Every parliamentary written question tabled by Greg Smith this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–10 of 10 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories has directed the British Ambassador in Turkey to visit Iain Guille.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 28 April to Question 128803 and continue to receive updates on this case.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what dates Ministers have (a) met and (b) spoken with the Turkish Ambassador to the United Kingdom to discuss the case of Iain Guille; and what representations were made on those occasions.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 28 April to Question 128803 and continue to receive updates on this case.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when Ministers next plan to raise the case of Iain Guille with Turkish counterparts.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 28 April to Question 128803 and continue to receive updates on this case.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to question UIN 122285, on which dates the two conversations between Minister Doughty and his Turkish counterpart took place; and on which date their next conversation about the protection of Iain Guille's rights under the law is due to take place.
I discussed Iain Guille's detention and welfare with my Turkish counterpart on 17 December 2025 and 3 February 2026, and I am continuing to follow the case closely. Consular officials are also monitoring Mr Guille's situation and providing support to his family as appropriate.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what her Department’s policy is on the acceptable duration of pre-trial detention for citizens of the United Kingdom who are detained overseas.
Where a British national raises fair trial concerns, including undue delay, we formulate our response on a case-by-case basis. Where a British detainee gives their consent for us to do so, we will raise fair trial or other concerns with the local authorities where appropriate.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations she has made to her Turkish counterpart on the pre-trial detention of Iain Guille, and what steps she is taking to help protect his welfare.
The Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty, has discussed Iain Guille's detention and welfare with his Turkish counterpart on two occasions, most recently in February 2026. UK Consular officials, in conjunction with their Canadian counterparts, have raised concerns about Mr Guille's welfare with the Turkish authorities, and will continue to monitor his health and welfare while he is detained, engaging with the relevant authorities as appropriate.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her US counterpart on reports of BBC Panorama editing President Trump's speech.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 17 November to Question 89121, which sets out the Government's position on this matter.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the risk of state sponsored terrorism from Palestine.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 September to Question 74028.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the restoration of funding to UNRWA on the UK's relations with the United States.
Since the Foreign Secretary restored funding to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in July 2024, the UK has committed £41 million this financial year to UNRWA, to deliver essential services for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and to Palestinian refugees across the region. UNRWA plays a vital role in delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza and enabling the broader international response through its logistics and distribution network. We reiterated this position in our E3 joint Foreign Ministers' statement of 31 January, alongside France and Germany.We continue to work together with the new US administration to ensure regional security and stability, including ensuring lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, and we thank the US for the integral role it played in negotiating the ceasefire agreement, alongside Qatar and Egypt. The Prime Minister reiterated this in his call with President Trump on 26 January. Our shared priority must be to work together to ensure the ceasefire is implemented in full, becomes permanent, and supports a pathway to a sustainable peace.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many British citizens were taken hostage during the attack on Israel by Hamas on 7 October 2023.
Two British nationals were taken hostage during the attack on Israel by Hamas on 7 October 2023. The UK Government was greatly saddened to hear about the death of Nadav Popplewell who had been held in captivity and was declared deceased in June 2024. For some the nightmare continues, with hostages still cruelly held by Hamas, including one British national, Emily Damari, and three with strong British links. All the hostages remain a priority to me and the entire Ministerial team and we will continue to work tirelessly for their release.