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G20
17 November 2022
Lead MP
Rishi Sunak
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineEconomyBrexitEnergyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 50
At a Glance
Rishi Sunak raised concerns about g20 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
The Prime Minister opened with remarks on Russia’s missile attacks on Ukraine, emphasising the brutality of these actions against civilians. He discussed the ongoing investigation into a missile explosion in Poland, expressing support for Poland's self-defence measures without blame towards them. The Bali G20 summit was highlighted as addressing severe global economic challenges due to Russia's disruption of food and energy markets. Sunak detailed international commitments from G20 members to uphold international law and protect collective economic security through various initiatives like the UN-brokered grain deal, just energy transition partnerships, and support for free trade. He mentioned his meetings with President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, among others, focusing on deepening co-operation on issues such as Ukraine's defence, energy security, China relations, and free trade agreements. The statement concluded with an emphasis on restoring global stability and long-term growth while supporting Ukraine and upholding the rule of law.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
What further support for Ukraine has been discussed among Western allies? What efforts are being made to open a diplomatic road map to end the conflict?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister did not provide specific answers but emphasised ongoing co-operation with Western allies in supporting Ukraine and stated that efforts continue towards ending the conflict.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
What discussions were had on China relations during the summit? Is there a change in approach from his predecessor?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister noted that constructive dialogue took place between President Biden and President Xi, but did not specify if this marks a change in Britain's approach towards China.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
What is the expected timeline for the UK-India trade deal? Will measures on visas be included, and will all Cabinet members support it?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister did not provide a specific timeline but expressed optimism about completing the deal. He did not address whether visa measures would be part of the agreement or if all Cabinet members would support it.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
Was the Northern Ireland protocol discussed with US or EU colleagues? When will a resolution be delivered?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister did not explicitly confirm discussions on the Northern Ireland protocol, focusing instead on the importance of resolving issues to support British research and trade.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
Starmer inquired about further support for Ukraine, investigations into Poland's missile incident, efforts to isolate Putin through China, the status of a UK-India trade deal, and progress on resolving issues related to the Northern Ireland protocol.
Minister reply
Sunak thanked Starmer for his comments and confirmed ongoing discussions with India for a free trade agreement. He emphasised that quality is prioritised over speed in trade deals and discussed recent actions on tariffs with the US, including steel, aluminium, and agricultural exports. Sunak also mentioned progress towards joining the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Kearns asked when the Prime Minister intends to reschedule his meeting with Xi Jinping, and inquired about progress on isolating Russia at the G20 summit.
Minister reply
Sunak acknowledged the importance of dialogue for setting out red lines regarding China's actions. He noted that the G20 communiqué was agreed upon, containing strong language condemning Russia’s aggression despite initial uncertainties.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Question
Inquires about progress in isolating Russia's regime at the G20 summits and criticises UK's economic situation as worse than other G7 countries. Also questions the impact of proposed Indo-Pacific trade deal on Scotland’s food and farming industries.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the condemnation of Russia but emphasises global challenges, including high inflation rates in many countries and the need for fiscal sustainability. Defends UK's support for British farmers.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Biddulph
Question
Suggests a new grain deal and proposes to form a UN-led maritime force to escort ships from Odesa safely.
Minister reply
Confirms the extension of the existing grain deal after concerted efforts, highlighting its positive impact on wheat prices. Offers to meet MP to explore further actions.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Supports condemnation of Russia but asks for sanctions against Carrie Lam in response to China's human rights abuses.
Minister reply
Acknowledges UK’s efforts in holding China accountable through sanctions, plans to use dialogue to raise concerns about Xinjiang and other human rights issues.
John Baron
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
Expresses enthusiasm for the UK's accession to CPTPP and its potential benefits for export industries, including Scotch whisky.
Minister reply
Reaffirms the importance of CPTPP for economic and strategic benefits. Mentions discussions with leaders like Japan, Australia, and Canada.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Question
Questions UK's on-lending commitment to the IMF special drawing rights allocation compared to France and China.
Minister reply
Acknowledges SDR allocation’s relief for countries but highlights additional commitments such as £1 billion to the Global Fund.
North Cotswolds
Question
Inquires about discussions with President Modi regarding trade, visas for highly skilled workers, environment and support for Ukraine.
Minister reply
Confirms discussion on increasing security cooperation and mobility scheme between UK and India.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
Questions the Home Secretary’s rhetoric against international students in light of the announcement to allow more Indians into the UK.
Minister reply
Defends Home Secretary's focus on illegal migration while highlighting the mobility scheme as a positive development.
Question
Asks about additional sanctions on Iran and North Korea in response to Russia’s use of their weapons, and suggests excluding Russia from G20.
Minister reply
Explains that while consensus is needed for G20 actions, new sanctions have been imposed on Iran. Mentions the ineffectiveness of excluding Russia.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
Facing the worst drought in 40 years, tens of millions of people in east Africa are going hungry. Children are dying today of malnutrition and the United Nations expects a famine to be declared before the end of the year. Although the UK has already given humanitarian aid, does the Prime Minister recognise that the international community now needs to do more to save lives, not wait for the formal declaration of famine?
Minister reply
The UK is tackling this issue head on with funding announced at the United Nations General Assembly and by helping secure an extension to the Black sea grain initiative. Additionally, our commitment to the Global Fund has been well received by African countries as a way to alleviate difficulties they face.
Question
Multinationalism has never been more important given current global pressures and threats, not least in protecting the people of Ukraine. Despite Twitter mainly having a meltdown over flowery shirts, will my right hon Friend tell us how useful he found his first G20 meeting for relationship building and consolidating joint international working?
Minister reply
These summits are helpful in co-ordinating global action on challenges such as inflation or supporting Ukraine. They build relationships with foreign leaders that deliver tangible benefits for people here at home.
Question
Further to his replies about our relationship with India, why are Britons, alone in Europe, currently excluded from the Indian e-visa scheme? That is doing more damage to our hard-pressed travel and tourism sector, as well as creating extreme inconvenience for British families who want to visit relatives in India in the months to come. Did his discussions with Prime Minister Modi give him hope that that ban might be lifted any time soon?
Minister reply
That issue was discussed and raised during the conversations with Indian counterparts. Efforts will continue to raise it as it is important for us to be included in the e-visa scheme.
Question
Will my right hon Friend confirm that in his conversations with President Biden of the US and his counterparts in the EU, he has made the UK’s intention to preserve the integrity of the Good Friday agreement absolutely clear? Will he also confirm that, in so doing, it is not unreasonable for the UK, an independent and sovereign nation, to be able to maintain its own economic integrity?
Minister reply
The territorial integrity of the United Kingdom is important and must be preserved. Discussions with European counterparts and President Biden reaffirm the commitment to the Good Friday agreement.
Question
Were there any discussions at the G20 about the situation in Iran? I have heard from a lot of constituents who want to express their solidarity with the protesters and their outrage at the way the regime is cracking down on them. What steps can the G20 take to support progress towards stability and democracy in Iran?
Minister reply
The protests send a clear message that the Iranian people are not satisfied with the path that their Government have taken, leading to sanctions against 24 extra people for their role in the crackdown on protesters.
Christchurch
Question
Does my right hon Friend agree that Putin was emboldened to attack Ukraine by the continual appeasement from western democracies over many years? Why does he not think that a similar appeasement of the Chinese dictatorship will not result in a similar disaster?
Minister reply
Our approach to China is in complete alignment with the United States, Canada and Australia. It is one that is clear-eyed about the challenges that China poses to our values, interests and economic security.
Diana R Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
One of the key global challenges facing the G20 is migration and refugees. I know that this country has a proud history of fulfilling our international obligations to the most vulnerable, including children. Can the Prime Minister confirm that no unaccompanied asylum-seeking children under the age of eight are currently being held at Manston? If the Prime Minister does not know the answer, will he write to me as a matter of urgency?
Minister reply
I would be happy to write to the right hon Lady. We have different processes and procedures in place for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to make sure that they get extra safeguarding protection.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Question
Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in recent weeks just show the full extent of Putin’s complete desperation. Can the Prime Minister confirm that the UK is providing Ukraine with the energy equipment and the support that it needs to help repair its infrastructure, so that it can keep its lights and heat on in the months ahead?
Minister reply
My hon Friend is right to raise that particular need of the Ukrainians. We are playing our part in providing funding and expertise to help resolve some of the issues.
Question
The G20 communiqué urged all parties to finalise and adopt the forthcoming COP15 global biodiversity framework in Montreal. At this crisis time for nature, both globally and at home, the Prime Minister will know the importance of leading by example, so, as well as accelerating the UK’s domestic environmental agenda, will he ensure that he is not forced into another last-minute U-turn as we saw ahead of COP26? Will he commit now to attending COP15 in person and show that leadership?
Minister reply
I do not think that anyone could doubt our commitment to biodiversity and nature. We fought very hard for the G20 communiqué reaffirming the G20’s commitments to the targets set at COP.
Question
May I ask the Prime Minister a specific question regarding the conversation that he had with Prime Minister Trudeau? The United Kingdom and Canada have a close relationship through being members of the G7, G20, Five Eyes, NATO and the Commonwealth. Whether it is friendships in Parliament or friendships with world leaders, one needs to know where one stands. Did the Prime Minister ask Prime Minister Trudeau about Canada stepping up to meet the target of 2% of GDP towards NATO, and did the United Kingdom ask Canada to do more in the High North, the Arctic, where we face greater threat from Russia, and where it has specific expertise?
Minister reply
I encourage all members of NATO to make their way towards the 2% target. Our co-operation with Canada is deep. Prime Minister Trudeau was pleased to announce an extension of Canadian support for our programme to train Ukrainian soldiers here.
Question
The Prime Minister knows that the energy charter treaty enables fossil fuel companies to sue Governments that pass legislation undermining their future profits in the name of stopping climate change. That is why Germany and France have announced they are withdrawing from it, as are Poland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain. When does he anticipate the UK withdrawing from the energy charter treaty, or does he put fossil fuel profits ahead of climate change? Will he raise that within World Trade Organisation reform?
Minister reply
The hon Gentleman mentions a range of other countries in relation to fossil fuels, but it was the United Kingdom that led through COP last year in ensuring that we end climate finance for coal plants.
Question
Having just returned from Ukraine with the Defence Committee and my right hon Friend the Defence Secretary, I must tell the House how movingly grateful the Ukrainians are for all the support we give, and in particular to my right hon Friend the Prime Minister for his outstanding leadership of this country in fighting the Russian aggression. However, there are shortages of food, ammunition and military equipment. While we and the United States are doing our bit, there is concern that other countries are not. Can he inform the House whether, during the “G19” or G20 meeting, he heard any feedback from other countries that they will step up to the plate as we and the Americans are doing?
Minister reply
My hon Friend is absolutely right about the need to continue supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. The UK has shown great leadership on this, alongside America, and we will jointly encourage others to follow our lead.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Question
Does the Prime Minister agree that private citizens in the UK should follow the example of several British businesses and sell any shares they have in businesses that still operate in Russia?
Minister reply
The United Kingdom took the lead in imposing some of the most stringent economic sanctions on the Russian economy, Russian businesses and Russian individuals. It is pleasing that other countries have followed. We will continue to push other countries to follow our lead on sanctions and we will continue to tighten them where we think it can make a difference.
Question
In trade talks, was there any discussion of extending the arrangements to include finance and professional services?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend knows this area well. It is important that we take our time with trade deals, because services liberalisation often takes longer to negotiate than simple tariff reductions on goods. Our economy has an incredible services sector; it is important that it benefits from trade deals, and I want to ensure that that happens.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Question
When the Prime Minister met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier this week, did he challenge him on Saudi Arabia’s blocking of the COP27 proposal for phasing down all fossil fuels?
Minister reply
We had a wide-ranging conversation on a range of topics, including climate change. We are committed to our obligations under the COP agreement and we welcome Saudi Arabia's commitment to be net zero by 2060. There are many different opportunities for Saudi Arabia to play its part as COP president coming up, and we look forward to supporting it in that endeavour.
Question
Was decoupling our supply chains from authoritarian regimes in key areas such as critical minerals and semiconductors a priority for discussions with allies at the G20?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. I am pleased to tell her that just yesterday the Business Secretary made a decision on semiconductors that should give her and others confidence that we take this matter incredibly seriously. I discussed critical minerals with many of our allies around the world and I am pleased to say that Japan, in its G7 presidency next year, will put economic security at the heart of our collective agenda.
Question
Did the Prime Minister give a commitment to President Biden that the issues surrounding the Northern Ireland protocol would be solved by April 2023?
Minister reply
As I have said publicly and clearly, I want to see a resolution to this issue as soon as possible. That is why I spoke to my counterparts in Ireland and the European Commission, and others, on almost the first day I took office. I am working very hard to try to bring about a negotiated settlement to the challenges we face.
Question
Apart from important work done multilaterally and bilaterally, will he encourage Heads of Government of leading Asian countries to undertake working visits to the UK?
Minister reply
I absolutely will do that. May I also congratulate my hon. Friend on his reappointment as a trade envoy to Indonesia? It is a region that he knows particularly well. He has done fantastic work in deepening our bilateral relationship with that country, which will play an increasingly important role in the global economy.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Did the Prime Minister have conversations with other G20 members about the water and sanitation crisis, and will he reverse the 80% cuts made by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to water and sanitation projects?
Minister reply
The conversations I had with other leaders were incredibly appreciative of the role that the United Kingdom is playing in helping to tackle suffering, poverty and poor sanitation around the world. What was highlighted in particular was our recent commitment of £1 billion to the Global Fund.
Question
Will the UK continue to do all it can to support the work of the International Criminal Court, including obtaining custody of Russian military generals for trial?
Minister reply
The United Kingdom was out in front in providing both technical and financial resources for the efforts to gather the evidence. I know that the Justice Secretary is in touch with the British prosecutor as well, and the team will have our full support.
Question
When the Prime Minister met Prime Minister Modi, did he raise the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been held in arbitrary detention for 1,840 days?
Minister reply
We have consistently raised our concerns about Mr Johal’s case directly with all levels of the Indian Government. I discussed more generally with Prime Minister Modi the issues around extradition, and the Foreign Secretary raised this case with India's Minister of External Affairs just last month on his visit to India.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Question
What steps has the UK taken to provide emerging economies with alternatives to Chinese money?
Minister reply
We tend to work not just bilaterally but multilaterally through things such as special drawing rights recycling at the International Monetary Fund. The new resilience and sustainability trust was established with UK leadership, and indeed the new debt service suspension initiative is something that I championed as Chancellor.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
Does the Prime Minister agree with the right hon. Member for Camborne and Redruth (George Eustice) who stated that the trade deal with Australia is 'not actually a very good deal for the UK'?
Minister reply
All trade deals involve give and take on both sides. The Australia trade deal will open up new markets for 3 million British jobs, which is fantastic, reduce prices for Australian goods and make it easier for young people to move back and forth between the two countries.
Question
Can he confirm that our superb armed forces will continue to provide support, especially in training Ukraine's brave defenders?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. It is an issue that he has rightly championed on previous occasions. I can give him that reassurance. The NATO Secretary-General was in the United Kingdom just days ago, visiting the training that we are providing for Ukrainian soldiers.
Tony Lloyd
Lab
Manchester Central
Question
It is not so many months ago that any international conference such as the G20 would have been seized with the situation in Afghanistan. Afghanistan has now gone off the agenda, but the humanitarian crisis there is moving into absolute tragedy as people are facing starvation. Can the Prime Minister tell us what conversations took place about Afghanistan? In any case, will he now reconvene the kind of donor conference that could make a material difference to starvation in that country?
Minister reply
The hon. Member is right to highlight that Afghanistan continues to experience one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. That is why earlier this year we co-hosted a UN pledging summit, together with Germany and Qatar, that helped to raise over $2 billion for Afghanistan.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
A free trade deal with India is a tremendous opportunity for both the United Kingdom and India. I agree with my right hon. Friend that we should not sacrifice quality in order to do a deal quickly; however, during his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, what obstacles did the Prime Minister clear so that we can get on with the free trade deal that we all want to see?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend has rightly been a significant champion of this deal and our relationships with India. I am pleased to have his support. Without negotiating all these things in public, I am pleased that the majority of the substantive negotiation conversations were concluded by the end of October.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Question
Our closest trading partners are still in the EU. Can the Prime Minister update us on what he did during the G20 summit to improve relationships with EU countries, which, to say the least, are still fragile since Brexit?
Minister reply
We may have left the EU, but we have not left Europe, and it is important that we maintain strong and positive relationships with our European partners and allies. That is very much what I intend to do, and I am pleased that those conversations have been going well.
Tom Hunt
Lab
City of Durham
Question
I am glad that the situation with regard to refugees all over the world was discussed, but no debate on refugees can be complete without a discussion about the plight of the Rohingya. Could my right hon. Friend confirm that world leaders considered and discussed what further support we can provide to Rohingya refugees in the largest refugee camp in the world, which is a great concern for my constituents?
Minister reply
I know that this is an issue of concern for my hon. Friend, and it is right that he raises it and champions the case. I am pleased to tell him that we have sanctioned those people responsible, and we will continue to make sure we provide whatever support we can to the people who need our help.
Jon Trickett
Lab
Normanton and Hemsworth
Question
In the communiqué from the G20, the words “food”, “food supply” and “food scarcity” are mentioned 54 times. It is good that Britain is taking part in the global community’s fight to make sure that food is properly distributed, but last year, before the Ukraine war, one in nine Britons were driven to use a food bank. Is it not clear that the problem was not disruption of food supply but poverty—poverty driven by No. 10 and No. 11 when the Prime Minister was in the Treasury? Is it not clear that for the poor of Britain, hunger is a nightmare created by Downing Street?
Minister reply
The Chancellor is about to deliver a statement that will ensure that our economy is strong, that we support the most vulnerable and that we have a clear platform for growth. I urge the hon. Gentleman to wait for it.
Simon Jupp
Con
South East Cambridgeshire
Question
Peace on the continent must be restored. It is a fact that no one in Europe is truly safe until Putin fails. Can my right hon. Friend update the House on how we will make that happen alongside our global allies in the G20?
Minister reply
What is important is that Russia understands that the global community speaks with one voice in condemning its illegal and barbaric actions. I am pleased that the G20 communiqué expresses that sentiment, as many more countries are joining our efforts to stand up to Russian aggression and support Ukraine.
Margaret Ferrier
Ind
Renesdale
Question
During talks on the CPTPP, did the Prime Minister convey the concerns of the UK’s fantastic food and farming industries? What assurances was he able to obtain that those industries will be considered and protected as negotiations continue?
Minister reply
I stand by our commitment not to compromise the United Kingdom’s high environmental, animal welfare and food safety standards and will ensure that our trade deals open up new markets for British farmers.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Question
The cost of living in the UK is going up mainly because of the war that Russia is conducting, but it is not just affecting us; it is affecting the eurozone, which has average inflation of 10%. What discussions did the Prime Minister have at the G20 about the strategy to deal with inflation, which is clearly a worldwide problem?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the global nature of the challenges we are facing, caused in part by Russia’s aggression. The G20 communiqué is clear on the responsibility of individual countries to ensure financial stability. As it says, that means delivering long-term fiscal sustainability, and that is what this Chancellor will deliver.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I thank the Prime Minister for his statement and for his strong stance on behalf of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The actions of Putin and his regime have driven two thirds of G20 countries into economic distress, raising inflation in this country to 10% or 11%, and talk of a recession is prevalent in many countries. Russia is the enemy within the G20. What is the Prime Minister doing to align with all other G20 countries to ostracise Russia and reduce its influence and, if possible, its membership of the G20?
Minister reply
It is not possible in a consensual organisation to expel Russia, but I am pleased to say that we work closely with all partners across the G20 to deliver a strong, unified message that the threat and use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible, and today’s era must not be the era for war. I think Russia heard that message loud and clear.
Aaron Bell
Con
Mansfield
Question
I share my right hon. Friend’s view that China presents a systemic challenge to the west. We have just seen, in Russia, how an authoritarian actor can use their role in our supply chains to damage the global economy. Can he confirm that, when we engage with China on global issues such as climate change or public health, we will never do so at the expense of our national or economic security?
Minister reply
I can absolutely give my hon. Friend that assurance. We will always be robust in defending our values and our interest, and that starts with our national security.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Question
The Government’s mishandling of the Northern Ireland protocol negotiations is acting as a barrier to trade deals and scientific collaboration. The Prime Minister says that he was much influenced by his time at Stanford, so surely he understands the key role of science and scientific research in driving economic growth, which we sorely need. Will he really exclude British scientists from the world’s biggest scientific research programme, Horizon?
Minister reply
No one can doubt my commitment personally to ensuring that the UK remains, as it is, a scientific and technological superpower. That is why we have increased the R&D budget. That is why we are deregulating to support innovation. That is why we are reforming our capital markets to get money to all the companies that need it.
Shadow Comment
Keir Starmer
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Foreign Secretary acknowledged the impact of Russia's war in overshadowing G20 goals. He expressed support for defending Ukraine but sought clarity on the investigation into Poland’s missile incident and its expected timeline. Questions were raised about further support for Ukraine from Western allies, potential diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, and the approach towards China regarding global security issues while focusing on trade opportunities with India despite previous doubts. The Labour leader also inquired about discussions around UK-US and UK-India trade deals and the Northern Ireland protocol during summit meetings.
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