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Backbench Business
11 May 2023
Lead MP
Roger Gale
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Con
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 28
At a Glance
Roger Gale raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Announced a five-minute limit on speeches after the Front Benchers have spoken to accommodate this debate and the subsequent debate.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Welcomes representatives of the British overseas territories to observe debate, discusses self-determination rights, supports Falklands against Argentine claims, calls for recognition at UN as a self-governing territory, highlights Gibraltar's double lock guarantee, urges engagement across government departments, proposes education access improvements and borrowing support, requests public registers of beneficial ownership implementation update, emphasises accessibility issues and tourism development, raises concerns over Haiti's impact on Turks and Caicos, advocates LGBTQ+ community support in overseas territories.
Bristol East
He commended much of what was said by the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton, focusing on the need to remove overseas territories from the UN list of non-self-governing territories. He discussed four methods for removal, including becoming a sovereign state or gaining free association with another country, highlighting that Britain previously blocked Malta’s option to be fully integrated into the UK. Russell-Moyle also emphasised the importance of giving territories self-determination and proposed having a dedicated department within the government to manage relations with overseas territories and Crown dependencies.
Amanda Milling
Con
Bromley and Chislehurst
She congratulated her colleague on securing the debate and highlighted the importance of the UK’s support for its overseas territories during the pandemic, particularly in providing vaccines. She called for a collaborative strategy development between the government and overseas territories themselves, stressing the need for increased resilience in these regions against global shocks such as health crises or climate change. Milling also touched upon the challenges faced by Caribbean islands due to hurricanes and advocated for better infrastructure support.
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
It is important to recognise the close relationships with the overseas territories, which must evolve in response to geopolitical changes. Emphasises Gibraltar's desire to remain part of the UK despite challenges post-Brexit. Advocates for stronger support from the UK Government on healthcare procurement and funding. Discusses the Falkland Islands' referendum outcome and their strategic importance, noting concerns over Argentine attempts to renegotiate sovereignty. Also mentions Bermuda's economic growth and its status as an overseas territory.
James Sunderland
Con
Workington
Calls for more support and recognition of the overseas territories' value to the UK in terms of strategic importance, soft power projection, and trade opportunities. Highlights the need for regular ministerial visits, longer stays by civil servants, and improved bilateral dialogue tailored to each territory's needs. Suggests establishing a dedicated department within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for overseas territories and Commonwealth affairs. Emphasises the importance of specific issues such as fish tariffs on the Falklands and infrastructure support in Tristan da Cunha.
Shrewsbury and Atcham
The Government's handling of the British Indian Ocean Territory is unacceptable. The right of self-determination for the Chagossians must be respected, and they should have the opportunity to return to their homeland with a referendum on their future status.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
The British overseas territories contribute significantly to environmental protection and national security. The Chagos islanders' right of self-determination is being ignored, which poses risks for the UK's defence posture in the Indian Ocean. Representation for the overseas territories in the UK Parliament needs improvement.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
Congratulates the member initiating the debate, acknowledges the importance of overseas territories to the UK, and calls for careful and fair use of government powers. She mentions specific challenges such as natural disasters and environmental issues, emphasises the role of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in supporting governance, and highlights its work on enhancing good governance and oversight of public finances.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Acknowledges the failure to consider the impact of parliamentary decisions on overseas territories, particularly citing Gibraltar's Parliament meeting frequency as an example. Emphasises the importance of inter-parliamentary relations and forums like CPA for dialogue but calls for legislative process changes to better incorporate voices from overseas territories.
David Jones
Con
Clwyd West
Congratulates Alicia Kearns on securing the debate, mentions his recent visit to Gibraltar with other members of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee. Emphasises that Britishness is a source of pride for Gibraltarians. Notes each territory's uniqueness, particularly regarding governance and self-government rights. Questions the UN’s stance on decolonisation but highlights that Gibraltar enjoys extensive self-governance. Suggests PACAC should consider integration with the UK as an option for some territories.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Melton
Intervenes to reiterate that any move towards having MPs from overseas territories in this place should only occur if it is their wish. Highlights concerns about premature or untested support.
Intervenes to suggest that there might be overwhelming support for integration but it has never been properly tested by the populations of those territories, and people are hesitant due to fear of making waves.
Rob Butler
Con
Aylesbury
The speaker acknowledges the Overseas Territories as an integral part of the British family, highlighting their unique challenges and strengths. He emphasises the need for UK support tailored to each territory's individual needs while respecting their autonomy. Rob Butler mentions specific territories such as Turks and Caicos Islands dealing with illegal immigration and drug trafficking issues, and Pitcairn facing population decline and viability concerns. Additionally, he discusses the Falkland Islands' economic reliance on fisheries and potential oil extraction, advocating for careful consideration of environmental commitments in development plans.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Melton
During an intervention, she expresses concern over Argentina's aggressive rhetoric regarding the Falklands during a politically sensitive election year, describing such actions as 'utterly abhorrent' for using individuals' right to self-determination for political gain.
Bob Neill
Con
Bexley Ilford South
Neill emphasised Gibraltar's determination to remain British and its unique relationship with the EU due to its land border with Spain. He highlighted the importance of a UK-EU treaty that respects Gibraltar’s sovereignty, noting it is crucial for economic prosperity on both sides. Neill also discussed practical support needed, including equal treatment for Gibraltar students in educational loans and research funding. Additionally, he mentioned issues like midwifery qualifications recognition by the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council and affordable NHS supplies procurement. He stressed the importance of treating Gibraltar as part of the British family.
Smith inquired about the Government's role in assisting Gibraltar with solutions for its airport, potentially beneficial to Gibraltarians.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Melton
Kearns expressed concern over public criticism of a Foreign Office civil servant related to Gibraltar's sovereignty. She highlighted the lack of right of reply for civil servants named in media, advocating for more considerate discourse.
Alyn Smith
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
The SNP's world view on global Britain is different from many of the views expressed today. The SNP envisions Scotland as an independent state within the European Union, NATO and Commonwealth, maintaining a strong relationship with UK post-independence. They emphasise self-determination for people to choose their governance, even supporting it beyond UN limits. Alyn Smith recognises the importance of overseas territories' choices in their status and interactions but highlights the need for responsibility and respect for their decisions. He also points out that Brexit has impacted relationships with the overseas territories negatively, suggesting a need for improved interaction models similar to those used by Denmark and France.
Shrewsbury and Atcham
Asked Alyn Smith about specific British overseas territories being tax havens or involved in nefarious activities, requesting evidence for the claims made.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Responded to Alyn Smith's intervention by affirming that all British Overseas Territories have fully complied with sanctions placed by the House regarding Russia, highlighting their support in the Ukrainian situation.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Far too frequently, debates on this issue lack understanding of each territory's uniqueness. Labour believes in devolution, democratic autonomy, listening to the territories, partnership, rights with responsibilities, transparency, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and security.
Shrewsbury and Atcham
Asked if a future Labour Government would give Chagossians the right to a referendum on self-determination in line with what was said by Lloyd Russell-Moyle.
James Sunderland
Con
Bracknell
Acknowledged the hon. Member's experience swimming with penguins and asked for assurance that Labour respects the military capabilities, basing, and strategic imperative in some overseas territories.
David Rutley
Con
Macclesfield
Congratulates Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, welcomes opportunity to recognise UK’s partnership with overseas territories, acknowledges representatives and leaders in Gallery, discusses Government's commitment to protecting national interests, mentions Prime Minister's directive for Cabinet Ministers to nominate lead Ministers for overseas territories, highlights importance of cross-Government strategy development, stresses ongoing work with Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, supports recognition of parliamentary role on OTs, endorses new inquiry by Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Thinks visitors felt heard during debate, suggests inviting governors of overseas territories to Foreign Affairs Committee for evidence sessions next year, thanks everyone involved in the event and Madam Deputy Speaker for commitment.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Concerned about lack of transparency regarding expenditure from governor general's office in Montserrat, seeks discussion with relevant Minister to address concerns.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Unspecified Constituency
Welcomed friends from the overseas territories and put forward a resolution to uphold the interests of British Overseas Territories, recognising their historical, cultural, and social bonds with the UK. The motion also calls for the Government to ensure the rights of British Overseas Territories citizens are upheld, defend their sovereignty, and consider unique circumstances when formulating policies.
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