Written questions by Arthur.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the UN's press release entitled UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warns against Israel’s legislative steps targeting Palestinians in violation of international law, published on 31 March 2026.

I refer the Hon Member to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and her counterparts from Australia, Germany, France, Italy, New Zealand on 29 March, which can be found on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-on-israels-death-penalty-bill-29-march-2026.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to support the establishment of an international criminal court for crimes against children.

The UK is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community and achieving justice for victims. The ICC has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, including when committed against children. It also has jurisdiction over specific crimes against children including the forcible transfer of children and the conscription or enlisting of children as soldiers. It is important that we build on work already being done and continue to support the crucial work of the ICC. The UK is committed to achieving justice for those children who have been subject to international crimes.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she has taken to counter disinformation linked to Iran's governing regime.

Iran's threats and intimidation toward journalists and their families, both inside Iran and in the UK, are absolutely unacceptable, and we have consistently raised these issues directly with the Iranian government. We were integral to the delivery of the Iran Human Rights Resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly in November 2025, which called on Iran to halt threats and intimidation against journalists who are critical of the government, and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for reprisals. In the UK, the National Protective Security Authority and Counter Terrorism Policing also continue to provide protective security advice and support to individuals and organisations threatened by the Iranian regime and its criminal proxies.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she has taken to ensure UK-based journalists can report on the activities of the Iranian regime without fear of intimidation.

Iran's threats and intimidation toward journalists and their families, both inside Iran and in the UK, are absolutely unacceptable, and we have consistently raised these issues directly with the Iranian government. We were integral to the delivery of the Iran Human Rights Resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly in November 2025, which called on Iran to halt threats and intimidation against journalists who are critical of the government, and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for reprisals. In the UK, the National Protective Security Authority and Counter Terrorism Policing also continue to provide protective security advice and support to individuals and organisations threatened by the Iranian regime and its criminal proxies.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans the Government has to work with the British Iranian community to create a memorial to those killed in Iran during protests on the 8th and 9th of January 2026.

As I made clear in my statements to the House at the time, I have the greatest respect for the courage of those Iranians who peacefully exercised their right to protest around the turn of the year, and the greatest sympathy for the friends and families of all those who were killed for doing so. However, decisions around the construction of public memorials are a matter for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), so it would be for DCMS ministers to consider my Hon Friend's suggestion.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the BBC World Service in countering state-backed disinformation from (a) Russia, (b) China and (c) Iran.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided on 10 September 2025 in response to Questions 70439 and 70440.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with international counterparts to ensure Doctors Without Borders are able to access Gaza to provide aid to Palestinians.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement to the House I made on 5 January, and to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and several of her counterparts on 30 December, available on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jointstatementon-the-gaza-humanitarian-response. My officials continue to engage closely with Médecins Sans Frontières on this issue.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what initiatives her Department supports that mitigate adverse effects of resource extraction on low-income countries.

The UK works with resource-rich developing countries to reduce potential negative impacts of resource extraction. Programming through the Jobs and Inclusive Growth Centre of Excellence supports the sustainable development of critical mineral resources across Asia, Africa, and South America including by co-developing sustainable production roadmaps, alongside research and policy advice. Our Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme promotes responsible mining practices that protect forests, conserve biodiversity, and respect the rights and livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.The UK's strong multilateral presence enables us to shape global standards, including through the G7 and Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. The UK's longstanding position is that all UK businesses should respect human rights and the environment throughout their supply chains in line with the OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department holds any information on the potential use of cluster munitions in Lebanon since September 2024.

The UK is a State Party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits their production, stockpiling, transfer, and use.We are concerned by reports of the use of cluster munitions by the Israeli Defence Forces.We continue to urge all actors to refrain from using such munitions and to adhere to international humanitarian law.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her department has made of the adequacy of the support that the British Council offers to Ukrainian refugees, through its partnership programmes with schools.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ministers regularly engage with the British Council. Most recently, I met the British Council Chair and CEO on 13 November.The British Council-delivered UK-Ukraine School Partnerships Programme is funded by the Department for Education, rather than the FCDO. New funding was announced on 13 November to support 30 additional schools and an estimated 5,000 additional pupils to benefit from the programme.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what conversations she has had with the British Council, since entering post.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ministers regularly engage with the British Council. Most recently, I met the British Council Chair and CEO on 13 November.The British Council-delivered UK-Ukraine School Partnerships Programme is funded by the Department for Education, rather than the FCDO. New funding was announced on 13 November to support 30 additional schools and an estimated 5,000 additional pupils to benefit from the programme.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the Government of Israel on the release of medical personnel detained in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Foreign Secretary and I have continued to raise concerns with the Israeli Government about the detention of Kamal Adwan Hospital Director Mr Hussam Abu Safiya and Dr Marwan al-Hamas. Last week, officials at our Embassy in Tel Aviv lodged a request for further information on both doctors from Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have been clear that all prisoners, including medical staff, should be allowed full International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access. We will continue to make both public and private representations to ensure that the ICRC is allowed unfettered and immediate access to detention centres.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will consider allowing Palestinian students starting studies at UK universities in 2025 to apply to bring dependent children to the UK.

On 27 October, the Government updated our guidance on scholarships for students from Gaza to confirm that it was now also seeking to support the departure of the dependents of those students who are eligible under immigration rules. Full details can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-students-travelling-to-the-uk-from-gaza/scholarships-for-students-from-gaza).

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure UK companies are not involved in the E1 Settlement Plan for the Occupied West Bank.

I refer the honourable Member to the answer provided on 3 September to Question 71442.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to support Syria in becoming (a) unified, (b) inclusive and (c) peaceful.

We have consistently advocated for an inclusive political transition and underlined the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians. The Foreign Secretary discussed this with President al Sharaa and Foreign Minister al Shaibani when he visited Damascus in July. I travelled to Damascus on 27 August, and reiterated this message to Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani and Justice Minister Al-Waisi. We welcome President al Sharaa's commitment to hold free and fair elections, and the announcement of the Supreme Electoral Committee for the People's Assembly Elections. This is an important step in building legitimate legislative and electoral processes. It is vital now that the political transition proceeds in a genuinely inclusive way, is representative, and respects the rights of all Syrians. We continue to press the Syrian Government on these issues. We will judge the Syrian Government by its actions not its words.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to create conditions for the release of people persecuted in Russia for political reasons.

The UK Government condemns the continued deterioration in the Kremlin's dire domestic human rights record and will continue to call on the Russian government to comply with its international obligations. The Foreign Secretary and I have both been clear that the Russian authorities must release all political prisoners. The UK regularly uses multilateral fora, such as the UN and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), to highlight Russia's human rights violations and hold it accountable. On 10 April the UK called for the release of political prisoners in Russia at the OSCE alongside 14 other states and on 14 May the UK Human Rights Ambassador condemned the sentencing of an independent Russian election monitor, Grigory Melkonyants, to five years' imprisonment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure the safe passage of scholars from Gaza who hold offers of admission at UK universities.

We are aware of the students and are considering the request for support. The issues arising from the current situation in Gaza are complex.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with pursuant to the Answer of 19 June 2025 to Question 58444 on Israel: F-35 Aircraft, whether international allies who are not F-35 Partners have raised concerns with him on the use of UK-made F-35 parts in Gaza.

Our conversations with international allies on Gaza have focused on the need for an immediate ceasefire, including release of hostages, a surge of aid into Gaza and a path towards permanent peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians based on a two-state solution. We take our export licensing responsibilities seriously and regularly discuss them with allies.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether any UK passport holders have been accused of breaching international law in Gaza.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not comment on individual cases or provide information relating to specific UK nationals, in line with long-standing policy to protect personal data and in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation.The FCDO currently advises against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This guidance is based on the current security situation and is regularly reviewed. We urge all British nationals to consult the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to the region and to follow local authority guidance at all times.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with allies involved in the F-35 programme on Israel's use of F-35 jets in Gaza.

Conversations with F-35 Partners occur regularly and cover a range of issues, however we are unable to disclose details of confidential conversations held within an international programme.