Blair McDougall MP: written questions
4 Jul 2024–3 Jul 2025
How these years work
Our reporting years run from 4 July to 3 July, starting with the 2024 general election. They are not official parliamentary sessions. Office costs keep IPSA’s April–March financial years. Records may cover only part of a year; a missing record does not mean no work was done.
Read what this MP said, asked and contributed in Parliament.
48 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Georgia: Civil LibertiesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 1 Jul 2025AnsweredUIN 64137More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his Department's policies of (a) prosecutions of opposition party leaders and (b) levels of repression of civil
Answer: I am seriously concerned by the recent sentences imposed on several prominent Georgian opposition figures. These are clearly politically motivated and aimed at blocking the political opposition from future elections. On 23 June I called on Georgian Dream ...
Answered 15 Jul 2025
Original Parliament recordWang BingzhangForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 28 Apr 2025AnsweredUIN 48607More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Chinese counterpart on the release of Dr Wang Bingzhang.
Answer: The UK Government stands firm on human rights in China. We raise our concerns at the highest levels: the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Min...
Answered 7 May 2025
Original Parliament recordInternational Commission on Missing PersonsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 1 Apr 2025AnsweredUIN 43220More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what long term support the Government plans to provide the International Commission on Missing Persons to support their work in identifying those still missing from (a) the w
Answer: The UK supports post-conflict reconciliation in the Western Balkans, through diplomatic and programmatic efforts. This has included funding for the International Commission on Missing Persons for work in the Western Balkans, including for Regional Co-oper...
Answered 9 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordInternational Commission on Missing Persons: FinanceForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 1 Apr 2025AnsweredUIN 43218More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what funding the Government plans to provide to Regional Co-operation in Accounting for Missing Persons in the Western Balkans (The Missing Person Group) of the International
Answer: The UK supports post-conflict reconciliation in the Western Balkans, through diplomatic and programmatic efforts. This has included funding for the International Commission on Missing Persons for work in the Western Balkans, including for Regional Co-oper...
Answered 9 Apr 2025
Original Parliament recordBahrain: DemonstrationsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 17 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 38709More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Bahrain on allegations relating to the detention of minors in relation to peaceful protests.
Answer: The Foreign Secretary last visited Bahrain in October 2024 where he met the Foreign Minister. The focus for that visit was de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and to meet UK personnel working in the region, underscoring our commitment to regiona...
Answered 27 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordBahrain: Human RightsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 17 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 38708More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Bahrain on allegations relating to (a) human rights violations, (b) arbitrary arrest, (c) prolonged detention without a fa
Answer: The Foreign Secretary last visited Bahrain in October 2024 where he met the Foreign Minister. The focus for that visit was de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and to meet UK personnel working in the region, underscoring our commitment to regiona...
Answered 27 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordBahrain: Demonstrations and Social MediaForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 17 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 38707More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the approach taken by the Bahrain Government to (a) pro-democracy protests and (b) social media
Answer: Our close and long-standing relationship with Bahrain continues to allow for a genuine and open dialogue in a range of areas, including human rights, on which we also recognise a number of positive steps taken by the Government of Bahrain over recent year...
Answered 27 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordChina: Religious FreedomForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Mar 2025AnsweredUIN 36840More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of China's treatment of (a) Falun Gong, (b) The Church of Almighty God and (c) Christian prac
Answer: The environment for freedom of religion or belief in China is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and Christians. This Government stands firm on human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief. We rai...
Answered 17 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordHuman RightsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 27 Feb 2025AnsweredUIN 34346More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what opportunities hon. Members will have to contribute to the review of the Overseas Security and Justice Assistance Guidance.
Answer: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is currently reviewing the Government's guidance for Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) assessments. This is to ensure it remains fit for purpose and that the UK's overseas security and ...
Answered 7 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordHuman RightsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 27 Feb 2025AnsweredUIN 34345More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Overseas Security and Justice Assistance Guidance prevents UK involvement in human rights abuses.
Answer: The Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) assessment is an essential tool to ensure that the UK's overseas security and justice assistance meets our human rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) obligations, increases respect for the rul...
Answered 7 Mar 2025
Original Parliament recordGeorgia: Political PrisonersForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 7 Feb 2025AnsweredUIN 29943More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to provide support to Georgian democrats who were arrested by their government and have lost legal defence funding following the funding freeze by USAID.
Answer: We do not provide any legal defence funding to Georgian Civil Society involved in recent protests. The UK's commitment to supporting both humanitarian aid and development across the world remains steadfast. The Foreign Secretary and I have raised our conc...
Answered 24 Feb 2025
Original Parliament recordNigeria: Sexual OffencesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 7 Feb 2025AnsweredUIN 29942More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the use of sexual violence by extremist groups in the north east and north west of Nigeria.
Answer: The UK is committed to preventing sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) and to supporting victims in Nigeria. We welcomed Nigeria's endorsement of both the Call to Action and the Murad Code as crucial steps for greater practical action to tackle Conflict Re...
Answered 17 Feb 2025
Original Parliament recordNigeria: FamineForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 7 Feb 2025AnsweredUIN 29941More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Nigerian counterpart on the risk of famine in (a) north west and (b) north east Nigeria.
Answer: Insecurity in North-East and North-West Nigeria has contributed to worsening food security as people are unable to plant, harvest and trade safely. The UK is therefore already providing support to tackle malnutrition in north-east Nigeria through the Huma...
Answered 14 Feb 2025
Original Parliament recordGaza: IsraelForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 20 Jan 2025AnsweredUIN 24997More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support British citizens who have experienced trauma due to events in Gaza and Israel since October 2023.
Answer: We welcome the announcement of an agreement to end the fighting in Gaza. We have continually pressed for a resolution to secure a ceasefire and see the return of hostages. We welcome the release of seven hostages in Gaza, including British national Emily ...
Answered 28 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordGaza: Medical TreatmentsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 17 Jan 2025AnsweredUIN 24725More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to secure the medical evacuation of gravely (a) ill and (b) injured children in Gaza.
Answer: An immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to this crisis. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with many in need of urgent medical assistance. It is vital that Israel ensures that there is a sustained pas...
Answered 27 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordHabiba Al AskariForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 17 Jan 2025AnsweredUIN 24724More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to his Israeli counterpart on the case of Habiba Al Askari.
Answer: The case of Habiba Al Askari is tragic and underlines why we need to see more medical evacuation routes open during the first phase of the ceasefire. While we have not discussed this individual case with Israel, we engage routinely on the importance of ad...
Answered 28 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordArmenia and Azerbaijan: Politics and GovernmentForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Jan 2025AnsweredUIN 23944More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the government of Azerbaijan on territorial claims made by President Aliyev for territory within Armenia.
Answer: The UK fully recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan. We welcome the progress on the delimitation of their borders and support the efforts of both sides to agree a lasting settlement to their decades' long confl...
Answered 30 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordChina: Falun GongForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 16 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 20341More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help protect the Falun Gong community in China.
Answer: The environment for freedom of religion or belief across China is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.This Government will champion freedom of religion or belief for all abroad. We will work to uphold the right to freed...
Answered 19 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordPakistan: UyghursForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 16 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 20340More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Pakistani counterpart on the role of that country’s Islamic Council in the persecution of Uyghur Muslims.
Answer: The UK remains deeply concerned by the discrimination faced by marginalised religious communities around the world. In Pakistan, we work to promote the rights of religious minorities through diplomatic engagement and programme funding. I raised the issue ...
Answered 24 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordChina: TaiwanForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 16 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 20286More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the statement by the Chinese Embassy to the UK entitled Embassy Spokesperson on a Taiwan-related motion concocted by a handful of British MPs, published on
Answer: The UK's longstanding position on Taiwan, as set out in the 1972 Communiqué, has not changed and remains the position of this government.
Answered 19 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordChina: Water SupplyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 12 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19809More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of recent incursions by the Coastguard of the People's Republic of China into the restricted wate
Answer: The UK's longstanding position on Taiwan has not changed. The UK has a clear interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We consider the Taiwan issue one to be settled peacefully by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through construct...
Answered 19 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordUN Security Council: Public AppointmentsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17309More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy to support a female appointment as General Secretary of the United Nations.
Answer: The UK supports a merit-based appointment for UN Secretary-General, based on principles of transparency and inclusiveness. The Government would like to see women's representation strengthen across the multilateral system, and we welcome the Secretary-Gene...
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordGeorgia: DemonstrationsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17308More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions with international counterparts on the use of force against pro-democracy protesters in Georgia.
Answer: In his 9 December statement the Foreign Secretary strongly condemned the excessive use of force against protesters and journalists in Georgia. He also outlined the suspension of programme support to the Georgian government as a result of the crackdown. In...
Answered 13 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordChina: Foreign RelationsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 18 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14727More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department's China audit will engage with Hong Kong BNO status holders that live in the UK.
Answer: Work on the audit is underway and will involve consultation with a range of experts within and beyond government.The audit will examine the UK's interests with respect to China. This will improve our ability - both inside and outside of Government - to un...
Answered 25 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordJimmy LaiForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 18 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14726More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion No. 34/2024 on Jimmy Lai publish
Answer: The FCDO takes the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention's Opinion very seriously. The UK Government has consistently called for Jimmy Lai's release and raised concerns about his case directly with the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities.The Prime Ministe...
Answered 25 Nov 2024
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4 Jul 2024–3 Jul 2025. One record per UIN and tabled date; the named department is not a measure of answer quality.
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