Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Indo-Pacific Region: Diplomatic Relations

Tuesday 18 July 2023 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are committed to long-term economic and security partnerships with the Indo-Pacific region as detailed in the "Integrated Review Refresh".
  • Our world-leading defence industrial base underpins national security, and projects like the global combat air programme with Japan and Italy, and AUKUS submarines with Australia and the US demonstrate British ingenuity in securing better outcomes for citizens and allies.
  • The importance of our relationships with the Indo-Pacific, including those with Cambodia and Laos, will continue to present opportunities for UK trade, with new trade deals with Australia and New Zealand and improved relations through Association of Southeast Asian Nations status noted.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Heather Wheeler Con
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The Department's progress in enhancing economic ties with the Indo-Pacific is under scrutiny.

Question

What progress has my Department made on improving economic relations with the Indo-Pacific region?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The Government are committed to long-term economic and security partnerships as detailed in the “Integrated Review Refresh”. The Foreign Secretary's attendance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting and signing of an agreement paving the way for UK's formal accession to the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership are noted, covering a GDP of £12 trillion.

Answered
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Q2 Mark Menzies Con
Defence
Context

AUKUS subs at Barrow and Team Tempest progressing in Warton highlight the UK's relationship with allies in Japan and Australia, defending democratic values and creating jobs.

Question

What assessment has been made of the role defence manufacturing skills have played in developing diplomatic partnerships across Asia and the Pacific?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Our world-leading defence industrial base underpins national security. The global combat air programme with Japan and Italy, AUKUS submarines with Australia and the US demonstrate the role of British ingenuity in securing better outcomes for citizens and allies.

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Q3 Heather Wheeler Con
Business & Trade
Context

New and improving relationships in the Indo-Pacific are expected to influence UK trade, including with Cambodia and Laos.

Question

What will the new and improving relationships in the Indo-Pacific mean for UK trade?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The importance of our relationships with the Indo-Pacific, including those with Cambodia and Laos, will continue to present opportunities for UK trade. New trade deals with Australia and New Zealand and improved relations through Association of Southeast Asian Nations status are noted.

Answered
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Q4 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Foreign Affairs
Context

Thailand's Parliament voting for a Prime Minister amidst a political landscape shaped by the military junta since 2014.

Question

What representations has the Foreign Secretary made to the Thai authorities about democracy?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We welcomed Thailand's strong show of support for democracy through the election turnout and look forward to working with the new Administration. We continue to work closely in Thailand, supporting those who will form the next parliamentary group.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific representations or advice not provided

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Q5 Barry Sheerman Lab
Foreign Affairs Standards & Ethics Religion & Faith
Context

Concern over Prime Minister Modi's record, including persecution of Christians and curtailment of press freedom.

Question

Should we not look at Prime Minister Modi's real record, such as the systematic persecution of Christians and takeover of press freedom?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We have a close relationship with India, working on our 2030 roadmap. We raise concerns privately and regularly with international partners like India.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific instances of persecution or takeover not addressed

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