Written questions by Hayes.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how they intend to respond to the findings of the McGrail Inquiry that found “grossly improper” and “sinister” interventions by the Chief Minister of Gibraltar to interfere in a live criminal investigation relating to national security.

Sir Peter Openshaw's report contains extremely serious findings which are deeply concerning, and which must be urgently addressed. The UK Government takes its constitutional responsibilities very seriously and expects the highest standards of good governance to be upheld in all our Overseas Territories, including in Gibraltar.The Inquiry and the report's findings are firstly the responsibility of the Government of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Parliament, Judiciary and other local accountability mechanisms and authorities.We have however been explicitly clear that the UK Government expects the Government of Gibraltar to implement the necessary reforms quickly and fully. The UK Government stands ready to support Gibraltar in strengthening its institutions, and to taking any further actions as required to ensure good governance in line with the established constitutional arrangements and our responsibilities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the LGBTQI Solidarity Fund on (a) the rights of and (b) protections for LGBTQI people.

Across our global diplomatic network, missions collaborate with local partners to challenge discriminatory laws and policies that enable violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, and to mark key moments including Pride, but there is no central recording of each of these activities.In multilateral settings, the UK engages likeminded partners in the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN LGBTI Core Group, and the Council of Europe to champion the universality of human rights, and to promote global action to end violence, persecution, and discrimination.Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials also collaborate with other government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity, to align domestic and international efforts to advance human rights and equality for LGBT+ people, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and without fear of violence and persecution.We continually keep the impact of all FCDO policies and UK-funded programmes under review to ensure they are achieving their objectives, and providing value for money.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the UK's global role in advancing LGBTQI rights.

Across our global diplomatic network, missions collaborate with local partners to challenge discriminatory laws and policies that enable violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, and to mark key moments including Pride, but there is no central recording of each of these activities.In multilateral settings, the UK engages likeminded partners in the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN LGBTI Core Group, and the Council of Europe to champion the universality of human rights, and to promote global action to end violence, persecution, and discrimination.Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials also collaborate with other government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity, to align domestic and international efforts to advance human rights and equality for LGBT+ people, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and without fear of violence and persecution.We continually keep the impact of all FCDO policies and UK-funded programmes under review to ensure they are achieving their objectives, and providing value for money.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate she has made of the number of countries introducing new anti-LGBTQI rights measures.

Across our global diplomatic network, missions collaborate with local partners to challenge discriminatory laws and policies that enable violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, and to mark key moments including Pride, but there is no central recording of each of these activities.In multilateral settings, the UK engages likeminded partners in the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN LGBTI Core Group, and the Council of Europe to champion the universality of human rights, and to promote global action to end violence, persecution, and discrimination.Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials also collaborate with other government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity, to align domestic and international efforts to advance human rights and equality for LGBT+ people, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and without fear of violence and persecution.We continually keep the impact of all FCDO policies and UK-funded programmes under review to ensure they are achieving their objectives, and providing value for money.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Equal, Safe and Free Fund on (a) the rights of and (b) protections for LGBTQI people.

Across our global diplomatic network, missions collaborate with local partners to challenge discriminatory laws and policies that enable violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, and to mark key moments including Pride, but there is no central recording of each of these activities.In multilateral settings, the UK engages likeminded partners in the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN LGBTI Core Group, and the Council of Europe to champion the universality of human rights, and to promote global action to end violence, persecution, and discrimination.Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials also collaborate with other government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity, to align domestic and international efforts to advance human rights and equality for LGBT+ people, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and without fear of violence and persecution.We continually keep the impact of all FCDO policies and UK-funded programmes under review to ensure they are achieving their objectives, and providing value for money.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the UK's ability to promote and protect the rights of LGBTQI communities abroad.

Across our global diplomatic network, missions collaborate with local partners to challenge discriminatory laws and policies that enable violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, and to mark key moments including Pride, but there is no central recording of each of these activities.In multilateral settings, the UK engages likeminded partners in the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN LGBTI Core Group, and the Council of Europe to champion the universality of human rights, and to promote global action to end violence, persecution, and discrimination.Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials also collaborate with other government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity, to align domestic and international efforts to advance human rights and equality for LGBT+ people, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and without fear of violence and persecution.We continually keep the impact of all FCDO policies and UK-funded programmes under review to ensure they are achieving their objectives, and providing value for money.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Chinese counterpart on Jimmy Lai’s treatment in prison.

I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 15 December 2025, and her responses to the questions raised in that debate.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made contingency plans to support democracy in Iran.

I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 13 January, and to my responses in the Urgent Question debate on 19 January.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help secure the release of Jimmy Lai.

I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 15 December 2025, and her responses to the questions raised in that debate.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that Jimmy Lai obtains legal access to British consular support.

I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 15 December 2025, and her responses to the questions raised in that debate.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help defend global LGBTQ+ rights through multilateral fora.

Across our global diplomatic network, missions collaborate with local partners to challenge discriminatory laws and policies that enable violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, and to mark key moments including Pride, but there is no central recording of each of these activities.In multilateral settings, the UK engages likeminded partners in the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN LGBTI Core Group, and the Council of Europe to champion the universality of human rights, and to promote global action to end violence, persecution, and discrimination.Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials also collaborate with other government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity, to align domestic and international efforts to advance human rights and equality for LGBT+ people, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and without fear of violence and persecution.We continually keep the impact of all FCDO policies and UK-funded programmes under review to ensure they are achieving their objectives, and providing value for money.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what guidance her Department issues to British diplomatic missions overseas on supporting Pride events.

Across our global diplomatic network, missions collaborate with local partners to challenge discriminatory laws and policies that enable violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, and to mark key moments including Pride, but there is no central recording of each of these activities.In multilateral settings, the UK engages likeminded partners in the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN LGBTI Core Group, and the Council of Europe to champion the universality of human rights, and to promote global action to end violence, persecution, and discrimination.Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials also collaborate with other government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity, to align domestic and international efforts to advance human rights and equality for LGBT+ people, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and without fear of violence and persecution.We continually keep the impact of all FCDO policies and UK-funded programmes under review to ensure they are achieving their objectives, and providing value for money.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support Pride organisations and LGBTQ+ activists a) in Hungary, b) in Europe and c) globally.

Across our global diplomatic network, missions collaborate with local partners to challenge discriminatory laws and policies that enable violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, and to mark key moments including Pride, but there is no central recording of each of these activities.In multilateral settings, the UK engages likeminded partners in the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN LGBTI Core Group, and the Council of Europe to champion the universality of human rights, and to promote global action to end violence, persecution, and discrimination.Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials also collaborate with other government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity, to align domestic and international efforts to advance human rights and equality for LGBT+ people, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and without fear of violence and persecution.We continually keep the impact of all FCDO policies and UK-funded programmes under review to ensure they are achieving their objectives, and providing value for money.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which diplomatic missions took part in a Pride (a) event and (b) parade in 2025.

Across our global diplomatic network, missions collaborate with local partners to challenge discriminatory laws and policies that enable violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, and to mark key moments including Pride, but there is no central recording of each of these activities.In multilateral settings, the UK engages likeminded partners in the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN LGBTI Core Group, and the Council of Europe to champion the universality of human rights, and to promote global action to end violence, persecution, and discrimination.Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials also collaborate with other government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity, to align domestic and international efforts to advance human rights and equality for LGBT+ people, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and without fear of violence and persecution.We continually keep the impact of all FCDO policies and UK-funded programmes under review to ensure they are achieving their objectives, and providing value for money.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Minister for Women and Equalities on the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights.

Across our global diplomatic network, missions collaborate with local partners to challenge discriminatory laws and policies that enable violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, and to mark key moments including Pride, but there is no central recording of each of these activities.In multilateral settings, the UK engages likeminded partners in the Equal Rights Coalition, the UN LGBTI Core Group, and the Council of Europe to champion the universality of human rights, and to promote global action to end violence, persecution, and discrimination.Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials also collaborate with other government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity, to align domestic and international efforts to advance human rights and equality for LGBT+ people, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and without fear of violence and persecution.We continually keep the impact of all FCDO policies and UK-funded programmes under review to ensure they are achieving their objectives, and providing value for money.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Hungarian counterparts on LGBTQ+ human rights.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 24 July 2025 to question 68978. I can assure him that we raise issues concerning LGBT+ rights and human rights regularly at ministerial and official level with our Hungarian counterparts, and I have done so directly. Our Embassy in Budapest also works to support human rights, including LGBT+ rights in Hungary through engagement with civil society organisations locally.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Hungarian counterparts on the potential prosecution of Pecs Pride organiser Géza Buzás-Hábel.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 24 July 2025 to question 68978. I can assure him that we raise issues concerning LGBT+ rights and human rights regularly at ministerial and official level with our Hungarian counterparts, and I have done so directly. Our Embassy in Budapest also works to support human rights, including LGBT+ rights in Hungary through engagement with civil society organisations locally.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the decision by the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for (a) Benjamin Netanyahu, (b) Yoav Gallant and (c) Mohammed Deif.

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. We remain focused on pushing for an immediate ceasefire, to bring an end to the devastating violence in Gaza. This is essential to protect civilians, ensure the release of hostages and to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his oral statement on British Indian Ocean Territory: Negotiations of 7 October 2024, Official Report, column 45, when his Department plans to publish further details of the (a) trust fund and (b) additional government support for Chagossians in the UK.

We recognise the importance of the British Indian Ocean Territory / Chagos Archipelago to Chagossians and we have put their interests at the heart of this Agreement. Under this agreement, Mauritius will be free to implement a programme of resettlement to the islands of Chagos other than Diego Garcia, and the UK will finance a new trust fund for Mauritius in support of Chagossians. I will endeavour to provide Parliament with further appropriate details, including additional government support for Chagossians in the UK, at the point that the Treaty is signed.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to ensure Overseas Territories establish a public register of beneficial ownership under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018.

This month, as Minister for the Overseas Territories (OTs), I wrote to OT Governments to set out UK transparency expectations.I noted that full public accessibility remains our expectation. Access filtered to those with 'legitimate interest' should be delivered to a clear timetable, as an interim step.I also outlined a set of minimum requirements that UK Government would expect to see in any 'legitimate interest' regime.At the UK-OT Illicit Finance Dialogue earlier this month, Officials discussed this and other priorities. I expect to continue discussions at the Joint Ministerial Council in November.I am pleased to report that Monserrat announced its delivery of a public register of beneficial ownership on 11 October.