Written questions by Shannon.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to help Ukraine join NATO.

At the Washington Summit in July, the UK and other NATO Allies agreed measures to enhance NATO's support to Ukraine as it advances on its irreversible path to NATO membership. NATO will be stronger with Ukraine as a member. The UK will continue to play a leading role in supporting Ukraine, including on interoperability and reforms. In the meantime, the UK and our Allies are stepping up support for Ukraine's immediate and long-term self-defence.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support community initiatives to (a) promote religious tolerance and (b) protect cultural and religious heritage In Pakistan.

The UK is committed to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all. In an introductory phone call with the Human Rights Minister for Pakistan on 4 September, I raised the importance of promoting religious tolerance and harmony.Our programme work in Pakistan focuses on bringing together community leaders and minority representatives to promote tolerance and reduce violence. We also run a hate speech and disinformation programme which works to protect marginalised communities from hate speech online.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Japanese counterpart on recent legislation affecting religious groups in that country.

This is a subject that is reserved for the Government of Japan and institutions of Japan. As a matter of principle, the UK has a long-standing policy to defend freedom of religion or belief for all and promote respect between different religious and non-religious communities. The right to adopt a religion or belief, to practise it without hindrance, to share your faith and to change your religion or beliefs are all key freedoms that everyone should be able to enjoy.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in Bangladesh on protecting religious minorities; and what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to support (a) religious tolerance and (b) human rights in that country.

The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. We are committed to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, as guaranteed under international human rights law. In July, the UK Government expressed concern about the situation in Bangladesh and called for all sides to work together to end the violence. We support the independent fact-finding mission by the United Nations to identify human rights violations in Bangladesh. The Interim Government in Bangladesh has the UK's full support as it works to restore peace and order, ensure accountability and promote national reconciliation.