Written questions by Harding.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he plans to take to support global maternal and newborn health initiatives; and whether he plans to change the level of support in the next five years.

Healthy Women, Children and Newborns (HWCN) is the UK government's approach to help end preventable maternal, child and newborn deaths, supporting global efforts in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, and to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age by 2030. The approach works to strengthen health systems; promote gender equality and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights; and support improved nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene and climate resilience in health.The Spending Review 2025 confirmed the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from 2026/27 onwards. Over the coming months, the Department will undertake detailed planning to determine how this budget will be allocated. The FCDO is reviewing how these allocations will support existing and future commitments, with a continued focus on ensuring all ODA spending delivers value for money and advances the UK's development priorities, including global health.ODA has always been only one element of the UK's approach, alongside policy and diplomatic efforts. In April 2025, at the UN Commission on Population and Development, the UK cosponsored the launch of the Global Midwifery Accelerator, which aims to shift the dial on midwifery, encouraging partnerships and investment to end preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.

What recent discussions he has had with NATO counterparts on Russian sanctions.

Sanctions are primarily an FCDO lead, but I can say that the UK and other NATO allies do all we can to shut down the funding for Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine. The UK has led action against Russia sanctioning over 2,500 Russian targets including over 280 shadow fleet vessels, and allied sanctions have deprived Russia of over $450 billion worth of funds for its war.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress he has made on developing the children and armed conflict strategy.

The latest UN Secretary General's report on Children and Armed Conflict is shocking. It shows that children are being harmed and denied lifesaving aid on an unprecedented scale.As the UK made clear in our statement at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict on 25 June, the UK calls on all parties to armed conflict to immediately end and prevent grave violations against children and for perpetrators to be held to account. The UK also remains committed to promoting and defending the UN's Children and Armed Conflict mandate.The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is currently reviewing our approach to children in conflict.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking through the UN to advance the Children and Armed Conflict agenda.

The UN Secretary General's 2025 report on Children and Armed Conflict is shocking; it shows that children are being harmed and denied lifesaving aid on an unprecedented scale.As we made clear in our statement at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict on 25 June, the UK is deeply concerned at the worsening situation for children in conflict, and remains committed to both preventing and ending grave violations against children in conflict, and to supporting, promoting and defending the UN Children and Armed Conflict mandate.The UK is an active member of the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and plays a key role in ensuring effective scrutiny by the UN Security Council of conflicts where children are harmed.In 2024-25, the UK funded UNICEF's Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism, which is a vital tool in ensuring that perpetrators are held to account.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take diplomatic steps through the UN to help reduce the role of the illicit international gold trade in financing Sudan's civil war.

The trade of illicit gold funds conflict, undermines the rule of law, and perpetuates human rights abuses. The UK Government engages with the gold industry as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. Since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict, the UK has frozen the assets of nine commercial entities linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. Two of these sanctions target gold mining companies linked to the warring parties. In 2023, the UK also sanctioned three Russian-linked gold mining entities operating in Sudan. These sanctions were designed to disrupt the financial networks fuelling the war, press the parties to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, allow humanitarian access and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities. Although we do not speculate on future designations, our sanctions policy is continually under review. Furthermore, in our international engagement, we emphasise with all countries the need to refrain from actions that prolong the crisis, including those that may financially benefit the warring parties.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his United Arab Emirates counterparts on the import of illicit gold from Sudan.

The trade of illicit gold funds conflict, undermines the rule of law, and perpetuates human rights abuses. The UK Government engages with the gold industry as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. Since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict, the UK has frozen the assets of nine commercial entities linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. Two of these sanctions target gold mining companies linked to the warring parties. In 2023, the UK also sanctioned three Russian-linked gold mining entities operating in Sudan. These sanctions were designed to disrupt the financial networks fuelling the war, press the parties to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, allow humanitarian access and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities. Although we do not speculate on future designations, our sanctions policy is continually under review. Furthermore, in our international engagement, we emphasise with all countries the need to refrain from actions that prolong the crisis, including those that may financially benefit the warring parties.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he has taken to help reduce the (a) import and (b) processing of illicitly mined Sudanese gold by third countries.

The trade of illicit gold funds conflict, undermines the rule of law, and perpetuates human rights abuses. The UK Government engages with the gold industry as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. Since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict, the UK has frozen the assets of nine commercial entities linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. Two of these sanctions target gold mining companies linked to the warring parties. In 2023, the UK also sanctioned three Russian-linked gold mining entities operating in Sudan. These sanctions were designed to disrupt the financial networks fuelling the war, press the parties to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, allow humanitarian access and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities. Although we do not speculate on future designations, our sanctions policy is continually under review. Furthermore, in our international engagement, we emphasise with all countries the need to refrain from actions that prolong the crisis, including those that may financially benefit the warring parties.

Communities and Local Government, what her planned timeline is for the abolition of marriage value as set out in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 44852 on 22 April 2025.

What steps he is taking to help reduce electricity bills.

Earlier this year we announced plans to extend the Warm Homes Discount to an extra 2.7 million families, meaning a total of 6 million households will get £150 off their bills next winter. We are taking these short term steps whilst we progress our mission to deliver a clean power system by 2030. This is the way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers permanently.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the Prime Minister last had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the humanitarian situation in (a) Gaza and (b) the West Bank.

The Prime Minister spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this year. He welcomed the release of hostages, highlighted that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid could flow uninterrupted into Gaza, and stressed the need to work towards a permanent and peaceful solution. We continue to make representations to the Government of Israel, including via the Foreign Secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister Sa'ar on 21 March, about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, including the need to return urgently to a ceasefire and to restore the flow of aid in Gaza, and to ensure civilians are protected across the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of the cessation of the notification and coordination systems for aid workers moving through Gaza.

We are deeply concerned that the deconfliction system in Gaza, designed to protect humanitarian workers from harm, is no longer functioning. Gaza remains the most dangerous place for humanitarians in the world, with over 400 killed since 7 October 2023. We are appalled by recent reports of attacks on humanitarian workers, including the UN and Palestine Red Crescent. This is why the UK and France called a Security Council meeting on 28 March on the protection of aid workers in Gaza. Humanitarian personnel must be protected and never targeted. At the UN Security Council meeting on 3 April, we urged Israel to urgently restore effective deconfliction, to allow aid workers them to operate without coming under attack, and conduct thorough investigations into all incidents involving aid workers and medical personnel and ensure accountability for those responsible.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he last had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the situation in (a) Gaza and (b) the West Bank.

The Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with all relevant counterparts, including Israeli, on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. He last held discussions with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on 21 March, and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on 20 March. The UK made statements in the UN Security Council on Thursday 3 April, Friday 21 March and Tuesday 18 March and joined a G7 Foreign Ministers' statement on 14 March. The UK also issued a statement with E3 Foreign Ministers on Friday 21 March calling on all parties to re-engage with negotiations to ensure the ceasefire is implemented in full and becomes permanent.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to appear before the International Development Committee.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office officials are in contact with the International Development Committee clerks to identify a date for the Foreign Secretary to give evidence.

What discussions she has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) others on section 2 of the Football Offences Act 1991.

This Government is committed to preventing violence and disorder at football matches and works closely with stakeholders including the police and football authorities to ensure the police and courts are empowered to tackle football-related violence and disorder.Section 2 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991 (‘the Act’) creates the offence of missile throwing at designated football matches in England and Wales.Published data on prosecutions and convictions for offences under section 2 of the Act for the last five years are shown in the table below and can be found on GOV.UK here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-june-2024Criminal Justice System statistics quarterly: June 2024 - GOV.UK Year endingProsecutionsConvictionsJune 20203732June 202177June 20228175June 2023114103June 2024118113 We do not centrally collate data relating to the proportion of cases resulting in a conviction under section 2 of the Act that did not have a recorded (a) injury and (b) victim.We keep all legislation under review, but do not have any plans to reduce the scope of this Act.

What proportion of cases brought under section 2 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991 have resulted in a conviction since 2020.

This Government is committed to preventing violence and disorder at football matches and works closely with stakeholders including the police and football authorities to ensure the police and courts are empowered to tackle football-related violence and disorder.Section 2 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991 (‘the Act’) creates the offence of missile throwing at designated football matches in England and Wales.Published data on prosecutions and convictions for offences under section 2 of the Act for the last five years are shown in the table below and can be found on GOV.UK here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-june-2024Criminal Justice System statistics quarterly: June 2024 - GOV.UK Year endingProsecutionsConvictionsJune 20203732June 202177June 20228175June 2023114103June 2024118113 We do not centrally collate data relating to the proportion of cases resulting in a conviction under section 2 of the Act that did not have a recorded (a) injury and (b) victim.We keep all legislation under review, but do not have any plans to reduce the scope of this Act.

How many people have been prosecuted under section 2 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991.

This Government is committed to preventing violence and disorder at football matches and works closely with stakeholders including the police and football authorities to ensure the police and courts are empowered to tackle football-related violence and disorder.Section 2 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991 (‘the Act’) creates the offence of missile throwing at designated football matches in England and Wales.Published data on prosecutions and convictions for offences under section 2 of the Act for the last five years are shown in the table below and can be found on GOV.UK here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-june-2024Criminal Justice System statistics quarterly: June 2024 - GOV.UK Year endingProsecutionsConvictionsJune 20203732June 202177June 20228175June 2023114103June 2024118113 We do not centrally collate data relating to the proportion of cases resulting in a conviction under section 2 of the Act that did not have a recorded (a) injury and (b) victim.We keep all legislation under review, but do not have any plans to reduce the scope of this Act.

What proportion of cases resulting in a conviction under section 2 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991 did not have a recorded (a) injury and (b) victim for each year since 2020.

This Government is committed to preventing violence and disorder at football matches and works closely with stakeholders including the police and football authorities to ensure the police and courts are empowered to tackle football-related violence and disorder.Section 2 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991 (‘the Act’) creates the offence of missile throwing at designated football matches in England and Wales.Published data on prosecutions and convictions for offences under section 2 of the Act for the last five years are shown in the table below and can be found on GOV.UK here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-june-2024Criminal Justice System statistics quarterly: June 2024 - GOV.UK Year endingProsecutionsConvictionsJune 20203732June 202177June 20228175June 2023114103June 2024118113 We do not centrally collate data relating to the proportion of cases resulting in a conviction under section 2 of the Act that did not have a recorded (a) injury and (b) victim.We keep all legislation under review, but do not have any plans to reduce the scope of this Act.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of section 2 of the Football Offences Act 1991; and whether she plans to reduce the scope of that Act.

This Government is committed to preventing violence and disorder at football matches and works closely with stakeholders including the police and football authorities to ensure the police and courts are empowered to tackle football-related violence and disorder.Section 2 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991 (‘the Act’) creates the offence of missile throwing at designated football matches in England and Wales.Published data on prosecutions and convictions for offences under section 2 of the Act for the last five years are shown in the table below and can be found on GOV.UK here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-june-2024Criminal Justice System statistics quarterly: June 2024 - GOV.UK Year endingProsecutionsConvictionsJune 20203732June 202177June 20228175June 2023114103June 2024118113 We do not centrally collate data relating to the proportion of cases resulting in a conviction under section 2 of the Act that did not have a recorded (a) injury and (b) victim.We keep all legislation under review, but do not have any plans to reduce the scope of this Act.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what percentage of Gross National Income he plans to allocate to overseas spending in the 2025-26 financial year.

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Given the multi-year nature of many international development spending commitments, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is currently reassessing its ODA spending plans for the financial year of 2025/26 to ensure they deliver maximum value for money in the context of the transition to spending 0.3 per cent of gross national income on ODA by 2027. Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review based on various factors including impact assessments.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the value is of the humanitarian reserve (a) as of 17 March 2025 and (b) in each of the next three years.

The £50 million Humanitarian Crisis Reserve (HCR) has been fully allocated and spent for financial year 24/25. The value of the HCR in future years is yet to be determined.