Topical Questions 2020-11-24
2020-11-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is asking about the Secretary of State's activities and responsibilities within his department.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Since the last oral questions, I have opened the first ministerial meeting of the global Media Freedom Coalition of 37 countries, which the UK co-chairs alongside Canada; I have spoken to Prime Minister Abiy of Ethiopia to call for an urgent ceasefire in the Tigray region; and worked with my Five Eyes counterparts to issue a joint statement expressing serious concern regarding China's imposition of new rules to disqualify legislators in Hong Kong.
Since the last oral questions, I have opened the first ministerial meeting of the global Media Freedom Coalition of 37 countries, which the UK co-chairs alongside Canada; I have spoken to Prime Minister Abiy of Ethiopia to call for an urgent ceasefire in the Tigray region; and worked with my Five Eyes counterparts to issue a joint statement expressing serious concern regarding China's imposition of new rules to disqualify legislators in Hong Kong.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is asking about the UK's strategy to pressure China into ratifying international conventions related to forced labor.
Will the Secretary of State identify opportunities to pressure the Chinese Government into ratifying the forced labour convention, the abolition of forced labour convention, and the 2014 protocol to the forced labour convention, allowing the UK to be sure that supply chains being used by UK businesses and government are in no way supporting the Chinese Government's persecution of the Uyghurs? Does he agree that if UK business cannot get a full assurance, they should preferably onshore their supply chains back to UK plc?
I warmly welcome the spirit of my hon. Friend's question, although I think we need to be realistic about what China is going to be willing to sign up to. Therefore, for our part, we work very closely with UK businesses. It is very important—a hallmark of global Britain—that our businesses conduct themselves with integrity. We were the first country to produce a national action plan on the UN guiding principles on business and human rights, and the first country, with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, to ask businesses to report on their supply chains and how they could be affected. We are very proud of our international leadership in this area.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not identify specific opportunities or timelines for pressuring China into ratifying the conventions mentioned.
We Need To Be Realistic
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is questioning the UK's decision regarding its 0.7% aid commitment and its impact on soft power status.
Our existing 0.7% aid commitment sends a strong signal that the UK is a reliable partner for long-term economic, social, environmental and educational advancement across the globe, and this is cheaper than fighting wars—not my words but those of the CBI and the former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Lord David Richards. Does the Secretary of State agree that rowing back on our promise to the world's poorest people would jeopardise our soft power status ahead of the year when the UK will host the G7 and COP26, and will he recommit to his manifesto pledge, made exactly a year ago today, to spend 0.7% of GNI on aid?
ODA and our aid budget will remain at the absolute centre of the work we do as a force for good. I am afraid that we will have to wait for the spending review to hear what the Chancellor has to say on that.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not provide a clear answer or commitment regarding the 0.7% aid pledge and its importance.
We Will Have To Wait For The Spending Review
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about aggressive language from Chinese authorities and asks if stringent actions, including targeted sanctions, should be taken.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the aggressive language from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, saying that the west should beware of their eyes being poked and blinded, demonstrates that country's contempt for freedom and democracy and that now is the time for stringent actions, including targeted sanctions? If the current sanctions regime does not allow for the targeting of those responsible for what is happening in Hong Kong, will the Government consider new regulations that target those authority figures who are truly guilty, not innocent Hongkongers?
I totally share my hon. Friend's objective. With the Magnitsky sanctions, the key thing is to target those directly responsible. That requires evidence, and we work very closely with all our international partners to share our experience and compare notes in relation to that. The recent comments follow on from the solidarity that we as Five Eyes, alongside the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, have shown in relation to human rights, in particular in Hong Kong. It also follows on from the wider caucus of 39 countries that backed the UK in the UN Third Committee on not only Hong Kong but the issue of Xinjiang.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not commit to considering new regulations or targeted sanctions beyond sharing experiences with partners.
We Work Very Closely
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is inquiring about UK actions to ensure freedom of religion or belief across the globe.
Christians, Muslims and others have been persecuted for their faith across India. What are the UK Government doing to ensure that people have freedom of religion and belief worldwide?
My hon. Friend is right to raise that. Protecting and promoting the freedom of religion or belief is an important part of our bilateral and multilateral relationships, and we do not shy away from acting on our concerns. We continue to deliver the recommendations of the report by the Bishop of Truro. Of the 22 recommendations, we have fully delivered 10 and made good progress on another seven, and we are on track to deliver all 22 by the time of the three-year review in mid-2022.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about potential changes to UK international aid spending from 0.7% of GNI.
It was reported last week that the Government are considering reducing our international aid spending from 0.7% to 0.5% of our GNI, despite that being a commitment enshrined in UK law and a firm Conservative manifesto promise. Does the Secretary of State agree that the pandemic landscape has changed things in such a way that this spending is probably needed now more than ever, and the FCDO must build up the resilience of vulnerable and developing countries to tackle current and future pandemics? Is the 0.7% commitment written in stone?
The hon. Gentleman is right to point to the important work that we do through ODA and on development. The Prime Minister hosted the Gavi summit, working with countries around the world to ensure that there is equitable access to a new vaccine. In relation to the 0.7% commitment and our future ODA spending, I am afraid he will have to wait for the spending review tomorrow.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not provide a clear stance or answer on maintaining or increasing aid spending due to pandemic needs.
Wait For The Spending Review
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about economic collapse in conservation areas due to the pandemic and asks if more aid will be targeted towards these areas.
My right hon. Friend is aware of my concern about the economic collapse that the pandemic has caused in some of the world's most important conservation areas and the resulting increase in poaching and the illegal wildlife trade in many areas. Could he reassure me that, over the coming weeks and months, he will target more of our aid budget at helping communities in those areas, protecting wildlife and tackling the illegal trade, which is damaging so much of our conservation?
The full extent of the impact of covid-19 on the illegal wildlife trade is not known, but my right hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. We know that it is a serious crime undertaken by organised criminal networks. We have contributed £250 million to the Global Environment Facility, which runs the world's biggest programme to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. He will understand that I am not able to give full details of future ODA spending commitments at this point.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not provide a concrete commitment or timeline for targeting more aid towards conservation areas.
Not Able To Give Full Details
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Caitlin McNamara reported being seriously sexually assaulted by Sheikh Nayhan, the UAE Minister of tolerance.
British citizen Caitlin McNamara has spoken publicly about being seriously sexually assaulted by Sheikh Nayhan. Has the Foreign Secretary raised that case with his counterparts in the UAE and demanded action on it? Have the Government looked at using Magnitsky sanctions against Sheikh Nayhan, given that he is based in the UK and owns property here?
The FCDO takes all reports of sexual assaults abroad extremely seriously. Consular officials from the embassy supported Caitlin McNamara when she reported the incident and are standing by to support her and her legal team.
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Assessment & feedback
Use of Magnitsky sanctions against Sheikh Nayhan
We Are On Side Of The Family
Consular Officials Supported
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Anne Sacoolas is facing a death through dangerous driving charge in the UK.
The Dunn family lost their appeal against the Foreign Office regarding the recall of Anne Sacoolas to the United Kingdom. Could my right hon. Friend make a statement about this, and does he think that, with the change of Administration, she might now be able to come back to the United Kingdom?
The High Court found that the Foreign Office behaved lawfully, properly and in good faith. However, we are on side of the Dunn family and will continue to call for Anne Sacoolas's return. I also negotiated changes to prevent similar cases in future.
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Assessment & feedback
Details about potential recall with new US Administration
We Are On Side Of The Family
Consistently Called For Her To Return
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Q10
Direct Answer
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Context
Kenyan Government pension payments have been suspended since early last year.
A cross-party group with constituents affected has written to the Minister for Africa about Kenyan Government pension arrears. Will the Minister meet us to discuss what more can be done to ensure that these payments resume and that the arrears due are paid?
I will make sure that a meeting with the Africa Minister can be arranged to look at what further steps we in the FCDO can take.
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Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK has committed to fighting disease abroad.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the £500 million investment by the UK in tackling malaria is both a welcome step against disease abroad and a benefit at home?
The UK is a founding member of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Since 2002, malaria deaths have halved.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Human rights abuses in Kashmir have worsened since August 2019.
The human rights abuses that Kashmiri people face are unacceptable. What is the Foreign Secretary doing to contribute to an international coalition to support India and Pakistan in negotiations on de-escalating the immediate crisis, and will he commit to targeting development funding to support Kashmiris?
These matters about the region of Kashmir have to be settled bilaterally between Pakistan and India. We raise these issues at every opportunity with both authorities.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to targeting development funding for Kashmiris
Bilaterally Settled
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Q13
Direct Answer
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Context
The FCDO promotes the UK globally.
Will the Secretary of State comment on the FCDO's activities promoting Wales in the world, particularly around St David's Day? What other Wales-focused activities does it conduct in its embassies and diplomatic missions globally?
Through the GREAT UK Challenge Fund, the FCDO promotes Welsh businesses and culture. In the last financial year, we supported 40 projects promoting the devolved nations, including 14 in Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed Iran is constructing an underground nuclear facility, with enriched uranium stockpiles exceeding the limit set in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Given the confirmation by the IAEA that Iran is building a new underground nuclear facility and its enriched uranium exceeds JCPOA limits, will the Minister confirm readiness to consider sanctions if Iran continues non-compliance?
I was in Berlin yesterday for an E3 meeting on Iran's nuclear programme, where we discussed how to maintain and constrain it within JCPOA limits. Over 200 EU sanctions are currently imposed on Iran, and the UK is engaging with the new US Administration to further strengthen measures against Iran's nuclear activities.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm readiness to impose sanctions in response to persistent non-compliance by Iran.
Under Review
Continuing Engagement
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
Tom Channon, an 18-year-old constituent of the MP, died at Eden Roc complex in Mallorca in July 2018, following another similar death weeks earlier. The consular staff have communicated with the president of Palma's provisional court regarding this matter.
After two deaths of UK citizens abroad due to negligence and five months delay in receiving a response from the provincial court's president, does the Minister agree that waiting for a reply after such tragic incidents is unacceptable?
The tragic death abroad of any UK citizen warrants serious attention. The consular staff have communicated with the president of Palma's provisional court, who assured us he would respond to the MP's letter despite heavy workloads due to the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the issue, the Minister did not directly address whether waiting over five months for a response is unacceptable.
Workload Issues
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Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
The Sri Lankan Government has effectively withdrawn from commitments made at the UN Human Rights Council, raising concerns about historical war crimes and ongoing human rights abuses.
Given Sri Lanka's withdrawal from previous UNHRC commitments, can we rely on the Foreign Secretary to lead in securing a new resolution for prosecuting war crimes and ensuring accountability for human rights violations?
The issue is important, and we are working closely with international partners to address concerns such as civil society harassment and militarisation. The Minister spoke with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister about these issues on 5 November.
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Assessment & feedback
While noting engagement with Sri Lanka, the Minister did not commit to supporting a new UN resolution specifically for war crimes prosecution or accountability.
Ongoing Discussions
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Q17
Direct Answer
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China has imposed sanctions on Australia due to requests for an independent inquiry into the origin of COVID-19.
In light of China's aggressive actions against Australia, will the Secretary of State publicly condemn these actions and support our ally during this challenging time?
We stand fully alongside Australia in defence of values and interests. The Foreign Secretary engaged with Australian counterparts recently to discuss these issues, including on matters related to Hong Kong.
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Assessment & feedback
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