Written questions by Wilson.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure the enforcement of UNSCR 2286.

Awaiting answer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to respond to the letter sent on 12 December 2025 by the hon. Member for Twickenham.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member, a response was issued on 18 February 2026.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the level of funding in the International Climate Finance budget to support countries in ceasing deforestation.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 22 July to Question 68327.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the continued detention of Chloe Fiona Ludden in Israel following the interception of the Freedom Flotilla boat Handala.

Consular staff were in contact with the Israeli authorities and others during the period of detention and were in contact with the family. We understand that Ms Ludden left Israel on 29 July 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on reports that IDF forces opened fire on children at aid distribution points.

It is horrifying that 875 people have been killed at or near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites. We regularly engage with Israeli counterparts to urge them to improve the situation on the ground. Most recently, on 21 July, the Foreign Secretary spoke to Foreign Minister Sa'ar, to once again reiterate his grave concern over civilian casualties while collecting aid in Gaza.On 11 July, I called for an independent investigation into the killing of women and children while collecting aid in central Gaza.We have repeatedly called for an immediate investigation into theses mass casualty incidents, and we expect the perpetrators to be held to account.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu.

As a close friend and ally of Turkey, the Government is closely monitoring the situation. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu is subject to an ongoing domestic Turkish legal process. The UK expects Turkey to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law, including swift and transparent judicial processes. The Government has been engaging with the Turkish Government and Foreign Secretary spoke with Foreign Minister Fidan on 29 March to raise these issues. The UK supports democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the world and will always support the fundamental rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and media freedom.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his (a) French and (b) Spanish counterpart on long-stay visas for UK citizens who need to spend more than 90 days within a given 180-day period in those countries.

The Government recognises that our partnerships are strengthened when our citizens legally live in, work in, and visit our respective countries. My officials and I regularly engage our French and Spanish counterparts on a range of issues affecting UK nationals, including on visa matters. Whilst the Government recognises frustrations around accessing long-stay visas in some countries, this is ultimately a matter for national governments and parliaments.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of negotiating a reciprocal agreement with his Spanish counterpart to allow British citizens with properties in Spain to spend up to six months in Spain each year.

The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides for visa-free travel for short-term visits for each other's nationals. British citizens can travel visa-free and stay for up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period, in accordance with the Schengen Borders Code. This is the standard length of stay that the EU offers to third countries travelling visa-free. Whilst the UK government remains supportive of any Member State changes to their domestic visa system that benefits UK Nationals living in and traveling to EU Member States, it is for Member State governments to decide the rules.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether officials of the UK Mission to Afghanistan have asked the Taliban to reconsider its decision to ban women from accessing midwifery education.

The UK is deeply concerned at reports of a ban on women accessing medical training in Afghanistan, including midwifery education. We strongly condemn the decision and officials from the Doha-based UK Mission to Afghanistan have met with Taliban leaders to urge them to reverse this decision. We have made clear that this is yet another affront to girls' right to education and will threaten the lives of countless women and girls who will be denied critical medical care, as well as their children. Officials continue to press the Taliban on human rights abuses in Afghanistan.