Mark Francois MP: written questions 2025
453 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Strategic Defence ReviewMinistry of DefenceTabled 6 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 57989More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) industry bodies, (b) defence industry companies, (c) media organisations, (d) trade associations, (e) think tanks and (f) other non-Government (i) bodies and (ii) people were given access to the Stra
Answer: For the launch of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government offered embargoed briefings to our people and senior defence leaders, plus certain Parliamentarians, trade unions, businesses, allies and media. This was broadly consistent with the approach f...
Answered 12 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 4 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 57215More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to take legislative steps to support the implementation of the Chagos deal.
Answer: Section 5 of the Explanatory Memorandum sets out the process for Treaty implementation.
Answered 10 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDefence: Cost EffectivenessMinistry of DefenceTabled 3 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56743More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the planned £6 billion of new efficiencies this Parliament on existing defence (a) programmes and (b) capabilities.
Answer: We will deliver nearly £6 billion of new savings over the course of this Parliament through efficiency and productivity savings, civilian workforce changes, structural simplification and contractual efficiencies. As we are focusing on delivering savings t...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordStrategic Defence Review: Disclosure of InformationCabinet OfficeTabled 3 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56742More
Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he is taking steps to investigate a potential breach of paragraph 9.1 of the Ministerial Code in relation to the publication of unredacted hard copies of the Strategic Defence Review to (a) people and (b
Answer: I refer to the statement made to the House by the Leader of the House of Commons on 2 June 2025.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordStrategic Defence ReviewMinistry of DefenceTabled 3 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56741More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he took to ensure that the early release of unredacted hard copies of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, to (a) people and (b) companies did not result in market-sensitive informat
Answer: For the launch of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government offered embargoed briefings to our people and senior defence leaders, plus certain Parliamentarians, trade unions, businesses, allies and media. This was broadly consistent with the approach f...
Answered 10 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordStrategic Defence ReviewMinistry of DefenceTabled 3 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56740More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any (a) people or (b) companies who received unredacted hard copies of the Strategic Defence Review on 02 June 2025 were required to sign non-disclosure agreements prior to receipt.
Answer: For the launch of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government offered embargoed briefings to our people and senior defence leaders, plus certain Parliamentarians, trade unions, businesses, allies and media. This was broadly consistent with the approach f...
Answered 11 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordStrategic Defence ReviewMinistry of DefenceTabled 3 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56739More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria were used to determine which (a) peple and (b) companies were granted access to unredacted hard copies of the Strategic Defence Review on 2 June 2025.
Answer: For the launch of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government offered embargoed briefings to our people and senior defence leaders, plus certain Parliamentarians, trade unions, businesses, allies and media. This was broadly consistent with the approach f...
Answered 11 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordMauritius: SeabedForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56704More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3 of Article 2 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025),
Answer: Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end. The US supports the...
Answered 11 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordMauritius: Marine Protected AreasForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56703More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 5(2) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether he
Answer: The Blue Belt Programme, which is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, currently supports BIOT to manage the current Marine Protected Area. As the Treaty states, the terms of the management and support provided by the UK to Mauritiu...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56702More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 8 of Annex 2 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), w
Answer: Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end. This will ensure th...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56701More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraphs 1(a) to 1(c) of Article 11 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritiu
Answer: Full details of the methodology are set out in the Explanatory Memorandum laid alongside the Treaty. We have published the full costs alongside the Treaty and laid them in the House. The figures are verified by the Government Actuary's Department, drawing...
Answered 11 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordBritish Indian Ocean Territory: Maritime ZonesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56700More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 19 and Annexes 5 and 6 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/
Answer: The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets out the international legal basis on which States can establish coastal baselines and maritime zones, including a territorial sea and exclusive economic zone. Once the Treaty enters into force, the det...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56699More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 2 of the UK-Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether he plans to put in place (a) further provisions and (b) enforc
Answer: The United Kingdom will have full control and responsibility for the defence and security of Diego Garcia. Mauritius has a legally binding obligation under the treaty to not undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effect...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordBritish Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected AreasMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56698More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1(1)(i) of the treaty entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, what steps he is taking to prevent artificial (a)
Answer: The United Kingdom controls access to Diego Garcia under Annex 1.1.b and only the United Kingdom has unrestricted ability to manage, use and develop the land and surrounding waters and seabed in Diego Garcia. Mauritius and the United Kingdom will jointly ...
Answered 10 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56168More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 14(1)(h) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what th
Answer: Article 14 of the Treaty sets out the role of the Joint Commission in resolving disputes while Annex 3 paragraph 6 sets out the functions of the Joint Commission. All decisions of the Joint Commission require the agreement of both parties.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56167More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 11(1)(h) of the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, what data sources he plan
Answer: As stated in the Finance Exchange of Letters, all annual payments from the 14th year onwards shall be the value of the preceding annual payment adjusted for inflation using the Gross Domestic Product ("GDP") Deflator for the preceding calendar y...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56166More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 2 of the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, if he will make an assessment of
Answer: The International Organisations exchange of letters that was laid alongside the treaty states clearly that the UK's membership of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC) will change from a 'Full Member' to an 'Associate Member' following en...
Answered 11 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordBritish Indian Ocean Territory: Nature ConservationMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56165More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether he plans to take steps with the government of Mauritius to help ensure the Die
Answer: The Diego Garcia Ramsar Convention site is currently protected without compromising military activities. There will be no change to this once the agreement comes into force. The agreement provides an obligation to ensure the long-term, secure and effectiv...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagossians: Government AssistanceForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56164More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 11 of the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether he plans to put in plac
Answer: As outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum, the UK will capitalise a Trust Fund established by Mauritius for the benefit of Chagossians. The Mauritian government will oversee the fund, but the UK will work with them to develop its details during implementa...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagossians: ResettlementForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56163More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3 of the Exchange of Letters concerning the Implementation and Interpretation of Article 11 of the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Ar
Answer: Under the agreement, Mauritius will be able to resettle the islands, other than Diego Garcia. It will be for Mauritius to set the terms of and manage any future resettlement. As fellow commonwealth members we expect Mauritius to ensure compliance, like th...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordBritish Indian Ocean Territory: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56162More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 16(a) of Annex 2 of the UK-Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, how the Government plans to apply the definition of p
Answer: The United Kingdom controls access, and therefore authorisations, for all persons permitted to be on Diego Garcia. Any person present without authorisation is a person not connected to the operation of the base.
Answered 10 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordTerrorism: Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54686More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 52588 on Terrorism: Northern Ireland, what his Department's planned timeline is to complete its exploration of lawful measures to prevent (a) Gerry Adams
Answer: The original Supreme Court ruling in this case was in 2020, and in February 2024 the High Court in Northern Ireland found the provisions in S.46 and 47 of the Legacy Act 2023, which concerned Interim Custody Orders, to be incompatible with the European Co...
Answered 4 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54685More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(d) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025)
Answer: The authorisation of any non-UK, non-US or non-Mauritian security forces will be agreed jointly between the UK and Mauritius. This means that it can only happen if the UK agrees. Our approach on that will be determined by an analysis of whether the presen...
Answered 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: PoliceForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54684More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 8 of Annex 2 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), i
Answer: The UK will support the exercise of jurisdiction of Mauritius on Diego Garcia over (i) Mauritian nationals who are not members of UK armed forces or of US personnel, and (ii) all persons not connected to the operation of the Base. This ensures that Maurit...
Answered 6 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54683More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 18 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if he will se
Answer: The explanatory memorandum in sections 4 and section 5 sets out the process for both Entry into force and implementation.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Published records only — not a full account of an MP’s work. How we work →