UK Internal Market Bill Diplomacy 2020-10-13
2020-10-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific event or statistic was mentioned, but it pertains to the ongoing debate over the legality and diplomatic ramifications of the UK Internal Market Bill.
What recent assessment has been made of the potential effect of the UK Internal Market Bill on the effectiveness of UK diplomacy?
We continue to work with the EU in the Joint Committee to resolve outstanding issues in relation to the Northern Ireland protocol.
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Assessment & feedback
The impact of the Bill on UK diplomacy was not addressed, only a statement about working with the EU was provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question references previous statements by the Foreign Secretary and mentions legal proceedings against the UK for breaking international law, as well as criticism from US Congress.
Given that a Cabinet member admitted the UK Internal Market Bill breaks international law, 27 EU countries have begun legal proceedings against the UK, and both sides of Congress in the US say they will not support a Bill that breaks the rules-based order, when will the Foreign Secretary acknowledge this reality?
No, I do not agree with that. The measures in the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill are defensive, precautionary and proportionate, to safeguard the integrity of the UK. I was in Washington recently and had very constructive conversations on both sides of the aisle on the hill.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about the UK acting as a rogue state was not directly addressed, instead focusing on the defensive nature of the bill and recent US meetings.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question mentions a constituent facing custody without charge, and the issue of disrespected international laws by the UK Government.
How will the Secretary of State remind the Republic of India of its obligations under international law, given that his own Government have so flagrantly disrespected it?
I am afraid I just do not accept the assertion and I do not accept the equivalence. We engage with the Indian Government right across the world. I have never had the pushback the hon. Member describes.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about reminding India of its obligations was not directly addressed, instead focusing on discrediting the assertion and describing general engagement practices.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question builds on previous debate about the Bill and its implications for international law.
Can the Secretary of State specifically outline how and in what ways he believes the United Kingdom International Market Bill strengthens the international credibility of the UK?
I thank the hon. Lady. As I have made clear, the Bill is a defensive, precautionary measure to safeguard the integrity of the UK. Perhaps she would like to listen to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who said on 5 October that 'the United Kingdom has really shown itself as an example to the whole world'.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about strengthening international credibility was not directly addressed, instead focusing on a quote from Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The question relates to ensuring that all parts of the United Kingdom are represented and valued in future international trade agreements.
Will he recognise, however, that his role is to promote the voices of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland together to make sure all those four nations achieve the best for the whole United Kingdom?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have just signed a deal with Japan, and we are looking at a second one with South Korea and scoping talks with Vietnam to represent the businesses and consumers of all four nations of the United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy