Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Türkiye regarding its reported efforts to restrict opposition in that country.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

We are monitoring the run-up to the 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey on May 14 and are in regular discussion with the Turkish electoral authorities, the government, opposition parties, civil society groups and the Turkish media. We have long encouraged Turkey to work towards the full protection of fundamental rights, particularly in the area of freedom of expression and assembly, which is essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy. We have stressed the need for the elections to be carried out in a free and fair manner and will continue our dialogue with Turkey throughout the process.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to make representations to the government of India regarding fair treatment and due process for Bishop Paul Muniya of the Shalom Church in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, following his arrest on 23 February.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

We are aware of the arrest of Bishop Paul Muniya and our network in India will continue to monitor developments, including legislation, related to religious conversions. However, we recognise that this is a matter for India and the Indian legal system.

The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all and to the promotion of respect and tolerance between communities. Our High Commissioner regularly meets religious representatives, including Christian communities.

In general, where we have any issues, we raise them directly with the Government of India, including at Ministerial level.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the situation in Haiti, following the assassination of the President in 2021 and the reported increase in lawless violence; whether they are consulting on this issue with the Organization of American States; and what information they have about the safety of Father Antoine Macaire Christian Noah who was kidnapped for ransom from his parish on 7 February.

Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park

The UK is following closely the deteriorating security situation in Haiti and the impact this is having on the Haitian people and attempts to return to political stability following the assassination of President Moise. We encourage all actors to work in cooperation with the international community to tackle these serious challenges. UK officials are in regular consultation with the Organisation of American States on this issue, and intervened at the meeting of the Permanent Council in February to discuss the situation in Haiti. We welcome recent news reports that Father Antoine Macaire is no longer captive.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to arrange preliminary interviews for Afghan and Syrian refugees seeking asylum in Britain in (1) France, and (2) Belgium.

Answered by Lord Murray of Blidworth

There is no provision within our Immigration Rules for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge. Whilst the Home Office sympathises with individuals in many difficult situations around the world, it is not bound to consider asylum claims from the very large numbers of people overseas who might like to come here. Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach – that is the fastest route to safety.

Our resettlement schemes already provide safe and legal routes for tens of thousands of people to start new lives in the UK. The UK welcomes people at risk through the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), Mandate Resettlement Scheme, Community Sponsorship and the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to support calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine during the celebration of Easter.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

Ukraine, and its partners, seek a just and lasting peace for Ukraine which affirms its territorial integrity and sovereignty as per the UN Charter, and provides stability for the global community.

President Putin has shown no interest in an enduring peace or ending the suffering caused by his unprovoked, premediated attack on Ukraine.

If Russia is serious about advancing the prospects for peace, it must immediately cease attacks against Ukraine's critical national infrastructure and innocent civilians, and withdraw its forces from Ukraine.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that relief supplies, particularly for women and children, reach the whole of northern Syria, including the region known as Rojava.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

The UK is committed to tackling the challenge of increased insecurity and rising humanitarian needs across northern Syria. In north-east Syria the UK is providing assistance via the UN and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) partners and supports all available access modalities. Those include cross-border and cross-line assistance to reach those most in need across Syria, including women and children. In the first half of financial year 2022/23, the UK provided over 360,000 medical consultations, ensured 157,000 pupils received access to formal education, provided 32,000 people with sexual and reproductive services and provided 28,000 people with sexual and gender based violence services.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what relief and development aid they are providing in Syria through the (1) indigenous, and (2) external, faith authorities.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

We do not publicly disclose the names of Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) partners in Syria for the interests of security. The UK works closely with UN, Syrian and International NGO partners to ensure aid reaches those in need within Syria. Since 2012 the UK has provided over £3.8 billion to the Syria crisis, our largest response to a single humanitarian crisis.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they intend to have with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees regarding (1) the need for food and medical supplies for, and (2) the plans for resettlement of, the approximately 7,500 internally displaced people in the Rukban Camp on the Syria/Jordan border.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

The situation in Rukban is an issue the UK Government continues to discuss with the UN as well as raising in multilateral fora such as the UN Security Council and the Humanitarian Task Force in Geneva. We will continue to advocate for unimpeded, unfettered aid access across the whole of Syria including Rukban and remain grateful for the UN's continued work to find a solution to an extremely challenging situation. We will continue to engage with the UN to ensure that any movement of camp residents to other parts of Syria is safe, voluntary and informed.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what amount they have spent so far on the proposed Holocaust Memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens; and what estimate they have made of the final cost of preparing the Holocaust Memorial Bill for introduction in Parliament.

Answered by Baroness Scott of Bybrook - Shadow Minister (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Spend to date on the Holocaust Memorial programme is set out in the table below. No separate estimate has been made of the administrative cost of preparing the Holocaust Memorial Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether any of the ammunition currently being supplied to Ukraine contains depleted uranium.

Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)

Alongside our granting of a squadron of Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, we will be providing ammunition including armour piercing rounds which contain depleted uranium. Such rounds are highly effective in defeating modern tanks and armoured vehicles.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will be represented by observers at the Kobani trial in Turkey of members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

British Embassy officials have been monitoring the Kobane trials in person and, whenever possible, will continue to do so, alongside other like-mind missions. We follow events in Turkey carefully, particularly government moves to close down the People's Democratic Party (HDP), the lifting of immunity for its MPs, and the replacement of opposition mayors by state-appointed officials. While these decisions are for the Turkish Government, we expect Turkey to undertake legal processes fairly, transparently and with full respect for the rule of law.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding a new law allowing those (1) convicted of, or (2) charged with, acts of terrorism to be deprived of (a) citizenship, or (b) residency; and what was the outcome of any such discussions.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

The UK Government strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and incitement of violence. We have not raised this issue specifically with the Government of Israel, but we regularly make clear that we expect Israel to uphold its obligations as the occupying power under the Geneva convention, including not transferring the protected population from the occupied territory. The Israeli and Palestinian leaders need to work together to find a durable solution to the conflict that prevents terrorism, ends the cycle of violence and delivers a sustainable, and just peace based on a two-state solution.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding the proposal to stop recognising the medical degrees granted by Palestinian universities.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

The UK has made no such representations to the Government of Israel on this issue specifically. The UK welcomes any effort to cooperate between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, including in the healthcare sector.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of parents who have been denied Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit since 2013 as a result of the two-child limit; and how many exemptions from this limit have been granted since 6 April 2017.

Answered by Viscount Younger of Leckie - Shadow Minister (Work and Pensions)

Families are able to claim support for up to two children, and there may be further entitlement for other children if they were born before 6 April 2017 or if an exception applies.

The latest available statistics related to the policy to provide support for a maximum of two children was published in July 2022 and can be accessed at Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit claimants: statistics related to the policy to provide support for a maximum of 2 children, April 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take, together with international partners, to ensure that the decision of the International Court of Justice concerning access to and from Armenia through the Lachin corridor is upheld.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

The UK Government is aware of continued disruption to the Lachin Corridor, including to the flow of humanitarian goods and civilians. The UK raised this issue most recently on 2 March at the OSCE, and concerns were also conveyed by the Minister for Europe during his visit to Azerbaijan in February 2023. The UK has taken note of the judgement from the International Court of Justice in relation to the Lachin Corridor, and encourages all parties to consider its implementation. We will continue to urge both parties to negotiate to reach a lasting peace agreement, and to honour all their commitments.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Azerbaijan about the killing of three Armenian officials on 5 March, near the village of Ghaibalishen; and whether they have raised this matter with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

His Majesty's Ambassadors to Azerbaijan and Armenia continue to engage with their hosts on the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and whilst we have not raised the 5 March incident at the OSCE we will continue to call upon both parties to engage in discussions to peacefully resolve outstanding issues relating to the conflict. The Minister for Europe reinforced these messages to the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister when visiting Baku last month. The loss of life in this instance and throughout this conflict, is lamentable and the UK Government expresses condolences to all those who were injured and the families of those who lost their lives.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Palestinian Authority on calling an election at the earliest possible date and ensuring that any such election is free, fair and subject to international monitoring.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

We regularly remind the Palestinian leadership of the need for democratic renewal through free and fair national elections held across the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), including East Jerusalem, as set out in the Oslo Accords. The Palestinian people should be allowed to enjoy their democratic rights. I reinforced this message during my visit to Israel and the OPTs on 10-13 January. The Foreign Secretary has also raised this with Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Malki in their phone call on 7 March.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will notify Afghan refugees in the UK starting with those who arrived under the Afghans Citizens Resettlement Scheme Pathway 3 of how they can apply to be reunited with close family members, regardless of where such family members are now located.

Answered by Lord Murray of Blidworth

In line with our existing policy, those resettled under the ACRS may be able to be accompanied by their immediate family members (their spouse or partner, and dependent children under 18).

The government remains committed to providing protection for vulnerable and at-risk people fleeing Afghanistan. The situation is very complex and presents significant challenges, including how those who are eligible for resettlement in the UK can leave Afghanistan.

This includes the eligible family members of those being resettled under the ACRS. For those evacuated from Afghanistan under the ACRS without their immediate family members, further information will be made available in due course about options for reuniting with them.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the outcome of the Munich Security Conference of 18 February regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

During his meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov in Baku in February, the Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty MP, discussed the Munich Security Conference meeting between President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan. Minister Docherty reinforced the UK's longstanding position that direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan will support efforts to secure stability and peace in the region. During his upcoming visit to Yerevan the Minister will deliver similar messages to representatives from the Armenian Government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the establishment of the EU’s Civilian Mission in Armenia on 23 January; and what expectations they have for its work.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

The UK Government remains fully supportive of all efforts by international partners, including the EU, to help to secure peace and stability in the region, and remains in close contact with these partners to support their efforts. During his visit to Azerbaijan on 22 February the Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty MP, reinforced the importance of Armenia and Azerbaijan reaching a sustainable negotiated peace settlement. He will deliver the same messages in his forthcoming visit to Armenia.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the ruling of the International Court of Justice on 22 February, what discussions they have had with the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding transit between Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh through the Lachin corridor.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

On 2 March the UK Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe delivered an intervention urging both sides to take note of all the rulings of the International Court of Justice and prioritise negotiations between themselves to secure peace and stability in the region. This is the same message that the Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty MP, delivered in his recent visit to Baku and will deliver during his upcoming visit to Yerevan.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have systems in place to use the concern and knowledge of family members for the benefit of prisoners suffering from ill health.

Answered by Lord Bellamy

Ensuring the health and well-being of those in its care is a key priority of His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS). Prisons are required to ensure that arrangements are in place for an appropriate member of staff to engage with the next of kin, or a nominated person, of prisoners who are seriously ill.

Families who have concerns about a prisoner’s health or well-being are encouraged to contact the prison via the establishment’s safer custody hotline. A separate number is also provided in cases of emergency.

During 2023-24, HMPPS is providing a grant to the Prison Advice and Care Trust to work with prisons across England and Wales to improve their communication with prisoners’ families on issues relating to the safety and wellbeing of prisoners. This will include introducing more consistent processes for recording, responding to and acting on concerns raised by family members.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government how next of kin are kept informed about the (1) physical, and (2) mental, health of prisoners.

Answered by Lord Bellamy

Ensuring the health and well-being of those in its care is a key priority of His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS). Prisons are required to ensure that arrangements are in place for an appropriate member of staff to engage with the next of kin, or a nominated person, of prisoners who are seriously ill.

Families who have concerns about a prisoner’s health or well-being are encouraged to contact the prison via the establishment’s safer custody hotline. A separate number is also provided in cases of emergency.

During 2023-24, HMPPS is providing a grant to the Prison Advice and Care Trust to work with prisons across England and Wales to improve their communication with prisoners’ families on issues relating to the safety and wellbeing of prisoners. This will include introducing more consistent processes for recording, responding to and acting on concerns raised by family members.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to improve co-operation and joint working between individual prisons, the National Health Service, and social services.

Answered by Lord Bellamy

The NHS in England and Wales are responsible for health services within prisons, including physical and mental health provision. These services have now returned to business as usual with the full range of services that were provided pre-pandemic being offered. Prisons continue to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Health Protection Teams to respond to communicable disease incidents and outbreaks which occur and protect the health of everyone who lives and works in them.

Together with health and justice partners, we will continue to improve services in prison to ensure that people have access to timely and effective healthcare that is tailored to their needs. This is reflected in the new National Partnership Agreement on Health and Social Care in England which was published on 23 February 2023. For the first time, the National Partnership Agreement has been expanded to include offenders in the community, delivering on our commitment to improve continuity of care and champion a system wide approach. The new agreement sets out a shared priority workplan to deliver safe, decent and effective care that improves physical and mental health outcomes for people in prison and those subject to statutory supervision by the probation service in the community. The Ministry of Justice, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the UKHSA have committed to working together and sharing accountability for delivery through our linked governance structures.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve the (1) physical, and (2) mental, health for all prisoners, given that COVID-19 is no longer a major threat.

Answered by Lord Bellamy

The NHS in England and Wales are responsible for health services within prisons, including physical and mental health provision. These services have now returned to business as usual with the full range of services that were provided pre-pandemic being offered. Prisons continue to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Health Protection Teams to respond to communicable disease incidents and outbreaks which occur and protect the health of everyone who lives and works in them.

Together with health and justice partners, we will continue to improve services in prison to ensure that people have access to timely and effective healthcare that is tailored to their needs. This is reflected in the new National Partnership Agreement on Health and Social Care in England which was published on 23 February 2023. For the first time, the National Partnership Agreement has been expanded to include offenders in the community, delivering on our commitment to improve continuity of care and champion a system wide approach. The new agreement sets out a shared priority workplan to deliver safe, decent and effective care that improves physical and mental health outcomes for people in prison and those subject to statutory supervision by the probation service in the community. The Ministry of Justice, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the UKHSA have committed to working together and sharing accountability for delivery through our linked governance structures.

Found: Fraud (Lord Vaux of Harrowden and Lord Stevenson of Balmacara) • Global refugee situation policy (Lord Hylton

Found: Lord Bishop of Derby, Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Lord Bishop of Gloucester, Baroness Hollins, Lord Hylton