Topical Questions

Lloyd Hatton (South Dorset) (Lab) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs about steps being taken to address the use of offshore tax havens by individuals to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. The Secretary of State, Mr David Lammy, acknowledged that this was an issue he had raised previously and stated that he intends to take it up with "full vigour", noting concerns that parts of the previous government had "turned a blind eye" to these issues. The shadow Foreign Secretary, Mr Andrew Mitchell (Sutton Coldfield) (Con), expressed support from the Opposition for imposing open registers of beneficial ownership on the overseas territories. He also raised concerns about the situation in Sudan, highlighting the ongoing displacement crisis and evidence of ethnic cleansing in Darfur. Mr Mitchell further asked the Foreign Secretary to discuss with the Treasury the possibility of restoring the 0.7% international development target over the next two years, noting that this would secure the best value for money for British taxpayers and help those most in need. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Catherine West, responded to a question from Imran Hussain (Bradford East) (Ind) about the situation in Kashmir, reiterating the UK Government's position that all countries should respect sovereignty, human rights and the rule of law, and that the UK pushes all parties to work towards upholding United Nations resolutions. Layla Moran (Oxford West and Abingdon) (LD) raised concerns about the escalation of tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, and the tragic loss of 12 Druze children. The Foreign Secretary, Mr Lammy, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stated that he would say more on Lebanon in the coming hours. Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby) (Ind) asked about the Government's plans to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where half a million people are facing acute food insecurity. The Minister of State, Anneliese Dodds, highlighted the Government's £5.5 million commitment to UK-Med, which is providing a field hospital in the region, as well as continued provision of essential supplies. Other topics discussed included the Government's approach to the United States, the situation in Bangladesh, the UK's relationship with Israel, the International Criminal Court's case against Israel, the peace process in Colombia, the situation in Cyprus, the disputed election in Venezuela, and the UK's trading relationship with the European Union.