Economic and Security Ties with Allies 2021-10-26
2021-10-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asks about diplomatic efforts to secure economic and security benefits with international allies against hostile actors.
What diplomatic steps is her Department taking to strengthen economic and security ties with international allies to help challenge hostile actors?
We are deepening our economic and security ties with allies, including the United States, members of the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership, and India. We need to win the battle for economic influence through free enterprise and economies based on democracy.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or strategies were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP seeks assurances on the government's commitment to enhance economic ties with India, highlighting opportunities for his constituency and the UK.
Boosting our economic ties with India could provide opportunities for businesses in my constituency of Leigh and across the UK. Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that she will do everything she can to turbo-charge that relationship?
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. I was in New Delhi and Mumbai last week doing just that. India is a key strategic partner for the United Kingdom. It is the world's largest democracy. There are huge opportunities. We are shortly about to launch trade talks with India and we are working to increase two-way investment flows.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete actions or specific commitments were not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns over the reduction in non-official development aid and questions if funding has been clawed back to support international commitments.
With just days to go until COP26, has she clawed back some of that funding in tomorrow's Budget, or will we see the same story playing out of a Foreign Secretary who is not taken seriously in Beijing because she is not taken seriously around her own Cabinet table?
I thank the hon. Lady for her warm welcome to the Dispatch Box. I look forward to working with her over the coming years—many, many years. I do not think the Chancellor would be very happy if I announced the spending review today—and I am not sure you, Mr Speaker, would be very happy either. However, I assure her that we are absolutely prioritising our humanitarian aid budget. We are prioritising women and girls as part of our development budget, and we are prioritising investing in honest, reliable infrastructure in developing countries, particularly clean, green infrastructure.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding amounts or inclusion in Budget were not mentioned
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP queries the impact of budget cuts on the Department's ability to influence global policy, particularly in relation to China.
When the Foreign Secretary's budget has been devastated over the past 10 years of Tory Government, can she not see the problem with no new money being announced in the Budget tomorrow?
I completely agree with the hon. Lady about the terrible atrocities that are taking place in Xinjiang, and I raised that with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on the phone last week, as well as our concerns over Hong Kong, which I have also raised publicly.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific guarantees were not provided
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about the Foreign Secretary's plans to leverage economic ties with allies for global strategic benefits.
Given her past experience, can she tell us how she will build on the economic power of the United Kingdom to develop our strategic influence around the world?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to say that developing our economic ties with like-minded allies is vital to developing our influence in the world and also the influence of free enterprise, freedom and democracy. That is why we are pursuing trade deals with the likes of the CPTPP, India and the United States, which are all democratic and free enterprise-based.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific strategies or plans were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP discusses the environmental, economic, and security implications of ice reduction in the Arctic and seeks confirmation on diplomatic efforts.
Does she agree that the sharply reducing ice in the Arctic is producing huge environmental challenges and serious economic and commercial opportunities?
I agree with my hon. Friend. Following our successful partnership with Australia and the United States on AUKUS, we are looking for similar partnerships that cover regions like the Arctic, working with close allies, such as Canada.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific diplomatic actions were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the anticipation of seeing the Foreign Secretary in various international settings as part of her role. The MP suggests that Members look forward to receiving images.
I also welcome the Foreign Secretary to her place. Like many other Members, I look forward to seeing many more glossy pictures of her in exciting places around the world doing her job looking fabulous. Perhaps she should sign them for Members keen to have more images of her.
We will get a signed copy for you.
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Assessment & feedback
The actual question about the Foreign Secretary's official duties and public image was not addressed, instead focusing on signing photos.
Deflected To A Personal Request
Response accuracy