Priti Patel MP: written questions 2025
409 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Chagossian Trust FundForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56763More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the provisions of Article 11(1)(b) and paragraph 2 of Letter No. 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago includ
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 10 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56762More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether commitments made in the UK-Mauritius Agreement will be funded from Overseas Development Assistance budgets.
Answer: None of the elements of the economic partnership provided for by the UK-Mauritius Agreement on the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, will be funded from Official Development Assistance budgets.
Answered 10 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56761More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will list the changes made to the Treaty with Mauritius over the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory between 3 October 2024 and 22 May 2025.
Answer: The Government has always been clear that it would not provide a running commentary on negotiations. However, it is worth noting that the deal signed on 22 May is stronger than earlier versions of the treaty, particularly that inherited by the previous go...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Airspace and Territorial WatersMinistry of DefenceTabled 3 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56760More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether there are (a) restrictions on and (b) processes to facili
Answer: Under the terms of the Chagos Archipelago Treaty, the UK controls access of persons and goods to Diego Garcia, which includes the airspace and territorial sea in the 12 nautical mile surrounding zone. In accordance with this control the UK must authorise ...
Answered 10 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56194More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(f) of Letter No.1 of the Exchange of letters concerning implementation and interpretation of Article 11 of the Agreement between the Government
Answer: Full details of the mechanisms of use for the development framework grant will be agreed between the UK and Mauritius during the implementation period, before the first payment of the grant in year 4 of the Agreement.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56193More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraphs 1(b)(viii), 2 and 3(a) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS M
Answer: There is no notification requirement for UK or US access, basing or over-flights around the base. Agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Any notification will take place af...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordMauritius: Climate ChangeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54747More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Joint Communique: UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework, published on 22 May 2025, from which budget the £12m Access to Climate Finance programme
Answer: The UK established a Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance in 2021, and is currently working with six partner countries to mobilise finance, strengthen climate policy, drive capacity building and manage inclusive platforms to coordinate climate finance a...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54746More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(b) of Letter No.1 of the Exchange of letters concerning implementation and interpretation of Article 11 of the Agreement between the Government
Answer: Full details of the mechanisms of use for the development framework grant will be agreed between the UK and Mauritius during the implementation period, before the first payment of the grant in year 4 of the Agreement.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54745More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to section 21 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the period for Parliament
Answer: I refer the Rt. Honourable Member to my answer to question 47650.
Answered 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54744More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he will bring forward legislative proposals to implement the UK-Mauritius Treaty; and what legislation will be (a) amended and (b) revoked.
Answer: Section 5 of the Explanatory Memorandum sets out the process for the Treaty to be implemented.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagossians: FinanceForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54743More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 16 November 2016 on British Indian Ocean Territory, columns 11WS-12WS, what his policy is on the £40 million fund for Chagossians.
Answer: Of the £40 million ten-year commitment made by the 2016 Conservative Government, only £1.6 million was spent by the time this government came into power in July 2024. This government will take a new approach to ensure projects are fully informed by the ne...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54742More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether the Pelindaba Treat
Answer: The UK is not a Party to the Pelindaba Treaty, although it is a Party to Protocols I and II to that Treaty. Both the UK and Mauritius have ensured that all their respective international treaty obligations are compatible with the Agreement.
Answered 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54741More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraphs 7 to 9 of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/20
Answer: The Treaty ensures that the UK can monitor and notify Mauritius of activities which risk conflict with obligations in Article 3 (2)(b). As the Treaty notes, the UK can provide written reasons as to why this activity may be against treaty obligations, and ...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54740More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(b) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025)
Answer: There are a range of vital facilities and capabilities on the base on Diego Garcia and the surrounding area that keep the UK and our allies safe. Many of these are too sensitive to be discussed publicly.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordBritish Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected AreasForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54739More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the provisions in Article 5(2) of the UK-Mauritius Treaty (CP 1334), what steps he is taking to protect the status of the current marine protected area; whe
Answer: UK support to Mauritius to establish and manage the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area will be agreed by the Parties by a separate written instrument as part of the implementation of the Agreement. Under the agreement, the UK shall be responsible fo...
Answered 11 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordBritish Indian Ocean Territory: Territorial WatersForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54738More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if he will set
Answer: The UK will have the right to manage the area up to 12 nautical miles around Diego Garcia for defence purposes. Between 12 and 24 nautical miles, no construction, installations, structures or sensors can be installed without the UK's agreement. Fishing an...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordPakistan: TerrorismForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 19 May 2025AnsweredUIN 53035More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he had discussions with his counterpart in Pakistan on (a) terrorist infrastructure and (b) plans to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan during his visit o
Answer: The UK and Pakistan share a strong mutual interest in countering terrorism. We are committed to working together to combat the terrorist threat and the extremism that sustains it. During his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart on 16 May, the Foreign Se...
Answered 2 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyTreasuryTabled 9 May 2025AnsweredUIN 51115More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has (a) received representations and (b) held discussions with the (i) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, (ii) Ministry of Defence and (iii) Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
Answer: The Chancellor has regular discussions with cabinet colleagues on a wide range of issues. The agreement with Mauritius was led by the Foreign Secretary who engaged Cabinet colleagues in the usual way.
Answered 14 May 2025
Original Parliament recordEnvironment Protection: International CooperationForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 8 May 2025AnsweredUIN 50844More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on proposals for an ecocide law.
Answer: Tackling the climate and nature emergency is a priority for this Government. The UK has strong regulations to protect the environment and contravention of many of these is a criminal offence. At the international level, we are aware of the proposal by Van...
Answered 19 May 2025
Original Parliament recordMauritius: Diplomatic RelationsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 8 May 2025AnsweredUIN 50843More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the costs of diplomatic engagement with Mauritius since 5 July 2024.
Answer: We are unable to provide an estimate of the overall costs of diplomatic engagement with any single country. Diplomatic engagement takes place through a range of different activities and forums, and may include bilateral in-person engagement, virtual meeti...
Answered 19 May 2025
Original Parliament recordForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office: RedundancyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 8 May 2025AnsweredUIN 50842More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 45603 on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Redundancy, what estimate he has made of the annual salary cost sav
Answer: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has estimated that the Voluntary Exit Scheme could result in annual savings of £35-40 million. The Scheme is still in progress, with exits taking place by the end of this Financial Year. We do not yet know ...
Answered 19 May 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 8 May 2025AnsweredUIN 50841More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what dates Mauritian negotiators have met with officials to discuss the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory since July 2024.
Answer: Discussions between the UK and Mauritius on securing the vital base on Diego Garcia and on the future exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory remain ongoing. It is not appropriate to provide a running commentary on engagement betwe...
Answered 19 May 2025
Original Parliament recordChina: Foreign RelationsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 8 May 2025AnsweredUIN 50840More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2025 to Question 36633 on China: Audit, when he plans to publish the China Audit; which Departments he has had discussions with on that aud
Answer: The China Audit will conclude shortly. In line with the Government's manifesto commitment, the Audit has involved extensive consultations with hundreds of individuals, organisations, academic institutions, businesses and public bodies, including all centr...
Answered 20 May 2025
Original Parliament recordGaza: Humanitarian AidForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 8 May 2025AnsweredUIN 50839More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much UK funded aid is awaiting entry into Gaza.
Answer: UK aid includes both goods and services delivered through UN agencies and international Non-Governmental Organizations. Quantifying how much is awaiting entry into Gaza is difficult, due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data. On ...
Answered 2 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordHamasForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 8 May 2025AnsweredUIN 50838More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Hamas have links with (a) other proscribed terrorist groups and (b) Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Answer: The UK assesses Hamas in its entirety to be concerned in terrorism and therefore as of 26 November 2021 has proscribed the organisation in full. The UK condemns Hamas' continued attacks against civilians which are unacceptable and unjustifiable. It is ent...
Answered 15 May 2025
Original Parliament record
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