Written questions by Morton.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Development in response to the Rt hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills during the Oral Statement of 28 November 2024 on UK Leadership on Sudan, Official Report, column 945, with which countries in the African Union he has had bilateral engagements on the situation in Sudan; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of those engagements in securing access to humanitarian aid within Sudan.

I have raised the issue of humanitarian access with key regional actors, including during my visit to South Sudan and Ethiopia in August, as well as in bilateral engagements with Egypt at the Humanitarian Forum in Cairo in December. The Foreign Secretary also engaged with the African Union and African Security Council members during his visit to New York in November, including at a roundtable he hosted where he urged states to use their influence with the warring parties to push for improved humanitarian access in Sudan. In December, Lord Collins also spoke to the Ugandan Foreign Minister on Sudan to seek views on how we can work more closely to support region-led mediation efforts, particularly with the African Union. He also hosted an open briefing at the UN Security Council (UNSC), during the UK's presidency in November, with a focus on the protection of civilians' recommendations. The UK also co-led a Resolution at the UNSC with Sierra Leone on the protection of civilians, which failed to pass due to a Russian veto. We welcome the recent diplomatic efforts including by the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) members such as Egypt to pressure the Sudanese authorities to keep the Adré border open. We will continue to use our engagements with African partners to push for Adré to remain open permanently, for alternative cross-border routes beyond Adré, and for greater crossline access.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of UK sanctions on Chinese (a) people and (b) businesses.

UK sanctions are designed and targeted to deter and disrupt malign behaviour, and to demonstrate our defence of fundamental principles, including democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The FCDO regularly reviews the effectiveness and impact of our sanctions regimes. Any assessment will depend on the intended purposes of each individual regime, which are set out in the regulations for that regime. The FCDO keeps all evidence and potential designations under close review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of Russian interference in the upcoming Ghanaian general election.

Foreign actors, including Russia, attempt to use information manipulation and interference to manipulate social discourse, skew national and international debates on subjects of critical importance, and try to undermine democratic institutions and national security. In Africa, Russia-linked media and influence organisations are using disinformation to garner support for Russian activity and discredit others.We are working with our African partners to strengthen resilience to malign activity through strategic security and defence relationships alongside humanitarian, development and stabilisation programmes. The UK and Ghana are strong partners and we support the integrity of its elections and strength of its democracy. The UK's approach to supporting Ghana's resilience, including during its elections period, is focused on partnering with civil society, which has an essential role in ensuring a credible and transparent process. The UK's £5 million Ghana Governance Programme is working to support democracy and strong governance. This includes delivering communication and media relations training to counter and tackle mis/disinformation during the election.During his visit to Ghana in September, Lord Collins met with the President and the two main Presidential candidates and welcomed Ghana's commitment to democracy, highlighting the importance of credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

Media and Sport, whether she plans to publish research commissioned by her department to gather evidence about the (a) size and (b) nature of the prize draw sector.

The Department is still considering the findings of the independent research, which looked at the size and nature of the prize draw market, as well as possible gambling harm associated with these products. This research is informing our policy considerations, as whilst not regulated as a gambling product under the Gambling Act, we want people who participate in large scale commercial prize draws to be confident that proportionate protections are in place. We will update Parliament further in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to facilitate an inward visit to the UK from former President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen.

The UK's longstanding position on Taiwan has not changed. The UK does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but a strong unofficial relationship based on deep and growing ties in a wide range of areas and underpinned by shared democratic values. There is a longstanding pattern of senior visits between the UK and Taiwan, including many conducted independently of HMG.

Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact on charity lotteries of introducing a statutory levy on gambling operators.

As set out in the Government’s response to the consultation on the statutory levy, we will introduce a statutory levy charged to all licensed gambling operators. Society lotteries will be charged the levy at the lowest rate of 0.1%, in recognition of the low rates of harm associated with participation in society lotteries and the important benefits they bring to good cause fundraising. The Gambling Act 2005 is clear that all licensees are in scope of the levy, but to minimise disruption this 0.1% will be charged as a proportion of proceeds retained after good causes. We will also conduct a formal review of the statutory levy system within five years where the structure and health of the levy system, including levy rates, will be assessed and any necessary adjustments made to ensure we are achieving our objectives and impacts are proportionate.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the incoming US Administration on securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Whilst we have not had any official discussions with the incoming US administration regarding the release of hostages, our position remains clear. It is appalling that hostages taken by Hamas terrorists on 7 October are still being held captive, including one British national, Emily Damari, and three hostages with strong British links. We have supported hostage talks throughout, and continue to work alongside our allies and partners in the region, exercising every possible diplomatic lever to see the hostages immediately and unconditionally released. We thank the US, Qatar, Egypt, and all international partners, for their coordinating efforts. Ensuring the release of all hostages remains a top priority for this government.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the (a) expulsion of a UK diplomat by Russia and (b) travel bans issued by Russia on UK officials and Ministers.

The UK condemns harassment of diplomats in the strongest terms including the malicious and completely baseless accusations made against FCDO staff in Russia. We do not comment on specific Russian travel bans. No Minister will be visiting Russia in the current circumstances of their egregious actions not least their continued barbarous and illegal war against Ukraine.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Mauritius.

After his recent election, the UK sent congratulatory messages to Prime Minister Ramgoolam. The Prime Minister's Special Envoy, Jonathan Powell, then visited Mauritius and met Prime Minister Ramgoolam on 25 November. We look forward to developing our shared priorities with the new Government of Mauritius.

What assessment has she made of the potential impact of changes to Employer’s National Insurance Contributions announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 on charities and community organisations in (a) the West Midlands and (b) Aldridge-Brownhills constituency.

In order to repair the public finances and raise the revenue required to fund our public services, the government has taken the difficult decision to increase employer National Insurance which has included the charity sector. HMRC has published a Tax Information and Impact Note that covers the employer NICs changes, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-class-1-national-insurance-contributions-secondary-threshold-the-secondary-class-1-national-insurance-contributions-rate-and-the-empl/changes-to-the-class-1-national-insurance-contributions-secondary-threshold-the-secondary-class-1-national-insurance-contributions-rate-and-the-emplThe Government has protected the smallest businesses and charities from the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500, which means that 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all next year, more than half of employers will see no change or will gain overall from this package, and all eligible employers will be able to employ up to four full-time workers on the National Living Wage and pay no employer NICs.More broadly, within the tax system, we provide support to charities through a range of reliefs and exemptions, including reliefs for charitable giving, with more than £6 billion in charitable reliefs provided to charities, CASCs and their donors in 2023 to 2024.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of UK sanctions on Russia.

Working with partners, our Russia sanctions are restricting Putin's war machine - degrading his military and putting grit in the system by increasing equipment costs and delays and reducing equipment quality. Sanctions have deprived Russia of over $400 billion since February 2022 - equivalent to four more years of funding for the invasion. The FCDO regularly reviews the effectiveness and impact of UK sanctions on Russia and remains committed to continuing to impose and enforce sanctions, alongside our partners, to constrain Russia's remaining sources of revenue.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to support the work of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe in ensuring free and fair elections in Romania.

The UK is a strong supporter of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). While ODIHR did not send an election observation mission to Romania on this occasion, the UK will continue to work closely with the OSCE to support democratic values in the region.On 6 December the Romanian Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round of the Presidential election. On 7 December the Foreign Secretary set out UK concerns following reports from the Romanian authorities of Russian interference in their Presidential elections and reiterated the importance of elections being decided by the Romanian people, freely and fairly, he further stated that the UK remains a resolute Ally to Romania and is confident in its democracy.On 4 December the Foreign Secretary met Romanian FM Odobescu in the margins of NATO Foreign Ministers, and on 12 November I hosted FM Odobescu in London. In both of these meetings we reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening our bilateral relationship and our shared concerns regarding Russian hybrid threats in the region.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support international action to tackle conflict-related sexual violence.

This Government's commitment to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is resolute. To drive international action, Lord Collins has been appointed as the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI). He visited Colombia on 25 - 26 November for a meeting of the International Alliance on PSVI, as vice chair, where he outlined the UK's commitment to prevent CRSV, end impunity, and put survivors at the centre of everything we do. Through PSVI, the UK has supported thousands of survivors of CRSV and contributed to vital legislative changes in Bosnia Herzegovina, Kosovo and Colombia.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing funding to Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance’s replenishment campaign for the 2026-2030 strategic period.

The UK is a longstanding proud donor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, committing £1.65 billion from 2021-2025 which is helping save up to 8 million lives from vaccine preventable diseases. In 2026-2030, Gavi aims to immunise up to 500 million more children, saving an additional 8-9 million lives. The UK remains committed to supporting Gavi and is working with international partners to ensure sustainable resources for upcoming global health replenishments. These are being considered together to ensure we are best placed to address the global health challenges ahead. Funding decisions will be taken following the conclusion of the Spending Review in 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the work of UK diplomatic staff based in Russia.

The Kremlin shows a persistent pattern of unacceptable and unjustified behaviour against UK diplomats in Russia, who undertake vital work in extremely challenging circumstances. Following specific incidents of concern, the Russian Ambassador has been summoned and reminded of Russia's obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Formal complaints have also been lodged with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow. Intimidation will not deter our staff from promoting international stability and UK interests around the world. We remain in close contact with HMA Moscow and his team to ensure the safety and security of our hardworking diplomats.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in Colombia on tackling violence against women and girls.

Colombia is a focus country for the UK for work to support Women, Peace and Security (WPS). Colombia launched its first WPS National Action Plan on 30 November. In support of the plan, the UK provided £270,000 to co-fund consultation workshops with women's rights organisations. FCDO and MOD officials have met the Ministry of Equality to discuss implementation of the plan. Lord Collins attended the conference of the UK-founded Preventing Sexual Violence International Alliance in Colombia on 25 November. Baroness Chapman attended the Violence Against Children Conference in Colombia on 7 November. With Colombia, we will continue championing the participation of women in the 2016 Peace Agreement, including through the UN Security Council.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to identify any potential additional routes for humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza since July 2024.

The UK continues to call on Israel to increase humanitarian and commercial access into the Palestinian territories by ensuring all aid crossings are fully operational. This is particularly vital in the winter months as heavy rain and flooding are now exacerbating an already desperate humanitarian situation. We are clear that Israel can and must do more to get aid into Gaza. The Prime Minister stressed this in a call with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on 19 October; and the Foreign Secretary reiterated this at the UN Security Council on 18 November. Israel must streamline processes at Ashdod, increase the flow of aid from Jordan and Egypt, and allow the commercial import of goods from Israel, the West Bank and neighbouring countries.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure the safety of UK humanitarian workers in Lebanon.

Any British national in Lebanon, regardless of the purpose of their stay, is entitled to consular support from the British Embassy. We provide detailed and up-to-date travel advice on gov.uk, which gives useful information for British Nationals to inform their personal security arrangements.The UK funds a humanitarian programme in Lebanon and while we do not assume duty of care for our implementing partners, we perform due diligence to understand their security arrangements. There is explicit criteria in grant or commercial contracts which outline HMG's expectations of suppliers in terms of duty of care and security provision for their staff, for example regarding safety briefings and risk mitigation plans.We urge all parties involved in the conflict in Lebanon to allow humanitarian workers to carry out their work safely, and we continue to do so even with the ceasefire in place. More broadly, the FCDO supports the safety of humanitarian workers by investing in protective measures that our partners need to work safely, championing international humanitarian law, and using UK seats at key multilateral fora to raise awareness and promote accountability. The UK was proud to co-sponsor and vote in favour of UN Security Council resolution 2730, which calls on states to protect humanitarian personnel, and we support its full implementation in Lebanon and around the world.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Lebanon and (b) the Middle East on ensuring that aid can be brought into Lebanon.

The UK continues to engage with international partners on alleviating the suffering of those most in need in Lebanon, including refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities. I attended the International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty in Paris on 24 October, where approximately €800 million in humanitarian support was committed. I met Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and Environment Minister Nasser Yasin to discuss the situation, as well as other regional and international counterparts. The UK is one of the largest donors to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' Lebanon Humanitarian Fund and the Central Emergency Response Fund. We have announced £10 million of aid to Lebanon, which includes essential medicine, hygiene kits, fuel for water stations, education and child protection services for the most vulnerable children, and cash assistance. This is in addition to the £5 million already provided to support emergency response programming. UK bilateral humanitarian support for this financial year so far is £31 million.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of UK sanctions on Iran.

We judge UK sanctions to be an important tool in deterring and disrupting Iran's malign activity and demonstrating that, alongside our international partners, the UK condemns Iran's threats to international security and its human rights violations. Since September, the UK has announced four sanctions packages to counter Iranian activity, including coordinated international responses to both Iran's 1 October attack against Israel, and its transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. Furthermore, on 13 September, the UK also expanded its trade sanctions to cover further goods which play an important role in Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle and missile programmes.