Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 6 September 2022 · 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 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steve McCabe asked about the Magnitsky legislation and its lack of use against Iranian officials, to which the minister stated that sanctions against the IRGC are maintained without speculating on future designations.
  • Steve McCabe inquired about the UK-Solomon Islands bilateral relations and steps to counter Chinese influence, receiving a response that the UK aims to support and partner with countries in the Pacific, evidenced by the Foreign Secretary's attendance at the Pacific Islands Forum.
  • Tom Randall questioned if tackling persecution of religious minorities would be a priority, to which the minister confirmed strong condemnation of such persecution and referenced a statement made by a colleague regarding the Baha'i community in Iran.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve McCabe Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

Since the last oral questions session, there have been ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, and Pakistan faced devastating floods. The UK provided support to both nations.

Question

I am concerned about the Magnitsky legislation which aims to address human rights violations and serious offences. Despite these goals, it has not been used against any Iranian prison governor or senior regime member despite ongoing abuses in Iran. When will this be remedied?

Answer from Amanda Milling

I cannot speculate about future sanction designations but confirm that we maintain a range of sanctions to constrain the destabilising activity of the IRGC.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide timeline or specific individuals for potential sanctions

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Q2 Steve McCabe Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

US coastguard cutter Oliver Henry aborted its visit to Solomon Islands following a similar incident by HMS Spey. This has raised questions about UK-Solomon Islands relations.

Question

What assessment has been made of current UK-Solomon Islands bilateral relations, and what steps are being taken to counteract Chinese influence in the Pacific?

Answer from Amanda Milling

The Solomon Islands Government is reviewing protocols for receiving naval vessels. We hope this review will lead to a smooth approval process. Last month, I attended the Pacific Islands Forum in Vanuatu, showcasing UK's support and partnership with countries like the Solomon Islands.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide detailed assessment of current relations or specific steps against Chinese influence

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Q3 Tom Randall
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The Baha'i community and Ahmadiyya Muslim Association raised concerns about ongoing attacks on their faith groups in Newport. Similarly, there are reports of persecution against Christian communities across Africa.

Question

Will working with international counterparts to tackle persecution of religious minorities be a priority for the Department?

Answer from Amanda Milling

We strongly condemn persecution of religious minorities such as the Baha'i community in Iran. My colleague, the noble Lord Ahmad, issued a statement calling out Iran's treatment of the Baha'i community.

Answered
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Q4 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Ukraine
Context

After WWII, West Germany was a democratic, capitalist free state that successfully defeated Soviet Russia morally. Similarly, rebuilding Ukraine could be a moral victory against Russian aggression.

Question

Will there be significant support to rebuild a model free state in Ukraine post-war?

Answer from Graham Stuart

We will support Ukraine's vision for rebuilding a sovereign, prosperous, democratic nation. Significant support is required. The Foreign Secretary presented our vision at the July Ukraine recovery conference in Lugano, which we will host next year to continue supporting Ukrainians now and look ahead to their future.

Answered
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