← Back to House of Commons Debates
G20 and COP29 Summits
21 November 2024
Lead MP
Keir Starmer
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineClimate
Other Contributors: 55
At a Glance
Keir Starmer raised concerns about g20 and cop29 summits in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Thanking the House for their condolences on John Prescott's passing, Keir Starmer updated MPs on his engagements at COP27 and the G20. He emphasised that global problems such as climate change and conflicts do not stop at national borders and require a concerted international response. At COP, he announced the UK’s new nationally determined contribution with a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. He launched GB Energy and created a national wealth fund for energy infrastructure, aiming to boost energy security and create jobs in clean power. Starmer also highlighted investments like £1 billion in wind turbines for Hull and other green hydrogen projects. At the G20, he launched a global clean power alliance with Brazil and ten other countries to accelerate investment in clean power internationally. He discussed global alliances against hunger, poverty, and migration issues and stressed tackling root causes rather than just enforcement. Starmer also detailed bilateral meetings with various leaders to deepen ties on security, defence, technology, climate, health, and education with India, combat air programme discussions with Italy and Japan, and a significant dialogue on challenges like climate change and growth with China despite differences in human rights and sanctions issues.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Slough
Question
Ms Antoniazzi inquired about the impact of the new NDC target on energy prices for households. She asked whether this would lead to higher bills and what measures the Government is taking to support vulnerable people.
Minister reply
Starmer responded by emphasising that the £1 billion investment into wind turbines will not only create jobs but also protect bill payers. He reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling climate change while ensuring energy security, and highlighted investments in carbon capture technology and green hydrogen projects.
Tom Hunt
Green
Lynemouth
Question
Mr Hunt questioned whether the Prime Minister would follow up on the G20's discussions on tackling hunger and poverty by addressing food waste in British supermarkets.
Minister reply
Starmer stated that while the government focuses on international efforts against hunger, they also work domestically to address issues such as food waste. He did not provide specific measures but underlined the importance of both global and local initiatives.
Delyn
Question
Ms Hart asked about the impact of Putin's recent rhetoric on relations with Russia.
Minister reply
Starmer affirmed that the UK stands firm against Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine, adhering to international law and supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defence. He reiterated that Britain will provide support proportionate to Russia’s aggression.
Kemi Badenoch
Con
North West Essex
Question
Badenoch raised concerns over the lack of tangible benefits from the meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and asked for a clear condemnation of recent actions in Hong Kong.
Minister reply
Starmer responded by affirming that constructive dialogue with China is essential despite differences on human rights. He did not explicitly condemn recent imprisonments but underlined the importance of addressing issues through dialogue.
Kemi Badenoch
Con
North West Essex
Question
Expressed condolences to Lord Prescott and praised his contributions. Questioned the PM's achievements at G20 and questioned tangible benefits from the meeting with China, including condemnation of pro-democracy activists’ imprisonment in Hong Kong.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked for the tribute to Lord Prescott. She confirmed that her position on doubling down was clear during the G20 meetings. On Hong Kong, she stated that her Foreign Office colleague had condemned the action and reaffirmed this stance.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Question
Asked for more details on how the UK-led global clean power alliance will use its convening power to unlock private finance, support climate transition, and help developing countries.
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted that the clean power alliance is a global initiative speeding up development of renewables with funding opportunities. She stressed the importance of meeting global obligations for climate change while creating jobs and ensuring energy security.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
Echoed condolences to Lord Prescott and questioned when PM will set out an action plan on new emissions targets. Raised concerns about the Middle East, China’s actions, war in Sudan, and ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked for the tribute and confirmed setting out plans but highlighted clean power by 2030 as a game changer. He raised issues like Sudan at G20, supported UN Security Council resolution on Gaza, reiterated UK’s policy of recognising Palestine through process, stressed careful decisions with allies on Ukraine support, and mentioned action being taken on Russian assets.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Question
Congratulates the Prime Minister on UK leadership in climate finance, mentions a need for $1 trillion annually by 2030. Asks if the £3 billion returned from the European Investment Bank could be used to build up the World Bank.
Minister reply
Acknowledges UK's leading role and highlights importance of leveraging private money to meet challenges like climate finance.
Maldon
Question
Welcomes decision for Ukraine to strike against Russian targets, asks about progress in assisting Ukraine’s military industrial sector.
Minister reply
Confirms ongoing efforts and offers a meeting to discuss the details.
Melanie Onn
Lab
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Question
Asks how £1 billion investment for wind turbines in Hull benefits constituents of Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Minister reply
Explains the creation of 1,300 jobs in Hull and the broader economic benefits to the UK.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
Questions Prime Minister's failure to condemn arrests in Hong Kong during meeting with President Xi. Asks for explicit condemnation of Chinese Government’s actions.
Minister reply
Affirms condemnation of the actions, stating they have been raised consistently.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
Asks if Prime Minister raised China's support for Russia in Ukraine during meeting with President Xi.
Minister reply
Confirms that the issue was raised repeatedly.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Asks if Prime Minister discussed Russian invasion consequences with sceptical leaders at G20 summit.
Minister reply
Confirms discussions took place to raise concerns.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Congratulates on Security Council vote regarding Israel, asks about sanctions on Israeli Government Ministers.
Minister reply
Confirms that sanctions have been imposed in the past and will continue to be.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Question
Welcomes statement condemning China’s actions, asks for commitment to meet families of Hongkongers before any meeting with Chinese officials.
Minister reply
Asserts that defending the people of this country is done by raising important issues.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
Reaffirms commitment to Ukraine, climate change, and UN resolution for ceasefire in Gaza.
Minister reply
Agrees that it is essential for Britain's values to be back on the global stage.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Question
Associates with remarks on John Prescott, asks about commitment to domestic energy price reform.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of the issue, highlighting benefits of clean power for reducing prices.
Rachel Taylor
Lab
North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Question
A couple of years ago, my constituents were hit hard by rocketing gas prices and energy bills because the last Government left the UK hooked on global gas markets controlled by dictators such as Vladimir Putin. Following the COP summit, can the Prime Minister reassure my constituents in North Warwickshire and Bedworth that he will work relentlessly to ensure that nothing like that ever happens again?
Minister reply
Yes, I can; it is an important point. All countries were impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. We were impacted more than other countries, because some of the steps that could have been taken in the move towards renewables were not taken at speed by the previous Government, and people across the country paid the price.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Given the Prime Minister’s unequivocal backing of Ukraine, and his admirable assertions that Putin must be seen to fail, will he rule out replacing, if she has to be replaced, our professional diplomatic ambassador in Washington with a party politician who has stated that Ukraine must lose the occupied territory to Russia, give up on becoming a member of NATO, and rely instead on security guarantees from European states?
Minister reply
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the joint position in relation to the importance of Ukraine. I will resist the temptation that he offers for me to start discussing the position that he referenced.
Paul Waugh
Lab Co-op
Rochdale
Question
I echo your remarks, Mr Speaker, and those of the Prime Minister about Lord Prescott. He was a true embodiment of working-class values and aspiration. As he always used to say, nothing is too good for the workers. This weekend, I will join Rochdale’s Ukrainian community to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the Holodomor, Stalin’s man-made famine against the Ukrainian people, which resulted in the loss of up to 4 million lives. Does the Prime Minister agree that the Russians will never crush the spirit of the Ukrainian people, and that we will do everything possible to aid them in their defence against Russian aggression?
Minister reply
Yes, I agree. I was struck during the general election campaign, as I think members of all parties will have been wherever they campaigned across the country, that support for Ukraine was there in every quarter of the United Kingdom. I am very proud of the fact that that is the position across our country.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Question
I was struck that the Prime Minister’s statement contained not a single reference in to our most important security and trading partner, the United States, particularly at this time of change, with the good news of the election of President Trump. While the Prime Minister was at the COP summit, he may have missed the fact that growth is falling in this country, debt is rising, and the motor industry is panicking as jobs are being destroyed. Just yesterday, Nissan announced further job cuts, as has Ford, because of electric vehicle targets, which are causing irreversible damage to our motor industry.
Minister reply
I do not think that there was a question. We have stabilised the economy, and we have an absolute mission on growth. There was no growth for 14 years. The hon. Gentleman’s party was cheering along the mini-Budget not so long ago, which was the major cause of many of the problems that we are facing today.
Rachel Blake
Lab Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Question
May I offer my condolences to Lord Prescott’s family? He was a true pioneer and an inspiring role model, and he will be remembered here and in every place that benefited from his leadership and support for communities and neighbourhoods. Last month, I met my constituent Sebastien Lai. We talked about my constituent Jimmy Lai, the British citizen who has been arbitrarily detained. I share my heartfelt thanks and the thanks of my constituent’s family to the Prime Minister for raising his case at the G20. Will he share his expectations as a result of the conversation?
Minister reply
I raised it personally myself because it is such an important case, and it is very important that we continue to do so. It is raised by Government Ministers every time we engage with China. It is such an important case—this House knows the details—which is why I took the opportunity in the meeting I had earlier this week to raise it directly with the President.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Question
Everyone in the House welcomes high ambitions for our country, but given the complexity of delivering against the ambitious targets that the Prime Minister set out, there will be apprehensiveness about other countries going down the track at a different pace, which will have implications for our economy. May I draw his attention to the excellent comments made by his Chancellor about the financial services industry last week at the Mansion House? What assessment has he made of the prospects of another economic and financial dialogue with China, building on the one I attended in 2019 in London, as an opportunity to extend economic dialogue, which has to be positive for the UK economy?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the right hon. Member for referencing the Chancellor’s excellent Mansion House speech last week. On matters economic, I do think there is a dialogue to be had with China. It needs to be pragmatic and serious, and it needs to sit alongside the frank discussions we need to have, as we have referenced in this House, on the issues on which we disagree. But I do think there is room for that dialogue in the national interest—in our own interests.
Abtisam Mohamed
Lab
Sheffield Central
Question
I associate myself with the condolences for Lord Prescott. I welcome G20 leaders calling for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and the UK’s decision to support a resolution on the ceasefire. Sadly, we seem to be moving further and further away from peace. Gaza is on the verge of famine, and Palestinians are being deprived by Israel of food and humanitarian aid. The countdown on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency coming to an end is looming. Will he share what conversations he has had to press Israel to either reverse or pause its decision, or to explain how it will meet its obligations under international law?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend very much for raising this issue. I have pressed the issue on numerous occasions with many leaders in the region and elsewhere. We have to keep pressing for the hostages to be released. We must never forget that they have been held for a very long time, and in the most awful of circumstances, and what their families are going through is absolute torture. But we also absolutely need to be clear that aid is desperately needed in Gaza, where tens of thousands of people have been killed. That aid needs to get in, and it needs to get in urgently.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Question
Time is running out at COP29 and the clock is ticking on the climate crisis. I welcome the leadership shown by the Prime Minister in attending COP29 and setting ambitious targets for the UK. The need to agree a global finance goal is vital, and making progress in Baku is clearly challenging. Will he assure me that he is pulling out all the stops this week to ensure that an agreement is reached and that it will be adequate to meet the needs of the poorest countries? Will he assure the House that the UK’s pledges will be primarily in the form of grants?
Minister reply
As the hon. Lady knows, those discussions are ongoing, and it is important that we play our full part in ensuring that they conclude in a satisfactory way. Alongside that, it is important that we push the case for leveraging private finance, which will be needed to meet this challenge, and we are continuing to do that.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Question
I welcome the Prime Minister’s global leadership—he has restored our place on the world stage. Climate change is the biggest threat facing us all. That used to be an uncontroversial statement, which is why I was stunned to hear the Leader of the Opposition describe the actions we have taken to deal with that problem as being done for “short-term publicity.” That is absolutely outrageous. Is the Prime Minister as delighted as I am that the climate sceptics of the Conservative party are now sitting on the Opposition Benches, so that we can take the long-term decision from the Government Benches?
Minister reply
It is a great shame that the Conservative party has decided to go backwards on that important challenge. Not so many years ago, there was a united position across the House because it is such an important challenge. I think that is simply a sign of how far the Conservatives have fallen. It is unsurprising that they are on the Opposition Benches. May they remain there for very long time.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
I welcome the commitments that the Prime Minister shared with Prime Minister Modi in their discussions. The Prime Minister set out in his statement the position on reigniting the free trade talks that began under the previous Government. Did he set out any red lines on that free trade agreement, and has a timetable been agreed? The previous Prime Minister promised a free trade agreement by Diwali. Will this Prime Minister set a different timescale?
Minister reply
I think the hon. Gentleman will find that the previous Government made lots of promises about lots of things—the only unifying factor is that they met none of those promises at all. We heightened the ambition for the agreement and made it clear that the negotiations would restart early in the next year. Of course there are checks and balances, and discussions to be had on that, but I am pleased that we have raised that ambition.
Salford
Question
May I associate myself with the Prime Minister’s comments about the late Lord John Prescott? He was a giant of this place and of the labour movement. My condolences go to his family and loved ones. The Prime Minister may know that, as the G20 communiqué once again recommitted to advancing the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, a groundbreaking and upsetting BBC documentary aired showing the harrowing experiences of British nuclear test veterans and uncovering vital new information. I know that he has long supported those men and their families, so will he agree to meet them, me, the right hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Sir John Hayes) and the hon. Member for South Shields (Mrs Lewell-Buck) to discuss the Government’s next steps on securing long-awaited truth and recognition?
Minister reply
I thank and pay tribute to her for her personal work on that issue, on which she has been pressing for a number of years, with considerable success. As she knows, I have met the veterans myself, and members of the Government will be happy to do so in future. It is a really important issue. She has been pressing on it for a number of years, and I pay tribute to her again for that.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Question
On the Prime Minister’s plan to decarbonise the grid by 2030, can he guarantee that in that timeframe there will no power shortages, no blackouts and no energy rationing?
Minister reply
Yes.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
I associate myself with the Prime Minister’s remarks. Food insecurity is such a big issue, and floods and drought can cause food insecurity for many countries. Trussell Trust data highlighted in 2023 that 7.2 million people, including 17% of children, faced food poverty. How is the Prime Minister working with international partners to highlight the crucial issue of food insecurity?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this issue. I raised food security at the G20 summit earlier this week.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Question
A breakthrough moment at COP28, the previous COP, was the creation of the loss and damage fund, but the financial contributions from each individual country were miserable, including that of the UK. Will the Prime Minister commit to an increased financial contribution to the loss and damage fund?
Minister reply
I am not going to set out financial contributions here.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
The Prime Minister will be fully aware of the importance of the investments of Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Group here in the United Kingdom. Will he give his assessment of UK-India relations following his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi?
Minister reply
Relations with India after the discussions earlier this week were in a constructive and positive place, which is good for my hon. Friend’s constituents and for the country.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
Obviously, President Lula’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty is to be welcomed, but such initiatives become mere platitudes if they are not backed up by action and resources. In practical terms, what is the UK’s commitment to this initiative?
Minister reply
It is an important initiative. We backed it earlier this week, and we will support the actions that come out of it.
Ashley Dalton
Lab
West Lancashire
Question
The Prime Minister is right to say that refugee flows are caused in part by climate change, but they are also caused by wars. What did the G20 summit say about the wars in Sudan and Congo, as well as the need for a ceasefire in Gaza?
Minister reply
I did raise both climate and conflict as major drivers of migration across the world.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
The Prime Minister is right to say that refugee flows are caused in part by climate change, but they are also caused by wars. What did the G20 summit say about the wars in Sudan and Congo, as well as the need for a ceasefire in Gaza?
Minister reply
I was very clear that Russia is in breach of the UN charter.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Question
We have gone from Tory Prime Ministers who question whether France is even an ally, to a Labour Prime Minister who stands shoulder to shoulder with our French and European allies. Does the Prime Minister agree that strong alliances with our European neighbours are crucial to our peace and security?
Minister reply
Yes, I do.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Question
John Prescott was a remarkable climate diplomat. On that point, I understand that the hydrogen allocation round 1 agreements are ready to go. Can the Prime Minister commit to getting those agreements issued to companies, so that we can get the hydrogen economy going before Christmas?
Minister reply
I want this initiative to proceed at pace; it is a really important initiative.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Question
It is clear that we must take a far larger role in international affairs. Can the Prime Minister expand on how the conversations he had at the G20 and COP will bring more jobs and investment to communities such as mine?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend that international affairs are probably more important now than they have been for a number of years.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Question
Given the Prime Minister’s optimism on his return from COP29, can he tell the House how the deals that he signed there will uphold his promise to cut energy bills by £300 for constituents such as mine?
Minister reply
Yes. The direct investment in jobs in Hull to build turbines is obviously really important for that constituency and for the country.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
Question
Last week, I had the privilege of meeting some Members of the Ukrainian Parliament, and I know that they will have been heartened by the leadership that my right hon. and learned Friend the Prime Minister has shown on the world stage this week. Does the Prime Minister agree that there is only one aggressor in this conflict?
Minister reply
Yes, I do.
Josh Babarinde
Lib Dem
Eastbourne
Question
I am proud that the Liberal Democrats were the first UK-wide major party to call for an immediate bilateral ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, and we continue to push the Prime Minister to honour that position. What global efforts to stem this tide of prejudice did the Prime Minister discuss with G20 leaders?
Minister reply
I am very happy to applaud anybody who is taking on the fight against hate crime in all its forms. I think one of the sad features of the last few years has been the rise in hate crime in all its forms. We have a responsibility—a duty—to reduce hate crime.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Question
I warmly welcome the Prime Minister’s statement, particularly on COP. Given this Government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, can the Prime Minister tell us how Great British Energy will result in lower fuel bills for my residents?
Minister reply
Great British Energy will drive forward on renewables towards clean power in 2030. We are determined to reduce our reliance on Russian gas and create jobs while lowering energy bills.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
What discussions did Downing Street have with the Department about that call-in prior to the Deputy Prime Minister’s formal decision to call in the Chinese embassy planning application?
Minister reply
The application has been in for a number of years. The previous Government were looking at it, and it is being dealt with through the usual process.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
Does the Prime Minister agree that his statement should reassure young people that global issues are tackled, and that his efforts at international forums such as COP29 and G20 are vital?
Minister reply
I think we all need to remind ourselves that it is young people more than any who will live with the consequences of our actions or inactions. That is why I am very pleased that the UK is leading again on these important global issues.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
Will his family farms tax help or hinder the agricultural industry's efforts to decarbonise?
Minister reply
I am very pleased that, at the Budget, we put £5 billion over the next two years into farming and food sustainability. The vast majority of farms and farmers will be totally unaffected by this tax.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
Question
Now that the Prime Minister has met the Chinese President, does he believe that we are in a better position to advance UK interests, and to challenge China on important issues such as human rights?
Minister reply
That is an important point. This is about getting the balance right. I took a pragmatic approach in the interests of this country, in order to further our interests.
Max Wilkinson
Lib Dem
Cheltenham
Question
Will his Government take an interest in my private Member’s Bill, the sunshine Bill—the New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill?
Minister reply
I will make sure that the hon. Gentleman’s sunshine Bill is in there so that I am able to give him a better answer next time.
Luke Murphy
Lab
Basingstoke
Question
The Government’s global clean power alliance builds on that legacy, uniting countries to accelerate the transition to clean energy. Will the Prime Minister set out how this alliance and action will deliver lower bills for my constituents?
Minister reply
This alliance will push forward the UK’s drive towards renewables. That will give energy independence, lower bills and the next generation of jobs.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Question
The Prime Minister talks about us having Putin’s boot on our throat, but surely pulling the plug on the North sea oil and gas industry, as he is doing, delivers us into the hands of Putin and makes our energy security less viable.
Minister reply
As the hon. Gentleman knows very well, North sea oil and gas is sold on the international market and therefore is subject to constraints.
Calder Valley
Question
Today, the United Nations has said that virtually no aid has got into Gaza for the past 40 days. This winter, hundreds of thousands of people face malnutrition or worse. Can the Prime Minister give an update on conversations he had at the G20?
Minister reply
I repeatedly pressed that matter not only at the G20 but elsewhere. That aid into Gaza is desperately and urgently needed.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Question
Why was it necessary to travel with 470 officials to the G20?
Minister reply
The contingent this year was actually fewer than the contingent last year. It involved a wide number of individuals because a lot of negotiation goes on at COP, and it is vital that we are there doing that important work.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Question
In his discussions with the Australian leadership, was he able to recommit the UK to AUKUS? Can he give us an update on the next steps?
Minister reply
I was able to discuss AUKUS with the Australian Prime Minister in the G20, as I have done on previous occasions when I have talked with him, including our full commitment and pressing on to the next stages.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
On behalf of the Democratic Unionist party, may I send our sincere sympathies to the family of John Prescott on his passing? He was indeed a mighty man. He will be missed, but the one thing he has left behind is a legacy, and I think we can all recognise that. The Prime Minister will be aware that for these summits to be effective, there must be global buy-in. To see world leaders, such as France, among those determining that it was not a good use of time poses a question. If a new format is needed, what discussions has the Prime Minister had with other nations to ensure that meeting environmental obligations is not something to be avoided, but instead is something to get excited about?
Minister reply
I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s comments on John Prescott and his legacy. I am so pleased to build on that legacy, both on climate, which John felt passionately about, and with the jobs we have been able to announce going to Hull. Buy-in is a really important issue. It is why we need to show leadership, because we cannot do it on our own—no country can. With the UK showing leadership, we can get the buy-in of other countries in whatever form and in whatever way we can. That is why I worked so hard at COP on this issue, which was raised again at the G20. It is why I am very supportive of the initiatives for private finance to be leveraged in to help other countries meet the obligations they will have to meet.
West Dunbartonshire
Question
I am pleased to note that the Prime Minister had good discussions with Prime Minister Modi and deepened our bilateral ties and unique bonds. Can he assure me that my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal’s seven-year arbitrary detention was raised with Modi in those discussions to help bring him home to Dumbarton?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that matter, and let me give him that reassurance that it was raised. It is an extremely important case, so it was raised by me, and it has been raised by other Ministers, as he would expect.
Shadow Comment
Kemi Badenoch
Shadow Comment
Expressing condolences for Lord Prescott's passing, Kemi Badenoch thanked the Prime Minister for advance sight of his statement. She praised the previous Government’s support for Ukraine but criticised the current administration for not achieving its goal at the G20 to get leaders to double down on support for Ukraine. She questioned the benefits from the meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and called for a clear condemnation of recent imprisonments in Hong Kong and any calls for the repeal of the national security law. Badenoch expressed concerns about the Prime Minister's rush towards cutting emissions and urged for plans to achieve new targets. She welcomed FTAs negotiations but criticised the government’s foreign policy, citing examples like giving away Chagos islands and suspending export licences to Israel as negative precedents.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.