Right of Self-Determination 2025-04-01
2025-04-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
700,000 people in Washington DC are disenfranchised because their representatives do not have voting rights or full control of local government affairs.
I am concerned about the 700,000 people in Washington DC who are currently disenfranchised as they have no voting rights or full control over local government. This is akin to everyone in Bedfordshire having MPs without any influence on parliamentary decisions. Does the Minister agree this situation presents a significant anomaly?
This is not a matter within our jurisdiction. The United States is a sovereign democratic nation, and the issue concerning voting rights in the District of Columbia is one that falls under US domestic affairs.
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Assessment & feedback
Agreement on the anomaly's significance was avoided by deferring to US sovereignty.
This Is Not A Matter For Us
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There's an ongoing discussion about the right to self-determination, especially in relation to Canada.
In light of the principle of self-determination, will the Foreign Secretary use his earliest opportunity to remind the US Secretary of State that Canada has chosen Commonwealth membership and recognises King Charles as its Head of State, thereby ruling out any prospect of Canadian annexation by the United States?
Canada is indeed a strong friend and ally in both the Commonwealth and NATO. I share personal ties with Canada as well, having met recently with the Canadian Minister for Foreign Affairs. The new Prime Minister was welcomed by our Prime Minister; there has been ongoing cooperation between the UK and Canada on various global issues.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request to remind the US about Canada's status was not addressed.
Canada Is A Strong Friend And Commonwealth Ally
Response accuracy