Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Events at US Capitol

Tuesday 19 January 2021 · 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

  • Minister had discussions about the resumption of Congress and certification of Joe Biden's victory but did not mention specific talks about journalist detentions or assaults.
  • Minister denied cosying up to or legitimising Trump's rhetoric, stating confidence in US checks and balances and readiness to work with the new Administration.
  • Response to protect journalist rights globally and address disinformation lacked specific commitments, indicating interruption and procedural issues during questioning.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Damian Collins Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Reports emerged of journalists being detained and assaulted while covering the rioting on January 6, 2021, in Washington D.C. The incident raised concerns about press freedom and safety in the United States.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the US Administration regarding reports of the (a) detention and (b) assault of journalists covering the rioting in Washington, D.C. on 6 January 2021?

Answer from Dominic Raab

The resumption of Congress and the certification of Joe Biden's victory on 7 January sent an essential message that the democratic will of the US people cannot be challenged by a violent minority. However, there is no specific mention of discussions with the US Administration about the detention or assault of journalists.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about discussions on journalist safety were not provided

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Q2 David Linden SNP
Context

Following the events at the US Capitol, there was widespread condemnation of former President Trump's actions and statements. There were concerns about how close relationships formed with Mr. Trump might affect international perceptions of the UK Government's stance on democracy and human rights.

Question

In the wake of what happened on Capitol Hill, does he regret cosying up to Trump, legitimising his rhetoric, or will they remain lukewarm towards any populist leader who comes along?

Answer from Dominic Raab

The assertion that there was cosying up to or legitimising of Mr. Trump's rhetoric is very far from the truth. We made it clear we had full confidence in the system of checks and balances in the US and look forward to working with the new Administration.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether he regrets supporting former President Trump or if they will remain lukewarm towards future populist leaders.

How: Under Review

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Q3 Damian Collins Con
Context

There were multiple instances of journalists being assaulted in America, raising concerns about press freedom. Social media companies are also under scrutiny for their role in spreading harmful information and inciting attacks against journalists.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend work with the new Administration to protect journalist rights around the world, and call on social media companies to do more to tackle harmful disinformation?

Answer from Dominic Raab

My hon. Friend's question was somewhat interrupted, but I thank him for his query. I do not know if it was a bell from his end or ours, but he certainly added some flourish to his question. However, there is no specific commitment provided on working with the new Administration or social media companies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear commitment was given regarding collaboration with the US Government or social media companies.

How: Interruption

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Q4 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

The violent storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, raised questions about how such an incident affects the democratic process in the United States. There were concerns that President Trump's behaviour undermined the electoral victory of President-elect Biden.

Question

Does he believe this violent episode has damaged democracy and what urgent steps can be taken to mend the sense that our Government was lukewarm around election time?

Answer from Dominic Raab

The hon. Lady's assertion is not accurate, as we were clear about our stance on the events at the Capitol. We do not conduct diplomacy by Twitter unlike some members of Parliament and are confident in US checks and balances while looking forward to working with the new Administration.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly acknowledge any damage done to democracy or suggest specific actions to restore confidence.

How: Contradiction

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