Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Development: Promoting the Rule of Law

Tuesday 26 October 2021 · 3 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK promotes the rule of law through policy and programme engagement in several countries including Nepal, Nigeria, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
  • Many of the UK's programmes contribute directly or indirectly towards access to justice, though the exact proportion is not quantified.
  • The UK will continue to work closely with Turkey, a key NATO ally, to resolve diplomatic issues and strengthen ties.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Selous Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises as part of efforts to uphold the rule of law globally through UK's developmental work.

Question

What steps she is taking to help promote the rule of law through her Department's development work?

Answer from Vicky Ford

The UK promotes the rule of law through policy and programme engagement, which includes the Rule of Law Expertise Programme operating in Nepal, Nigeria, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or actions taken for promoting the rule of law.

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Q2 Andrew Selous Con
Justice & Courts Foreign Affairs
Context

The question stems from concerns about lack of access to justice as a barrier to poverty alleviation.

Question

What proportion of our development spending goes on ensuring easy access to a robust criminal justice system for the global poor?

Answer from Vicky Ford

Many of the UK's programmes contribute directly or indirectly towards access to justice, but we do not quantify the exact proportion. The UK remains a world leader in international development and uses its aid budget to strengthen democratic institutions and defend human rights.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify the proportion of spending on criminal justice systems.

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Q3 Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns raised about Turkish Government expelling ambassadors from allied countries due to criticism on civil liberties and freedom of expression.

Question

Given that Turkey is a key NATO ally, will the Minister join us in finally making clear that the UK will not accept any further attempts to undermine civil liberties?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We are pleased about resolving the diplomatic crisis. We will continue to work closely with Turkey, which is a key NATO ally, and strengthen ties with other partners.

Not addressed: Did not commit to supporting allies on civil liberties issues.

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