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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
11 May 2020
Lead MP
Imran Hussain
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 27
At a Glance
Imran Hussain 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 about recent steps taken to repatriate British citizens and UK residents overseas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising financial hardships faced by constituents unable to get refunds or compensation for cancelled flights.
Inquires about why quarantine measures are being introduced now and if they will cover all ports including airports and the channel tunnel.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Asks what action is being taken to financially support British nationals who cannot afford flights home due to lack of funds.
Compliments the government's efforts in repatriation and asks for an update on progress regarding passengers and crew stranded on cruise ships.
Inquires about additional help available for constituents who are struggling to afford flights home from the Philippines.
Dan Carden
Lab
Liverpool Walton
Critiques the government's decision early on to rely solely on commercial options, leading to stranded citizens, and asks for official advice provided on this decision.
Raises concerns about constituents stuck in Nigeria and Australia with no clear progress or assistance from the government.
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Chorley
Welcomes a new speaker to the Dispatch Box and maintains order during the debate.
Expresses concern over lack of quarantine measures for returning citizens from areas with high infection rates, urging immediate action.
Raises concerns about clarity regarding quarantine restrictions and calls for an inquiry into the FCO's handling of repatriation efforts during the pandemic.
Dominic Raab
Con
Arundel and South Downs
The UK has returned over 1.3 million Brits from abroad on commercial flights, along with thousands more via charter flights, while also bringing back those stranded on cruise ships. The consular team at the Foreign Office is praised for their efforts in repatriation.
Aaron Bell
Con
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Questioned about diplomatic steps to support vaccine development, highlighting the importance of the Oxford project and the manufacturing capacity of Cobra Biologics in his constituency. He seeks reassurance that reciprocal understandings with other nations will ensure swift distribution.
David Morris
Con
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Expressed gratitude for the Foreign Secretary's intervention, which helped one of his constituents return home from Morocco. He emphasised the importance of maintaining commercial routes to facilitate repatriation efforts.
Chris Green
Con
Heywood and Middleton
Emphasised the need for a collaborative approach in developing and manufacturing vaccines, acknowledging the UK’s leading role in international partnerships such as Gavi programmes.
Lisa Nandy
Lab
Wigan
Welcomed the UK's participation in international pledging conferences but expressed concern over the USA's absence from these efforts. She urged for diplomatic engagement with the US to ensure broader collaboration towards vaccine development and distribution.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Discussed the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe, raising concerns over the number of people in urgent need of assistance. She questioned the Government's conversation with the Zimbabwean authorities regarding their humanitarian needs.
Inquired about the role and activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran’s regional actions, questioning whether full proscription should be applied to IRGC given the upcoming expiration of arms embargoes under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Asked about reports on Israeli-Palestinian co-operation in tackling covid-19 and urged for steps to encourage genuine negotiations based on a two-state solution, highlighting practical co-operation as essential towards building peace in the region.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
I have praised the way representatives of the Israeli Government and Palestinian Authority worked together on matters concerning coronavirus. I agree that international co-operation is key to fighting the disease, as stated by the Prime Minister at a pledging conference in May.
Welcomes the news that Israel has approved a $230 million advance payment and provided various medical supplies to the Palestinian Authority, encouraging such co-operative behaviour.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Appreciates the points made by Steve McCabe. The UK Government has positively commented on how both sides have worked together and hopes this is a step towards building trust for a sustainable peaceful solution.
Welcomes co-operation between Israelis and Palestinians regarding coronavirus but expresses concern about Israel's proposed annexation of parts of the West Bank, which he believes is wrong and detrimental to peace efforts.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
The UK Government has expressed concerns both publicly and privately with the Israeli Government about reports of potential annexation. The Minister warns that such moves would be contrary to international law and could jeopardise a sustainable two-state solution.
Asks if the proposed annexation by Israel is illegal under international law and seeks clarity on whether the UK's response should mirror its stance towards other countries guilty of illegal annexation, such as Russia.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Praises the Minister for condemning any proposed annexation but urges him to go further by accepting that it would render a future Palestinian state unviable and destroy geographical integrity, thus making a two-state solution obsolete.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Reiterates the UK's long-standing position against annexation of parts of the West Bank due to its potential impact on efforts towards a sustainable two-state solution. Emphasises support for actions that advance this goal.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Raises concerns about recent developments in Hong Kong, where Beijing has referred to pro-democracy protesters as a 'political virus' and declared its right to interfere, which are clear breaches of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Confirms that the UK expects mainland Chinese authorities to respect Hong Kong’s autonomy and rights under the legally binding joint declaration. Plans to monitor the situation closely and provide assessments in six-monthly reports to Parliament.
Government Response
Responds with statistics on successful repatriations, discusses financial support measures for stranded citizens, explains reasons behind quarantine measures and emphasises following scientific advice. Also acknowledges the role of commercial flights in bringing back nationals. The UK is playing a leading role in supporting global vaccine development efforts, with trials underway in this country. The Foreign Secretary highlighted international collaboration through contributions to CEPI and the Gavi funding calls, emphasising that these steps are crucial for both national needs and broader distribution. The UK Government has expressed concerns about potential annexation of parts of the West Bank by Israel, which could jeopardise efforts towards a sustainable two-state solution. The Minister also emphasises support for actions that advance this goal.
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