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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26, HC521, of 16 July 2026, page 235, what programmes were funded under the Soft Power Hub in 2025-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26, HC521, of 16 July 2026, page 235, what programmes were funded under the Soft Power Hub in 2025-26.
The 2025/26 Soft Power Fund supported small-scale projects and events in 28 countries, including the UK - all with a view to building trust, attractiveness and alliances. For example, championing British food and drink in South Korea, film in Brazil, a standards conference in Brussels to promote UK values, establishing a UK-developed digital facility to connect Ghanaian Small to Medium Sized Enterprises with the international trade finance system, or women's participation in sport in Liberia. The Fund also amplified central programmes, such as the Government Art Collection, and supported research into soft power impact measurement and soft power innovative financing. In addition to the £2.45 million listed in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) accounts, the Fund contributed £1.25 million to the GREAT campaign.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to strengthen the United Kingdom's relationship with Commonwealth member states.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to strengthen the United Kingdom's relationship with Commonwealth member states.
The Government is strengthening the United Kingdom's relationships with Commonwealth member states through sustained engagement across the Commonwealth. The UK remains the largest financial contributor to Commonwealth institutions and works with partners to support economic growth, democratic governance, the rule of law and climate resilience. The UK hosted the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London in March 2026 and is supporting reform and modernisation of Commonwealth institutions. The Government also supports initiatives to increase Commonwealth trade and investment and programmes that help vulnerable members access climate finance and strengthen democratic institutions. The UK looks forward to engaging with the Commonwealth Family at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in November.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to her Bangladeshi counterparts on the potential risk that ordinances which guarantee the mandate of Bangladesh's National Human Rights Commission are allowed to lapse.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to her Bangladeshi counterparts on the potential risk that ordinances which guarantee the mandate of Bangladesh's National Human Rights Commission are allowed to lapse.
The UK regularly engages with the Government of Bangladesh on a range of issues, including governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The former Minister for the Indo-Pacific met Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman on 17 February and reinforced the UK's commitment to working with the Government of Bangladesh to advance democratic, economic and social reforms.
The UK has engaged with the Government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders on recent human rights legislation, including legislation relating to enforced disappearances, emphasising the importance of accountability and compliance with international standards.
The UK supports a strong, independent and effective National Human Rights Commission, aligned with international standards.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to her Bangladeshi counterparts regarding accountability for enforced disappearances in Bangladesh.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to her Bangladeshi counterparts regarding accountability for enforced disappearances in Bangladesh.
The UK regularly engages with the Government of Bangladesh on a range of issues, including governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The former Minister for the Indo-Pacific met Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman on 17 February and reinforced the UK's commitment to working with the Government of Bangladesh to advance democratic, economic and social reforms.
The UK has engaged with the Government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders on recent human rights legislation, including legislation relating to enforced disappearances, emphasising the importance of accountability and compliance with international standards.
The UK supports a strong, independent and effective National Human Rights Commission, aligned with international standards.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has had contact with the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has had contact with the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
Yes - Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have contact with representatives of the Central Tibetan Administration.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has discussed the building of a new Chinese Embassy in London with the Chinese Government by HM Government since July 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has discussed the building of a new Chinese Embassy in London with the Chinese Government by HM Government since July 2024.
The planning decision on the proposed Chinese Embassy at Royal Mint Court was taken independently by the then Secretary of State for Housing, Steve Reed. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials speak regularly with the Chinese officials about a range of issues.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Ugandan counterpart on safeguarding democracy and ensuring free and fair elections in that country.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Ugandan counterpart on safeguarding democracy and ensuring free and fair elections in that country.
The UK works with the Government of Uganda on a range of shared interests including trade, development, refugees, and regional security. Former Minister for Africa, Baroness Chapman, raised rule of law and media freedom with the President during her visit to Uganda in July 2026. The UK regularly raises concerns about issues related to restrictions on political space and on the opposition and their supporters. The UK engaged across the political spectrum to advocate for peaceful and credible January 2026 elections and will continue to do so, including through our High Commission in Kampala.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Chinese Government has provided the necessary approvals and consents for the redevelopment of the British Embassy in China.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Chinese Government has provided the necessary approvals and consents for the redevelopment of the British Embassy in China.
We have submitted our planning application for the new embassy and as with any project, this would be subject to due consideration by Chinese authorities.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what mechanism the Foreign Office uses to log incidents of Chinese transnational repression within the UK; and if he will consider establishing a formal dialogue with Beijing to raise these cases directly as matters affecting UK sovereignty.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what mechanism the Foreign Office uses to log incidents of Chinese transnational repression within the UK; and if he will consider establishing a formal dialogue with Beijing to raise these cases directly as matters affecting UK sovereignty.
The Government will not tolerate attempts by foreign states to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK. The UK has a broad suite of powers available to counter foreign interference, including acts which amount to transnational repression. We continue to implement measures in the National Security Act 2023, which strengthens our legal powers and makes the UK a harder target.
We have already rolled out training to improve the police's ability to investigate potential incidents that may be state directed. This is in addition to publishing practical guidance online for those who believe themselves to be at risk of transnational repression. We raise concerns about transnational repression directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he held discussions with the Chinese Foreign Minister on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong on 23 July 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he held discussions with the Chinese Foreign Minister on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong on 23 July 2026.
During his meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Foreign Secretary discussed a range of issues, including areas where we disagree, such as the ongoing imprisonment of Jimmy Lai. Engagement with China matters precisely so we can make progress on issues of importance to the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government is considering the potential merits of the return of Venezuelan gold reserves held by the Bank of England as part of international efforts to support Venezuela's recovery following the earthquakes in June 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government is considering the potential merits of the return of Venezuelan gold reserves held by the Bank of England as part of international efforts to support Venezuela's recovery following the earthquakes in June 2026.
His Majesty's Government (HMG) is not party to the legal case to determine who should have control of Venezuelan gold held in the Bank of England. UK Courts and the Bank of England are independent of HMG.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that funding is protected for programmes supporting women who have suffered conflict-related sexual violence in Colombia.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that funding is protected for programmes supporting women who have suffered conflict-related sexual violence in Colombia.
The UK is committed to supporting victims of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Colombia. UK funding has helped advance accountability and support for thousands of survivors of CRSV over the last ten years. This includes support to the transitional justice elements of the 2016 Peace Agreement in documenting cases of sexual violence in conflict. With women's organisations, our support has ensured survivors of sexual violence, including indigenous women, receive justice and support. The UK regularly raises CRSV and violence against vulnerable communities at United Nations (UN) Security Council Sessions on Colombia and supported the launch of Colombia's first Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan. We will continue to work with the Government of Colombia, international partners and civil society on this agenda, in line with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Women and Girls Strategy.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date the Illicit Finance Summit 2026 will be held.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date the Illicit Finance Summit 2026 will be held.
This Government is committed to tackling illicit finance and corruption at home and internationally. To this end, the Foreign Secretary will host an Illicit Finance Summit. Further details will be announced in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with counterparts in the UN concerning action against the evasion of sanctions against North Korean coal.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with counterparts in the UN concerning action against the evasion of sanctions against North Korean coal.
Sanctions play an important role in restricting North Korea's (DPRK) nuclear proliferation and destabilising activities and the United Nations (UN) is a vital forum for ensuring UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) accountability.
On 30 April, the UK supported a UN Security Council open briefing on non-proliferation, to discuss the DPRK's continued UNSCR violation, including through illicit coal and iron ore exports. Subsequently, on 29 May the UK together with G7+ partners issued a Joint Statement on DPRK Sanctions Accountability, highlighting ongoing maritime sanctions evasion and calling for the 1718 Committee to act swiftly to designate the vessels involved.
The UK also continues to highlight at the Security Council Russia's systematic erosion of the UN sanctions architecture. Russia's April 2024 veto of the 1718 Committee Panel of Experts has undermined our collective ability to monitor DPRK sanctions violations. The UK and ten international partners subsequently established the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team to fill the information gap.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote freedom of religion globally.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote freedom of religion globally.
Last year, we launched the UK's Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Strategy, focusing our efforts where we can work with partners to drive positive change.
Since then, our Special Envoy has engaged governments, faith leaders and civil society across FoRB focus countries, including visits to Nigeria and Ukraine, and working with other partners such as the Holy See to strengthen international cooperation.
We continue to raise concerns directly with countries where violations occur and work through the UN and international partners to defend this fundamental human right.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this issue, and I was pleased to confirm to the House back in May the £21 million fund over three years to advance LGBTQ rights internationally. This Government will always support the international rights of LGBT people for evermore.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this issue, and I was pleased to confirm to the House back in May the £21 million fund over three years to advance LGBTQ rights internationally. This Government will always support the international rights of LGBT people for evermore.
Around the world, countries such as Seychelles are leading the way in decriminalising same-sex acts, while others, such as Ghana, are passing appalling new laws that attack the LGBT+ community simply for being who they are. Can the Minister assure the House that the UK is doing all it can to work with like-minded countries around the world to advance equality and protect the fundamental rights of LGBT+ people?
This Government fully recognise that China poses a series of threats to UK national security, from cyber-attacks, foreign interference and espionage targeting our domestic institutions to the transnational repression of Hongkongers. Yet China, as the world’s second largest economy and the UK’s third largest trading partner, presents the UK with opportunities—not engaging is no choice at all. Our approach to China is consistent: we will co-operate where we can and challenge where we must.
This Government fully recognise that China poses a series of threats to UK national security, from cyber-attacks, foreign interference and espionage targeting our domestic institutions to the transnational repression of Hongkongers. Yet China, as the world’s second largest economy and the UK’s third largest trading partner, presents the UK with opportunities—not engaging is no choice at all. Our approach to China is consistent: we will co-operate where we can and challenge where we must.
What assessment he has made of the level of threat China poses to UK interests.
As the hon. Gentleman knows, there have been a series of questions on this issue in recent times. I am happy to update him again in writing.
As the hon. Gentleman knows, there have been a series of questions on this issue in recent times. I am happy to update him again in writing.
It is good to hear the Minister acknowledge that China is a threat. The directors of GCHQ and MI5 have been clear that China presents the most significant state-based threat to the UK. The Government have previously talked about their China audit; will they commit to publishing it in full?
We continue to work internationally. My hon. Friend will know that I am also the Commonwealth Minister, and part of that work involves showing that some of the United Kingdom’s most important relationships are with those countries, whether across Africa or in the Caribbean.
We continue to work internationally. My hon. Friend will know that I am also the Commonwealth Minister, and part of that work involves showing that some of the United Kingdom’s most important relationships are with those countries, whether across Africa or in the Caribbean.
We have all seen the corrosive impact of the Chinese Government’s policies in Africa, in the south Pacific and throughout the Commonwealth. That is as important for our national interest as it is for the countries affected. What are we doing about it?
Let me be clear: any attempt by a foreign state to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm individuals on UK soil will never be tolerated, but the hon. Lady knows as well as I do that there is a live investigation by the Metropolitan police. Members of this House should respect the fact that the Metropolitan police are investigating. Frankly, she knows better, and I hope that she will wait for the investigation. That is when we will listen to what it has to say.
Let me be clear: any attempt by a foreign state to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm individuals on UK soil will never be tolerated, but the hon. Lady knows as well as I do that there is a live investigation by the Metropolitan police. Members of this House should respect the fact that the Metropolitan police are investigating. Frankly, she knows better, and I hope that she will wait for the investigation. That is when we will listen to what it has to say.
Nine weeks ago, the Government were told that Chinese embassy guards were brandishing prohibited electroshock weapons and threatening peaceful vigil holders with them. The Chinese Communist party either breached articles 41 and 27 of the Vienna convention, or it procured these weapons illegally in the UK. The Chinese Communist party will not waive diplomatic immunity, so when will Ministers stop hiding behind a dead-end Metropolitan police investigation and do something to deter future hostilities in the UK?