Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-US Co-operation

Tuesday 24 November 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Foreign Secretary congratulated President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their election win.
  • UK-US relations will focus on trade, security, defence, climate change, and covid.
  • Foreign Secretary indicated no regret over aid cuts, emphasizing continued commitment to aid and increased defence spending.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neil Gray SNP
Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

President-elect Joe Biden's victory prompts questions about future UK-US relations, particularly regarding international cooperation and aid spending.

Question

What recent discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with President-elect Joe Biden's transition team on future co-operation between the UK and the US? Does he regret cutting foreign aid spending below 0.7%?

Answer from Dominic Raab

We send warm congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on winning the election. UK-US relations are strong in trade, security, and defence; we see opportunities ahead. We consistently showed leadership in aid and will continue. Defence spending increases show a dependable ally for the US.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions with Biden's transition team not detailed, only general statements on relations

How: We See Opportunities Ahead, We Consistently Showed Leadership In Aid

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Q2 Neil Gray SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

President-elect Joe Biden's election prompts scrutiny of UK foreign policy, particularly regarding aid spending and defense cooperation.

Question

Does the Foreign Secretary regret the UK's plans to cut aid spending below 0.7% as President-elect Biden's team seeks to bring aid back to the centre of foreign policy?

Answer from Dominic Raab

The UK remains a leading country in aid, and we continue to show this commitment. We also indicated an increase in defence spending, which shows our reliability as an ally. The soundings with the incoming leadership indicate opportunities for strengthened relations on climate change and covid.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No regret mentioned about aid cuts; instead focused on UK's overall aid commitment

How: We Remain A Leading Country In Aid

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Q3 Lisa Nandy Lab Wigan
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

President-elect Joe Biden's victory raises concerns about the integrity of US democratic processes due to President Trump's refusal to concede.

Question

Does the Foreign Secretary now regret emboldening those who attack democracy by not asserting that all votes should be counted? Will he stand with me and defend free and fair elections?

Answer from Dominic Raab

Welcomes the historic election of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. The US has checks and balances in place for a definitive result. We warmly welcome the new Administration and look forward to working with them on strengthening democratic norms.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct commitment to defending free elections, only welcoming the new administration

How: The Us Has Checks And Balances In Place

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Q4 Lisa Nandy Lab Wigan
Foreign Affairs
Context

Yemen's humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the Saudi-led campaign, prompting calls for ending participation in or support of it.

Question

Does the Secretary agree with incoming US officials that it's time to end any form of support for the disastrous Saudi-led campaign? Will he commit to playing the UK's part by ending arms sales to Saudi Arabia?

Answer from Dominic Raab

Agrees on pursuing every effort to get peace in Yemen, supportive of UN efforts. Encouraged and promoted regional push for a political end to conflict, noting Houthi's need to move as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to ending arms sales or supporting Saudi-led campaign mentioned

How: Encouraged And Promoted Regional Push

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