Written questions by Campbell.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to his Eritrean counterpart on reported discrimination of Evangelical Christians who are serving members of the Eritrean armed forces.

We consistently raise human rights with the Eritrean government, including religious freedoms. We advocate for the end of discriminatory detentions based on religion or belief, as we have stated at the UN Human Rights Council. We call for all those unjustly incarcerated to be released. The UK's Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea raised human rights during her most recent visit to Eritrea in April 2025 and the UK supports the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea, voting in favour of his mandate renewal in July 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Syrian authorities following the suicide bombing that resulted in twenty three deaths and scores injured at a Church in Damascus on 23 June 2025.

The UK strongly condemns the horrific terrorist attack at Mar Elias Church in Damascus, and remains committed to combatting terrorism in all forms. I sent a personal message to Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani, expressing my condolences and the UK's continued support to the people of Syria. The UK Special Representative for Syria visited Damascus last week and discussed the assessment of the situation with the Syrian authorities, including the Foreign Minister and also gave her condolences. We will continue to advocate for the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all Syrians.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information the National Cyber Security Centre holds on the number of cyber attacks that were carried out against UK-based businesses between 2022 and 2024.

The cyber threat picture in the UK is diverse. Cyber security incidents can be reported into several different agencies within the UK depending on the type and severity of the incident. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides practical, expert guidance tailored to help businesses of all sizes build resilience against evolving cyber threats. NCSC also addresses a wide range of national cyber threats, from protecting citizens against online harm to responding to major cyber incidents. I recently met with NCSC colleagues to discuss the trends in threats and attacks and how we ensure high levels of resilience.Since September 2024, NCSC have managed more than 200 incidents, with a significant proportion impacting businesses across the UK. This includes twice as many nationally significant incidents as the same period a year ago. As published in the NCSC Annual Review (https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/files/NCSC_Annual_Review_2024.pdf) the breakdown of incidents managed by the NCSC Incident Management team is as follows:DateNumber of IncidentsSept 21 - Aug 22355Sept 22 - Aug 23371Sept 23 - Aug 24430 Other credible reports on cyber incidents include the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's Cyber Security Breaches survey from each of the last three years: 2022 (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022), 2023 (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2023/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2023) and 2024 (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024). The Information Commissioner's Office also has an Incident Trend Report (https://ico.org.uk/action-weve-taken/complaints-and-concerns-data-sets/data-security-incident-trends/) on cyber incidents reported to them.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with his counterpart in India on levels of violence against religious minorities in India.

The UK Government takes all allegations of human rights violations very seriously. We have a broad, deep and respectful partnership with the Government of India. This includes sharing perspectives on human rights and minority issues and finding common ground. Our High Commission in New Delhi and our network across India monitor human rights across the country. We engage Indian stakeholders on a range of human rights matters, working with Union and State Governments, and with civil society. This includes raising issues of concern where we have them.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with his counterpart in the UAE on the detention of Ryan Cornelius.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ministers regularly raise consular cases with their foreign counterparts. The Foreign Secretary last discussed Ryan Cornelius' case with the UAE Foreign Minister in December 2024. The FCDO takes the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention's opinions seriously. While their recommendations are not legally binding, we will continue to highlight their concerns in discussions with UAE authorities. The FCDO are providing Mr Cornelius with consular assistance, and we take any reports of human rights violations, including coercion and poor prison conditions very seriously and, with the consent of Mr Cornelius, will raise any concerns with local authorities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions with his French counterparts on recent reported violent incidents in migrant camps from where a number of attempted boat crossings to the UK have occurred.

I am aware of worrying recent incidents in migrant camps in France and extend my sympathies to the victims. I condemn these instances of violence which are often fuelled by criminal people-smuggling gangs responsible for small boat crossings. The Foreign Secretary and I, as well as Home Office colleagues, have regular contact with our French counterparts on a range of topics, including strengthening cooperation to combat these gangs, end dangerous crossings, and save lives.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has held with his US counterpart on the appointment of a special economic envoy to Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland engaged extensively with contacts in the US Administration and Congress on Northern Ireland issues, including during his visit to Washington in March 2025. The role of US Special Envoy is currently unfilled.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions at the United Nations with his international counterparts on the potential impact of international sanctions related to the invasion of Ukraine on the Russian economy.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials regularly engage with international counterparts bilaterally and at key multilateral fora, such as at the United Nations, to discuss a range of sanctions issues including the potential impact of sanctions related to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Such discussions cover the effect of our collective sanctions, which have deprived Russia of at least $450 billion since February 2022. They cover the global impact of Russia's war on Ukraine and challenge false and damaging narratives on impact. We use sanctions to deter and disrupt malign behaviour and demonstrate our defence of international norms. Our sanctions are designed to reduce the flow of arms and funding. They are used to support peace processes and to respond to threats to international security.We will continue to coordinate and cooperate with our international counterparts on sanctions issues at the United Nations and in a range of other fora, particularly the G7.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54630 on Gaza: Humanitarian Aid, if he will make an estimate of the quantity of aid supplied into Gaza between 19 January 2025 and 18 March 2025.

After months of limited or no humanitarian aid being delivered, essential supplies are either no longer available or quickly running out. As mentioned in my previous response, due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data, it is difficult to quantify the volume of aid that has been supplied and aid currently awaiting entry. Israel must urgently allow the UN and other humanitarian partners to do their jobs and deliver aid to those who so desperately need it.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Chinese counterparts on the case of Mr. Jimmy Lai since November 2024.

Jimmy Lai's case remains an utmost priority. This Government continues to call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution and release Jimmy Lai.The Foreign Secretary has raised this case at every opportunity with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, including in February, and April this year. I also remain in regular contact with Mr. Lai's son and last met him on 28 April. I raised Mr. Lai's case most recently with Chief Secretary, Eric Chan, on 30 May 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the World Bank on aligning new financial flows with the timelines of the Paris Agreement.

The World Bank Group's International Development Association and International Bank of Reconstruction and Development have aligned all their new financial operations with the Paris Agreement since 1 July 2023.The Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Development met with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on 4 June 2025 and they discussed the Bank's upcoming energy strategy.The Group remains committed to align the rest of its institutions, the International Financial Corporation and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, with the Paris agreement in their new financial operations from 1 July 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the sanctioning of UK parliamentarians by Russia on national security.

In April, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a further 21 UK parliamentarians had been added to Russia's 'stop list'. This is the thirteenth round of Russian 'sanctions' targeting over 800 British nationals including Ministers, parliamentarians, and those in the private sector. We have no insight into how or why Russia sanctions specific individuals, although their sanctions often seek to reciprocate UK sanctions against Russian targets - which are imposed by the Government in response to Russia's ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine.These sanctions are an unjustified reaction to parliamentarians expressing their views freely. The UK remains undeterred by these measures. The Government will continue its principled support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, and continue tackling the national security threat posed by the Russian state.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the quantity of aid supplied into Gaza between 19 January and 18 March 2025.

During the ceasefire and prior to Israel's aid block on 2 March, the UN and humanitarian Non-Governmental Organisations demonstrated that they can deliver humanitarian aid at scale to those who need it most, due to their logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage. Israel's recent announcement that it will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. Due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data, it is difficult to quantify the volume of aid currently awaiting entry. However, partners provide regular updates. On 19 May, the UK signed a joint donor statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza calling for a full resumption of aid and for Israel to allow the UN and other aid organisations to operate independently.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to change funding committed to the International Development Association.

The UK is strongly committed to the International Development Association and its centrality in development finance. The impacts of the decision to reduce UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5 per cent of gross national income to 0.3 per cent are still being worked through and we will be taking a rigorous approach to ensure all ODA delivers value for money. We will set out our spending plans following the completion of the Spending Review and departmental resource allocation processes.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with refence to the Answer of 1 May 2024 to Question 23837 on World Bank: Climate Change, whether he expects all new financial flows to be aligned with the Paris Agreement by July 2025.

The World Bank Group's International Development Association and International Bank of Reconstruction and Development have aligned all their new financial operations with the Paris Agreement since 1 July 2023. The Group has committed to align the rest of its institutions, the International Financial Corporation and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, with the Paris agreement in their new financial operations from 1 July 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with funding bodies on the potential implications for their policies of reports of a recently released hostage having been held in UNRWA premises.

This Government is relieved about the release of hostages, including that of Ms. Damari, and hope all others will also soon return safely to their families. Reports that hostages have been held in United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) premises are very concerning. We welcome the fact that UNRWA has said that they take all allegations extremely seriously, and there should be independent investigations into any misuse of its facilities by Palestinian armed militants, including Hamas. We also note UNRWA's statement that it was forced to vacate all its installations in the north of Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, on 13 October 2023. Following Catherine Colonna's Independent Review, UNRWA set out an action plan with detailed management reforms. As a result, we are assured that UNRWA is taking action to ensure it maintains the highest standards of neutrality. As the Minister for Development told the House on 28 January, she has discussed the issue of neutrality with UNRWA's leadership, including directly with Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. She also spoke to UNRWA staff members on their work to implement the recommendations of the Colonna report during her visit to the region on 3-5 December. A Memorandum of Understanding governs UK financial support to UNRWA. We continue to monitor UNRWA's activity through due diligence and annual assessments.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the conditions that Jimmy Lai is being held by Chinese authorities.

Jimmy Lai's case is a priority for the Government. We continue to press for consular access, which the Hong Kong Prison Authorities have refused. The Government takes all allegations of mistreatment very seriously and will follow up with action appropriate to the circumstances of the case. The Government has consistently raised our concerns around Mr Lai's case with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities: for example, the Prime Minister raised his case with President Xi in November, and I raised Mr Lai's case in my meetings during my November visit to Hong Kong.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the action by the Israeli Air Force on 8 September 2024 in Libya on Hezbollah's armed capability.

Israel has not taken any action against Hezbollah in Libya.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the Government expects to conclude revised negotiations with the Mauritian Government on the future of the Chagos Islands.

The negotiations with Mauritius have been ongoing for over two years.On 20 December the UK and Mauritius issued a joint public statement which made clear that Mauritius and the UK have held a series of productive, ongoing conversations and exchanges on finalising a historic Treaty on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.Both countries reiterated their commitment to finalising a treaty as quickly as possible, whose terms will agree to ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia and that Mauritius is sovereign over the Archipelago.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with representatives of the incoming U.S. President on the appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland.

The Foreign Secretary has not discussed the appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland with representatives of the incoming US President. Appointments by the incoming US administration are a matter for them. We will work constructively with whoever is appointed as the next administration's US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, just as we continue to work constructively with Joe Kennedy III, the current US Special Envoy. The UK has a thriving trading and investment relationship with the US that encourages mutual growth across the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland. We are pleased that US delegations regularly visit Northern Ireland, and we expect that to continue in the years ahead.