Persecution of Christians
December 2021
My ministerial colleagues and I are committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all, and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities. Indeed, promoting the right to FoRB is one of the UK's longstanding human rights priorities. That is why I am glad the Independent Review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen, was published. The Government has committed to implementing the Bishop’s 22 recommendations in full, and work continues to implement them in a way that will bring real improvements in the lives of those persecuted because of their faith or belief. Of the 22 recommendations, the UK has fully delivered 10, made good progress on a further 8, and ministers are confident that all 22 will be delivered by the time of the independent review in 2022. I also welcome the appointment of Fiona Bruce MP as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Some of the recommendations will take longer to implement and will require an ongoing effort to embed into the working practice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
JCB in Palestine
December 2021
The UK National Contact Point (UK NCP), which operates independently of the Department for International Trade, has not found that JCB violated human rights. In line with the OECD Guidelines, the UK NCP has advised JCB to develop a policy commitment to respect human rights and to carry out human rights due diligence in supply chains. The UK NCP will request an update from JCB on the implementation of its recommendations in late 2022, and stands ready to provide support as necessary in the interim.
Palestinian NGOs
December 2021
I appreciate the concerns you have regarding the Government of Israel's recent decision to proscribe six civil society organisations as terrorist groups. The UK Government has a close relationship with the Government of Israel, the strength of which allows sensitive issues such as this to be raised. Minister Cleverly assured the House on 26 October that he and his colleagues at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will be speaking to their Israeli counterparts to understand why they felt they needed to take this action. I will ensure that the FCDO is aware of your strength of feeling on this issue. The UK is a proud champion of human rights and a strong supporter of those around the world who dedicate their lives to defending them. Support is provided to HRDs through bilateral contributions around the world, and through core contributions to multilateral organisations. The FCDO also monitors treatment of HRDs in its annual Human Rights and Democracy Reports, the most recent of which was published on 8 July. That report paid tribute to the courageous work of HRDs and listed support for them as a UK foreign policy
Nationality and Borders Bill
December 2021
The United Kingdom has a proud record of helping those fleeing persecution, oppression or tyranny from around the world. Alongside providing £10 billion a year to support people through our overseas aid, the UK is a global leader in refugee resettlement. As a country, between 2016 and 2019 we resettled more refugees from outside Europe than any member state of the EU. In total across all Government-funded resettlement schemes, the UK has resettled more than 25,000 vulnerable refugees in need of protection over the past six years, with around half being children. Over 29,000 family reunion visas have also been issued in the last five years. You will be reassured to know that the Government is strengthening the safe and legal routes for refugees and fixing historic anomalies in British Nationality law. The Government is also committed to ensuring that resettlement programmes are responsive to emerging international crises and that persecuted minorities are represented. The wider Plan also helps refugees once they have settled in the UK through support to integrate into society, help in accessing employment and sponsorship programmes. Those in genuine need will be protected. I understand that the Immigration Rules already provide a route to regularise immigration status. I welcome the fact that these rules are kept under constant review and evolve considering feedback and findings of the courts. I can reassure you that the proposals comply with our global obligations including commitments to the European Convention on Human Rights, the Refugee Convention and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. You may also be interested to know that the Home Office launched a consultation to gain insight from stakeholders and members of the public to inform their strategy. I know Ministers are seeking widespread engagement and are currently analysing the feedback received.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
November 2021
My thoughts are with Nazanin and her family. I want to see her and indeed all other dual nationals detained, released immediately.
I can assure you that the Foreign Office continues to work hard to assist British nationals detained in Iran, and engages with the families of those detained on a regular basis. Support is available to them 24 hours a day seven days a week. I know this issue is a top priority for the Foreign Secretary.
I have immense sympathy for Nazanin, Richard and their young daughter. One struggles to imagine how difficult Nazanin's unjust and ongoing detention is for them as a family. I completely understand the actions Richard is taking. The Foreign Secretary has spoken with Nazanin and Richard, and her department continues to do everything it can to secure Nazanin's release, and indeed of all British dual nationals arbitrarily detained in Iran. Since his hunger strike started, Richard has met the Foreign Secretary, Minister Cleverly and senior officials.
Liz Truss spoke to her Iranian counterpart on Monday 8 November, raising Nazanin's case and indeed that of all British nationals unfairly detained in Iran. Foreign Office officials met with the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister on 11 November, including to press firmly for the immediate release of unfairly detained British nationals. This in itself is a sign of major progress as Iranian diplomats have not been welcomed to London for many years.
Arms Exports to Israel
September 2021
I remain concerned about security in Israel and our friendship with Israel does not prohibit our criticism of some Israeli policies, or our recognition of Israel as a thriving democracy. The UK supports Israel’s right to defend itself and will work alongside anyone in the Middle East who seeks to establish better stability and security for their people. Israel has a right to self-defence and to defend its citizens from attack. I hope and wish, as we all do, for the cycles of violence in Israel and Palestine to end. Every effort must be made to avoid loss of life, especially the lives of children. Civilian deaths, both in Gaza and Israel, are a tragedy.
I know the Government takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available.
Licence decisions take account of prevailing circumstances at the time of application and include human rights and international humanitarian law considerations. I understand the Government will not issue export licences where there is a clear risk that the arms might be used for internal repression or in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
The UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence does not extend to support for the annexation plans for part of the West Bank. I strongly welcome the shelving of these annexation plans as part of the normalisation of relations between Israel and the UAE last year.
Securing Kabul Airport
August 2021
Following the barbaric terror attack witnessed at Kabul airport during the final days of the evacuation of eligible personnel, I would like to echo the words of the Prime Minister who quite rightly offered his condolences, both to the United States and to the people of Afghanistan, who lost their lives. I am encouraged that Operation Pitting continued following these attacks in line with the Government’s commitment to work flat out to evacuate as many eligible people as possible until the last possible moment.
Ban Hamas
August 2021
As you may know, Hamas' military wing has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK since 2001 and is listed in Schedule 2 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The UK maintains a no contact policy with the group in its entirety.
I share the Government's position that the Hamas ideology is unacceptable and I strongly condemn all acts of terrorism.
I appreciate concerns about the political wing of Hamas. I understand the political wing of Hamas is not proscribed as it is considered that there is a clear distinction between Hamas’s military and political wings.
In distinguishing between the political and military wings for the purposes of proscription, the Government's aim is to proscribe only those parts of Hamas which are directly concerned in terrorism.
Afghanistan
August 2021
I am sure you agree that we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have worked with our country to make Afghanistan a better place over the last 20 years. It is the case that many of these people, particularly women and children, are now in urgent need of help.
I am proud of the United Kingdom's history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and oppression. I know that the Government will always stand by those in the world in their hour of need.
It is therefore extremely encouraging that thousands of Afghan women, children and others most in need will be welcomed to the UK. The new Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme will be one of the most generous resettlement schemes in the history of the UK. This new route is modelled on the successful Syrian vulnerable persons resettlement scheme, which resettled 20,000 Syrian refugees over a seven-year period from 2014 to 2021.
Ministers have outlined that the new scheme will resettle 5,000 Afghan nationals in its first year with priority given to women and girls and religious and other minorities, who are most at risk of human rights abuses and dehumanising treatment by the Taliban. I understand that this resettlement scheme will be kept under further review for future years, with up to a total of 20,000 in the long-term.
I would like to reassure you that this new scheme is separate from, and in addition to, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which offers any current or former locally employed staff who are assessed to be under serious threat to life priority relocation to the UK. 5,000 former Afghan staff and their family members are expected to be relocated to the UK by the end of this year under ARAP.
I also believe that international co-operation is essential in this area and therefore welcome the fact that the UK is working with international partners to develop a system to identify those most at risk and resettle them, ensuring help goes to those that need it.
I will continue to monitor the situation extremely closely over the coming days and weeks.
Stand Up for Refugees
July 2021
The United Kingdom has a proud record of helping those fleeing persecution, oppression or tyranny from around the world. Alongside providing £10 billion a year to support people through our overseas aid, the UK is a global leader in refugee resettlement. As a country, between 2016 and 2019 we resettled more refugees from outside Europe than any member state of the EU.
In 2015, the Government committed to resettle 20,000 of the most vulnerable refugees who fled the conflict in Syria through the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS). I am sure you will join me in welcoming the fact that the Government has now met that commitment.
In total across all of our resettlement schemes, the UK has now resettled more than 25,000 vulnerable refugees in need of protection over the past 6 years, with around half being children. These refugees are resettled directly from regions of conflict and instability rather than from safe European countries. I believe that it is most important to prioritise those refugees in dangerous situations, not those already in Europe.
The Government already provides safe and legal routes for people needing protection or seeking to reunite with their families. In the year ending December 2020, over 5,400 refugee family reunion visas were issued to partners and children of those previously granted asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK. Over 29,000 family reunion visas have been issued in the last 5 years.
EDM 138 - Conflict in Israel
July 2021
I remain concerned about security in Israel and our friendship with Israel does not prohibit our criticism of some Israeli policies, or our recognition of Israel as a thriving democracy. The UK supports Israel’s right to defend itself and will work alongside anyone in the Middle East who seeks to establish better stability and security for their people.
The Government takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available.
Licence decisions take account of prevailing circumstances at the time of application and include human rights and international humanitarian law considerations. The Government will not issue export licences where there is a clear risk that the arms might be used for internal repression or in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
Foreign Aid
July 2021
This country has been and always will be open and outward-looking, leading in solving the world's toughest problems and striving to be a force for good in the world. Whether it is stepping up to support desperate Syrians and Yemenis in conflict zones, leading the fight against Ebola and Malaria, or supporting millions of children to gain a decent education. Nevertheless, we must be honest about where we are. The UK is currently experiencing its worst economic contraction in 300 years because of the pandemic, with a national debt that has rocketed to levels not seen since the aftermath of the Second World War. At this time of unprecedented crisis, tough choices must be made, which is why the Chancellor announced a temporary reduction in the UK’s ODA budget. The focus of the Parliamentary vote was on ensuring the aid budget returns to 0.7% of GDP as soon as the fiscal situation allows.
The UK will remain one of the most generous aid donors in the G7, with a commitment considerably higher than the OECD average. This government will be giving more in aid than any previous British government. I am encouraged that the UK will be spending more than £10 billion in 2021 on its seven ODA priorities, as set out by the Foreign Secretary – climate change and biodiversity; global health security, including Covid-19; girls' education; responding to humanitarian crises, such as those in Yemen and Syria; science and technology; resolving conflicts and defending open societies, including human rights; and promoting trade.
Our continuing high levels of development aid, combined with our expertise and convening power, means the UK remains a development superpower. The UK is, for example, the biggest bilateral donor to the Global Partnership for Education, the largest fund in the world dedicated to improving education in developing countries; and the World Bank International Development Association, which works to accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Likewise, our contribution to the COVAX AMC is amongst the largest, and will contribute to the supply of at least 1.3 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines in 2021, already reaching over 120 countries.
Protests in Colombia
June 2021
I share your concerns and I know that Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ministers do too. Indeed, it is for such reasons including, but not exclusive to, those to which you refer why Colombia remains one of thirty human rights priority countries for the UK.
Befitting its priority status, and as a UN penholder, I know that ministers and officials regularly raise human rights concerns directly with the Colombian Government and via the relevant multilateral fora, including in relation to the right to peaceful protest. The UK's Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, for instance, raised concerns on a virtual visit to Colombia in February.
The UK is forthright in supporting the right to peace protest everywhere, including in Colombia. I join the Minister for the Americas, Wendy Morton, in calling for an end to the violence and for all instances of excessive force used against protestors to be thoroughly investigated by the authorities, and for appropriate action taken against those responsible.
Concerns over Cyprus
June 2021
I understand your concerns. After 46 years the events of 1974 continue to cast a long shadow over Cyprus. The best way to address these issues is through a just and lasting settlement on the island. The UK’s commitment to a deal on Cyprus remains unwavering.
I know that the UK Government strongly supports a comprehensive and just Cyprus settlement based on the internationally accepted model of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. The UK regularly engages with the parties to the settlement talks at all levels, and continues to encourage all parties to engage constructively in talks and demonstrate they are committed to making progress.
It is for the sides to agree on the details of any final settlement deal which will require the agreement of the two leaders, the support of Greece and Turkey and, importantly, successful referenda in each community. On Security and Guarantees, the UK has always made clear that we are open to whatever arrangements the two sides and other guarantor powers can agree to meet the security needs of the two Cypriot communities.
Employment & Asylum Seekers
June 2021
I recognise that this is a very important issue; the UK has a proud tradition of providing a place of safety for refugees. Each claim for asylum is carefully considered and where it is found that individuals are in need of protection, asylum is given, with the ultimate aim of helping them to return home if it is safe to do so.
Asylum seekers are allowed to work, in jobs on the Shortage Occupation List, if their claim has not been decided after 12 months through no fault of their own. The current policy aims to strike a balance between being equitable towards asylum seekers, while considering the rights and needs of our society as a whole, prioritising jobs for British citizens and those with leave to remain here, including refugees. The Government is considering recent calls to change the current policy and is reviewing the evidence available.
I should also mention that any asylum seeker who would otherwise be destitute is provided with free accommodation, utility bills and council tax paid and a weekly cash allowance with extra money available for mothers and young children.
The cash allowance has been raised from £37.75 to £39.63, representing a rise of 5 per cent from June. It is important to consider that this is significantly higher than general inflation which data showed was 0.8 per cent in the 12 months to April 2020. Indeed, food inflation over the same period was 1.4 per cent.
I know you have concerns over this allowance figure. The methodology used for the cash allowance has been recognised by the Courts as rational and lawful. You may be interested in reading about how this works here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-on-review-of-cash-allowance-paid-to-asylum-seekers. It is also important to factor in that NHS healthcare and education for children is provided free of charge.
I will continue to monitor closely the support available to asylum seekers to ensure sufficient support is provided.
Open Doors: Christians in India
June 2021
My ministerial colleagues and I are committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities. Indeed, promoting the right to FoRB is one of the UK's longstanding human rights priorities.
That is why I am glad the Independent Review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen, was published.
The Government has committed to implementing the Bishop’s 22 recommendations in full, and work continues to implement them in a way that will bring real improvements in the lives of those persecuted because of their faith or belief. Of the 22 recommendations, the UK has fully delivered 10, made good progress on a further 8, and ministers are confident that all 22 will be delivered by the time of the independent review in 2022.
I also welcome the appointment of Fiona Bruce MP as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Some of the recommendations will take longer to implement and will require an ongoing effort to embed into the working practice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The UK engages with India on the full range of human rights matters, working with Union and State Governments, and with non-governmental organisations, to build capacity and share expertise to promote human rights for all. The British High Commission in New Delhi, and our Deputy High Commissions across India, also run projects promoting minority rights and regularly meet with religious representatives, as well as official figures such as the Chair of the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Minorities.
The FCDO regularly engages with Open Doors UK and has taken note of the 2021 World Watch List report and its findings. I am glad that the report has praised the UK Government for the many positive advances it has made in the past year.
The Global Debt Crisis & COVID-19
June 2021
I share your concerns about the debt vulnerabilities in developing countries, which have been amplified by COVID-19. This is why I am glad that the UK, alongside G20 and the Paris Club of official creditors, has committed to a historic suspension of debt repayment from the world's poorest countries through the debt service suspension initiative (DSSI).
Since it took effect last year, more than forty eligible countries have benefitted from over $5 billion in relief. This allows beneficiary countries to increase social, health or economic expenditure, and in doing so better mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. This spending is monitored by the IMF and World Bank to ensure that it is done in accordance with the spirit of DSSI. I approve that the DSSI has been extended to December 2021.
G20 Finance Ministers have also agreed a “Common Framework for Future Debt Treatments beyond the DSSI”, whereby private sector creditors will be required to implement debt restructurings that are at least equivalent to those agreed by official creditors. This agreement should pave the way for more equitable and effective case-by-case debt restructurings, which are likely to be required as part of the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
G7 Finance ministers reiterated their support for both the DSSI and the implementation of the Common Framework in their Communique on 5 June.
Vaccines for Migrants
June 2021
I am assured that vaccines for coronavirus will be offered to every adult living in the UK free of charge, regardless of immigration status. As I understand it, while NHS numbers form an important part of the administrative process, they are absolutely not a precondition for being offered a vaccine.
People who are registered with a GP are being contacted at the earliest opportunity, and the Department for Health and Social Care are working closely with partners and external organisations to contact people, including migrants, who are not registered with a GP to ensure they are offered the vaccine.
I do understand your concern regarding the fact that those seeking a test, treatment or vaccine for Coronavirus will not have their immigration status checked. However, I would like to be very clear that this does not amount to an amnesty and no-one will be given leave to remain in the UK as a consequence of being vaccinated. It is also the case that there will be no ‘queue jumping'. The work of the Government to tackle illegal immigration continues however I am clear that during a public health emergency, such as this one, everyone needs to receive the vaccine to ensure the safety of communities across the country as a whole.
I hope this has provided some reassurance
Vaccine Inequality & The G7
June 2021
I am proud that the UK is at the forefront of, and one of the largest donors to, the international response to the pandemic. UK support extends to assisting the world's poorest nations receive the COVID-19 vaccines they need.
This is being done through our £548 million commitment to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) – the international initiative to support global equitable access to vaccines, which the UK helped to establish last year. Our commitment is amongst the largest donations to the COVAX facility, and is helping to support the rollout of 1.8 billion COVID-19 vaccines doses by early 2022 for up to 92 developing countries.
This will be sufficient to vaccinate up to 30 per cent of recipient country populations, prioritising healthcare workers and then expanding to cover other priority groups. I am pleased that COVAX deliveries are now well underway; the first were received in Ghana on 24 February.
As of 28 June, COVAX has so far provided over 89 million doses to 133 participants. The overwhelming majority of these were the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the development of which was funded by the UK.
COVAX, alongside its key delivery partner UNICEF, is supporting countries to develop their own national deployment plans. The UK's own network of health advisers in relevant AMC countries are also working to support host governments to receive and deliver vaccines.
As the Prime Minister announced on 11 June at the G7 Summit in Cornwall, the UK will also donate 100 million surplus vaccine doses to the world within the next year. Five million doses will be delivered by the end of September, primarily for use in the world's poorest countries. The further 95 million doses will be donated within the next year, including 25 million more by the end of 2021.
I am told that 80 per cent of these 100 million doses will be donated via COVAX, with the remainder shared bilaterally with those countries most in need. Moreover, that the cost of donating the UK's surpluses will be classified as Official Development Assistance (ODA), and in addition to the £10 billion already committed in ODA in 2021 to fight poverty, tackle climate change and improve global health.
This forms part of a wider commitment agreed at the G7 Summit in Cornwall, in which leaders pledged to donate one billion vaccines, via COVAX or bilaterally, to developing countries in the next year.
I hope this has provided reassurance that, when it comes to helping the world's poorest get vaccinated against COVID-19, the UK is amongst those nations leading the way.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Conflict in Israel/Evictions in East Jerusalem
May 2021
The UK regularly makes clear our concerns about the evictions of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem to the Israeli authorities and the Municipality of Jerusalem, both bilaterally and in co-operation with like-minded diplomatic partners.
The UK Ambassador in Tel Aviv has raised this issue with the Israeli Authorities, as has the Minister of State, James Cleverly, with the Israeli Ambassador in London. The British Consul General to Jerusalem visited families at risk of eviction in Sheikh Jarrah on 8th April to reiterate the UK's opposition to the practice, and other officials from the Consulate have continued to make regular visits to the at risk areas in question.
The UK is clear that the eviction of Palestinians from their homes causes unnecessary suffering, calls into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, is contrary to International Humanitarian Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
I deplore the recent violent unrest that we have seen in Sheikh Jarrah and join ministers in calling on Israel to work with local communities to avert further violence and to facilitate a calm and speedy de-escalation.
Syrian Aid
April 2021
As we mark the ten year anniversary of this conflict, the plight of the Syrian people must not be forgotten.
Unfortunately, progress towards peace in Syria and indeed a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process, allowing the Syrian people to decide their country's future, has been slow. The UN-facilitated peace process, in line with UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2254, is the only existing means to achieving this end, and the UK consistently upholds this resolution and urges all other parties to do the same.
I have been particularly appalled by human rights violations in Syria, including the treatment of prisoners and I know that these are issues that the UK continues to raise in international fora as part of its commitment to resolution 2254. This is one of many reasons why Syria remains one of thirty human rights priority countries for the UK, as documented in the most recent Human Rights and Democracy Report last year.
Sadly, if unsurprisingly, the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people are as grave now as they have ever been. An unprecedented 12.4 million people are food insecure – an increase of 4.5 million people in just one year. Children are bearing the brunt of this crisis, with one in eight suffering from malnutrition. The UK is one of the largest donors to the Syrian humanitarian response having so far committed over £3.5 billion since 2012. FCDO Ministers have assured me that tackling the humanitarian impact of the Syria Crisis remains a priority, indeed, I welcome the UK's recent pledge to provide at least £205 million in aid in 2021/22.
The pandemic has, as in many other parts of the world, significantly worsened the humanitarian situation in Syria. The UK is committed to equitable access to vaccines as demonstrated by our £548 million contribution to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC). UK support will help distribute 1.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to 92 developing countries in 2021, including Syria. The UK is lobbying via the UN to ensure that these vaccines are distributed without interference and to those in the greatest need. Efforts via COVAX complement the UK's existing support to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in Syria, providing water, healthcare, hygiene kits and sanitation support for vulnerable Syrians across the country.
Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
March 2021
The Yemeni people are facing the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world – with eighty per cent of the population reliant on some form of support, including an estimated twelve million children. Around 16,500 people are currently living in famine conditions, which is set to triple by June 2021. The pandemic will only exacerbate this crisis, particularly as millions remain without even the most basic access to medical care. Now, more than ever, we must do all we can to support the people of Yemen.
The UK has provided over £1 billion of aid to support to meet the basic needs of millions of Yemenis since the conflict began, and I assured that such generosity will continue. Indeed, the UK is committing £214 million in 2020/21 to avert famine, improve access to medical provision, and support public services in Yemen. I am told that this will support 500,000 vulnerable people each month to acquire sufficient food and other essential items, and provide a million people with improved water supplies and basic sanitation.
I am assured that Ministers and officials are continuing to engage with the UN and other donors, including the US, to ensure that life-saving humanitarian aid is not disrupted by political developments and reaches the millions of Yemenis in need.
Ultimately, only a political settlement can bring long-term stability to Yemen and tackle the worsening humanitarian crisis and the UK will continue to urge Yemeni leaders to agree to the UN Special Envoy’s peace plan.
International Women's Day: Overseas Support
March 2021
I agree with you that local women’s rights organisations do vital work across the world, and I am proud that the UK has provided long-term support to many women’s rights organisations, often in dangerous regions. Unfortunately, I was unable to speak in the debate on 11th March due to other pressing Parliamentary business, but please rest assured this is an issue I care deeply about.
The past year has put many women’s rights organisations under significant pressure. I am pleased that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have ensured that the needs and priorities of women and girls are central to every aspect of our global Covid-19 response, while supporting women’s participation and leadership including through women’s rights organisations.
We know that the success of the global COVID-19 recovery will depend on putting women’s rights organisations at the heart of our response. In September 2020, the UK announced an additional £1m to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women on top of our existing £21 million contribution, for the new COVID-19 Crisis Response Window. The UK is also building on the success of our What Works to Prevent Violence programme with a successor programme, to systematically scale up proven violence prevention projects across development and humanitarian contexts.
The UK is also proud to support and accelerate the Africa-Led Movement to end FGM through UK aid programmes and our voice on the world stage. Since 2013, programmes have helped over four million girls and women to receive health, social and legal service related to FGM and UK aid helped to build the “The Girl Generation”, the largest-ever global movement of over 900 grassroots organisations working together to end FGM.
The success in the fight for gender equality is dependent upon supporting women’s rights organisations, and, as these few examples demonstrate, the UK is steadfast in fulfilling its commitments.
I am assured that gender equality will be central to our G7 Presidency, and that this work will be framed by the ‘3Es’: Educating girls; Empowering women; and Ending violence for women and girls. The UK is aiming to secure G7 agreement on ambitious targets for girls' education, as well as G7 policy and financial commitments, including a successful replenishment of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The UK wants to strengthen the G7's commitment to women's political and economic empowerment and scale up G7 effort’s on preventing violence against women, including a focus on evidence-based approaches.
Multinationals & Human Rights
March 2021
I am glad to be able to reassure you that the UK is committed to promoting the protection and respect of human rights in business, both at home and abroad. Indeed, the UK was the first country to create a National Action Plan to implement the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This plan sets out what is expected in regard to the conduct of UK businesses, including compliance with relevant laws and respect for human rights; treating the risk of causing human rights abuses as a legal compliance issue; adopting appropriate due diligence policies; and consulting those who could potentially be affected. I welcome that the Government is clear that the UK expects all our businesses should comply with all applicable laws; identify and prevent human rights risks; and behave in line with the UN Guiding Principles, including in their management of supply chains.
Nevertheless, I appreciate that we must acknowledge the far-reaching influence that transnational corporations have, and that more effective measures may be needed to regulate the influence that global companies have in our world.
I understand that in June 2014, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) took steps to begin to elaborate on an international legally binding instrument to regulate the activities of transnational corporations and other business entities, also establishing an open-ended intergovernmental working group (OEIGWG), to work on this issue. The Second Revised Draft of the binding instrument was discussed at the UNHRC in Geneva last October. Negotiations are ongoing and the UK will be monitoring developments closely.
The Syrian Conflict: 10 Years On
March 2021
As we mark the ten year anniversary of this conflict, the plight of the Syrian people must not be forgotten.
Unfortunately, progress towards peace in Syria and indeed a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process, allowing the Syrian people to decide their country's future, has been slow. The UN-facilitated peace process, in line with UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2254, is the only existing means to achieving this end, and the UK consistently upholds this resolution and urges all other parties to do the same.
I have been appalled by human rights violations in Syria, including the treatment of prisoners and I know that these are issues that the UK continues to raise in international fora as part of its commitment to resolution 2254. This is one of many reasons why Syria remains one of thirty human rights priority countries for the UK, as documented in the most recent Human Rights and Democracy Report last year.
Sadly, if unsurprisingly, the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people are as grave now as they have ever been. An unprecedented 12.4 million people are food insecure – an increase of 4.5 million people in just one year. Children are bearing the brunt of this crisis, with one in eight suffering from malnutrition. The UK is one of the largest donors to the Syrian humanitarian response having committed over £3.3 billion since 2012. FCDO Ministers have assured me that tackling the humanitarian impact of the Syria Crisis remains a priority.
The pandemic has, as in many other parts of the world, significantly worsened the humanitarian situation in Syria. The UK is committed to equitable access to vaccines as demonstrated by our £548 million contribution to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC). UK support will help distribute 1.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to 92 developing countries in 2021, including Syria. The UK is lobbying via the UN to ensure that these vaccines are distributed without interference and to those in the greatest need. Efforts via COVAX complement the UK's existing support to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in Syria, providing water, healthcare, hygiene kits and sanitation support for vulnerable Syrians across the country.
Calls to Cancel Israel Apartheid Week
March 2021
Free speech is vital to the independence and innovation that embodies higher education, but no student should face discrimination, harassment or racism, including antisemitism. I am assured that the Government is committed to addressing antisemitism wherever it occurs, and I am encouraged that the UK became the first country to formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Ministers will continue to call on all higher education institutions to accept the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, which is a tool to help front-line services better understand and recognise instances of antisemitism. I believe this would send a clear message that antisemitic behaviour will not be tolerated and will be taken seriously by higher education providers.
All universities and higher education institutions have a responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive environment and have a responsibility to ensure students do not face discrimination, harassment, abuse or violence, including online. Universities are expected to have robust policies and procedures in place to comply with the law, and to investigate and swiftly address any hate crime and antisemitic incidents that are reported.
Ministers have provided over £144,000 for a programme to support universities in tackling antisemitism on campus, delivered by the Holocaust Education Trust, in partnership with the Union of Jewish Students. I also welcome that an additional £500,000 of government funding is being provided to allow 200 university students each year to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, to hear from the last Holocaust survivors and to help educate students on the importance of continuing to tackle antisemitism on campuses.
This is part of a wider Government commitment to Holocaust remembrance which has included a donation of £1 million to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.
Persecution of Christians: Open Door 2021
March 2021
The UK champions freedom of religion or belief for everyone. As a country that is a beacon for freedom and tolerance, I passionately believe the UK should not shirk its responsibilities.
That is why I am glad the Independent Review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen, was published.
The Government has committed to implementing the Bishop’s 22 recommendations in full, and work continues to implement them in a way that will bring real improvements in the lives of those persecuted because of their faith or belief. Of the 22 recommendations, the UK has fully delivered 10, made good progress on a further 8, and Ministers are confident that all 22 will be delivered by the time of the independent review in 2022.
I also welcome the appointment of Fiona Bruce MP as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Some of the recommendations will take longer to implement and will require an ongoing effort to embed into the working practice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The FCDO regularly engages with Open Doors UK and has taken note of the 2021 World Watch List report and its findings. I am glad that the report has praised the UK Government for the many positive advances it has made in the past year.
Human Rights Defenders (HDRs)
February 2021
Regrettably, HRDs face unprecedented attacks in many parts of the world. Indeed, according to the NGO Frontline Defenders, 304 HRD's were killed in 2019 alone.
The UK is a proud champion of human rights and a strong supporter of those around the world who dedicate their lives to defending them. British officials and Ministers regularly assess how we can enhance our ability to assist HRDs to carry out their work safely and without fear, including in the context of the increased risks posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
I am assured that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) puts human rights and their defenders at the heart of its work. The UK recognises the essential role HRDs play and in July 2019 published a report titled “UK Support for Human Rights Defenders”, which publicly underlined the UK’s commitment to protecting them.
Support is provided to HRDs through the Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy, most of which is allocated to projects by HRDs and civil society organisations. The FCDO also monitors repression of HRDs in its Annual Human Rights Report, the most recent of which was published last July. That report paid tribute to the courageous work of HRDs and listed support for them as a UK international policy priority.
As I expect you are aware, the upcoming Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Affairs will inform the strategy of the UK's international policy in the decade ahead, including those of the FCDO. Given the Review is yet to conclude. I would not wish to speculate on its findings before they are published.
Chen Quango & Human Rights in Xinjiang
February 2021
I am proud that the UK prioritises the promotion of human rights internationally; working to uphold and defend international rule of law, the values of liberal democracy and the rights and freedoms of citizens around the world. As such, and like yourself, I am incredibly concerned by reports of human rights abuses and forced labour against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. The UK regularly makes representations to the Chinese Government on this, and has repeatedly called on China to allow UN experts unfettered access to Xinjiang at the UN, including in a recent joint statement with 38 other countries at the UN Third Committee last October. China has thus far refused to engage in these efforts, but I know that Ministers and UK officials will continue to lead the international effort to bring about such access and hold China to account.
The UK Government is also taking a number of steps, through the Modern Slavery Act and other means, to ensure no British organisation, public or private, unwittingly or otherwise, is allowed to profit from forced labour or contribute to human rights violations in China. I support all measures to this effect, as recently announced by the Foreign Secretary, which include: providing robust guidance to UK firms on the specific risks faced by companies linked to Xinjiang; fines for companies who fail to meet their transparency obligations; extending such obligations to the public sector, and banning any company found profiting from forced labour from all Government procurement; and an urgent review into all export controls to Xinjiang, ensuring that no UK exports are in any way contributing to human rights abuses against the Uyghurs and other minorities in China. I welcome that in July 2020, the UK Government established the Global Human Rights sanctions regime.
I am told that the Government keeps all evidence and potential listings under close review. I will ensure Ministers are aware of the suggestion you have made about sanctioning Chen Quanguo, however it is not appropriate to speculate for me who may be designated in the future, as to do so could reduce the impact of the designations.
Will you support a ban on selling arms to Saudi Arabia?
February 2021
I fully appreciate your concerns about military exports to Saudi Arabia. I want to reassure you that in accordance with the Court of Appeal's judgement in June 2019, the Secretary of State for International Trade has now retaken licensing decisions regarding military exports to Saudi Arabia for possible use in the conflict in Yemen on the correct legal basis.
New licence applications will be assessed against a revised methodology, which evaluates whether there is a clear risk that the equipment might be used in the commission of a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law. On this basis, I understand Ministers are now in a position to begin the process of addressing licence applications for Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners again.
I have been assured that each application will be carefully assessed against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria and that a licence will not be granted if to do so would be a breach of the criteria.
Regarding Yemen, I am deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. I fully support the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and the UN Special Envoy's call for all parties to engage in urgent political talks and de-escalate the conflict.
UK support to Yemen since the beginning of the conflict now totals nearly £1 billion and I strongly welcome the Government’s latest announcement of a £160 million aid package to support Yemen’s health services in the fight against Coronavirus and prevent a worsening of the humanitarian crisis. I understand that President Biden has suspended arms sales to Saudi Arabia pending a review.
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