Every parliamentary written question tabled by Yasmin Qureshi this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1–7 of 7 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the authorities in the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq on the cases of (a) Sherwan Sherwani and (b) Omed Baroshki.
I refer the hon Member to the answer provided on 17 September to Question 71439.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that all British Overseas Territories have implemented publicly accessible registers for beneficial ownership before the end of the year.
Please refer to my Written Ministerial Statements of 3 July and 22 July which provide an update on progress achieved to date and details of next steps. We have clearly conveyed to our partners in the remaining Overseas Territories the urgency of meeting previously agreed deadlines and expect prompt action. To assist in this effort, we have offered technical support. The registers should offer streamlined access to a broad range of legitimate users, supporting proactive investigations, deterring the concealment of illicit gains, and promoting maximum transparency.Baroness Hodge will visit BVI at my request shortly to examine these issues directly with the Premier and his Government there, and I regularly raise our clear expectations in discussions with OT leaders, and will continue to do so.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the initiative of the UN Secretary General to create a humanitarian aid corridor from Bangladesh into Rakhine State, Myanmar.
We are concerned about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Rakhine, including the deteriorating food security situation. The UK continues to advocate for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need in Myanmar. The long-term solution for Rohingya refugees remains a voluntary, safe and dignified return to Rakhine state in Myanmar, once the conditions there allow.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of making it easier to migrate between the UK and Canada.
The UK and Canada's deep and broad relationship is strengthened by the large diaspora of each nation's citizens present in both countries. The existing UK immigration offer supports migration through a variety of different routes which enable Canadian individuals to live, work and study in the UK. Canadian visa applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis as long as they meet the specific visa requirements and eligibility requirements for the route. However, the migration of UK citizens to Canada is a matter for the Canadian government.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will introduce Magnitsky-style sanctions against Chinese officials involved in human rights abuses in Tibet.
This Government will take a consistent, long term and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. We will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must. We will stand firm on human rights, including China's repression of the people of Tibet.On sanctions, the FCDO keeps all evidence and potential listings under close review. It is not appropriate to speculate on who may be designated in the future, as to do so could reduce the impact of the designations.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to support international partners with ceasefire discussions on Gaza.
The Foreign Secretary and I have stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in our conversations with Israeli, Arab and regional leaders. The Foreign Secretary reiterated this message during visits to the region on 14-15 July and 31 July - 1 August and during his recent joint visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories with his French counterpart on 16 August. The Prime Minister has also joined international leaders in this call.There has been a renewed push for a diplomatic solution and the Foreign Secretary has joined statements by the G7, and with the United States, France, Germany, and Italy, reinforcing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the discussions to bring it about. Such a deal is absolutely critical. The UK welcomes the tireless mediation efforts of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States, towards an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the (a) capacity of (i) hospitals and (ii) primary health care centres and (b) availability of (A) medicine and (B) basic medical supplies in Gaza.
The FCDO is closely monitoring the impact of the conflict in Gaza on health. We collect information from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners based in Gaza.According to the WHO, no hospitals in Gaza are fully functional. 16 hospitals out of 36 are partially functioning. Of primary health care facilities, only an estimated 30-35 percent are functional compared to pre-conflict levels. This has fallen sharply as a result of recent evacuation orders in the Deir el Balah area. We are also aware of significant constraints on the availability and delivery of medicine and medical supplies to health care facilities. The UK continues to call on Israel to facilitate unfettered aid into Gaza, to address this serious issue.