Written questions by McDougall.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many consular cases involving violent crime against British tourists his Department has dealt with for customers of Tui Group.

Whether or not a British national was travelling with a particular tour company, airline or other business when they sought consular assistance is not captured in our case management system.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many consular cases involving violent crime his Department has dealt with in St Lucia in each of the last five years.

Between 2019 and 2024 British nationals sought consular assistance as a result of violent crime on 15 occasions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his Department's policies of (a) prosecutions of opposition party leaders and (b) levels of repression of civil society groups in Georgia.

I am seriously concerned by the recent sentences imposed on several prominent Georgian opposition figures. These are clearly politically motivated and aimed at blocking the political opposition from future elections. On 23 June I called on Georgian Dream to end its misuse of the courts to silence dissent, and free all political prisoners. In addition, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office summoned the Georgian Chargé d'Affaires on 30 June, to make clear the UK's firm opposition to Georgia's increasingly harmful trajectory. We continue to keep the worsening situation in Georgia under close review. On 1 July I chaired an emergency meeting with like-minded European democracies on Georgia to discuss our assessment of the situation and actions in response.On 15 May I raised my wide-ranging concerns about recent repressive legislation on civil society and the media; restrictions on freedom of assembly and arbitrary arrests; and growing anti-Western rhetoric from high-level representatives of Georgian Dream. On 18 June I discussed my concerns about Georgian Dream's repressive legislation to restrict civil society, media, and opposition voices with Georgian 5th President Zourabichvili, and expressed my support for her work supporting democracy in Georgia. On 26 June our Ambassador to Georgia raised concerns about attacks on civil society, media and non-governmental organisations with Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Botchorishvili. We continue to keep a range of options under active review working with our partners to respond to the latest actions.The UK's support for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations remains steadfast, and we stand ready to assist in a return to its European values and democratic norms.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Chinese counterpart on the release of Dr Wang Bingzhang.

The UK Government stands firm on human rights in China. We raise our concerns at the highest levels: the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang, Vice Premier He and Vice Premier Ding respectively).We continue to coordinate efforts with our international partners to hold China to account for human rights violations and will continue to call on China to uphold its commitments under international law.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what long term support the Government plans to provide the International Commission on Missing Persons to support their work in identifying those still missing from (a) the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina and (b) the Genocide at Srebrenica.

The UK supports post-conflict reconciliation in the Western Balkans, through diplomatic and programmatic efforts. This has included funding for the International Commission on Missing Persons for work in the Western Balkans, including for Regional Co-operation through the Missing Persons Group. The UK allocated £150,000 to the International Commission on Missing Persons for the period 1 July 2024 to 1 July 2025. The UK does not currently have plans for funding beyond this period.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what funding the Government plans to provide to Regional Co-operation in Accounting for Missing Persons in the Western Balkans (The Missing Person Group) of the International Commission on Missing Persons in the (a) 2025-26 and (b) 2026-27 financial years.

The UK supports post-conflict reconciliation in the Western Balkans, through diplomatic and programmatic efforts. This has included funding for the International Commission on Missing Persons for work in the Western Balkans, including for Regional Co-operation through the Missing Persons Group. The UK allocated £150,000 to the International Commission on Missing Persons for the period 1 July 2024 to 1 July 2025. The UK does not currently have plans for funding beyond this period.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Bahrain on allegations relating to the detention of minors in relation to peaceful protests.

The Foreign Secretary last visited Bahrain in October 2024 where he met the Foreign Minister. The focus for that visit was de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and to meet UK personnel working in the region, underscoring our commitment to regional security and stability.The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office encourages all countries, including Bahrain, to uphold international human rights obligations. Our close and long-standing relationship with Bahrain continues to allow for a genuine and open dialogue by Ministers and officials in a range of areas, including human rights, on which we also recognise a number of positive steps taken by the Government of Bahrain over recent years.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Bahrain on allegations relating to (a) human rights violations, (b) arbitrary arrest, (c) prolonged detention without a fair trial and (d) the alleged torture of children.

The Foreign Secretary last visited Bahrain in October 2024 where he met the Foreign Minister. The focus for that visit was de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and to meet UK personnel working in the region, underscoring our commitment to regional security and stability.The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office encourages all countries, including Bahrain, to uphold international human rights obligations. Our close and long-standing relationship with Bahrain continues to allow for a genuine and open dialogue by Ministers and officials in a range of areas, including human rights, on which we also recognise a number of positive steps taken by the Government of Bahrain over recent years.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the approach taken by the Bahrain Government to (a) pro-democracy protests and (b) social media content critical of the government.

Our close and long-standing relationship with Bahrain continues to allow for a genuine and open dialogue in a range of areas, including human rights, on which we also recognise a number of positive steps taken by the Government of Bahrain over recent years. We continue to work with Bahrain to encourage greater media freedoms.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of China's treatment of (a) Falun Gong, (b) The Church of Almighty God and (c) Christian practitioners.

The environment for freedom of religion or belief in China is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and Christians. This Government stands firm on human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief. We raise our concerns at the highest levels: the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Chancellor have all raised human rights recently with their Chinese counterparts.More broadly, this Government champions freedom of religion or belief for all abroad. We work to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Overseas Security and Justice Assistance Guidance prevents UK involvement in human rights abuses.

The Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) assessment is an essential tool to ensure that the UK's overseas security and justice assistance meets our human rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) obligations, increases respect for the rule of law, and supports UK values. It is important that the skills and expertise we impart internationally are not used to cause harm. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is currently reviewing the Government's guidance for OSJA assessments so that it remains fit for purpose and captures emerging risks that could contribute to violations of human rights and IHL.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what opportunities hon. Members will have to contribute to the review of the Overseas Security and Justice Assistance Guidance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is currently reviewing the Government's guidance for Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) assessments. This is to ensure it remains fit for purpose and that the UK's overseas security and justice assistance aligns with the UK's human rights obligations and values, while increasing respect for the rule of law. The FCDO plans to engage with a wide range of civil society and other stakeholders as part of the review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Nigerian counterpart on the risk of famine in (a) north west and (b) north east Nigeria.

Insecurity in North-East and North-West Nigeria has contributed to worsening food security as people are unable to plant, harvest and trade safely. The UK is therefore already providing support to tackle malnutrition in north-east Nigeria through the Humanitarian and Resilience Programme (HARP). HARP reduces mortality and increases resilience for people with the most severe humanitarian needs by (i) addressing food insecurity and malnutrition and (ii) protecting vulnerable people from harm. Through HARP, the UK has funded UNICEF to support the prevention and treatment of malnutrition aiming to reach 500,000 children with life-saving support.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the use of sexual violence by extremist groups in the north east and north west of Nigeria.

The UK is committed to preventing sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) and to supporting victims in Nigeria. We welcomed Nigeria's endorsement of both the Call to Action and the Murad Code as crucial steps for greater practical action to tackle Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV). Through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), the UK is supporting the Nigerian police and military in the conflicted-affected North East of Nigeria to respond to sexual and gender-based violence. In the Financial Year of 2023/24, over 5000 Nigerian security personnel received training on Human Rights and preventing gender-based violence (GBV). The UK's Humanitarian and Resilience Programme (HARP) also provided support to 551 women and girls facing gender-based violence with comprehensive treatment and case management. The UK is also committed to ensuring the rights and inclusion of women and girls in North West Nigeria are protected. In the Financial Year of 2023/24, the ISF Nigeria Stability Programme (NSP) funded 52 sessions on preventing sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) and 6 Mixed Observer Teams (MOTs) which are actively supporting communities to address GBV prevention and response.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to provide support to Georgian democrats who were arrested by their government and have lost legal defence funding following the funding freeze by USAID.

We do not provide any legal defence funding to Georgian Civil Society involved in recent protests. The UK's commitment to supporting both humanitarian aid and development across the world remains steadfast. The Foreign Secretary and I have raised our concerns over arbitrary arrests and violence in Georgia with the Georgian Dream authorities. I was clear that Georgia's negative democratic trajectory, and violence targeting demonstrators and journalists is unacceptable. We are working to support a free and open civil society and attend court hearings. On 30 January, our Embassy in Tbilisi issued a statement supporting journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who has been on hunger strike since 11 January.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support British citizens who have experienced trauma due to events in Gaza and Israel since October 2023.

We welcome the announcement of an agreement to end the fighting in Gaza. We have continually pressed for a resolution to secure a ceasefire and see the return of hostages. We welcome the release of seven hostages in Gaza, including British national Emily Damari, and thank Qatar, Egypt and the US for their support in bringing these individuals' and their families' horrific ordeal to an end. We are clear the agreement must be implemented in full with all hostages returned. We continue to support families who have been bereaved through the October 7 attacks. The Foreign Secretary has met with or spoken to all families of UK and UK-linked hostages cruelly detained by Hamas and has heard first-hand the suffering those families have endured, most recently on 13 January. A team of experts from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are providing ongoing support to family members in the UK and Israel. The UK Government has additionally supported 505 British nationals and eligible persons to leave Gaza since October 2023.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to secure the medical evacuation of gravely (a) ill and (b) injured children in Gaza.

An immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with many in need of urgent medical assistance. It is vital that Israel ensures that there is a sustained passage for patients who need treatment not available in Gaza.We have announced £1 million for the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, delivered through World Health Organisation (WHO) Egypt, to support medically evacuated Palestinians from Gaza., to support medically evacuated Palestinians from Gaza. The UK is also supporting the provision of essential healthcare to civilians in Gaza, including support to UK-MED for operating their field hospitals. The Government is keeping our humanitarian programme and existing policies on medical evacuations and visa pathways under review in response to events in Gaza.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to his Israeli counterpart on the case of Habiba Al Askari.

The case of Habiba Al Askari is tragic and underlines why we need to see more medical evacuation routes open during the first phase of the ceasefire. While we have not discussed this individual case with Israel, we engage routinely on the importance of addressing health needs within Gaza and enabling medical evacuations for all patients needing medical care not available in Gaza.The UK has announced £1 million for the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, delivered through World Health Organization Egypt, to support medically evacuated Palestinians from Gaza. The UK is also supporting provision of essential healthcare to Palestinians including funding UK-Med to operate field hospitals in Gaza, where they have established an operating theatre and an emergency department for urgent care.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the government of Azerbaijan on territorial claims made by President Aliyev for territory within Armenia.

The UK fully recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan. We welcome the progress on the delimitation of their borders and support the efforts of both sides to agree a lasting settlement to their decades' long conflict. I called Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on 31 October and met with the Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK on 13 January, where I reiterated the UK's support to secure a long-lasting peace deal. We regularly urge all sides to refrain from any rhetoric which could undermine the important dialogue and prospects for a deal.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help protect the Falun Gong community in China.

The environment for freedom of religion or belief across China is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.This Government will champion freedom of religion or belief for all abroad. We will work to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora, and through bilateral engagement. For example, the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary both raised human rights recently with their counterparts, President Xi and Foreign Minister Wang, respectively.