Tag: James Cleverly

The below Parliamentary question was asked by James Cleverly on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what meetings he has had with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth in 2016; and if he will publish a summary of the content of such discussions.

Mr Tobias Ellwood

The Minister for the Commonwealth, The Rt Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns DBE, met with the Secretary-General in September for discussions on a wide range of Commonwealth-related issues. Topics discussed include the Secretary-General’s policy and operational priorities, and UK plans for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2018. The UK’s Commonwealth Envoy has also met the Secretary-General on a number of occasions.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by James Cleverly on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what processes his Department has in place to hold to account the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Mr Tobias Ellwood

​Meetings of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Executive Committee (ExCo) and Board of Governors provide formal opportunities to engage with the Secretary-General and her team on the actions and activities of the Secretariat, including those outlined in the Annual Results Report, the mid-term review of the Strategic Plan and updates of mandates provided by Heads of Government at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta in November 2015. ExCo also considers the annual budget and the Secretariat’s actions against recommendations provided by External Auditors of the accounts. In addition to these formal meetings, the UK’s Commonwealth Envoy and other representatives of my department and the Department for International Development also meet regularly with the Secretary-General and her staff to review performance and identify progress against programme delivery.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by James Cleverly on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent engagement his Department has had with the Commonwealth Secretariat over the efficient and transparent expenditure of funds received from the public purse.

Mr Tobias Ellwood

Through regular attendance at meetings of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Executive Committee (ExCo) and Board of Governors (of which we are a member), the UK is fully engaged to ensure that UK funds are allocated and spent in an efficient and transparent manner. ExCo meets three times a year to review papers, including the budget, which is presented to the Board of Governors at its annual meeting. The role of ExCo is to receive and review reports from the Secretariat on the operations of individual funds; oversee budgets and audit functions; make policy recommendations to the Board of Governors with respect to the individual funds; and make recommendations, as appropriate, on any matter referred to it by the Board of Governors.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by James Cleverly on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what contribution from the public purse has been made to the Commonwealth Secretariat in each of the last five years; and how much the UK is expected to so provide in each of the next five years.

Mr Tobias Ellwood

The UK remains the largest financial contributor to the Commonwealth Secretariat, providing around 32% of the total budget. To establish a reasonable baseline, financial contributions to the Secretariat’s general budget are based on scales agreed at the UN. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) assessed contributions for the last five years were as follows:

2011/2012 £5,168,586

2012/2013 £5,262,654

2013/2014 £5,326,331

2014/2015 £5,455,484

2015/2016 £5,469,640

UN scales of assessment 2016 – 2018 were agreed in New York in December 2015. They will form the basis for future FCO contributions to the Secretariat’s general budget. Under existing Commonwealth guidelines, the budget is shared amongst the membership in accordance with three principles: Capacity to Pay, Equitable burden sharing and shared ownership and responsibility. This ensures that all members enjoy an equal voice within the organisation.

In addition to FCO assessed contributions, the Department for International Development also makes voluntary contributions to the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation and a number of Commonwealth programmes.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by James Cleverly on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the use of funding from the public purse provided to the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Mr Tobias Ellwood

We support the work of the Commonwealth Secretariat, in particular around the promotion of democratic values and development. We expect the Secretariat to use any funding we provide efficiently and effectively in line with its agreed budget, financial procedures and priorities. In addition to being considered by external auditors, the Secretariat’s budget is assessed by the Commonwealth’s Executive Committee and Board of Governors at regular meetings. The UK is a member of both groups, represented by the UK’s Commonwealth Envoy.

We are committed to supporting the Secretary General’s efforts to reform and revitalise the Commonwealth Secretariat and to working with her and our Commonwealth partners to strengthen the organisation.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by James Cleverly on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations his Department has received since 2015 on the suitability of Baroness Scotland of Asthal for the role of Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Mr Tobias Ellwood

Commonwealth leaders elected Baroness Scotland to be the Commonwealth Secretary-General from a field of candidates at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta in November 2015. She has made a strong start as Secretary-General, bringing vision, dynamism and new energy for reform. We are pleased that on taking office she immediately instigated a review of the Secretariat. We strongly support her efforts to make the Secretariat lean, effective and aligned to deliver where the Commonwealth adds real value. My noble Friend, the Rt Hon. the Baroness Anelay of St Johns, Minister for the Commonwealth, has met a number of London-based Commonwealth High Commissioners, many of whom are supportive of the Secretary-General and her reform agenda. Leading institutional reform is challenging, but it is vital to ensure the Commonwealth delivers value for money, operates effectively and remains fit for purpose.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by James Cleverly on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will disclose which candidate for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth the UK voted for during the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting in November 2015.

Mr Tobias Ellwood

Baroness Scotland was elected at a meeting to which only Heads of Government were invited. The Government never discloses how it votes.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by James Cleverly on 2016-07-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the sale of MDP Wethersfield on (a) the Volunteer Glider Squadron based there and (b) air cadets in the Eastern region.

Mark Lancaster

All units based at Wethersfield including 614 Volunteer Gliding Squadron will be provided for elsewhere. Work to identify the future location for these units will be completed later this year. We are strongly committed to the Air Cadets in the Eastern Region and 614 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, when it moves from Wethersfield, will expand into its new role as a regional hub.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by James Cleverly on 2016-07-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made on the sale of Knightsbridge Barracks; and when he expects the site to be put out to tender.

Harriett Baldwin

The plans to dispose of Hyde Park Barracks are in development and it is too early to say when land may be released for sale.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by James Cleverly on 2016-07-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the selling of MDP Wethersfield on the Ministry of Defence Police.

Mark Lancaster

There is not expected to be any effect on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Police. 91% of all operational MOD Police Officers are stationed at other locations around the United Kingdom with Wethersfield providing a Headquarters and training capability. The functions and facilities currently provided at Wethersfield to support the Ministry of Defence Police have already been surveyed and they will be re-provided at a new location. The eventual move of the MOD Police from Wethersfield will be managed to ensure minimal disruption or risk to the policing and security of the Defence estate