Priti Patel MP: written questions 2024
109 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Chagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 28 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16726More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he expects to conclude negotiations with Mauritius on the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory before 20 January 2025.
Answer: This agreement is in the shared interests of both Mauritius and the UK, including by ensuring the long-term and effective operation of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia. It has been welcomed by our mutual partners the US and India and opens a new era o...
Answered 6 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 28 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16725More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what funds he plans to provide to the economic partnership with Mauritius as part of the proposed Treaty with Mauritius on the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean
Answer: Financial obligations arising from this agreement, including departmental budgetary responsibilities, will be managed responsibly within the Government's fiscal framework.The Government intends to share further details of the future economic partnership w...
Answered 6 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 28 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16724More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what funds he plans to provide to the Trust Fund for the benefit of Chagossians as part of the proposed Treaty with Mauritius on the future sovereignty of the British Indian
Answer: Financial obligations arising from this agreement, including departmental budgetary responsibilities, will be managed responsibly within the government's fiscal framework.This government is committed to supporting Chagossians. Further details about UK sup...
Answered 6 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 28 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16723More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what provision he has made for the costs associated with the proposed Treaty with Mauritius on the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory in his Departmenta
Answer: This Agreement will be underpinned by a financial package which will support a new era of economic partnership between the UK and Mauritius and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to support the welfare of Chagossian communities.A financial element...
Answered 6 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 28 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16722More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what further visits he expects Jonathan Powell to make in his role negotiating the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory; and when he expects that role to
Answer: Jonathan Powell started his role as National Security Adviser on 2 December. In this role he will continue to engage on matters related to the British Indian Ocean Territory as well as a range of other national security issues, both in the UK and overseas...
Answered 6 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 28 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16721More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish details of the (a) travel and (b) costs associated with Jonathan Powell’s role in the negotiations on the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Te
Answer: A decision on publishing details of costs associated with his appointment will be made in accordance with FCDO policy on Direct Ministerial Appointments at a later date. Jonathan Powell has carried out limited overseas engagements in his capacity as envoy...
Answered 6 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 28 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16720More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when Jonathan Powell has had meetings with (a) him and Ministers in his Department; (b) officials; (c) the Prime Minister; (d) Philippe Sands; (e) members of the Mauritian Go
Answer: In his role as BIOT envoy, and with the goal of securing an agreement that protects UK and US security interests, Jonathan Powell has engaged a range of stakeholders, including in the US and Mauritian governments, HMG Ministers and FCDO officials.
Answered 9 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Termination of EmploymentForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14340More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff have left his Department between 5 July and 5 November 2024, broken down by pay grade.
Answer: Between 5 July 2024 and 31 October 2024, the following number of UK based members of staff left the FCDO:GradeNumber of StaffAO30-39EO10-19HEO40-49SEO20-29G740-49G610-19SCS110-19SCS2Fewer than 10Grand Total180-199
Answered 22 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office: RecruitmentForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14339More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff were appointed to roles within his Department between 5 July and 5 November 2024, broken down by pay grade.
Answer: Between 5 July 2024 and 31 October 2024, the following number of UK based members of staff joined the FCDO:GradeNumber of StaffAO50-59EO70-79HEO120-139SEO30-39G720-29G610-19SCS1Fewer than 10Grand Total320-339
Answered 22 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Employers' ContributionsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14338More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the RDEL allocation provided to his Department in the Autumn Budget 2024 includes resourcing provisions for the additional costs due to changes to employers National
Answer: The RDEL allocation provided in the Autumn Budget 2024 does not include provision for the additional costs due to changes to employer National Insurance contributions. HM Treasury has subsequently informed the Department that the Government will provide s...
Answered 22 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Employers' ContributionsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14337More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer (a) prior to and (b) since 30 October 2024 on the resourcing impact for (i) his Department and (ii) non-depar
Answer: The Foreign Secretary has not had any discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer prior to or since 30 October 2024 on the resourcing impact on the FCDO of changes to employer National Insurance contributions.
Answered 22 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Employers' ContributionsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14336More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the employer National Insurance contribution costs for (a) his Department and (b) non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department (i)
Answer: In 2024-25, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office estimates total staffing costs to be £975 million and employer national insurance (NI) costs to be £44 million. Budget allocation and workforce planning processes for 2025-26 are in progress but...
Answered 22 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office: StaffForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14335More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the total staffing costs for (a) his Department; and (b) non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department for (a) the current financial
Answer: In 2024-25, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office estimates total staffing costs to be £975 million and employer national insurance (NI) costs to be £44 million. Budget allocation and workforce planning processes for 2025-26 are in progress but...
Answered 22 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office: StaffForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14334More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many full-time equivalent employees are currently employed by (a) his Department and (b) non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department; and how many he expec
Answer: As of 30 September 2024 there were a) 8266 Headcount / 8131.58 full-time equivalent staff employed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and b) 1217 Headcount / 1170.98 full-time equivalent staff employed by the non-departmental public bodie...
Answered 22 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordMilitary Bases: Diego GarciaTreasuryTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14333More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the cost of the proposed lease of the military base at Diego Garcia following the UK and Mauritius joint statement, published on 3 October 2024; and what provi
Answer: The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has engaged in discussions and reached an agreement with Cabinet colleagues on the financial elements of the proposed lease of the military base on Diego Garcia, as part of the UK-Mauritius agreement announced on 3 Octo...
Answered 22 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14332More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish an (a) timeline and (b) list of all (i) meetings and (ii) discussions his Department has had with the Government of Mauritius on the sovereignty of the Bri
Answer: The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary met the then Mauritian Prime Minister in London on 23 July. Following this, officials held Rounds 12 and 13 of negotiations on 2-5 September and 23-26 September before the political agreement between the Prime Mini...
Answered 2 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14331More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his planned timetable is to publish the details of the treaty with Mauritius on the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Answer: The timetable for treaty publication has not yet been determined. However following signature, the treaty will be laid before Parliament in the usual way, consistent with the Constitutional Reform and Governance (CraG) Act 2010.
Answered 22 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14308More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the (a) current and (b) incoming United States Administration on the timetable for signing the treaty with Mauritius on the future sovereignt
Answer: The Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with Secretary Blinken on a range of issues, including the British Indian Ocean Territory / Chagos Archipelago.We look forward to continuing to engage with the current and incoming US Administrations in the usua...
Answered 28 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14307More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his planned timetable is for signing the agreement with Mauritius on sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Answer: The timetable for treaty signature has not yet been determined. Following Mauritian elections, UK officials are engaging with the new Mauritian administration on the details of the British Indian Ocean Territory / Chagos Archipelago agreement.
Answered 22 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordDevelopment AidForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14306More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish a breakdown of multilateral funding his Department plans to provide via Overseas Development Assistance per organisation in 2025.
Answer: We are committed to transparency and will separately publish the FCDO's planned Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for FY2024/25 and FY2025/26 in due course.The FCDO reports annually on the UK's calendar year ODA expenditure for the previou...
Answered 21 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordDevelopment AidForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 14 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 14305More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish a breakdown of Overseas Development Assistance funding his Department plans to allocate per country for 2025.
Answer: We are committed to transparency and will separately publish the FCDO's planned Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for FY2024/25 and FY2025/26 in due course.The FCDO reports annually on the UK's calendar year ODA expenditure for the previou...
Answered 21 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordDedicated Schools GrantMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 1 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 12295More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to extend the statutory override on the treatment of deficits to the dedicated schools grant after the 2025-26 financial year.
Answer: We will work with the sector when considering how we can help councils manage the impacts of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficits on their finances.This Government recognises the vital work that local councils do for their communities, and we stand read...
Answered 11 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordSpecial Educational NeedsDepartment for EducationTabled 1 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 12272More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an estimate of the number of Education and Health Care Plans that will be issued for qualifying young people (a) nationwide and (b) in Essex in each of the next five years.
Answer: The number of education, health and care (EHC) plans issued in each local authority area per year is set out in published statistics on GOV.UK and is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/150da0a4-2fef...
Answered 11 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordSpecial Educational Needs: FinanceDepartment for EducationTabled 1 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 12271More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC 295, how much SEND funding she plans to allocate to local authorities to (a) cover existing DSG deficits and (b) for future spending pr
Answer: This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.The department is ...
Answered 11 Nov 2024
Original Parliament recordSpecial Educational Needs: EssexDepartment for EducationTabled 1 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 12270More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding will be allocated to support pupils with SEND in Essex in each of the next five years.
Answer: This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.The department is ...
Answered 11 Nov 2024
Original Parliament record
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