Written questions by Jogee.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with CAFOD.

I recently met with members of the Bond network, including CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development), to discuss the Autumn Budget. We value CAFOD's work internationally tackling poverty, humanitarian crises and global environmental challenges. We look forward to working with them in the future as we shape more modern partnerships with civil society.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with members of the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands.

I am in regular dialogue with members of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and most recently held a video conference with MLAs and the Governor on 18 September. I have also met MLAs visiting the UK in person over recent months, and look forward to further such meetings during the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council in November.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which candidate to be the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth the UK will support.

The decision on appointing the Commonwealth Secretary-General remains a matter for all members by consensus. The UK looks forward to working with the next Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to appoint an Ambassador to the United States.

The appointment of the next HMA Washington has not been decided. An appointment will be made in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many UK citizens were in Lebanon on 1 October 2024.

As of 7 October, 2100 British nationals have registered their presence in Lebanon. Any remaining British nationals who want to leave are urged to register their presence immediately. Based on our contacts so far, we anticipate that only a fraction of those registered want to leave due to their strong ties in the country. The UK has helped over 430 people leave on four UK government charter flights taking British nationals out of Lebanon. Due to reduced demand, no further charter flights are planned, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the World Health Organisation about levels of starvation in Sudan.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has created a humanitarian disaster in Sudan with over 9 million people facing emergency or famine conditions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is carrying out vital work in Sudan, including the treatment of severely malnourished children. The UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) this financial year is £97 million, £84 million of which is on humanitarian assistance. This funding is going to partners including key UN agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide assorted food commodities to those most in need; and UNICEF to provide life-saving food assistance particularly in hard-to reach areas in Sudan, including nutrition, water and hygiene services for 500,000 children under 5.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the impact of the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments on delivering debt relief to lower income countries.

Tackling unsustainable debt is a key development priority for this government. The G20 Common Framework, created in November 2020, brought the Paris Club and G20 together to coordinate debt restructurings for the first time. The Common Framework has delivered agreements in Chad in 2022, and among bilateral creditors and bondholders in both Zambia and Ghana in 2024. However, we acknowledge that the process took too long. We are continuing to work with international partners to strengthen the Common Framework and ensure it delivers for all participating countries.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help tackle violence against women and girls in (a) Uganda and (b) East Africa.

The UK is committed to addressing violence against women and girls both in Africa and elsewhere. A pioneering UK-funded programme that reduced gender-based violence by half is now being scaled up through a new £67 million global investment, including in East Africa. Additionally, the UK is investing £35 million in the Africa-Led Movement to End Female Genital Mutilation programme. The UK is also partnering with the UN to prevent and respond to child marriage, with activities in Uganda.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for (a) his policies and (b) the Commonwealth of the change in political leadership in Gabon on 30 August 2024.

The UK has reassessed its relationship with Gabon following the coup in August 2023. The UK condemns military takeovers and, alongside other Commonwealth member states, welcomed the decision to partially suspend Gabon from the Commonwealth. However, we recognise the progress the transitional government is making on the timeline towards the restoration of civilian rule. The UK is ready to work with the Commonwealth to support Gabon's return to democracy and to uphold Commonwealth values.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the Middle East on the situation in Lebanon.

The Foreign Secretary spoke to Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati on 28 September, expressing deep concern over rising tensions and civilian casualties in Lebanon. They discussed the need for a negotiated solution to restore stability and security across the Blue Line. On 01 October, the Foreign Secretary spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Aragchi, warning against actions that could push the region further towards the brink. The Foreign Secretary also spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Katz on 02 October, and with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Iraq and Oman on 07 October. On 09 October, the Foreign Secretary visited leaders in Bahrain and Jordan, key regional partners for the UK, where he reiterated the UK's concern over the risk of escalation and miscalculation in the region and again called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.