The below Parliamentary question was asked by Dan Jarvis on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much funding his Department received from the European Social Fund (a) between 2007 and 2014 and (b) from 2014 to the last month for which data is available.
Jane Ellison
The Department has not directly received any funding from the European Social Fund during the period stated.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Dan Jarvis on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much funding his Department received from the European Social Fund (a) between 2007 and 2014 and (b) from 2014 to the last month for which data is available.
Mr David Lidington
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office did not receive any funding from the European Social Fund in either period.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andy Slaughter on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations his Department has made to the government of Bahrain on the imprisonment of Zainab Al Khawaja; and whether he plans to make representations to press for Zainab Al Khawaja’s release.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
We have raised Zainab Al Khawaja’s case with the Government of Bahrain at the highest levels. The UK encourages Bahrain to respect the rights of all peaceful opposition figures. We call on the Bahraini government to act proportionately in all such cases to protect the universal rights of freedom of expression and assembly. I most recently raised human rights with the Bahraini Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa , on 8 March.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andy Slaughter on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of people who have reported being tortured since the start of his Department’s technical assistance programme in Bahrain.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
We do not have figures on the number of people who reported torture in Bahrain however we unreservedly condemn torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It is a priority for us to combat it wherever and whenever it occurs. We believe that UK support to Bahrain’s reform programme is the most constructive way to achieve long-lasting and sustainable reform in Bahrain. While it will take time to see the full results, UK support is having a direct, positive impact on areas of concern.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chi Onwurah on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Angolan counterparts on the current outbreak of yellow fever in Angola.
James Duddridge
The British Embassy in Luanda has been in close contact with the Government of Angola and the World Health Organisation regarding the current outbreak of yellow fever. The UK is the largest donor to Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) and is providing £1.44 billion for 2016-2020. Gavi is supporting Angola’s response through the International Coordination Group’s Revolving Fund. We understand that Angola has received 7 million doses from the International Coordination Group to respond to the outbreak. The UK is also supporting vaccinations for yellow fever in Luanda through the World Health Organisation.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Julian Sturdy on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations his Department has made to the Indian government on the Seaman Guard Ohio since the Indian court ruling relating to that matter in January 2016.
Mr Hugo Swire
We continue to follow this case closely, raising it at ministerial and official level at every opportunity, as we have done since November 2013. Following the court ruling on 11 January 2016 Ministers have raised the case with Foreign Secretary Jaishankar, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr VK Singh and the Indian High Commissioner Mr Navtej Singh.
Whilst we cannot interfere in any foreign legal process, we shall continue to use every opportunity to raise the case at all levels, calling for any legal proceedings to move forward quickly.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Gerald Kaufman on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he intends to answer the letter to him dated 9 February from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Ms M Hamilton.
Mr David Lidington
The Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) replied to the letter from the Hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton (Sir Gerald Kaufman) of 9 February with regard to Ms M Hamilton on 22 March.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Catherine West on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterparts on the demolition of the village of Umm el-Hiran.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
Our Embassy in Tel Aviv has raised UK concerns with the Israeli Government on this issue. We continue to encourage the Israeli authorities and Bedouin communities to work together to identify a satisfactory solution. Any solution must respect the equality of all Israel’s citizens, and be consistent with Israel’s commitments under international law.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Hilary Benn on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with US Secretary of State on the killing of Yazidis by Daesh.
Mr Philip Hammond
I frequently discuss Daesh with US Secretary of State Kerry, including their appalling brutality towards both Muslims and minorities, such as the Yazidis.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Hilary Benn on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 22 February 2016 to Question 26922 and the statement with reference to genocide on 17 March 2016 by the US Secretary of State on Daesh atrocities, if he will reassess the Government’s policy on judgements as to whether genocide has occurred.
Mr Philip Hammond
The US Secretary of State is right to draw attention to the appalling crimes Daesh are committing, both against minorities groups and Muslims. We will continue to work closely with the US and our other partners in the Global Coalition to defeat Daesh and to ensure justice for those who have suffered at their hands. It is a long standing UK policy that any judgement on whether genocide has occurred should be a matter for judicial decision, rather than for governments. As Secretary of State Kerry said, “ultimately, the full facts must be brought to light by an independent investigation and through formal legal determination made by a competent court or tribunal.”