Written questions by Champion.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed reduction in Official Development Assistance from 2027 on people with disabilities; and what steps he is taking to (a) fund and (b) otherwise resource the FCDO Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy to 2030.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations and the impact on programmes are being worked through following the decision to reduce UK ODA from 0.5 per cent of gross national income to 0.3 per cent in 2027. Equality Impact Assessments - which consider impacts on people with disabilities - are an essential part of how we make decisions, including on ODA allocations. We will set out our spending plans following the completion of the spending review.At 16 per cent of the global population, people with disabilities are among the world's most vulnerable, particularly at times of crisis. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is committed to mainstreaming a disability inclusion and rights approach across our work and we will also drive stronger international coordination to advance global disability inclusion progress.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February 2025 to Question 29899 on Gaza: Energy and Water Supply, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of prioritising Gazan contractors in the rebuilding of Gaza on the economy of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Civil society will be best placed to rebuild their communities, and we must ensure they have the right support. We will be guided by our trusted partners in supporting private sector investment in Gaza's recovery and reconstruction, including considering how to work with Gazan construction agencies. We are exploring ways to support private sector recovery in Gaza and continue to provide ongoing support to monitor, protect and grow the private sector in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and improve the Palestinian trade performance.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his (a) Kazakhstani and (b) Tajikistani counterpart on obligations under international law prohibiting the (i) expulsion and (ii) return of refugees to countries where they would face (A) risk of persecution and (B) serious harm.

The British Embassies in Astana and Dushanbe monitor the situation in country for refugees, including from Afghanistan, and lobby relevant authorities on their obligations under international law when necessary. I raised human rights with my Kazakh and Tajik counterparts in February 2025 and October 2024 respectively. We continue to encourage all states, including Kazakhstan and Tajikistan to uphold international human rights obligations.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 37160 on Blue Belt Programme: Finance, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reducing funding for the Blue Belt programme on the UK's commitments under the Global Biodiversity Framework at COP15.

The Blue Belt Programme has been instrumental in supporting the UK's global ocean commitments, including the Global Biodiversity Framework, where the Convention on Biological Diversity has been extended to the UK Overseas Territories. Future funding considerations are subject to the ongoing Spending Review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much funding he plans to allocate to the Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa 2 programme in the (a) 2025-26, (b) 2026-27 and (c) 2027-28 financial year.

The Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa 2 programme is a five year programme which is saving lives and reducing the impact of disease outbreaks on populations in Africa. Now in its second year of implementation, the programme is strengthening regional health security capacity and leadership to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies, protecting populations around the world, including the UK. We have signed a 3-year agreement to support Africa Centres for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation's Joint Emergency Action. We have offered significant support to the response to mpox in Africa through the World Health Organisation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and UNICEF Burundi. Our support to UNICEF Burundi alone will directly benefit about 20,000 people in communities, including 1,800 children through mpox case management, mental health and psychosocial support, infection prevention and control, and WASH and risk communication activities.The impact on specific programmes of the decision to reduce UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5 per cent of GNI to 0.3 per cent of GNI in 2027 is being worked through. We will be taking a rigorous approach to ensure all ODA delivers value for money. Announcements will be made following the completion of the ongoing Spending Review process.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans his Department has to take a leadership role in negotiations for the Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response accord ahead of the next World Health Assembly in May 2025.

The Government is committed to working with our international partners to land an agreement that enables the world to better prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics, and delivers for UK health security, growth and jobs. The Accord is being drafted and negotiated by Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO), including the UK, who have until the World Health Assembly in May 2025, at the latest, to reach an agreement on the Accord. The UK continues to play a leading role in seeking to reach an effective agreement that is in our national interest, both in the negotiations at the WHO, and in wider conversations with other member states and stakeholders.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Peru's new law expanding the powers of the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation on (a) civil society and (b) indigenous peoples in that country.

We are aware that Peru's Congress has approved a reform expanding the powers of the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI) and strengthening state oversight of non-governmental organisations.Given our strong partnership with Peru, we have been monitoring developments closely. We are evaluating the impact of the new regulations, including the issues put forward by some civil society and indigenous people's groups. Alongside international partners, we have previously raised concerns about the potential risks of new controls for civic society and offered to share best practice in this important area.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Peruvian counterpart on that country's new law expanding the powers of the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation.

We are aware that Peru's Congress has approved a controversial reform expanding the powers of the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI) and strengthening state oversight of non-governmental organisations.We have been monitoring the debate closely in recent months. Along with international partners, we have previously raised concerns about potential risks with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (who are responsible for APCI), and offered to share best practice.We are now evaluating the new regulations. We will continue to collaborate closely with the Peruvian government to promote sustainable development underpinned by respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the UN Commission on the Status of Women's decision to (a) change its climate change commitments from the declaration and (b) remove sexual and reproductive health rights from the declaration on levels of international support for women and girls.

Member states successfully adopted a consensus Political Declaration at the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women. In our assessment, new language on the right of all women and girls to enjoy the highest standard of physical and mental health, including maternal and neonatal health, menstrual health and hygiene management, shows progress made. The text on climate change remains unchanged from the 2020 Political Declaration. Our focus is now on embedding women and girls in all our work, including defending and promoting universal and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights as a fundamental element of gender equality, global health, democracy and economic development.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the potential merits of continuing funding for the Blue Belt international marine conservation programme beyond 2025.

UK Government Ministers meet regularly through the Overseas Territories Ministerial Group to discuss key priorities, the last was held on 5 March. Territory Governments, Ministers from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs discussed Overseas Territories environmental priorities during the annual Joint Ministerial Council (November 2024) where a commitment to the continuation of the Blue Belt Programme was provided in the Joint Communique. The UK Government remains committed to supporting the Blue Belt Programme, which underpins global ocean protection ambition. Future funding for the Programme remains subject to ongoing spending review considerations.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February 2025 to Question 30101 on Israel: Hamas, which partners are reporting and monitoring aid losses; and whether their assessments will be published.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) maintains regular communication with the UN, like-minded donors, and our other partners to understand the risk of aid losses and share approaches to mitigation. We consistently communicate our expectation that losses are reported to us proactively, in line with our signed agreements - with which they comply fully. The FCDO's Fraud Investigations Team ensures robust investigations take place where loss is identified, and works with our partners to understand ongoing risks and learn lessons from all cases. Individual investigation reports and outcomes are confidential, but details of total losses, along with details of any loss over £300,000, are published in the FCDO's Annual Report and Accounts.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 February 2025 to Question 27261 on Israel: Hamas, if he will make an assessment of the value of Overseas Development Aid spent in the last five years that has been destroyed during the course of the conflict in Gaza.

The UK works closely with trusted partners to ensure timely reporting and monitoring of aid losses. Following the ceasefire, partners are continuing to assess the situation on the ground after 15 months of conflict. Our understanding of the impact on UK aid provided will be drawn from these assessments. To note, UK funding is used to support a wide range of activities and services, as well as provision of goods. We welcome reports that more aid has been entering Gaza during the ceasefire period and continue to urge all parties to ensure that aid can safely and effectively reach those who need it in all parts of Gaza.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to Answer of 6 February 2025 to Question 27260 on Gaza: Energy and Water Supply, if he will request that the funding supplied to the World Bank for the construction and restoration of critical energy and waste infrastructure in Gaza will be tendered to Gaza-owned construction companies.

According to the World Bank's Procurement Regulations, eligible firms and individuals from all countries are allowed to offer goods, works, non-consulting services, and consulting services for Bank-financed projects globally. This means that suppliers or contractors based in Gaza have the same rights as those from other regions to participate in bids targeting Gaza.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many British UNRWA workers were expelled as a result of the Israeli legislation enforced on 30 January 2025.

The United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has not released data on the nationality of international staff members who left the Occupied Palestinian Territories as a result of Israeli legislation which came into force on 30 January. The UK remains opposed to the legislation; the vital work of UNRWA in ensuring that Palestinians have access to education and healthcare must be protected in Gaza as well as the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The UK continues to lead international action to press for a resolution to this urgent issue. On 31 January we joined with Germany and France to call on Israel to abide by its international obligations and live up to its responsibility to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance and the provision of basic services to the civilian population.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much and what proportion of UK aid expenditure has been destroyed during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The UK has announced £129 million for the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) so far this financial year, providing vital services to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and to Palestinian refugees across the region. The majority of our aid budget for the OPTs is disbursed as funding to trusted partners. We conduct thorough due diligence assessments of partners to ensure procedures are in place to manage the risks of aid diversion and to report losses. Programmes are monitored regularly, including through annual and project completion reviews. Third Party Monitoring strengthens our assurance, learning and evidence-gathering.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the World Bank on steps to ensure construction businesses in Gaza benefit from recently announced funding towards the restoration of critical water and energy infrastructure.

The UK has committed an additional £2 million of funding through the World Bank to support the construction and restoration of critical energy and water infrastructure in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza. This will compliment our diplomatic advocacy alongside the Office of the Quartet and funding efforts to support the resumption of basic services in Gaza as well as other enabling conditions for early recovery efforts in Gaza.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of progress made towards tackling desertification at the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nation Convention to Combat Desertification.

COP16 was the biggest and most inclusive Desertification COP to date. It marked a significant milestone, raising global ambition and mobilising finance to strengthen drought resilience, restore degraded land and combat desertification: issues critically interlinked with the UK's international development, climate and nature goals. We welcome the leadership the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia COP16 Presidency has shown in elevating these critical issues. Many important outcomes were achieved at UNCCD COP16, including over $12 billion announced to support UNCCD issues over the next decade, and the launch of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership to scale support for vulnerable countries. There is further to go, including reaching an agreed global approach on drought resilience, that drives ambition, progress and delivery.The UK is committed to supporting vulnerable countries to build resilience and scale action on drought, desertification, water security, and land degradation. Our £11.6 billion International Climate Finance commitment includes £1.5 billion for adaptation in 2025 - a tripling from 2019 levels. This includes an initial investment in the Resilience and Adaptation Fund, which will help hundreds of thousands of vulnerable families across the world secure better access to food, water and productive land.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with which Cabinet colleagues he has had discussions as part of the China audit.

The UK Government is carrying out an audit to examine the UK's interests with respect to China to improve our ability to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses. The audit is being conducted as a cross-government exercise, led by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Foreign Secretary has discussed the China audit with Ministerial colleagues representing the full range of the Government's interests, and the FCDO will continue engaging with all relevant government departments.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much and what proportion of the aid provided by his Department in response to the conflict in Sudan will be allocated to the UN in the 2024-25 financial year.

The UK is continuing to respond to the catastrophic situation in Sudan and assist those most in need, largely through funding key UN partners. The UK recently announced a further £113 million of aid to support over a million people affected by the violence in Sudan, and displaced across the region including to South Sudan, Chad and Uganda. With this announcement, the UK has doubled our aid to £226.5 million. A large majority of UK funding is allocated to key UN agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide assorted food commodities to those most in need, and UNICEF to provide life-saving food assistance particularly in hard-to reach areas in Sudan, including nutrition and water.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 6251 on Sudan: Development Aid, if he will break down the £97 million allocated to Sudan by funding to (a) multilaterals, (b) NGOs and (c) national and local organisations.

In addition to the £97 million of UK ODA to Sudan so far this year, and £16.5 million to support neighbouring countries hosting people displaced by the conflict, on 17 November, the UK announced a further £113 million of aid to support over a million people affected by the violence in Sudan, and displaced across the region including to South Sudan, Chad and Uganda. With this announcement, the UK has doubled our aid in response to the conflict in Sudan this year to £226.5 million. Our funding supports UN and NGO partners, providing food, cash, shelter, medical assistance, water and sanitation. Education Cannot Wait will also receive £10 million of this funding to provide safe learning spaces and psychosocial for 200,000 vulnerable children in refugee and host communities in Chad, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Uganda. UK ODA continues to support the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF) which is supporting local and national responders, including Emergency Response Rooms and a consortium of INGOs.