Commonwealth Countries 2022-12-13
2022-12-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
MP inquires about strengthening ties between the UK and Commonwealth nations.
What diplomatic steps is the Department taking to strengthen relations with Commonwealth countries?
We want to see a Commonwealth that delivers greater benefits to all member states across a range of policy priorities, including climate, human rights, health, education and security. We are building long-term partnerships on shared priorities, such as on trade, where we have secured free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand and are presently negotiating further FTAs with Canada and India.
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Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Building Long-Term Partnerships
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
MP emphasizes the importance of the Commonwealth in an uncertain world and asks about steps to deepen economic, foreign policy, cultural, and security ties.
In the wake of our departure from the EU, what steps is my right hon. Friend taking to deepen our engagement with Commonwealth on matters to do with the economy, foreign policy, culture and security?
In an increasingly uncertain world, where sovereignty is challenged, the UK believes that the Commonwealth provides an important network of prospering free nations. At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in June, we agreed funding of £270 million to support girls' education across the Commonwealth and £15 million to help the Commonwealth countries defend themselves against cyber-attacks.
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Assessment & feedback
Building An Important Network
Agreed Funding
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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MP raises concerns about the lack of financial oversight in Montserrat and asks for support from the Minister.
Perhaps we could have a conversation about that so that we can support proper financial scrutiny of Government spending wherever it happens in the Commonwealth.
As a former member of the hon. Lady's Public Accounts Committee, I would be very happy to take that up. I know that Lord Ahmad in the other place would be willing to sit down with her.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
MP discusses issues with CPA headquarters' charity status and requests a meeting to resolve it.
Will my right hon. Friend agree to meet me and Lord Goldsmith to effect that change?
I am happy to commit to that. I know that the Foreign Secretary and you, Mr Speaker, have also discussed this important issue, and I will make sure it is picked up as soon as possible.
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
MP highlights the issue of human rights abuses and asks about discussions with those countries.
What discussions has the Minister been able to have with those Commonwealth countries that do not allow freedom of religion or belief and that do persecute people about human rights?
The hon. Gentleman is a stalwart champion on this matter. I can assure him that in all our conversations with the Commonwealth countries within my regional portfolios and those of other Ministers, we always have on our agenda the question of human rights issues. We are a strong and critical friend where we need to be, and that will always continue.
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Assessment & feedback
Critical Friend
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
MP welcomes the Foreign Secretary's comments but questions if the vision is achievable given strained budgets.
Does he accept that under the current approach, his vision is simply unachievable?
I thank the hon. Lady for her comments on the Foreign Secretary's speech yesterday, which I thought set out very clearly the patient diplomacy that we consider the Commonwealth to be at the heart of. These are long-standing relationships, where we work together to build, to help economies to grow and on mutual security issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Long-Standing Relationships
Patient Diplomacy
Response accuracy