Iain Duncan Smith MP: written questions
226 published records · newest first.
Written questions
MyanmarForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 27 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 85064More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her Department's policies of Fortify Rights' report entitled Crashing Down on Us, published in September 2025
Answer: The UK is acting in concert with our allies and partners to combat the growing transnational threat from scam centres, including by joining the US in sanctioning the multi-billion-pound Prince Group network in October, and sanctioning 3 individuals in 202...
Answered 3 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordMyanmar: Forced Labour and Human TraffickingForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 27 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 85063More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what sanctions the UK has imposed on people running transnational crime syndicates operating scam centres in Myanmar; and whether she is taking steps to impose new sanctions,
Answer: The UK is acting in concert with our allies and partners to combat the growing transnational threat from scam centres, including by joining the US in sanctioning the multi-billion-pound Prince Group network in October, and sanctioning 3 individuals in 202...
Answered 3 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordMyanmar: Forced Labour and Human TraffickingForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 27 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 85062More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential role of (a) the Chinese Communist Party regime, (b) Chinese transnational organised crime syndicates and (c) Myanmar’
Answer: The UK is acting in concert with our allies and partners to combat the growing transnational threat from scam centres, including by joining the US in sanctioning the multi-billion-pound Prince Group network in October, and sanctioning 3 individuals in 202...
Answered 3 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordMyanmar: Forced Labour and Human TraffickingForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 27 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 85061More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in levels of people trafficking to work as forced labour in scam centres in Myanmar run
Answer: The UK is acting in concert with our allies and partners to combat the growing transnational threat from scam centres, including by joining the US in sanctioning the multi-billion-pound Prince Group network in October, and sanctioning 3 individuals in 202...
Answered 3 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordGui MinhaiForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 20 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 83225More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to secure the release of Gui Minhai in China; and what steps she is taking with (a) Sweden and (b) the European Union to secure his releas
Answer: The Government is aware of a report concerning the detention of Zhang Yadi, and the case concerning Gui Minhai in China. We continue to follow developments closely and regularly raise human rights concerns with the Chinese authorities. The UK remains comm...
Answered 11 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordZhang YadiForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 20 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 83224More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to secure the release of Zhang Yadi; and what steps she is taking to co-ordinate her actions with (a) her French counterpart and (b) SOAS.
Answer: The Government is aware of a report concerning the detention of Zhang Yadi, and the case concerning Gui Minhai in China. We continue to follow developments closely and regularly raise human rights concerns with the Chinese authorities. The UK remains comm...
Answered 11 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordNorth Korea: Human RightsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 20 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 83223More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the report by the UN Human Rights Office entitled Situation of human rights in the Democratic P
Answer: As the September 2025 report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights made clear, there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) since 2014. In response to this report, the UK issued a s...
Answered 27 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordSynagogues: SecurityHome OfficeTabled 14 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 81794More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) the UK Government's recognition of a Palestinian State and (b) Jihadi public threats against Jews on the security of Synagogues; and w
Answer: The UK has formally recognised Palestine to protect the viability of a two-state solution and to create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people. A two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and soverei...
Answered 29 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordBangladesh: RohingyaForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 77968More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with humanitarian partners in the region to help tackle (a) a lack of street lighting, (b) long distances to (i) toilets and (ii) washing facilities
Answer: The main solution to the Rohingya crisis is safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar. This is the focus of the UK's diplomatic efforts. While conditions for return do not currently exist, we continue to work to ensure that the Rohingya can li...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordBangladesh: RohingyaForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 77967More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with her counterpart in Bangladesh on reports that Rohingya refugees are being forced to pay bribes at official checkpoints when seekin
Answer: The main solution to the Rohingya crisis is safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar. This is the focus of the UK's diplomatic efforts. While conditions for return do not currently exist, we continue to work to ensure that the Rohingya can li...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordRohingya: RefugeesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 77966More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with her international counterparts on the resettlement of Rohingya refugees to third countries.
Answer: The main solution to the Rohingya crisis is safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar. This is the focus of the UK's diplomatic efforts. While conditions for return do not currently exist, we continue to work to ensure that the Rohingya can li...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordBangladesh: RohingyaForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 77965More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the report by MSF entitled The Illusion of Choice: Rohingya Voices Echo From the Camps, publish
Answer: The main solution to the Rohingya crisis is safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar. This is the focus of the UK's diplomatic efforts. While conditions for return do not currently exist, we continue to work to ensure that the Rohingya can li...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordJimmy LaiForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 77964More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 16 September 2025 to Question 74771 on Jimmy Lai, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the support her Department has provided to the B
Answer: I refer the hon. member to the amended answer given to Question 74771.
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNorth Korea: ChristianityForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 16 Sept 2025AnsweredUIN 77458More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with international partners on the ongoing detention of (a) Pastor Kim Jung-Wook, (b) Missionary Kim Kook-kie and (c) Missionary Choi Chun
Answer: Defending the right to freedom of religion or belief is a key strand of our human rights strategy in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the UK regularly raises its concerns about these issues both bilaterally via the embassy in London an...
Answered 17 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordEritrea: OppressionForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 8 Sept 2025AnsweredUIN 75561More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the Eritrean authorities concerning the enforced disappearance and harassment of (a) religious leaders and (b) human rights defenders; an
Answer: We continue to raise the issue of human rights with the Eritrean government, both through our Embassy in Asmara and through multilateral fora. We advocate for the end of all discriminatory detentions based on religion or belief, as we have stated at the U...
Answered 2 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordBiomethane: RecyclingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 4 Sept 2025AnsweredUIN 75041More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to integrate biogas into its circular-economy strategy.
Answer: This Government is committed to transitioning towards a circular economy and has convened a Circular Economy Taskforce of experts to help develop the first ever Circular Economy Strategy for England, which we plan to publish for consultation later in the ...
Answered 9 Sept 2025
Original Parliament recordAnaerobic DigestionDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 4 Sept 2025AnsweredUIN 75040More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the role of anaerobic digestion to secure rural economic growth.
Answer: British farmers are world-leaders and know their own land best - carefully planning their planting to suit the weather, their soil type, and their long-term agronomic strategy. It is not Government policy to determine which crops farmers should prioritise...
Answered 15 Sept 2025
Original Parliament recordAgriculture: BiomethaneDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 4 Sept 2025AnsweredUIN 75039More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage crop-based biomethane to support regenerative farming practices.
Answer: British farmers are world-leaders and know their own land best - carefully planning their planting to suit the weather, their soil type, and their long-term agronomic strategy. It is not Government policy to determine which crops farmers should prioritise...
Answered 23 Sept 2025
Original Parliament recordJimmy LaiForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Sept 2025AnsweredUIN 74771More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support his Department has offered to British citizens accused of being co-conspirators in the closing days of the trial of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong; and what assessment h
Answer: The prosecution in Jimmy Lai's politically motivated trial has sought to highlight Mr Lai'srelationships with foreign nationals, including British nationals. The naming of Britishnationals in this manner is unacceptable. If individuals named in any overse...
Answered 16 Sept 2025
Original Parliament recordJimmy LaiForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Sept 2025AnsweredUIN 74393More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he last raised the case of Jimmy Lai with US counterparts.
Answer: This Government welcomes US President Trump's public support for Jimmy Lai. Mr. Lai's case remains an utmost priority; his prosecution is politically motivated, and he should be released. The Foreign Secretary and her officials remain in regular contact w...
Answered 11 Sept 2025
Original Parliament recordRussia: UkraineForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 1 Jul 2025AnsweredUIN 63968More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Russia on the airstrike on the Dnipro Theological Seminary of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine; and what diplomatic steps he
Answer: We are deeply disturbed by the impact of Russia's illegal war on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), as well as the damage done to places of worship and religious significance. Ukraine's democracy is well known for its commitment to religious pluralism....
Answered 15 Jul 2025
Original Parliament recordChinese Embassy: Planning PermissionForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 25 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 62524More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions officials have had with Chinese officials on the application to develop Royal Mint Court into a new Chinese embassy.
Answer: The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Ministers in MHCLG will make this decision independent from the rest of Government in their quasi-judicial capa...
Answered 30 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordMyanmar: Humanitarian AidForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 23 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 61719More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) deliver humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations in Myanmar's conflict zones outside military control and (b) avoid (i) legitimising and (ii)
Answer: Since the 2021 coup, the UK has provided more than £190 million in life-saving humanitarian assistance, emergency healthcare and education support, and support to civil society. No UK funds go to the Myanmar military, and we work through local partners to...
Answered 30 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordEstonia: Religious FreedomForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 18 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 60805More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to the Estonian Government on the importance of defending and promoting freedom of religion in Estonia, in the context of the Government’s
Answer: I am not aware of any plans by Estonia's government to ban the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church. The revised wording of Estonia's proposed Churches and Congregations Act Amendment simply states that religious organisations must not have links to religio...
Answered 26 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordEstonia: Orthodox ChurchForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 18 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 60804More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to the Estonian Government on their plans to ban the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church.
Answer: I am not aware of any plans by Estonia's government to ban the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church. The revised wording of Estonia's proposed Churches and Congregations Act Amendment simply states that religious organisations must not have links to religio...
Answered 26 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
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