Written questions by Doogan.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many UK nationals died in Thailand in each of the last three years; and what the causes were of those deaths.

Consular staff have provided support in the following cases where a British national has died in Thailand in each of the last three years.Deaths - Thailand202320242025Assisted death / euthanasia0<50Cause still to be confirmed161180203Infection / disease31172167Injury252526Murder / manslaughter<5<5<5Natural causes154244296Other2297473Suicide / self-harm10127The data is based on the cases that are reported to us by the local authorities, families or others. We record the cause of death based on what we are told, and Consular staff are unable to independently investigate the cause of deaths. There will also be cases where we may not be informed of a death.Where the figures are 5 or fewer (but more than one), we do not publish a breakdown of the numbers, as this risks identifying the individuals involved. To release this data would contravene one of the data protection principles, and sections 40(2) and 40(3) of the Freedom of Information Act apply.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will hold discussions with the hon. Member for Angus and Perthshire Glens on the work of her Department's Murder and Manslaughter Team.

I will always be happy to arrange meetings with the Hon. Member to discuss issues of concern, either with myself or with relevant officials. I am also hosting a drop-in session in Parliament on 10 December with my counterpart from the Ministry of Justice for Members who want to raise relevant cases overseas.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the planned reduction in Official Development Assistance on intelligence gathering to facilitate aid provision in Afghanistan.

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

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of recognising the State of Palestine.

The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering.  We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace.UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right, so it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We have noted President Macron's comments regarding recognition and are in constant dialogue with all partners on how we can best use the conference in June to achieve our shared objective of a two-state solution.We condemn the latest remarks by Minister Katz regarding the annexation of land in Gaza. Palestinian territory must not be reduced in the conduct of this war. On 21 March, the UK issued a Statement at the UN Security Council opposing any attempt to forcibly annex land in Gaza or expand settlements in the West Bank.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of children globally who will be impacted by the funding cuts to Official Development Assistance.

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

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans the Government has to appoint a Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

As the Deputy Prime Minister said in Parliament on 20 November, envoy appointments are under Ministerial consideration and will be decided upon in due course. We continue to use the strength of our global diplomatic network, including dedicated staff within the FCDO, to promote and protect Freedom of Religion or Belief around the world.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued for (a) Benjamin Netanyahu, (b) Yoav Gallant and (c) Mohammed Deif.

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 remain focused on pushing for an immediate ceasefire, to bring an end to the devastating violence in Gaza. This is essential to protect civilians, ensure the release of hostages and to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many coroners inquests have been held in (a) England and (b) Wales for the death of a UK national abroad in the last five years.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office received requests for documents to assist with coroner's inquests in England and Wales over the last five years (rounded to the nearest 100) as follows:1,100 in 2019;1,000 in 2020;1,000 in 2021;1,300 in 2022; and1,300 in 2023.The FCDO does not record separate figures for England and Wales. These figures may not be reflective of all deaths abroad where a coroner in England and Wales has taken forward an inquest as the FCDO may not have been contacted in every case. The Ministry of Justice produces statistics on coroners inquests: [https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coroners-and-burials-statistics].

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Bereavement abroad through homicide or culpable homicide - support: memorandum of understanding" between his Department and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, published on 30th September 2024, whether his Department has taken recent steps to amend its processes on the deaths of UK nationals abroad who were resident in Scotland.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Police Service of Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Death Certification Review Service and Victim Support Scotland details the support offered to bereaved families of British nationals who are killed through murder or culpable homicide abroad. The MoU was created to ensure that affected families resident in Scotland have clarity on the type of support available from the MoU signatories. FCDO consular staff will provide bereaved families with information on support available during initial contact with them.