Written questions by Law.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Prime Minister's Oral Statement of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, whether the Government has commissioned an impact assessment on the decision to reduce Official Development Assistance to 0.3% of gross national income from 2027.

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and official development assistance. Detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review on the basis of various factors including impact assessments.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department holds information on whether Yoav Gallant travelled through British airspace in December 2024.

We do not hold this information.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy that Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody with strong British connections are treated as British citizens.

We are deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment of detainees. The UK continues to reiterate calls for Israel to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and our Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates worldwide provide consular assistance to British nationals abroad. Types of British citizenship are set out on Gov.UK

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if the Government will meet with family members of Palestinian (a) abductees and (b) hostages held without (i) charge and (ii) trial in Israeli detention facilities.

We are deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli detention centres. The UK continues to reiterate calls for Israel to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities. We continue to raise this with the Israeli government as a priority. The Foreign Secretary, the Minister for Development, the Foreign Secretary's Representative for Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (FSRHA) and I regularly meet NGOs to discuss topics including prisoners and detainees. The UK has always been clear that an immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with international partners to ensure full implementation of the agreement, including the release of all hostages.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the delivery of aid in (a) Gaza and (b) the West Bank after 30 January 2025.

The UK is investing in the ceasefire, which is why the Minister for Development announced £17 million in humanitarian funding on 28 January to ensure healthcare, food and shelter reaches tens of thousands of civilians, and to rebuild vital infrastructure across the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). The UK has now announced £129 million for the OPTs this financial year, including £41 million for the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), providing essential services to civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Palestinian refugees across the region delivered through partner agencies. We remain opposed to the anti-UNRWA Knesset legislation and reiterate that the vital work of UNRWA must be protected across Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The UK continues to lead international action to press for a resolution to this urgent issue. On 31 January, we joined with Germany and France to call on Israel to abide by its international obligations and live up to its responsibility to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance and the provision of basic services to the civilian population.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on UNRWA’s operations in (a) Gaza and (b) the West Bank.

The UK remains opposed to the Israeli Knesset legislation suspending UNRWA operations, which came in to force on 30 January. The vital work of UNRWA in ensuring that Palestinians have access to education, healthcare and other essential services must be protected across Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. On 31 January, we joined with Germany and France to call on Israel to abide by its international obligations and live up to its responsibility to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance and the provision of basic services to the civilian population. The Foreign Secretary also raised this on 13 January with Foreign Minister Sa'ar, during his visit to the region. The Minister for Development set out our concerns with Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Haskel on 4 December, while the Foreign Secretary's Representative for Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories raised this with the Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs on 23 January.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Israeli counterparts on the detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya.

We are concerned by the reports of the detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and others. In recent weeks, I have raised this case with both Israel's Ambassador to the UK, and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Haskel. Israel must allow medical staff to carry out their work unimpeded, and to travel around Gaza as needed. Whilst we don't comment on specific non UK national cases, the government does raise international humanitarian law compliance regularly with Israel.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which Israeli officials he met on his visit to Israel in January 2025; what topics were discussed; and which issues he raised.

When the Foreign Secretary travelled to Israel earlier this month, he met Foreign Minister Sa'ar and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, and discussed ceasefire and hostage negotiations, humanitarian aid into Gaza, as well as other regional issues.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will increase multi-year funding to support (a) the most food-insecure people in Sudan and (b) Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries.

Ministers will consider Official Development Assistance allocations for 2025/26 over the coming months, and we will publish them in the Annual Report & Accounts in summer 2025. The next phase of the Spending Review will set departmental budgets from 2026/27 to 2029/30.In November 2024, the UK announced a further £113 million of aid. With this announcement, the UK has doubled our aid to £226.5 million.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to help secure guarantees from Sudan’s warring parties of the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected populations.

The UK continues to raise the critical issue of humanitarian access. We did this recently at the UN Security Council on 19 December 2024 and 6 January 2025, where we called for the warring parties to lift bureaucratic impediments and let aid get to those who need it. I have also engaged directly with the new Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, on the UN response. The UK Special Representative, Richard Crowder, met the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, General Burhan, during his first visit to Sudan and lobbied against current impediments such as visas. On 25 November 2024, the Foreign Secretary chaired a Sudan meeting with G7 and Arab Quint Foreign Ministers to discuss joint steps to improve humanitarian access and increase aid.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to work towards (a) a ceasefire and (b) an end to the conflict in Sudan.

The UK is actively working towards ending the conflict in Sudan. The Foreign Secretary has spoken with regional partners to explore how the UK can assist international mediation efforts. Richard Crowder, UK Special Representative to Sudan, visited Port Sudan in December 2024 - the UK's first official visit to the county since outbreak of conflict in April 2023. He pressed for a resolution to the conflict, and for all parties to engage constructively in mediation talks, including by complying with the Jeddah Declaration of Commitments to Protect Civilians. We also continue to lead efforts in the UN Security Council to support peace and to keep international spotlight on this crisis.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Minister for Development met representatives of the Israeli Government during her visit to Israel in December 2024.

I met Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel and Yuli Edelstein, Chair of Israel's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, during my official visit to Israel in December 2024.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2254.

The UK joined talks in Aqaba on 14 December, hosted by Jordan, with Arab, US, UN and EU partners during which we collectively expressed commitment to supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process based on the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) promote stability and (b) safeguard institutions of governance in Syria in preparation for a transition to democratic elections.

The UK has been at the forefront of the response to fast moving events in Syria. The UK Special Envoy for Syria and I are speaking regularly to regional and other partners about the situation. The UK joined talks in Aqaba on 14 December, hosted by Jordan, with Arab, US, UN and EU partners during which we collectively expressed commitment to supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process based on the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government. We also advocated for preserving state institutions that serve the interests of, and provide critical services to, the people of Syria.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he is taking steps to help ensure a United Nations led process that restores democratic institutions of governance in Syria.

The UK has been at the forefront of the response to fast moving events in Syria. The UK Special Envoy for Syria and I are speaking regularly to regional and other partners, including the UN Special Envoy for Syria, about the situation. The UK joined talks in Aqaba on 14 December, hosted by Jordan, with Arab, US, UN and EU partners during which we collectively expressed commitment to supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process based on the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he is taking steps to help ensure (a) stability and (b) continuity of (i) governance and (ii) institutions in Syria.

The UK has been at the forefront of the response to fast moving events in Syria. The UK Special Envoy for Syria and I are speaking regularly to regional and other partners about the situation. The UK joined talks in Aqaba on 14 December, hosted by Jordan, with Arab, US, UN and EU partners during which we collectively expressed commitment to supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process based on the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government. We also advocated for preserving state institutions that serve the interests of, and provide critical services to, the people of Syria.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support (a) humanitarian aid efforts and (b) rescue efforts for Syrians still trapped in prisons.

The UK is working closely with humanitarian and other partners to monitor the humanitarian situation, assess impacts and needs, and determine how best to respond. We continue to support those in need across Syria, where it is safe to do so. Through NGOs and UN organisations, we are providing food, healthcare and other life-saving assistance. The UK has announced an additional £61 million in funding since 27 November 2024 to support vulnerable Syrians in Syria and the region.Following the regime's retreat from Aleppo in early December, I announced an additional £300,000 to the White Helmets to expand their operations into areas formerly controlled by the regime. The White Helmets play a key role in search and rescue operations, including in prisons.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many Special Mission Immunity certificates have been (a) applied for by and (b) granted to each state since 4 March 2013.

Government officials from any country can apply for and be granted special mission certificates as part of official visits to the UK. As set out in a Written Ministerial Statement by the former Foreign Secretary dated 4 March 2013, a special mission is a temporary mission, representing a State, which is sent by one State to another with the consent of the latter, in order to carry out official engagements on behalf of the sending State. Since 4 March 2013, the FCDO has received 68 requests for special missions, of which certificates were issued for visits from the following states: Egypt 35 certificates, Iran 1 certificate, Israel 16 certificates, Qatar 2 certificates, Rwanda 1 certificate and Saudi Arabia 3 certificates. Certificates were not issued for visits that did not meet the criteria for special missions, as set out by the former Foreign Secretary in 2013.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has granted any Special Mission Immunity certificates to any (a) visitor or (b) prospective visitor since 1 January 2024.

Government officials from any country can apply for and be granted special mission certificates as part of official visits to the UK. As set out in a Written Ministerial Statement by the former Foreign Secretary dated 4 March 2013, a special mission is a temporary mission, representing a State, which is sent by one State to another with the consent of the latter, in order to carry out official engagements on behalf of the sending State. Since 1 January 2024, the FCDO has given consent and issued certificates to two special mission status visits to the UK for the following officials and their delegations:· Mr Benny Gantz, Minister of the State of Israel on 6 March, visiting the then Foreign Secretary.· Lieutenant General Herzl Halevi, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the decision by the International Criminal Court of 21 November 2024 to issue arrest warrants for (a) Benjamin Netanyahu and (b) Yoav Gallant, if the Government will (i) impose sanctions on (A) Benjamin Netanyahu, (B) Yoav Gallant and (C) other senior Israeli officials, (ii) end arms transfers to Israel and (iii) suspend the trade deal with Israel.

We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. We will comply with our legal obligations.  This government has been clear that Israel has a right to defend itself, in accordance with international law. There is no moral equivalence between Israel, a democracy, and Hamas and Lebanese Hizballah, which are terrorist organisations.Since February 2024, the UK has announced three packages of settler violence-related sanctions, targeting those responsible for inciting and perpetrating human rights abuses against Palestinian communities in the West Bank under our Global Human Rights Sanctions regime. The UK Government does not speculate about future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact. The UK considers targets guided by the objectives of the relevant sanctions regime and the evidence.We continue to review export licences to Israel and assess, following the 2 September decision to suspend export licences for items for military operations in Gaza, that there are no extant licences that might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law. This is subject to the specific measures set out before Parliament excluding exports to the global F-35 programme from the scope of the suspension. Israel is an important trading and bilateral partner for the UK and remains part of our trade negotiation programme. In parallel, the UK Government continues to use our range of diplomatic tools and bilateral dialogues with Israel to discuss issues of concern, including in relation to the Israel/Gaza conflict. The UK will maintain its long-standing foreign policy positions throughout the FTA negotiations, including with respect to settlements.