Written questions by McDougall.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy to support a female appointment as General Secretary of the United Nations.

The UK supports a merit-based appointment for UN Secretary-General, based on principles of transparency and inclusiveness. The Government would like to see women's representation strengthen across the multilateral system, and we welcome the Secretary-General's ambition for gender parity. We encourage member states to nominate women for the top jobs. The UK is proud to continue to support the objectives of the UN's Senior Women Talent Pipeline (SWTP), including programme funding totalling £50,000 in the current financial year.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions with international counterparts on the use of force against pro-democracy protesters in Georgia.

In his 9 December statement the Foreign Secretary strongly condemned the excessive use of force against protesters and journalists in Georgia. He also outlined the suspension of programme support to the Georgian government as a result of the crackdown. In my 3 December statement, I made clear our support for the Georgian people's European future, and I condemned the excessive force used against protesters and journalists. Protesters in Georgia are making clear their opposition to Georgian Dream's decision to stall the country's progress towards EU membership, directly undermining the Georgian Constitution. We are in regular contact with international partners regarding the situation. I continue to call on the Georgian authorities to listen, de-escalate, and reverse this harmful trajectory away from European values.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion No. 34/2024 on Jimmy Lai published on 26 September 2024.

The FCDO takes the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention's Opinion very seriously. The UK Government has consistently called for Jimmy Lai's release and raised concerns about his case directly with the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities.The Prime Minister raised Jimmy Lai with President Xi at last week's G20 Summit in Brazil and the Foreign Secretary raised his case with Wang Yi during his visit to Beijing on 18 October.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department's China audit will engage with Hong Kong BNO status holders that live in the UK.

Work on the audit is underway and will involve consultation with a range of experts within and beyond government.The audit will examine the UK's interests with respect to China. This will improve our ability - both inside and outside of Government - to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses. The audit is due to report in early 2025.

What support her Department has provided to British citizens from Hong Kong living in the UK who have had bounties placed on their heads by the Chinese government.

It is the first duty of government to keep its citizens safe. Attempts to intimidate and silence individuals in the UK by foreign powers, including China, are unacceptable. The protection of individuals’ freedoms, and safety is of the upmost importance. Where individuals are identified as being of heightened risk, we are proactive in the deployment of protective security guidance and other measures as appropriate. Anyone who is concerned for their safety should contact the police in the first instance.

What support her Department provides to UK residents threatened by agents of authoritarian regimes overseas.

The first duty of any government is to keep the country safe and protect its citizens. The UK does not tolerate attempts by any state to threaten or intimidate UK residents. We continually assess potential risks and take the protection of individuals’ rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously. This involves taking a proactive approach to countering the most acute forms of state-directed threats to individuals.We will continue to implement measures in the National Security Act 2023, which make the UK a harder target for those states which seek to conduct hostile acts.Home Office officials work closely with operational partners, the FCDO and other government departments to ensure that UK residents are safe and secure. Where individuals have concerns for their safety, they are advised to contact their local police in the first instance.

Whether her Department issues guidance on (a) identifying and (b) tackling political interference from international actors to academic institutions.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The government works in partnership with the sector to support institutions to make informed decisions on international collaborations and manage national security risks. Universities UK, with government support, continues to deliver a programme of work to increase the understanding and awareness of the threat from interference within the higher education sector. A key output of this work is the publication of two sets of guidelines: ‘Managing risks in Internationalisation: Security related issues’ and ‘Managing risks in international research and innovation’.These guidelines are available here:https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/what-we-do/policy-and-research/publications/managing-risks-internationalisation;https://www.ukri.org/publications/managing-risks-in-international-research-and-innovation/.The guidance has specific sections on mitigating against foreign interference. In addition, the Research Collaboration Advice Team and National Protective Security Authority continue to provide tailored advice to researchers and institutions on how to manage national security risks in international research collaborations.The National Security Act 2023 further strengthened the government’s legal powers to counter foreign interference, including those actions which amount to transnational repression, and provides the security services and law enforcement agencies with additional tools to deter, detect and disrupt modern-day state threats.

What steps he is taking to (a) reduce waiting times for gynaecological procedures and (b) help support women's health.

Nearly 600,000 women are on gynaecology waiting lists. It is unacceptable that patients are waiting too long to get the care they need. Cutting waiting lists, including for gynaecology procedures, is a key part of our Health Mission and a top priority for the Government.We have committed to achieving the NHS Constitutional standard that 92% of patients should wait no longer than 18 weeks from Referral to Treatment by the end of this Parliament, including those waiting for gynaecology treatment. Funding has been confirmed to support the delivery of an extra 40,000 operations, scans, and appointments per week. Capital investment of £1.5 billion for new surgical hubs and scanners has been announced, alongside £70 million for new radiotherapy machines.We are considering how to take forward the Women’s Health Strategy for England, and work continues to improve health outcomes for women. For example, the Department is continuing to work with NHS England to support the establishment of at least one pilot women’s health hub in every integrated care system, following a £25 million investment. As of September 2024, 36 of the 42 integrated care boards reported to NHS England that their pilot women’s health hub was open. The Government is committed to prioritising women’s health as we reform the National Health Service and will put women’s equality at the heart of our missions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of Russian-backed media transmitting on the radio frequency previously occupied by the BBC World Service's Arabic station in Lebanon on British influence in the region.

The BBC is editorially and operationally independent and makes its own decisions about where to broadcast, audiences to reach and content. The BBC Arabic language service continues to operate and reaches a weekly average audience of 35 million people across the Middle East and North Africa and more widely.Russia's disinformation tactics are well-documented. It is using disinformation and other malign tactics to advance its influence, sow discord and undermine global rules and norms worldwide.HMG works with diverse media outlets that represent different perspectives across MENA aiming to mitigate Russia's influence. This also includes working with digital and traditional media platforms as well as radio, ensuring all media are covered.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will issue guidance to (a) HSBC and (b) Standard Chartered on ensuring that British National (Overseas) passports are valid documents for Hong Kongers to use to secure early withdrawals of their Mandatory Provident Fund savings after permanently leaving Hong Kong.

We are aware of the concerning reports that individuals who have chosen to take up the BN(O) visa route are having difficulties in the early drawing down of their Hong Kong MPF savings. We deeply value the UK's growing Hong Kong community and will address their concerns where we can. Whilst documentary requirements for withdrawing funds are a matter for the Hong Kong authorities, officials continue to raise this issue directly with the Hong Kong Government to encourage a pragmatic solution, and UK officials and Ministers continue to discuss the matter with the banks.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made representations to the government of Italy on that country's recent ban on couples travelling abroad for surrogacy.

As a key ally, we exchange views frankly and respectfully with Italy including on women's empowerment, gender equality and LGBT+ issues.  We do this bilaterally and in multilateral fora. The FCDO will continue to discuss a range of issues with Italian counterparts.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Qatari counterpart to help secure the release of the 101 Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.

Since day one, we have been working alongside our allies and partners in the region, including Qatar, in support of ongoing negotiations. The UK welcomes the tireless efforts of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States. We need the hostages returned immediately and unconditionally. We must see greater protection of civilians, a rapid increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and to enable the UN and humanitarian agencies to be able to operate safely in Gaza. During his most recent visit to the region on 9 October, the Foreign Secretary reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire to ensure their safe release.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken to secure the release of Emily Damari from Hamas captivity.

Since our first day in government we have been working alongside our allies and partners in the region in support of ongoing negotiations to secure the release of the hostages, including Emily Damari and all those connected to British citizens. We appreciate the tireless efforts of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States, and continue to use all diplomatic avenues to further our aims. We condemn Hamas' continued holding of hostages in Gaza. Hamas must release all the hostages now, and a ceasefire deal must be agreed urgently to end the suffering. The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed to Israeli Foreign Minister Katz in Israel the UK's support in working together to deliver the return of all the hostages. The Foreign Secretary and I have also met the families of hostages with links to the UK, whose loved ones have been murdered or taken by Hamas, to express our deepest sympathies and to highlight the diplomatic efforts underway.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with international counterparts on Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

Since day one, we have been working alongside our allies and partners in the region, including Qatar, in support of ongoing negotiations. The UK welcomes the tireless efforts of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States. We need the hostages returned immediately and unconditionally. We must see greater protection of civilians, a rapid increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and to enable the UN and humanitarian agencies to be able to operate safely in Gaza. During his most recent visit to the region on 9 October, the Foreign Secretary reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire to ensure their safe release.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assistance he is providing to the Republic of Moldova against potential Russian aggression.

During my visit to Chisinau on 16-17 September, I represented the UK at the Moldova Partnership Platform and met President Sandu, Deputy Prime Minister Popsoi and Defence Minister Nosatii to reaffirm the UK's strong support for Moldova in the face of Russian hybrid aggression. This year alone, the UK is providing £27 million of humanitarian, development and defence support to Moldova, including £4.3 million through the Good Governance Fund to strengthen Moldova's capacity to respond to threats. In September, I announced that at least £8 million of our humanitarian support to Ukraine would be used in interventions in Moldova.

Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative changes to enable the viewing of films in communal spaces in sheltered accommodation without a licence.

This is a devolved area of competence in Scotland. Decisions about introducing legislative changes would be for the Scottish Government.In England and Wales, the exhibition of films in communal spaces is regulated through the Licensing Act 2003. Local authorities act as the ‘licensing authority’ when determining what activity requires a licence.The Licensing Act 2003 contains an exemption for entertainment activity that is provided on or behalf of a local authority, healthcare provider or school provider (see para. 16.16 of the Revised Guidance issued under s.182 of the Licensing Act 2003). The exemption applies to activity that takes place on defined premises between 08.00 - 23.00. This exemption may apply to sheltered accommodation, and we would encourage those interested in exhibiting films in communal spaces in sheltered accommodation to consider on a case by case basis whether they would fall under this exemption.The government is not planning any legislative changes in this area.

What assessment she has made of the potential suitability of the private sector for delivering services under a Modern Slavery Victim Care contract.

The Government has robust internal assurance processes in place to manage and assure projects and programmes. The programme to procure a replacement for the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (Support for Victims of Modern Slavery (SVMS)) is following these assurance processes, which includes approval from and discussion with key Government Departments. The SVMS programme has also spoken to Cabinet Office throughout the preparations for going to market and as part of the approval processes.The Home Office has undertaken a thorough market health assessment and conducted extensive supplier engagement for the SVMS programme, comprising a mix of Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and private sector organisations. The Home Office’s approach is to keep the opportunity open to different types of organisations – including charities and private sector - to ensure the Government harnesses the full range of capabilities across the supply chain delivering the best outcomes for victims of modern slavery. By adopting this approach, the SVMS programme will ensure it secures sustainable and resilient solutions that deliver economic and social value for UK taxpayers.For further information on the Government’s project assurance process and business case development guidance please see here: The Green Book and accompanying guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

How much the Government has spent on advertising on X.com since October 2022.

The full Governmental spend on X is not centrally held.There has been zero Cabinet Office spend with X in the last 12 months.

What discussion she has had with Cabinet colleagues on preparations for the next Modern Slavery Victim Care contract.

The Government has robust internal assurance processes in place to manage and assure projects and programmes. The programme to procure a replacement for the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (Support for Victims of Modern Slavery (SVMS)) is following these assurance processes, which includes approval from and discussion with key Government Departments. The SVMS programme has also spoken to Cabinet Office throughout the preparations for going to market and as part of the approval processes.The Home Office has undertaken a thorough market health assessment and conducted extensive supplier engagement for the SVMS programme, comprising a mix of Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and private sector organisations. The Home Office’s approach is to keep the opportunity open to different types of organisations – including charities and private sector - to ensure the Government harnesses the full range of capabilities across the supply chain delivering the best outcomes for victims of modern slavery. By adopting this approach, the SVMS programme will ensure it secures sustainable and resilient solutions that deliver economic and social value for UK taxpayers.For further information on the Government’s project assurance process and business case development guidance please see here: The Green Book and accompanying guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Innovation and Technology, what steps he plans to take with providers to help ensure the resilience of the telephone network, in the context of trends in the number of power cuts.

Although most power cuts are brief, the impact they can have on the telephone network is significant, particularly in rural communities. We are working closely with the regulator, communications providers and the power sector to improve resilience and minimise disruption to the public and businesses as much as possible.Communications providers have statutory responsibilities to take all appropriate and proportionate steps to minimise disruption to services and must ensure at least one back-up form of communication is available for contacting emergency services for a minimum of one hour during a power outage. On 6 September 2024, Ofcom published detailed resilience guidelines specifying the measures that providers are expected to meet throughout their networks, including resilience to power cuts, and set out the analysis they are completing to consider whether additional resilience is required for mobile services.