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Question
The MP questioned the impact of the US sanctions on Cuba's economy and called for direct aid including oil to be provided by Britain. He highlighted the severe shortages in fuel, electricity, and services which are endangering lives.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the humanitarian concerns raised and confirmed that the UK continues to object to the embargo through the United Nations and supports direct aid efforts.
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Question
What measures is the UK Government taking to ensure aid reaches those in need?
Minister reply
The Minister assured that the UK contributes significantly through organisations like the World Food Programme and UNICEF, as well as supporting disaster response efforts via the central emergency response fund.
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Question
The MP questioned the Government's engagement with both US and Cuban authorities, expressing concern about human rights issues. She also asked for clarity on the UK’s overall policy towards Cuba.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed regular dialogue with US State Department officials regarding negotiations between Cuba and the US. He mentioned direct challenges to human rights conditions in conversations with the Cuban ambassador.
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Question
Will the Government consider provisional implementation of the UK-Cuba political dialogue and co-operation agreement (PDCA) to signal constructive engagement?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the importance of better bilateral relations, focusing on areas such as climate change and environmental protections. However, he noted that the PDCA remains under review without a current timetable for parliamentary scrutiny.
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Question
Trump’s reckless blockade is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis facing Cubans. Four months in, Cubans are facing a backlog of 96,000 pending surgeries and 1 million people without reliable drinking water. UN experts condemn the blockade as “energy starvation”. Will the Minister provide an assessment of what will happen next, including military incursions? As Spain and Canada organise emergency aid shipments, will the Government review our aid contribution?
Minister reply
On engagement with the US Administration, there has been continuous dialogue since January, including between the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary Rubio in April. Officials are working on additional funding for the Cuban people through the United Nations.
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Question
After a three-day humanitarian visit to Cuba, I observed that Trump’s fuel blockade is having a devastating effect on millions of ordinary Cubans. Will the Minister confirm that he will use his efforts and those of his office to ensure that diplomacy and dialogue are seen as the best way forward?
Minister reply
I agree with the hon. Gentleman.
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Question
While I agree with the right hon. Member for Islington North that the humanitarian situation in Cuba is bad, freedom, democracy and international rule of law may be a better way to bring relief to Cubans. Will the Minister emphasise the importance of releasing political prisoners and allowing people more freedom? Should aid go through faith-based organisations rather than the regime?
Minister reply
We have had a bilateral relationship with Cuba for over 100 years, which allows us to engage in frank dialogue. Decisions on the future of Cuba should be for the Cuban people.
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Question
Cuba is on its last breath after a brutal four-month siege. We have seen Spanish and Canadian companies pull out of Cuba due to secondary sanctions. What discussions have UK Ministers had with their Spanish and Canadian counterparts to make it clear that this is not acceptable?
Minister reply
We continue to call for dialogue and we welcome the fact that both Cuban and US Governments are negotiating.
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Question
The Minister’s assessment of the legal basis on which Venezuela’s sovereign oil can be transferred as a bargaining chip by the US, and how would the UK sanctions regime respond to that?
Minister reply
We do not discuss sanctions in Parliament but I am happy to meet the hon. Member privately.
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Question
It is not for the US to determine the future of Cuba; that is for the Cuban people themselves. The UN Secretary-General has made clear his view that Cuba is on the brink, with children dying in hospitals due to shortages of medical supplies and banking restrictions. What discussions have the Government had about assisting the Cuban Administration?
Minister reply
We are doing a piece of work on fuel shortages, providing a fuel management specialist to the World Food Programme, and working with multilateral partners.
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Question
This is indeed an urgent matter for the Cuban people as they endure a deepening humanitarian crisis caused by the Trump Administration. Can the Minister confirm that the Foreign Office will inform President Trump that the UK will oppose any military force against Cuba, and can he reconfirm that he is seeking to persuade the US Administration to ease the measures contributing to this impending disaster?
Minister reply
We continue ongoing diplomatic efforts for peaceful resolutions through political dialogue.
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Question
US secondary sanctions on Cuba arguably represent a clear breach of international law. What representations have the UK Government made to the US about that?
Minister reply
We continue to engage in dialogue and respect the UN charter and multilateral system.
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Question
I agree with the Minister when he says that the future of Cuba should be decided by the Cuban people. What assessment have the Government made of the likelihood of the Cuban Government ever allowing the Cuban people to take those decisions?
Minister reply
We will continue to engage in frank conversations to work towards a better future for the Cuban people.
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Question
The MP questions the UK Government's stance on American blockades of Cuba, describing them as economic terrorism and inhumane.
Minister reply
Chris Elmore acknowledges that the UK has been voting against the embargo for 30 years and does not support it internationally.
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Question
The MP asks about Cuba's contributions to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine and its role as a potential hub for hybrid warfare.
Minister reply
Chris Elmore confirms the importance of national security, stating that the UK works with US Administration on defence and national security issues while also addressing economic and social challenges.
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Question
The MP asks about providing aid to Cuba despite Trump's blockade and mentions severe shortages in medical supplies.
Minister reply
Chris Elmore reassures the MP that the UK is using trusted agencies like the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and UN central emergency response fund to ensure aid reaches the Cuban people.
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Question
The MP inquires about representations made by the UK Government regarding the Donroe doctrine as it pertains to Cuba.
Minister reply
Chris Elmore confirms that engagement remains at the highest levels, including discussions with US State Department officials and Secretary Rubio.