Written questions by Shannon.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his US counterparts on the AUKUS defence pact.

AUKUS is a landmark partnership which enhances UK deterrence, supports UK growth, and strengthens Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security. The Foreign Secretary regularly discusses AUKUS with his US counterparts. He most recently raised AUKUS with Secretary Rubio when he visited Washington DC in June. In April at the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting, he and Secretary Rubio both mentioned Indo-Pacific security as a challenge our countries are working together to address, including through AUKUS. In January, the Foreign Secretary discussed the partnership in his very first call with Secretary Rubio.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with (a) pro-democracy organisations, (b) civil society and (c) ethnic nationalities in Myanmar to promote (i) federal democracy and (ii) human rights in that country.

We continue to discuss the political situation in Myanmar with a range of opposition stakeholders, including the National Unity Government (NUG) and a number of Ethnic Resistance Organisations (ERO). I recently met senior NUG stakeholders, to reiterate UK support for inclusive dialogue in Myanmar.In April, we co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council resolution on Myanmar calling for the Myanmar military to fully respect and protect the human rights of all persons in Myanmar, including Rohingya and other persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities.UK Aid continues to support the role of civil society to promote peace and stability in Myanmar.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Pakistani counterpart on the case of Junaid Hafeez.

The UK Government remains deeply concerned by the use of blasphemy laws to undermine human rights in Pakistan. We regularly raise this issue at the highest levels - pressing for due process to prevent wrongful convictions and ensure fair trials for those accused. In March 2025, I raised the heated discourse around blasphemy with Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior. Lord Khan of Burnley raised the misuse of blasphemy laws when he met Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs in April 2025. We are not prepared to discuss the detail of individual cases where to do so could put individuals and their families at risk.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of foreign aid since 4 July 2024.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to delivering effective programming. As we reorient our Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget following the decision to shift to 0.3 per cent of Gross National Income, we will have an even greater focus on delivering impact - ensuring every pound delivers for the UK taxpayer and the people we support.Effectiveness and value for money are assessed on an ongoing basis as part of embedded processes, and we continue to improve the effectiveness of all UK aid. The FCDO's Programme Operating Framework maximises the impact of aid through consideration of various factors including effectiveness, while programmes undergo an annual review of effectiveness using a results framework. To assess value for money and inform decision-making throughout the programme lifecycle, we use a mix of quantitative data and qualitative information.These are published to the Development Tracker website, as part of our ODA transparency commitments, which further supports aid effectiveness by providing information to inform other donors' spending decisions. Monitoring and evaluation play an important role in understanding the outcomes and impact of our work and we publish a range of outcomes statistics on GOV.UK.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to (a) support and (b) help uphold human rights in Syria.

The UK has consistently advocated for an inclusive political transition and underlined the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians, both publicly and as part of our engagement with the Government of Syria. We have been clear that civilians must be protected from violence and those responsible held to account. Our regular engagement with and support to Syrian civil society focuses on protecting and advocating for human rights and gender equality, ensuring an inclusive transitional process and supporting social cohesion. Through the Integrated Security Fund, we are also funding programmes to document human rights violations and support the trial and convictions of perpetrators of war crimes, including sexual violence.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of (a) the enforced disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and (b) other concerns for the religious freedom of Tibetan Buddhists; whether he has made recent representations to his Chinese counterpart on these issues; and what steps his Department is taking to help protect religious rights for Tibetan Buddhists.

The UK Government stands firm on human rights, including China's repression of the people of Tibet. We have serious concerns regarding the welfare and whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.We will champion freedom of religion or belief for all abroad, and work to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through the UN and bilateral engagement.  For example, the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang, Vice Premier He and Vice Premier Ding respectively). The UK also joined a statement led by Australia on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN General Assembly in October 2024.We continue to do all we can to encourage freedoms for religious and cultural expression in Tibet and across China.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps with NATO to help tackle global wildfires.

A recent World Resources Institute report (https://gfr.wri.org/latest-analysis-deforestation-trends) highlighted record-breaking levels of forest loss, linked to climate change driven wildfires. Rising temperatures and environmental degradation are increasing the likelihood, severity and frequency of wildfires. NATO's 2022 Strategic Concept also defines climate change as a "crisis and a threat multiplier". The UK is working with international partners to protect, restore, and sustainably manage critical ecosystems, including tropical forests, and encouraging increased international collaboration on wildfires including through the Food and Agriculture Organisation's Global Fire Management Hub. Within NATO, all Allies are able to request support or assistance in response to crises or natural disasters. The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) is NATO's principal civil emergency response mechanism. In a crisis, it can coordinate assistance to the affected NATO Ally or partner country provided by other members and partners. The EADRCC has supported international responses to floods, earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, mining incidents, public health emergencies and refugee crises.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken to support efforts to tackle (a) malaria and (b) other diseases of poverty globally.

The UK is a leading donor to the fight against Malaria. Our £1 billion pledge (2023-2025) to the Global Fund will support distributing 86 million treated mosquito nets, provide 452,000 doses of seasonal malaria chemoprevention and provide malaria treatment for 18 million people. The UK's £1.65 billion funding (2021-2025) to Gavi is helping to fund the rollout of malaria vaccines in up to 25 countries by the end of 2025. This is complemented by investments to support research and development and to improve access to key malaria products and support to the World Health Organisation and others to strengthen health systems. Additionally, our £1 billion funding to the Global Fund is expected to provide antiretroviral therapy for 1.8 million people and provide Tuberculosis treatment and care for 1.1 million people. Our £1.65 billion funding to Gavi will support immunisation of 300 million children and save up to 8 million lives from vaccine preventable diseases.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with international partners to help ensure that people are not subject to violence due to their religion.

The UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in, and we work to promote tolerance and mutual respect for all.We continue to highlight FoRB violations and abuses on the international stage, including through our position at the UN and as an active member of the Article 18 Alliance, ensuring joint international action on FoRB.We work with our allies and partners to encourage all states to uphold their international human rights obligations and hold those who violate or abuse human rights to account.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a right to consular assistance for medical emergencies.

The Government is committed to strengthening consular services, including introducing a right to consular assistance in cases of human rights violations. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is considering a package of measures to achieve this, which we will announce in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of the recent killing of Dr. Sheikh Mahmood in Sargodha, Pakistan; and what steps his Department is taking to support efforts to protect the (a) rights and (b) safety of religious minorities in that region.

Promoting freedom of religion or belief is a core part of the UK's diplomatic engagement overseas. I raised the deteriorating situation for Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan in a meeting with Pakistan's Minister of State for the Interior in March 2025. Our High Commission in Islamabad regularly raises the importance of Ahmadi rights at the highest levels, and has raised the tragic killing of Dr Sheikh Mahmood with Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights and the Chief Minister of Punjab. We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people in accordance with international standards.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with international partners to (a) help prevent violence against Christian communities in Burkina Faso and (b) support displaced people impacted by religious persecution.

The UK strongly condemns reports of attacks on religious minorities in Burkina Faso and has consistently called on all actors in Burkina Faso to respect human rights and adhere to international humanitarian law.The UK remains committed to funding official development aid to address the drivers of conflict and reduce the influence of violent extremist organisations in the region, including through providing over £142 million in bilateral official development aid to the Sahel in Financial Year 2024/25. The majority of this was used on humanitarian aid for displaced people but programmes also promote stability and conflict resolution, provide health services and bolster resilience to climate change.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken with Cabinet colleagues to support Ukraine.

On 9 May, the Foreign Secretary travelled with European partners to Lviv, where they formally endorsed the legal texts required to establish a Special Tribunal to hold those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine to account. On 12 May he hosted Foreign Ministers from the Weimar+ group of key European allies to discuss our joint efforts to strengthen European security and secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The Prime Minister attended the Joint Expeditionary Force Leaders' Summit in Oslo on 9 May and travelled to Kyiv on 10 May alongside President Macron, Chancellor Merz, and Prime Minister Tusk, where he met President Zelenskyy and co-chaired a virtual meeting of leaders from the Coalition of the Willing. These discussions continue. The Prime Minister also announced in Oslo our largest ever package of sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet raising the total number of ships designated for transporting Russian energy past 250, including 233 oil tankers - the highest by any country.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he is having with international counterparts on tackling sexual violence on women in Mali.

The UK remains committed to addressing sexual violence against women and girls in Mali, including through our bilateral programming. In financial year 2024/25, the UK allocated £800,000 to the Women in Law and Development in Africa for survivor support and economic empowerment initiatives, £300,000 to the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, to strengthen protection mechanisms. These programmes provide trauma support, skills training, and leadership development for women.The UK also co-chairs the Women's Empowerment Dialogue Group in Bamako alongside the International Organisation for Migration and UN Women, working with the Government of Mali and international partners to advance gender equality and tackle sexual violence. These efforts reflect the UK's broader commitment to women's rights in the Sahel.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle the black market sale of (a) kidneys and (b) other organs in other countries.

Gangs and criminals that exploit and traffic people are part of international organised crime networks that do immense harm. Serious and organised crime in the UK is estimated to cost at least £47 billion annually and threatens our national security and prosperity. Overseas it poses a serious threat to our international objectives, including our efforts to deliver economic development, state building and poverty reduction. The UK is committed to tackling Serious Organised Crime and the illicit financial flows that underpin it through diplomatic, programmatic and operational interventions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle the kidnapping of British citizens abroad.

Whenever a British person is kidnapped abroad, we will try to do everything we can to make sure they are released safely. Wherever possible we will work with the government and law enforcement agencies where the kidnapping has happened, as they will normally be responsible for leading the response. It is the long-standing policy of successive governments that we will not make substantive concessions to kidnappers. Travel Advice published by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on gov.uk provides safety information for travellers, and includes information on kidnap risks in relevant countries.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his US counterpart on ending the Ukraine-Russia war.

We share President Trump's desire to bring this barbaric war to an end and remain in close touch with the US at every level. Following talks between the US and Ukraine on 11 March, and the US and Russia on 13 March, the Foreign Secretary spoke to Secretary of State Rubio. The Foreign Secretary also spoke to the Secretary of State on 22 April prior to the peace talks between the US, Ukraine, France, Germany and the UK.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support displaced people in Sudan.

The Sudan conflict has caused the largest and fasted growing displacement crisis in the world, with almost 13 million displaced since April 2023. On 15 April, the Foreign Secretary announced £120 million of new life-saving aid for this year, to support over to 650,000 people in Sudan. The UK is also playing an active role at the Security Council to help protect Sudanese civilians through public interventions, senior engagements, Council products and sanctions. We continue to push the warring parties take every precaution to safeguard Sudanese civilians.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to address Iran's support for terrorism against (a) the UK and (b) the UK's allies.

On 7 May, I raised directly with the Iranian Ambassador Iran's unacceptable threats against the UK and its allies, including state-backed assassination plots and support for proscribed terrorist groups. The UK already has more than 450 sanctions designations in place on Iranian individuals, entities and criminal networks.Furthermore, on 4 March the UK announced new measures to counter the threat from the Iran. This includes specifying Iran on the Enhanced Tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), which will require anyone directed by Iran to conduct activity in the UK to register with the Home Office. Failure to do so will be a criminal offence. In concert with partners, the UK will continue to use all appropriate tools at our disposal to protect the UK and its allies against any threats from Iran.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps to help protect the (a) human and (b) educational rights of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The UK remains committed to protecting the human and educational rights of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).We support human rights, including through projects to provide legal support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in BiH and to assist social cohesion in heavily divided communities.Our embassy in Sarajevo regularly raises educational rights in engagements with BiH authorities, underlining our support for an inclusive future in BiH where fundamental rights are respected and all may access education.We continue to work with international partners, including through the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, to support these aims.