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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
04 February 2020
Lead MP
Gagan Mohindra
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineDefenceClimateBrexitCulture, Media & Sport
Other Contributors: 74
At a Glance
Gagan Mohindra raised concerns about foreign and commonwealth office 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Asks the Foreign Secretary about diplomatic steps taken to strengthen relations with NATO allies, emphasising that NATO is a cornerstone of UK and Euro-Atlantic security and requesting support for efforts to increase burden sharing across the alliance.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Emphasises NATO's importance in UK and Euro-Atlantic security, requests support for increasing defence spending among allies.
Supports the view that NATO is a cornerstone of UK and Euro-Atlantic security. Asks for prioritisation to strengthen the alliance against Russian threats.
Concerned about political tensions within and between NATO allies, asks the Foreign Secretary to promote diplomacy between these countries during the American primary season.
Critiques the Government's handling of Turkey at the recent NATO summit regarding the Kurdish issue in Syria.
Highlights the strain on Turkey’s relationship with its NATO allies and asks how the UK will respond to situations involving Turkey.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Argues that NATO's success as an international peacekeeping force is underrecognised, requests steps for more recognition.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Questions the Foreign Secretary about recent discussions with European counterparts on future cooperation after Brexit.
Maldon
Asks for updates on steps being taken to support political development in Ukraine, including visa-free regime and new framework agreement negotiations.
Provides details of the UK's financial and diplomatic support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and reform efforts. Also discusses visa regimes with Ukraine.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asks about human rights protections in discussions with Ukraine, particularly regarding Christians.
Inquires about progress on tackling climate change through international cooperation and the UK's efforts for a successful COP26 conference.
Questions the Government’s commitment to protecting oceans and their advocacy at the UN for international agreement on climate change.
Asks about progress made by the UK in tackling climate change through international cooperation.
Details UK's increased funding for climate finance, biodiversity protection and advocacy efforts at COP26 for real action on climate issues.
Paul Howell
Con
Sedgefield
Asked how to convince constituents of the importance of engaging with climate change given the relatively low impact of the UK compared to China, and emphasised the need for international collaboration.
Heather Wheeler
Con
South Derbyshire
Responded to questions about COP26, highlighting its role in bringing together countries to tackle climate change. Emphasised the UK's commitment to increasing its international climate ambition and contributions before COP26.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Critiqued the Government’s stance on climate change, questioning the percentage of energy deals at the UK-Africa trade summit based on fossil fuels. Accused the government of making symbolic moves domestically but failing to take a global lead.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Asked for evidence that the Government's diplomacy was having an impact on major polluters like China and the US, pushing them to do more than they currently are.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Inquired about recent discussions with Chinese counterparts regarding the situation in Wuhan. Followed up with a question on pressing for cooperation from the Chinese authorities to ensure British nationals' safety and security.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Criticised the evacuation of British nationals from Wuhan as a shambles, citing delays, lack of information, and family separations. Questioned why proper protocols were not in place for such crises.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Congratulated on the success of the Africa investment summit and asked if there would be another one, as well as what countries that weren't invited need to do to get an invite.
Asked about plans for regular engagement with the African Union following the UK's departure from the European Union.
Fabian Hamilton
Lab
Leeds North East
Inquired how much time was dedicated to discussing corruption and human rights during the summit, especially given the presence of a notorious human rights abuser like Egypt’s President Sisi.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Asked for reassurance that Africa will be prioritised in trade deals despite conflicting pressures from US and South American negotiations, to ensure it does not lose out on opportunities.
The Government’s strategic priority towards Africa includes opening five new missions in Africa, increasing the number of staff by 400. UK-Africa trade increased by 7.5% last year to £36 billion.
Asked about consular support for UK nationals overseas and the rights of UK citizens living in EU post Brexit, seeking details on government efforts.
Consular staff help more than 20,000 British people abroad every year. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is working to ensure full implementation of the withdrawal agreement for UK nationals in EU.
Asked if UK citizens deserve consular services and support enshrined in law, referencing a report highlighting families’ dissatisfaction with FCO services.
There is no legal right to consular assistance. Government’s ability to provide it remains dependent on other states respecting that right.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Asked the Minister about working together to call out hostage-taking by Iran in Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case, referring to Article 4 of NATO treaty.
The Prime Minister met Richard Ratcliffe on 23 January. The UK continues to make strong representations regarding Iran’s behaviour in this case.
Asked about steps to encourage dialogue for the US Administration's Peace to Prosperity plan with Israeli and Palestinian counterparts.
Welcomes the US proposals for peace talks based on recognition of two-state solution. Supports initiative to get both sides around negotiating table.
Asked why British Government continue to support the Trump peace plan, despite rejection by Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Co-operation.
Supports it alongside Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman and Qatar, arguing that dialogue is needed for resolving conflict.
Giles Watling
Q10
Asked about steps to help support the peace process in Libya, focusing on ceasefire agreements from Berlin conference.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Berlin conference showed international support for a ceasefire and resumption of UN-led talks. All parties must honour their commitments.
Anne McLaughlin
Q13
Asked about representations made to Gambia counterpart regarding arrests of peaceful protestors by security forces, raising concerns over democracy backsliding.
We are concerned about the political protests on 26 January that turned violent and we monitor investigations through our high commission. We emphasise that peaceful protest rights and media freedom must be upheld without violence.
Tim Loughton
Q14
Asked for plans to bring forward legislative proposals for a UK autonomous global human rights sanctions regime after leaving the EU.
We will be bringing into force our own global human rights Magnitsky-style sanctions regime, targeting the worst human rights abusers. This follows conversations about US legislation and approach when in Washington.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Expressed concern for Syrian children fleeing Idlib daily where barrel bombs are used on hospitals and schools, asking what the Foreign Secretary’s plan is to ensure their human rights protection.
Shared concern about Syria, encouraging all actors to find a peaceful way through and supporting UN efforts for humanitarian relief.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Asked about recent assessment of the security situation in Iraq and expressed concern over vote to expel foreign forces leaving Kurds more vulnerable.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Described deeply worrying security situation in Iraq, committing to supporting the Iraqi Government against Daesh threat and disproportionate force against demonstrators. We are working with Kurdish Prime Minister to ensure regional security.
Asked about diplomatic steps being taken to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
Jack Lopresti
Q22
Called for renewed international pressure on Hamas to renounce violence and disarm, supporting initiatives that promote dialogue and co-existence.
Thanked the Minister for meeting Mr Robert Cummings, grandfather of Luke Symons held by Houthis in Sana’a. Requested opportunity to meet Foreign Secretary about case further.
Peter Gibson
Q24
Asked what support Government are providing to Australia to help tackle bushfires and assist recovery of precious habitats.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Asked about discussions with Australian Government on link between bushfires and climate change, aiming for increased climate ambition ahead of COP26.
Asked Foreign Secretary to negotiate peace in Yemen so all people can receive medical assistance when needed.
Dean Russell
QT3
Asked about assurance that the Premier League will still attract international players from around the world post-Brexit.
Battersea
Called on the Foreign Secretary to urgently review and work with all parties to resolve a dispute involving workers at Interserve employed by the FCO, highlighting issues of trade union recognition, sick pay, and unfair contractual changes.
Supported Marsha de Cordova's call for resolving the dispute through ACAS negotiations.
Caroline Ansell
QT5
Asked the Minister about the importance of peaceful co-existence being taught and modelled in Palestinian schools, suggesting it is crucial for any peace deal to be long-lasting.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Emphasised the support given by the UK for health and education in occupied Palestinian territories, mentioned concerns about teaching materials, and noted plans to make changes ahead of the academic year.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
Criticised the Trump annexation plan as an utter disaster undermining international rules-based order and warned about its implications for Russia and China's annexations.
Clarified that the UK position was clear on opposing any unilateral annexation based on settlements, advocating instead for a two-state solution through peaceful negotiations.
Tim Loughton
QT6
Asked about ensuring the BBC World Service budget would not be raided to compensate for reduced funding for over-75s TV licences, stressing its importance in post-Brexit world.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Asked the Secretary of State to support a fact-finding delegation from an all-party group on Kashmir to assess the situation after the revocation of Article 370.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Inquired about the challenges faced by British nationals and their Chinese partners in leaving China due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Questioned whether Trump's so-called peace deal, negotiated without Palestinian involvement, could serve as a basis for lasting peace between Israel and Palestinians.
Dehenna Davison
QT8
Asked about the UK’s efforts to promote freedom in Venezuela.
Expressed concerns over the Prime Minister's approach to climate change leadership and rumours of shifting COP26 location from Glasgow to an English venue.
Steve Double
QT9
Asked about the status of British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong, enquiring about their eligibility for consular support and entry clearance into the UK.
Called on the Foreign Secretary to meet him and Jagtar Johal’s family to assure them that due process will not be sacrificed in future free trade agreements.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Inquired about the FCO's strategy for the Kunming biodiversity conference and UN ocean conference, highlighting climate change diplomacy as a key agenda item.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Asked whether indigenous peoples' rights should be embedded in an international treaty on human rights and transnational corporations.
Questioned the evidence of Iran being a trusted partner for peace, given its activities since signing the 2015 nuclear deal.
Discussed Iran's non-compliance with international norms, the need to hold Iran accountable for its actions, and the importance of leaving room for diplomatic engagement if Iran decides to change course. Also addressed Turkey’s acquisition of Russian military equipment and expressed concern while maintaining strong bilateral relations as a key NATO ally.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked about discussions with India regarding industry, climate change, sustainability, and reducing emissions, highlighting the upcoming COP26 conference and the need for increased global ambition on these issues.
Inquired about efforts to maintain strong relations with Turkey as a key NATO ally in light of its acquisition of Russian-made weapons.
Corrected the Foreign Secretary's mistake regarding Richard Attenborough and requested consideration for meeting his constituent, Robert Cummings, concerning the case of Luke Symons in Yemen.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Asked about proposals for a Wilton Park conference on Nigeria aimed at reducing persecution of Christians in that country.
Government Response
Emphasises NATO’s success as a cornerstone of security, discusses the UK’s commitment to increasing burden sharing among allies, raises concerns about Turkey's actions but reaffirms its value as an ally. Also addresses discussions with European counterparts post-Brexit and supports Ukraine. Responded to questions about the evacuation of British nationals from Wuhan, detailing efforts made by the Foreign Office in collaboration with international partners to repatriate UK citizens safely. Also discussed recent discussions and diplomatic steps taken regarding Africa. Discussed strategic priorities towards Africa, consular support for UK nationals overseas and protection of citizens' rights in EU. Also addressed issues related to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe case, US peace plan and Libyan peace process. Provided responses to various questions regarding foreign policy issues such as resolving disputes with Interserve workers, Palestinian education and peace processes, BBC World Service funding, Kashmiri detainees, Chinese travel restrictions for British nationals, Venezuelan freedom promotion, COP26 preparations, Hong Kong BNO passport holders' status, Jagtar Johal's incarceration in India, biodiversity and ocean conferences, indigenous peoples’ rights, and Iran’s trustworthiness as a partner. Discussed Iran's non-compliance with international norms and the need to leave room for diplomatic engagement. Addressed concerns regarding Turkey’s acquisition of Russian military equipment while maintaining strong bilateral relations as a key NATO ally. Highlighted efforts to work with India on climate change, COP26 ambitions, and providing support in consular cases.
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