23 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential economic, educational and research benefits of establishing a bio-science laboratory in Montserrat; and whether UK officials have had discussions with the Government of Montserrat regarding proposals for such a facility.
ReplyThe UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.
23 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what assistance her Department provides to people in the Pitcairn islands with complex medical conditions that cannot be treated locally.
ReplyThe UK remains committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of the Pitcairn Islands. Our funding supports a medical clinic on island and enables the Government of the Pitcairn Islands (GPI) to refer complex medical cases to Tahiti or New Zealand with support from an external healthcare provider.
23 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on consumer electricity prices in Montserrat of proposals to review and re-engineer the island’s energy grid.
ReplyThe UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.
23 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the UK Government is taking to support scientific research and laboratory infrastructure in Montserrat as part of its wider strategy for economic diversification in the Overseas Territories.
ReplyThe UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.
23 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential economic and energy security benefits to Montserrat of proposals submitted to the Government of Montserrat on the development of a data centre incorporating geothermal energy resources; and what role her Department has played in reviewing or supporting such proposals.
ReplyThe UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.
23 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the her Department has been consulted on proposals submitted to the Government of Montserrat on the development of geothermal energy capacity linked to digital infrastructure projects; and if he will place in the Library any correspondence or assessments relating to those proposals.
ReplyThe UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.
23 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Sovereign Wealth Fund being established in Anguilla on the UK economy.
ReplyThe Government of Anguilla is responsible for devolved matters. UK Government officials including in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office play an ongoing role supporting our Overseas Territories to pursue sustainable economic and fiscal strategies.
23 Feb 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the Answer of 15 January 2026 to Question 104140, whether her Department made an assessment on the security implications for the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean following the US's intervention in Venezuela.
ReplyAlongside the FCDO and other Government Departments, we continue to monitor the security situation in the Caribbean and undertake regular assessments of the requirements for Defence support to those Overseas Territories.
23 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the written answer of 15 January 2025 to Question 104147, what steps she is taking to help ensure transparency and value for money in support of the Howard Hamilton International Airport redevelopment project following the cancellation of the PPP procurement process.
ReplyThe Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government is responsible for devolved matters, including the Howard Hamilton International Airport redevelopment. Officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are in close contact with TCI Government to understand their decision and stand ready to offer our support to ensure value for money and transparent procurement.
23 Feb 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhether his Department has a preparedness plan for RAF ships to provide support to Anguilla in the case of natural disasters.
ReplyThe Ministry of Defence works closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure that preparedness plans are in place in the case of a natural disaster impacting the Overseas Territories in the Caribbean, including Anguilla.
23 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 November 2025 to Question 87235 on Yemen: Christianity, what (a) outcomes and (b) policy developments have resulted from the UK’s engagement with (i) the United Nations and (ii) international partners on the protection of Christian minority communities in Yemen, including in areas under Houthi control.
ReplyThe UK remains firmly committed to protecting freedom of religion or belief in Yemen, including for Christian minority communities. Through the UN Security Council and the Human Rights Council, we continue to raise concerns about the treatment of minorities in Yemen and emphasise the need for an inclusive peace process, to ensure that all communities, including religious minorities, are protected. These challenges are complex and long‑standing, but we will continue to press for progress alongside our international partners.
23 Feb 2026·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedPursuant to the written answer of 5 December 2025 to question 93353, whether citizens of the British Overseas Territories are treated differently from other non-ordinarily resident citizens.
ReplyEntitlement to National Health Service care, free at the point of use, is based on ordinary residence. Anyone who is not ordinarily resident is considered an overseas visitor and may be chargeable under the NHS Charging Regulations, unless an exemption applies.A healthcare agreement is an example of an exemption, as the healthcare agreements between the United Kingdom and British Overseas Territories (BOT) allow for some BOT citizens to access pre-authorised treatment that has been agreed under the NHS quota system or funded by the BOT administration. Some eligible BOT residents can also access necessary healthcare without charge while temporarily in the UK.
20 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her Chinese counterpart on the civil war in Burma.
ReplyThe UK continues to use its penholder role at the UN Security Council (UNSC) to shine a spotlight on the Myanmar crisis, and condemn airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, in meetings attended by China and other Security Council members. Details of the UNSC meeting convened by the UK on 22 December 2025 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/elections-under-the-current-circumstances-in-myanmar-risk-provoking-further-violence-uk-statement-on-myanmar
12 Feb 2026·Cabinet Office·Answered
AskedWhether his Department has conducted any evaluations, stakeholder reviews or assessments of the public understanding, effectiveness or impact of the new UK Government brand identity since its introduction; and if he will publish any related correspondence or internal assessments.
ReplyFor information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452. For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168. Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.
12 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, if she make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing educational scholarships for citizens of the British Overseas Territories.
ReplyThe Chevening Scholarships programme (established 1983) and the Commonwealth Scholarships programme (established 1959) are available to citizens from the Overseas Territories. Further information on the programmes including how to apply is available here: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/ and https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/.
12 Feb 2026·Cabinet Office·Answered
AskedWhich Government departments, agencies, non‑departmental public bodies and other public authorities have been instructed to implement the new “UK Government” brand identity; and if he will publish any guidance issued on timelines for implementation, exemptions permitted, and arrangements for oversight or enforcement.
ReplyFor information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452. For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168. Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.
12 Feb 2026·Cabinet Office·Answered
AskedWith reference to reported spending of £532,000 on the GOV.UK brand refresh, of which £421,750 was attributed to the Cabinet Office and £110,250 to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether any additional costs have been incurred or authorised in relation to the wider “UK Government” branding programme.
ReplyFor information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452. For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168. Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.
12 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will provide an update on the status of Anguilla House, the representatives office for the Government of Anguilla in the UK.
ReplyThe Government of Anguilla is responsible for Anguilla's water infrastructure, health services, environment, economic development, and representational premises. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office works closely to support Anguilla, including providing £500,000 to improve Anguilla's water infrastructure this financial year, and over £4 million to support security since 2024. In total, since Hurricane Irma the UK Government has provided over £100 million in funding to Anguilla, which included the construction of new schools, health clinics, port facilities and a new ferry terminal.
12 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the Atlantic Child Advocacy Alliance.
ReplyI refer the Hon. Member to the November 2025 Joint Ministerial Council Communique. Overseas Territories are being supported to define their local needs so that tailored child advocacy support can be offered.
12 Feb 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the Blue Belt Programme Expedition to the Caribbean.
ReplyThe Blue Belt Beyond the Reef Expedition (13 January-28 February) is a pioneering survey of the largely unexplored offshore waters of Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Cayman Islands. A full assessment of findings will follow the conclusion of the survey and subsequent data analysis.