The Earl of Courtown (Con)

My Lords, I thank the Minister for giving us the opportunity to ask questions on this Statement, which covered events in Iran, Gaza, Syria and Yemen, and the case of Alaa Abd el-Fattah. That alone demonstrates the increasing instability we are facing globally. The Official Opposition are clear that the UK can and must play a full role in facing up to the challenges of our increasingly unstable world. Beginning with Iran, we stand with those brave Iranians who have risked so much by exercising their fundamental right to free protest. Reports that at least 36 protesters have been killed during the Iran protests are extremely concerning. The violence perpetrated by the Iranian regime against protesters is appalling as well. Can the Minister say what practical steps the UK can take in looking at how we can support and bring those responsible to justice for these dreadful acts? We know the Foreign Secretary raised the case of Craig and Lindsay Foreman with the Iranian Foreign Minister on 19 December and we welcome that. Can the Minister give the House an update on their case and set out what further steps the United Kingdom Government intend to take to secure their safe release? In such an uncertain political context, it is essential that Ministers redouble their efforts in this area. The Official Opposition welcome the progress that is being made towards a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Gaza conflict, but we remain concerned about the breaches of the ceasefire perpetrated by Hamas. In particular, can the Minister update the House on what progress is being made to secure the return of the body of the remaining hostage? On Monday, Minister Falconer announced that the UK will establish a Palestinian embassy. Can the Minister provide further details on this, and can she confirm where the Palestinian embassy will be established and when it is expected to be open? I will also take this opportunity to ask about reports of terrorists infiltrating aid agencies. What assessment have His Majesty’s Government made of these reports? Can the Minister give us a sense of the scale of infiltration that the Government are aware of? On the situation in Yemen, it is now being reported that the separatist leader is going to take a last stand after rejecting the Saudi ultimatum. Can the Minister provide an update on the fast-moving situation there? In Syria, we welcome the Royal Air Force’s successful joint operation with France on Daesh. We know that Syria is still facing huge challenges. Specifically on the issue of sectarian violence, what practical steps can the Minister take to support the Syrian Government in their work to tackle this? Finally, on the Alaa Abd el-Fattah case, can the Minister confirm exactly when Ministers were made aware of the horrific social media comments that have been the source of so much debate over the Recess? The Official Opposition have called for his citizenship to be stripped; can the Minister confirm whether Ministers are considering this option? I look forward to hearing the responses from the Minister.