It is clear that the participation of both the UK and Irish governments in legacy processes is vital if we are to achieve better outcomes for victims and survivors.

That is why the Joint Framework agreed between the UK and Irish governments in September 2025 includes significant commitments by the Irish Government, specifically the fullest possible cooperation with the Legacy Commission, the establishment of a dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána as a single point of contact for cross-border cooperation on Troubles related cases, and a financial contribution of €25 million.

In the UK, the Troubles Permanent Disablement Scheme provides payments for permanently injured victims of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Victims and survivors have also been able to obtain financial redress through civil proceedings - something that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 sought to prevent, and which the Troubles Bill will reinstate.

The entitlement to compensation from the Irish Government for victims and survivors of alleged state collusion by the Irish authorities is a matter for the Irish Government. The UK Government will always support the right of victims of the Troubles to seek redress, including in the event that there is evidence of collusion by the Irish authorities.

Responsibility for policing and justice in Northern Ireland, excluding national security matters, was devolved in 2010. Nevertheless, I hold regular meetings with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice to discuss areas of mutual interest and concern.

The UK Government is committed to media freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists, and to bringing to justice those responsible for crimes against journalists.

I commend the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on the progress they have made to address journalist safety in Northern Ireland. They have created an internal Journalist Safety Group and appointed two Journalist Safety Officers. Since 2022, the PSNI Journalist Safety Group has recorded 46 occasions where a journalist has brought a concern to PSNI.

A free, independent media is a cornerstone of our democracy. It is vital that journalists are able to continue their work without the fear of attack or threat. The National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists sets out the approach to increase the safety of journalists.

The UK Government takes all allegations of human rights violations very seriously. We have a broad, deep and respectful partnership with the Government of India. This includes sharing perspectives on human rights and minority issues and finding common ground. Our High Commission in New Delhi and our network across India monitor human rights across the country. We engage Indian stakeholders on a range of human rights matters, working with Union and State Governments, and with civil society. This includes raising issues of concern where we have them.

I am aware of worrying recent incidents in migrant camps in France and extend my sympathies to the victims. I condemn these instances of violence which are often fuelled by criminal people-smuggling gangs responsible for small boat crossings. The Foreign Secretary and I, as well as Home Office colleagues, have regular contact with our French counterparts on a range of topics, including strengthening cooperation to combat these gangs, end dangerous crossings, and save lives.

The UK Government is committed to defending Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all and promoting respect and tolerance between different religious and non-religious communities. We have a broad and deep partnership with the Government of India and we discuss all elements of our relationship, including our concerns where we have them. During his visit to India in May 2023, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister for South Asia, discussed FoRB with the Government of India, leaders of faith groups and others, and raised the current situation in Manipur with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. The UK's diplomatic network in India will continue to engage on FoRB and to closely monitor the situation in Manipur.

Recent attacks by Islamic State affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are alarming and we are saddened by the loss of life from such attacks. The ADF is already under UK and UN sanctions. The protection of civilians, promotion of respect between different religious and non-religious groups, and human rights is a priority for the UK. We continue to work through the UN General Assembly Third Committee, UN Security Council and UN Human Rights Council to promote and protect these rights in the DRC. We regularly engage with the Government of DRC at all levels, including through Ministers in London and the British Embassy in Kinshasa. The UK is committed to supporting efforts to build stability and reduce violence in the DRC. We firmly believe the regional peace processes provide the best means by which to achieve a lasting peace and offer them our full support.

The British High Commission in New Delhi, and our network of Deputy High Commissions, maintain a continuous assessment of the human rights situation across India and raise issues with Indian officials where appropriate. We have raised Christian persecution with the Indian Government. Most recently, on 25 March 2019, the British High Commission highlighted the importance of tackling Christian persecution with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

We will continue to engage 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 UK is deeply concerned by the continuing violence in many parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), especially in the East where we believe the attack on the Christian Hospital occurred. We frequently raise our concerns with the Government of DRC since the Government of the DRC holds primary responsibility for providing security for its citizens. However, the presence of a UN peacekeeping force in the DRC (MONUSCO) means that we also regularly discuss how to improve security with the UN. We recognise the need for MONUSCO troops to do more and in the most recent peacekeeping mandate for MONUSCO in March, alongside our partners at the UNSC, we ensured that the protection of civilians continued to be the number one priority for the mission.

We deplored the acts of violence and intimidation in the run up to Bangladesh's 10th parliamentary elections on 5 January. It is tragic that so many people lost their lives. We repeatedly condemned all forms of violence, including in the statement made by the Senior Minister of State, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi, on 6 January. The new government has not appointed a new Foreign Minister but when it does we will continue to raise matters of concern and promote strong UK-Bangladesh trade links.

Trade between our countries is buoyant. There has been strong growth (over 119%) in bilateral trade—both goods and services—between 2007 and 2012. Figures for 2012 show that our exports to Bangladesh increased by 16% compared to the previous year, mainly due to a 41% increase in services. Imports increased by almost 13% over the same period.