Every parliamentary written question tabled by Rachel Blake this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–7 of 7 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to respond formally to the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on Israel's occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, published in July 2024.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided for question 83315 on 29 October 2025.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of imposing sanctions on people responsible for human rights violations in Myanmar.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 11 June to Question 57613.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in India on protecting minority rights.
The UK Government takes all allegations of human rights violations very seriously. The UK Government has a broad, deep and respectful partnership with the Government of India. This includes sharing perspectives on human rights and minority issues and finding common ground, including at Ministerial level. In 2024, I held a roundtable with stakeholders to discuss Freedom of Religion in India.Our High Commission in New Delhi and our network across India monitor human rights across the country. This includes raising issues of concern where we have them.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Indian counterpart on violations of human rights in India.
The UK Government takes all allegations of human rights violations very seriously. The UK Government has a broad, deep and respectful partnership with the Government of India. This includes sharing perspectives on human rights and minority issues and finding common ground, including at Ministerial level. In 2024, I held a roundtable with stakeholders to discuss Freedom of Religion in India.Our High Commission in New Delhi and our network across India monitor human rights across the country. This includes raising issues of concern where we have them.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that the protections outlined in the Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill are extended to all British nationals facing arbitrary detention overseas.
The Government is already committed to strengthening support for British nationals abroad, including through a right to consular assistance in cases of human rights violations. The government is considering its response to the "Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill" and will respond to the Parliamentary Business and Legislation Committee in due course.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help secure the release of Jimmy Lai.
We call on Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai. The Prime Minister raised his case with President Xi at last week’s G20 Summit; the Foreign Secretary raised with China’s Foreign Minister last month; and I raised with Hong Kong officials earlier this month. Diplomats from our Consulate-General in Hong Kong are attending his court proceedings on a regular basis. We continually press for consular access and progress on broader human rights concerns.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Israeli legislation on the (a) status and (b) operation of UNWRA on the humanitarian situation in (i) Gaza and (ii) the West Bank.
As the Foreign Secretary said in his statement to the House on 28 October, the UK is gravely concerned at legislation against United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) passed by Israel's Knesset. This risks making UNRWA's essential work providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians impossible, jeopardising the entire international humanitarian response in Gaza and delivery of essential health and education services in the West Bank. We have joined with our partners in expressing our concerns, issuing a joint statement with partners on 27 October. The Foreign Secretary reiterated his deep concern to Israel's Foreign Minister Katz on 27 October. We will continue working with our international partners and through the UN to press Israel to ensure that UNRWA can continue its vital operations.