10 Oct 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the work of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
ReplyThe Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) are a partner organisation to the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). The ACU provides secretariat services to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) - an executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NPDB) - which administers Commonwealth Scholarships funded by the FCDO. The FCDO is the CSC's sponsor department.
15 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the security situation in Nepal.
ReplyThe UK and Nepal share a deep historic relationship. The recent loss of life and violence in Nepal was appalling. The UK supports fundamental freedoms and respect for human rights, including the right to protest and peaceful assembly. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office made public statements condemning the violence and called for accountability and peaceful dialogue.On 12 September, our Embassy in Nepal welcomed the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister. As Nepal's oldest friend, we recognise the challenges ahead and affirm our commitment to support Nepali aspirations for accountability and inclusive governance. We continue to follow events in Nepal closely and welcome the calming of tensions.
15 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Irish counterpart since 5 September 2025.
ReplyThe Foreign Secretary had an introductory phone call with her Irish counterpart, Simon Harris, on 8 September. They discussed the importance of the UK-Ireland bilateral relationship and agreed on the current positive state of the relationship. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Foreign Secretary and I hosted the Tánaiste at the Berlin Process Foreign Minister's Summit at Hillsborough Castle on 9 October.
15 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Southern African Development Community since 5 September 2025.
ReplyThe Foreign Secretary's future travel plans will be set out in the normal way in due course.
15 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the African Union since 5 September 2025.
ReplyThe Foreign Secretary's future travel plans will be set out in the normal way in due course.
15 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to visit sub-Saharan southern Africa.
ReplyThe Foreign Secretary's future travel plans will be set out in the normal way in due course.
4 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.
ReplyThe Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works closely with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council. The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council co-hosted a soft power workshop with the FCDO in June 2025. This workshop was held at the FCDO's King Charles Street office. The FCDO has provided funding in recent years to the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council for the Commonwealth Business Forum, which is held biennially at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and also for the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit, held in London in non-CHOGM years.
1 Sept 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent reports his Department has received on the (a) political and (b) security situation in the United Republic of Tanzania.
ReplyThe UK is closely monitoring the political and security situation in Tanzania. Ministers have engaged with Tanzanian counterparts to raise areas of concern. The British High Commission in Dar es Salaam continues to maintain an active dialogue with the Government of Tanzania on issues of governance and its stated commitment to free and fair elections.
29 Aug 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the leadership of the Palestinian Authority on the (a) political, (b) economic and (c) humanitarian situation in the West Bank.
ReplyThe previous Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in the West Bank, including the economic situation, with Prime Minister Mustafa in April, and the current Foreign Secretary did likewise with President Abbas on 8 September.
29 Aug 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Arab League on the (a) political, (b) economic and (c) humanitarian situation in the West Bank.
ReplyThe previous Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in the West Bank, including the economic situation, with Prime Minister Mustafa in April, and the current Foreign Secretary did likewise with President Abbas on 8 September.
29 Aug 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the leadership of the Palestinian Authority on the (a) political, (b) economic and (c) humanitarian situation in the West Bank.
ReplyThe previous Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in the West Bank, including the economic situation, with Prime Minister Mustafa in April, and the current Foreign Secretary did likewise with President Abbas on 8 September.
29 Aug 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, (a) how many Heads of Missions representing their countries in the United Kingdom have been summoned to the Foreign Office since 2019 and (b) which country they represent.
ReplyThe Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not keep a central record of which Heads of Mission accredited to the UK have been summoned.
29 Aug 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken to secure a two state solution to the (a) humanitarian, (b) political and (c) security crisis in the Middle East since 22 July 2025.
ReplyI refer my Hon Friend to the statement made to the House by the former Foreign Secretary on 1 September.
29 Aug 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his European counterparts on the (a) political, (b) economic and (c) humanitarian situation in the West Bank.
ReplyThe previous Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in the West Bank, including the economic situation, with Prime Minister Mustafa in April, and the current Foreign Secretary did likewise with President Abbas on 8 September.
29 Aug 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the French Government on the political situation in Togo.
ReplyThe UK engages with the African Union (AU) on a range of regional issues, including political developments in West Africa.While the Foreign Secretary has not held direct discussions with African Union counterparts specifically on Togo, UK officials regularly exchange views with AU representatives on governance, stability, and democracy across the region.The UK works alongside the AU in supporting democratic outcomes in Africa through high-quality AU election observation and AU engagement during political transitions.Through our partnership with the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), we continue to support the AU to train and deploy election observers, with regular assessment of its effectiveness.The UK and France maintain regular diplomatic engagement on regional developments in West Africa, including Togo. Officials from our Embassy in Abidjan recently met French counterparts in Togo to exchange views on the political situation.
29 Aug 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with African Union counterparts on the political situation in Togo.
ReplyThe UK engages with the African Union (AU) on a range of regional issues, including political developments in West Africa.While the Foreign Secretary has not held direct discussions with African Union counterparts specifically on Togo, UK officials regularly exchange views with AU representatives on governance, stability, and democracy across the region.The UK works alongside the AU in supporting democratic outcomes in Africa through high-quality AU election observation and AU engagement during political transitions.Through our partnership with the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), we continue to support the AU to train and deploy election observers, with regular assessment of its effectiveness.The UK and France maintain regular diplomatic engagement on regional developments in West Africa, including Togo. Officials from our Embassy in Abidjan recently met French counterparts in Togo to exchange views on the political situation.
21 Jul 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the UK Commonwealth Envoy.
ReplyThe UK Commonwealth Envoy acts as a link between the UK government and the wider Commonwealth community. The Envoy represents the UK on Commonwealth governance bodies, leads engagement with the Commonwealth Secretariat and other member states' representatives, and negotiates Commonwealth statements and communiques on behalf of the UK government.
14 Jul 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Pakistan on former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
ReplyThe UK Government consistently urge Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The Foreign Secretary raised these issues in meetings with Pakistan's Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister when he visited Pakistan in May. While judicial matters are for Pakistan's courts, we have consistently emphasised the need for due process, fair trials, and humane treatment for all, including Mr Imran Khan.
14 Jul 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) political and (b) security situation in Pakistan.
ReplyPakistan remains a valued bilateral partner. We closely follow political developments in Pakistan and continue to advocate for democratic principles and the rule of law. On security, we are concerned by the impact of militant violence in Pakistan and recent regional tensions. We welcome the 10th May cessation of hostilities following the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. The Foreign Secretary discussed these issues with Pakistan's Prime Minister and Interior Minister on his recent visit to Islamabad in May, and more recently with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister. We advise British nationals to consult our travel advice regularly.
30 May 2025·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the political situation in South Sudan.
ReplyThe political and security situation in South Sudan is becoming increasingly unstable. We are using our diplomatic levers at our disposal to call for de-escalation of ongoing violence across the country and for President Kiir to release political detainees, including First Vice President Riek Machar from house arrest. On 27 March, we joined likeminded partners to call on President Kiir to release First Vice President Machar under house arrest and prevent further escalation. On 8 May, the UK joined a majority of UN Security Council members in voting in favour of extending the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan. On 30 May, we again joined a majority of Council members in voting in favour of the UN Arms Embargo and Sanctions Regime on South Sudan, preventing the flow of weapons to armed groups. We will continue to work with partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the UN, to urge the Government of South Sudan to implement their Peace Agreement.