Written questions by Costigan.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Turkey on the freedom of journalists in (a) Turkey and (b) Turkish Kurdistan.

Media freedom is a priority for the FCDO. The UK believes that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and we regularly engage the Turkish government on urging respect for freedom of media, which is essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy. Further high-level engagement is planned in coming months.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help protect British nationals and their dependents in Lebanon.

The safety of British nationals is our number one priority. Our consular teams are working around the clock to support British nationals. Border Force and military stand ready to aid consular operations. We chartered a limited number of flights from Lebanon to support British nationals to leave the country in response to the deteriorating security situation. The latest charter flight left on 6 October. British nationals who remain in the country should register their presence, book the first available flight and leave now while commercial routes remain available. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the safety of British nationals and their dependents in the wider Middle East region in the context of escalating tensions.

We continuously monitor the situation across the region. We advise all British Nationals and dependents to regularly check the FCDO's Travel Advice for the country which they are in, which is kept updated. Unless otherwise noted in Travel Advice, we maintain our usual consular services. We recommend affected people to subscribe to receive notifications when relevant Travel Advice changes. If there is a reason for our 'Register Your Presence' service to be launched in that country, this will also be noted on the Travel Advice. Meanwhile we continue to monitor the situation on the ground and maintain regular discussions with host governments and partners.