Every parliamentary written question tabled by Sammy Wilson this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 221–227 of 227 · this parliament
Whether she plans to make changes to the Work Capability Assessment.
The Work Capability Assessment is not working and needs to be reformed or replaced. This needs to come alongside a proper plan to support disabled people to work, which will, in turn, bring down the benefits bill. We are taking the time to review this in the round before setting out next steps on our approach in the coming months.
Whether he plans to include steps to (a) grow and (b) upskill the Parkinson's specialist workforce in the (i) ten year and (ii) long-term workforce plan.
The 10-Year Health Plan will set out how we will deliver a National Health Service that is fit for the future, with a better service for everyone, regardless of condition or service area. We expect that the long-term workforce plan will need to be updated to reflect that plan, so that we train the staff we need to ensure that all patients are cared for by the right professional, when and where they need it.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his Azerbaijani counterpart on Armenian prisoners illegally held by the Azerbaijan regime.
The UK continues to urge the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure that those detained during its longstanding conflict with Armenia, or during September 2023's military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, are afforded a fair trial and provided safe conditions, in accordance with Azerbaijan's international obligations and commitments. Regarding prisoners of war, we have been consistent in calling for their release, and for the return of the remains of the deceased, throughout the period of conflict in the region. I raised this issue with Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan, Elchin Amirbayov, during his visit to the UK in October.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his Azerbaijani counterpart on the protection of the cultural and religious heritage of Artsakh.
The UK Government is clear that the preservation of religious and cultural sites in the region is important. We are aware of allegations from both Armenia and Azerbaijan that cultural and religious sites have been deliberately damaged over the course of the decades-long conflict between the two states. The UK Government has raised the topic of religious and cultural destruction with the Azerbaijani Government on many occasions and continues to press for the protection of sites of significance.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Azerbaijani counterpart on the right of return of Armenians of Artsakh under international protection.
The UK has consistently encouraged the Azerbaijani authorities to provide clarity on the rights and security of ethnic Armenians displaced by conflict who wish to return to Nagorno-Karabakh. We have no plans to raise international protection in relation to this matter. We commend the tremendous efforts of the Armenian government which has supported those displaced from the region to enable them to have a future in the country.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department taking through the (a) UN, (b) 7 and (c) other multilaterals to support freedom of religion or belief globally.
The UK ensures Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) remains on the international platform through our multilateral engagement.At the UN, we regularly take part in Interactive Dialogues with the UN Special Rapporteur for FoRB, most recently on 24 October. We also cosponsored a side event at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council on combatting intolerance.At the 22nd G7 Speakers' Meeting in September, we actively engaged in drafting the resulting Declaration and were pleased to see a commitment to FoRB for all included.We are an active member of the Article 18 Alliance, and recently attended the International Ministerial Conference on FoRB in Berlin. The UK delivered a national statement at the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimensions Conference, in October, on FoRB and fundamental freedoms.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of church closures without provision for an alternative place of worship in Turkey; and if he will make representations to his Turkish counterpart on those closures.
Freedom of religion or belief is a priority for the FCDO. It is a fundamental right that we regularly discuss with the Turkish authorities. The Turkish government has repeatedly stated its support for the operation of churches and the religious houses of all faiths in Türkiye. In our engagement with Türkiye, we will continue to engage on these issues and to urge respect for religious freedoms, which are essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy.