Written questions by Allister.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the British Council’s international education programmes, including the International School Award, Study USA and UK–Ukraine school partnerships, on the UK’s soft power and diplomatic objectives.

The British Council plays a crucial role supporting the UK's interests around the world, supported by its work on UK education, as well its work to promote UK arts and culture, and the English language. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is providing over £160 million Grant-in-Aid to the British Council this financial year, which underlines our continued support for their important work.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the status of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); and what guidance her Department has issued to devolved institutions on engagement with that organisation.

The Government is committed to engaging respectfully and constructively with the Devolved Governments on international‑facing issues, recognising their interests and the value of working together where appropriate. Devolved Governments are appropriately briefed on the risks and opportunities of working with China. International relations, however, remain a reserved matter for the UK Government.Engagement with China provides an important channel to address areas of concern and to cooperate where this aligns with UK interests.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what determinations govern jurisdiction in Lough Foyle; and what measures are in place to regulate aquaculture in the Lough.

The Government's position on Lough Foyle has not changed. The regulation of activities in Lough Foyle is the responsibility of the Loughs Agency, a cross-border body established under the Belfast Agreement of 1998. We remain fully committed to these arrangements, while open to ways to improve the management of the Lough.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much the US was charged for the use of Diego Garcia as a military base for each of the last five financial years.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer to question 81887 on 22 October.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what protocols govern the President of the Republic of Ireland carrying out engagements in Northern Ireland; and whether the UK Government is (a) notified and (b) required to consent in advance of such visits.

There is no formal requirement for a Head of State to notify the UK Government ahead of a visit to the UK. In practice, most foreign governments do notify the UK government ahead of visits, particularly to discuss security arrangements.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to her Finnish counterpart on the case of Dr Päivi Räsänen; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to (a) promote and (b) help safeguard freedom of speech across Europe.

The specific case raised by the Hon Member is a matter for the Finnish authorities.Separately from this, we regularly reaffirm our support for the protection of LGBT+ rights and measures to prevent discrimination against the LGBT+ community globally.Equally we support freedom of expression as a fundamental right and we have a long history of promoting freedom of expression globally, underpinned by our commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.We will continue to highlight the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief and regularly work with other diplomatic partners in this regard.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to (a) protect persecuted Christians and (b) promote religious freedom.

The UK is committed to championing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, and we recognise the issue of persecution of Christians globally on account of their faith, alongside other groups. We continue to seek opportunities to highlight these issues through the UN, G7 and as a member of the Article 18 Alliance, ensuring joint international action on FoRB, including in sub-Saharan Africa.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to help tackle Christian persecution.

The UK is committed to championing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, and we recognise the issue of persecution of Christians globally on account of their faith, alongside other groups. We continue to seek opportunities to highlight these issues through the UN, G7 and as a member of the Article 18 Alliance, ensuring joint international action on FoRB, including in sub-Saharan Africa.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle (a) Fulani militants, (b) Boko Haram and (c) other Islamist extremists in Nigeria.

Nigeria is witnessing rising conflict and insecurity, including violent extremism and intercommunal violence. Violence in Nigeria's North-East is driven by terrorist groups including Boko Haram, who target all those who do not subscribe to their extremist views. These attacks are distinct from the intercommunal violence across Nigeria's Middle Belt. The UK Government is committed to supporting Nigeria to address these challenges by working with Nigeria's security forces, and through peacebuilding efforts to tackle the root causes of violence. Through our UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, we are supporting Nigeria to tackle insecurity and promote human rights. This includes facilitating civil-military cooperation within North-East communities and utilising UK experience to strengthen the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC). Additionally, the UK's Strengthening Peace and Resilience programme ('SPRING') works to address the root causes of intercommunal violence across Nigeria's Middle Belt, through collaboration with local communities to support productive livelihoods for both farmers and pastoralists.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to help support Christians in sub-Saharan Africa affected by (a) religious violence and (b) conflict.

The UK is committed to championing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, and we recognise the issue of persecution of Christians globally on account of their faith, alongside other groups. We continue to seek opportunities to highlight these issues through the UN, G7 and as a member of the Article 18 Alliance, ensuring joint international action on FoRB, including in sub-Saharan Africa.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson is entitled to financial compensation following his removal as Ambassador to the US.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 14 October to Question 77564.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 53437 on Republic of Ireland: Omagh Bombing Inquiry, on what date the Memorandum of Understanding was cleared by his Department.

I refer the Honourable Member to the Answer of 23 May 2025 to Question 53437.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the Memorandum of Understanding between Omagh Bombing Inquiry and the Government of Ireland relating to the Disclosure of Materials, published on 15 April 2025, was cleared by his Department.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Irish Government and the Omagh Bombing Inquiry is a very positive step. The arrangements underpinning this cooperation are ultimately a matter for the Government of Ireland and the Inquiry, which rightly is independent of Government.