Written questions by Duncan-Jordan.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that UK (a) defence equipment supplied to and (b) trade with Israel is not used to support the continued presence of Israel in the Palestinian Occupied Territories.

The UK's robust export licensing criteria states that the Government will not issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). In September 2024, following an IHL review, we have suspended certain export licences to Israel where we have assessed there is a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of IHL. We do not encourage or offer support to economic and financial activity in the settlements, and our commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering, as is our commitment to international law. We advise British businesses to consider the UK government's stance towards settlements when considering their investments and activities in the region.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of President Trump's remarks on the future of Gaza and the Palestinian people made on 4 February 2024.

The government's objective remans a negotiated two-state solution, with a sovereign Palestinian state, which includes the West Bank and Gaza, alongside a safe and secure Israel. In order to deliver this, it is clear that Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities in Gaza and rebuild and that there can be no forcible transfer of Gazans from or within Gaza, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. The UK will continue to work closely with the US to sustain the fragile ceasefire, ensure that all the hostages are released, increase the supply of aid, and break the ongoing cycle of violence in pursuit of a permanent, sustainable peace.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his US counterpart on removing Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

The Foreign Secretary had a call with his recently appointed US counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on 27 January. The readout is available on gov.uk.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his US counterparts on the case for an end to the economic blockade of Cuba.

The Foreign Secretary had a call with his recently appointed US counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on 27 January. The readout is available on gov.uk.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the lifting of sanctions on Israeli settlers by the US government.

We are deeply concerned by recent events in the West Bank. The Foreign Secretary has been clear with Israeli Ministers that the Israeli government must clamp down on settler violence and end settlement expansion. Sanctions are an important tool the UK, our allies and the wider international community can use to respond. Our carefully deployed sanctions are designed to address malign activity and demonstrate the UK's commitment to fundamental human rights. We will continue to work together with the new US administration to ensure regional security and stability, including ensuring lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with the (a) International Criminal Court, (b) International Court of Justice and (c) UN agencies to investigate allegations of genocide in Gaza during the ceasefire.

The UK is fully committed to international law. We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern.  The UK also respects the independence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). It is the UK government's long-standing position that any determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, and not for governments or non-judicial bodies and agencies. The ICJ South Africa v Israeli case is ongoing, and we await their decision.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help facilitate media access to Gaza.

The UK remains committed to media freedom and to championing democracy and human rights around the world. Independent media is essential to a functioning society. We understand this is an incredibly difficult time for journalists who are carrying out crucial work in disseminating accurate and impartial reporting during a time of crisis. Journalists covering conflicts are afforded protection under humanitarian law. This means that all parties must avoid deliberate attacks against them and only detain them on justified security grounds. I supported International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and drew attention to those who risk their lives on the frontline in Gaza and the 100+ journalists and media workers who have been killed since the conflict began.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Israeli counterpart to lift the ban on journalists reporting from Gaza.

Earlier this month, the Foreign Secretary, together with his French and German counterparts, wrote to the Israeli government to urge action on the unacceptable situation in Gaza. The UK has been clear that Israel must act in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and protect civilians, which includes journalists and media workers, and we call on all parties to the conflict to comply with international law and guarantee the protection of journalists and media workers covering the conflict. On 02 November, I highlighted the ongoing situation in Gaza and those that had lost their lives in the name of press freedom. The UK remains committed to Media Freedom and to championing democracy and human rights around the world. Independent media is essential to a functioning society.