UK has committed £15bn in support to Ukraine to date, including £10bn in military support (including our £2.26 billion ERA Loan contribution) and £5bn in non-military support.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of planned changes to the level of future spending on official development assistance on programmes supporting women smallholder farmers.

The Government recognises the important role women smallholder farmers play in agrifood systems in developing countries, and that investing in women and girls and breaking down the barriers they face supports inclusive development. Decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used are being worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review, based on various factors including impact assessments. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is focused on ensuring that every pound is spent in the most impactful way.We plan to publish final Financial Year 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in the FCDO Annual Report & Accounts this summer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of planned levels of future official development assistance spending on the ability of programmes supporting (a) schools and (b) health facilities to (i) undertake risk assessments and (ii) develop resilience plans for natural disasters.

Decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used are being worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review, based on various factors including impact assessments. We plan to publish final Financial Year 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Annual Report & Accounts this summer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of (a) political repression and (b) reports of the disappearance of Anzhelika Melnikava.

We are appalled by the repression that the Lukashenko regime conducts against its own people. UK policy on Belarus seeks to support a more open society, democracy, and human rights, directly opposing political repression. In August 2024, the UK announced £2.5 million of funding to support Belarusian human rights and civil society causes in their work against political repression. Additionally, in January, the UK led a joint statement with Australia, Canada, the EU, and New Zealand, condemning the January presidential elections as a sham.I am concerned by reports of Angelika Melnikava's disappearance. FCDO officials are following the case closely.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the decision not to automatically adjust UK Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) spending in line with economic conditions on ODA-funded programmes globally.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) budgets from 2025/26 onwards are set in cash terms based on Gross National Income (GNI) forecasts. This change means the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO's) ODA budgets will no longer be exposed to the volatility of ODA spending by other departments, including asylum costs.As The Minister of State for International Development set out in her 27 March letter to the International Development Committee, this is a significant and positive change to the way the FCDO manages its ODA budget, increasing the predictability of our budgets and allowing us to plan with more certainty.Departmental ODA allocations will be confirmed at the Spending Review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 April 2025 to Question 41094 on Aid Workers: Armed Conflict, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of UN Security Council Resolution 2730 in protecting those Humanitarian Aid workers in areas of conflict and instability.

The scale and severity of threats to humanitarian aid workers is alarming. The UK co-sponsored UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2730 to draw attention to the protection of humanitarian aid workers, including protection for national personnel who often face higher risks, and to request the UN Secretary General to update the UN Security Council (UNSC) annually on progress to protect humanitarian personnel.Under the auspices of UNSCR 2730, in November 2024 the UK invited the Aid Worker Security Database founder to brief the council on the scale of the issue. In April 2025, the UK called for investigations into the tragic deaths of Palestinian Red Crescent Society staff and called on Israel to support the search for a missing staff member.We also use our seat at the UNSC to condemn specific incidents, including: the attack on Zamzam refugee camp in Sudan; the tragic deaths of World Central Kitchen staff in Gaza; and incidents in Ukraine.The UK has also joined an Australian-led Foreign Ministers' initiative to develop a political declaration to enhance protection for humanitarian personnel and complement UNSCR 2730 by galvanising collective action.