Written questions by Rosindell.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to her (a) Indian and (b) Chinese counterparts on comments by the representatives of Mauritius on the lease of land in the Chagos Archipelago upon the ratification of the 2025 treaty on the British Indian Ocean Territory.

The treaty contains robust provisions to protect the base, including a 24 nautical mile buffer zone around Diego Garcia and a ban on foreign security forces anywhere in the archipelago. Any suggestions that Mauritius has been negotiating a lease on Peros Banhos are false. This was confirmed by the Mauritian Attorney General in a public statement on 20 October 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department has taken to advance formal diplomatic recognition since the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Our Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott, is the Government's primary interlocutor with the Order of Malta. He regularly meets representatives from the Order including in the run-up to Their Majesties the King and Queen's historic State Visit to the Holy See. The Order has also appointed an official representative to the UK, Pasquale Terracciano. Officials from the Foreign, Commowealth and Development Office's Europe Directorate, which has responsibility for the UK's relations with the Holy See, have also met the Order representative since the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in October 2024.This MoU provides a framework for a modern, pragmatic partnership that champions the exchange of knowledge, expertise and good practice on humanitarian and development issues, without changing our position on the Order's sovereign status. Our missions across the globe have been encouraged to engage in this spirit.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has appointed a representative to engage with the Sovereign Order of Malta following the memorandum of understanding signed on 9 October 2024.

Our Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott, is the Government's primary interlocutor with the Order of Malta. He regularly meets representatives from the Order including in the run-up to Their Majesties the King and Queen's historic State Visit to the Holy See. The Order has also appointed an official representative to the UK, Pasquale Terracciano. Officials from the Foreign, Commowealth and Development Office's Europe Directorate, which has responsibility for the UK's relations with the Holy See, have also met the Order representative since the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in October 2024.This MoU provides a framework for a modern, pragmatic partnership that champions the exchange of knowledge, expertise and good practice on humanitarian and development issues, without changing our position on the Order's sovereign status. Our missions across the globe have been encouraged to engage in this spirit.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has held discussions with European states that maintain diplomatic relations with the Sovereign Order of Malta as part of its recognition process.

Our Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott, is the Government's primary interlocutor with the Order of Malta. He regularly meets representatives from the Order including in the run-up to Their Majesties the King and Queen's historic State Visit to the Holy See. The Order has also appointed an official representative to the UK, Pasquale Terracciano. Officials from the Foreign, Commowealth and Development Office's Europe Directorate, which has responsibility for the UK's relations with the Holy See, have also met the Order representative since the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in October 2024.This MoU provides a framework for a modern, pragmatic partnership that champions the exchange of knowledge, expertise and good practice on humanitarian and development issues, without changing our position on the Order's sovereign status. Our missions across the globe have been encouraged to engage in this spirit.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with (a) the Economic Community of West African States and (b) other regional partners on support for democratic governance in (i) Niger, (ii) Burkina Faso and (iii) Mali.

The UK is in regular dialogue with Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso and other West African partners, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its member states. We continue to press for progress on a return to democratic constitutional order in these countries and for all West African parties to continue dialogue and prioritise the unity of the region as essential to advance security and prosperity.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his timeline is for the conclusion of the process of formal diplomatic recognition of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Our Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott, is the Government's primary interlocutor with the Order of Malta. He regularly meets representatives from the Order including in the run-up to Their Majesties the King and Queen's historic State Visit to the Holy See. The Order has also appointed an official representative to the UK, Pasquale Terracciano. Officials from the Foreign, Commowealth and Development Office's Europe Directorate, which has responsibility for the UK's relations with the Holy See, have also met the Order representative since the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in October 2024.This MoU provides a framework for a modern, pragmatic partnership that champions the exchange of knowledge, expertise and good practice on humanitarian and development issues, without changing our position on the Order's sovereign status. Our missions across the globe have been encouraged to engage in this spirit.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs what recent discussions she has had with international partners on the (a) (i) targeting and (ii) arrests of religious minorities and (b) forced closures of places of worship in Algeria.

The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all. On 21 October, I met Foreign Minister Attaf and emphasised the importance of promoting FoRB and interfaith dialogue, and offered the UK's support in that effort. Our Embassy in Algiers also remains in regular contact with religious groups on how best to support FoRB. We continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for freedom of expression for religious minority communities in Algeria.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of reports of (a) the killing of 15 Christians in the village of Marera, Mozambique on 1 August 2025 and (b) other recent attacks on Christians in Mozambique; and what discussions she has had with the Government of Mozambique on promoting religious freedom in that country.

The UK is aware of a series of attacks by Islamic State Mozambique on civilians and security forces in the Chiure area in July and August of this year. The UK regularly engages with authorities and religious leaders as well as peacebuilding and humanitarian agencies both in the capital, Maputo, and Northern Mozambique (Cabo Delgado and Nampula), to address the problems of violence and instability. We also support programmes that support peacebuilding and resilience to violent extremism in the region. Ongoing challenges for religious communities remain, as Christian and Muslim places of worship continue to be affected. We are working multilaterally and bilaterally to defend Freedom of Religion or Belief around the world.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has held with the Governor of St Helena on his signification of the Saint Helena Civil Litigation (Costs) Ordinance 2025.

This legislation is currently subject to an ongoing judicial review. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. The role of the Governor of St Helena in relation to legislation is set out in the St Helena Constitution.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of recent attacks on Christian communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to (a) protect the Christian community and (b) promote religious freedom in the country.

We condemn the horrifying attacks by Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on Christian communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We have raised the actions of the ADF in the UN repeatedly and have sanctioned them under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act. UK Ministers and senior officials, including our Ambassador in Kinshasa, regularly raise the importance of protecting civilians with the Government of DRC. We continue to remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and stress that those who have committed human rights violations and abuses must be held accountable.  The UK Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) plays a critical role in promoting FoRB, through global diplomatic engagement, our engagement in multilateral fora, and UK and programme funding. The UK will continue to work through UN bodies and other multilateral fora to promote and protect these rights in the DRC.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the (a) US Department of State report entitled Venezuela 2024 Human Rights Report, published on 12 August 2025 and (b) UN Human Rights Council report entitled Detailed findings of the independent international factfinding mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, published on 14 October 2024.

The UK strongly condemns the continued erosion of human rights in Venezuela, and we have repeatedly called on the Venezuelan authorities to uphold human rights and cooperate fully with international mechanisms, including in our published statement to the Human Rights Council on 22 September.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help make (a) military, (b) police and (c) healthcare training in the UK more accessible to members of the Overseas Territories.

The Government is committed to strengthening the resilience and capabilities of the Overseas Territories across defence, policing, and healthcare.In defence, I recently met members of both the Cayman and Bermuda regiments and observed their training. The Ministry of Defence provides tailored training and capacity-building support to the Overseas Territory Defence Regiments and other agencies, including a permanent staff instructor and short-term training teams delivering specialist instruction in areas such as maritime capability and marine engineering.We are continuing to work to expand access to UK police training for Overseas Territories police services. This ensures that Overseas Territories benefit from the latest policing standards and expertise, including from the College of Policing. We also support the Overseas Territories through a range of specialist agencies, including the NCA.In healthcare, the Department of Health and Social Care is working with NHS England and Overseas Territory Chief Medical Officers to facilitate Managed Education Partnerships between NHS Trusts and the Overseas Territories. These partnerships offer access to e-learning resources and opportunities to observe in NHS hospitals. The UK Health Security Agency's Overseas Territories Public Health Programme also provide training, certification, and a range of Continuous Professional Development opportunities in health and public health. Additionally, the Royal College of Nursing, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), provides structured support in mental health and quality improvement to nurses in Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Saint Helena.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has met with the Government representative of Turks and Caicos to discuss (a) the fatal mass shooting in Turks and Caicos in late July and (b) further domestic security.

I remain in close contact with the Premier and the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands following the abhorrent shooting in July. Together, we are continuing to invest in improving policing and border security to address complex national security threats and protect the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I spoke to the Premier and Governor on 22 September to discuss these issues. The UK has provided over £9 million in security support over the past two years, including coastal surveillance systems, police boats, contracted firearms officers and criminal investigators.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to meet with the Government representatives of (a) Bermuda and (b) St Helena to strengthen dialogue between her Department and the governments of these respective territories.

I met the Premier and the Governor of Bermuda and other representatives during my visit to Bermuda in September. I look forward to welcoming the elected leaders and representatives of the Overseas Territories to the Joint Ministerial Council in London in November, including representatives of the new Government of St Helena formed following their general election last month. My officials and I continue to work in close partnership with the Governments of Bermuda and St Helena, as with all the Overseas Territories.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to meet with the Government representative of Gibraltar to ensure a future of self-determination.

I recently had the honour of representing the UK Government at the National Day celebrations in Gibraltar and was able to deliver a letter to the Chief Minister of Gibraltar from the Prime Minister in which he was clear about the UK Government's steadfast commitment to UK sovereignty of Gibraltar, our enduring support for the "double lock", and the principle of self-determination which is central to the UK's enduring relationship with Gibraltar.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of attacks against churches in Vietnam; and what diplomatic steps he is taking to help (a) ensure the protection of the Christian community and (b) promote religious freedom in that country.

Our Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief, David Smith MP, closely follows events in Vietnam including restrictions of the freedom for religion and belief of Christians. We are aware of credible reports indicating that members of unregistered religious groups continue to face harassment and intimidation. The UK raises concerns about freedom of religion or belief with the Vietnamese authorities, both bilaterally through the annual UK-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue and through multilateral forums including Vietnam's 2024 Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council. Our Embassy in Hanoi engages with civil society and the diplomatic community to monitor developments and support dialogue on religious freedom. We continue to urge the Vietnamese government to uphold its international human rights obligations, including those under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and to ensure that all individuals, including members of the Christian community, can practise their faith freely and without fear of persecution.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to protect freedom of religion (a) Albania, (b) Serbia, (c) Bosnia and (d) other European countries.

The UK is committed to championing freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) across the Western Balkans and Europe. On 8 July, the Government set out its approach to FoRB, providing a framework for engagement with other countries. Senior UK ministers and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials, including the Foreign Secretary and UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, have engaged closely with key stakeholders across Europe to promote constructive interfaith dialogue and policies that ensure greater protections for religious beliefs. More generally, we continue to support FoRB on the international stage, through our position in the United Nations, G7 and Article 18 Alliance.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Iran on the safe return of dual British nationals imprisoned in Iran.

The former Foreign Secretary spoke with his Iranian counterpart on 22 August. They discussed a broad range of issues, including consular matters. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise against all travel to Iran where British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention and UK government support is extremely limited. We remain constrained by Iran's refusal to recognise dual nationality, which often means that those with links to the UK are not in a position, although they should be, to receive consular assistance from the UK.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to support access to education for children fleeing Gaza.

On 21 July, the former Foreign Secretary announced £20 million of support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to carry out essential services for Palestinian refugees in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. This funding will provide emergency food, shelter and other support for over 2 million people, as well as support UNRWA's wider work across the region, enabling the Agency to restore some education services for hundreds of thousands of children and expand psychosocial support for traumatised families. The vital work of UNRWA in ensuring that Palestinians have access to education must also be protected in Gaza as well as the West Bank and East Jerusalem. We call on Israel to work urgently with international partners, including the UN, so there is no disruption to this vital work. UK support has meant that to date, at least 14,000 children have been given access to education materials and welfare support. We have provided £5.6 million to the Global Partnership for Education to support the educational needs of children and young people in Gaza and the West Bank. Our support to Education Cannot Wait is also supporting children's education via the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other partners.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department plans to take to support lower-income countries in tackling health risks posed by inadequate public housing.

We can work with a range of partners to support lower-income countries in tackling wider health risks by working on the broader determinants of health including inadequate public housing. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has for example supported research programmes such as Community-led Responsive and Effective Urban Health Systems (CHORUS) and the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) to strengthen urban health systems and promote rights-based, evidence-led housing solutions.