Written question asked by Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party) on Thursday, 17 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 October 2026. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 28 September 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Refugee Convention

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with international partners about the current operation and relevance of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Answer: The Government discusses the international protection system regularly with international partners. As indicated previously, in the answer of 7 July 2026 to Question HL1510, the former Foreign Secretary met the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on 16 June 2026, where they discussed the importance of maintaining an effective international protection system, while also addressing abuse of asylum systems and maintaining public confidence. The Government continues to engage the UN Refugee Agency, refugee-hosting countries and like-minded partners on the continued relevance of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.

Secondary information