Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Global Human Security

13 April 2021 · 7 other contributors · 12,289 words

Opened by Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

Responding minister: James Cleverly

ClimateForeign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Wera Hobhouse raised concerns about global human security in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about narrow definition of security focusing only on risks from hostile actors, neglecting other threats like pandemics, climate change, and environmental degradation
  • The pandemic resulted in over 120,000 British civilian deaths in a year, highlighting unpreparedness for biological threats
  • UK urged to introduce a Wellbeing for Future Generations Bill to address long-term crises and set preventive safeguards

Key requests to Government

I urge the Minister to provide an operational plan that assesses the implementation of the integrated review based on how it improves global human security and benefits current and future generations. The UK should also introduce a Wellbeing for Future Generations Bill to reset its approach to long-term crises and set preventive safeguards in place before it is too late.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

I am concerned about the narrow definition of security that focuses only on risks from hostile actors, neglecting other threats such as pandemics, climate change, and environmental degradation. The pandemic has shown us how unprepared many countries were for biological threats, resulting in over 120,000 British civilian deaths in a year. There have been six significant pandemics in the past two decades, including SARS, MERS, Ebola, avian influenza, swine flu and covid-19. The climate crisis is worsening inequality between the global north and south, leading to natural disasters, food and water insecurity, and large-scale migration.

Other contributors (7)
  • Anna McMorrin Lab Cardiff North

    Ms. McMorrin highlighted the multiple simultaneous crises affecting global human security, including climate change, infectious diseases, conflict and poverty, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to address these interconnected issues. She advocated for the adoption of measures similar to Wales' Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015 to promote long-term thinking in policy-making. The MP also criticized the Government's cuts to aid spending as dangerous and costly, pointing out that such reductions undermine efforts to tackle climate change and health crises. Furthermore, she called for a more human-centred approach focusing on collaboration rather than competition.

  • Anthony Mangnall

    Mr. Mangnall congratulates Wera Hobhouse on securing this debate, discussing human security, gender-based violence, and the importance of retaining the 0.7% target for aid. He mentions that in 2017, 87,000 women were killed globally, equating to 137 a day, and that about 242 million women and girls would be victims of sexual abuse last year alone.

  • Chris Law SNP Dundee Central

    Mr. Law highlighted the necessity of a holistic approach to global human security, emphasising the interconnectedness of health, environmental, economic, food, political, community and personal security. He criticised the UK Government's decision to cut aid spending from 0.7% to 0.5%, noting that this would reduce the UK's aid budget by £4.5 billion or a 30% reduction relative to 2019. Mr. Law also pointed out the severe impact of these cuts on countries like Yemen and Syria, arguing that such reductions undermine global human security.

  • Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    Paying tribute to the armed forces for their deployment in testing and vaccine roll-out during the pandemic, Jamie Stone highlighted the role of military personnel in responding to extreme weather events. He deplored the proposed cut in the number of military personnel due to the need for human skills to defend human security. Stone also emphasised the real threat of cyber-attacks from countries like Russia, China and North Korea, underscoring the importance of defence against both institutional attacks and individual-level cyber threats. While acknowledging the success of vaccine rollouts involving our armed forces, I argue that deploying them for testing and vaccination duties relieves pressure from other health professionals and could potentially benefit other government budgets.

  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    Jeremy Corbyn argued that global human security should focus on providing basic necessities such as food, education, and healthcare to individuals. He criticized the UK's reduction in overseas aid expenditure while increasing defence spending, highlighting it sends a negative message globally.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Emphasised the importance of international cooperation in addressing global risks such as pandemics and climate change, highlighting the need for a new treaty to address future threats. Cited the success of vaccine development during the pandemic as an example of rapid progress when nations collaborate. In a previous debate, it was discussed that faith groups and NGOs can play a significant role alongside government efforts. I am seeking clarity on how these organisations can partner with the Government to improve outcomes in global security.

  • Stephen Farry SDLP East Antrim

    Stephen Farry discussed the need for a reconceptualisation of security from national to human security, highlighting issues such as climate change, migration flows, pandemics, and conflicts with gross abuses of human rights. He emphasised the importance of viewing health security in a global context.

Government Response

James Cleverly

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship this morning, Sir Christopher. I am grateful to the hon. Member for Bath (Wera Hobhouse) for securing this debate and also for the contributions made by Members across the House. The integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy highlighted three broad and significant challenges: autocratic regimes undermining human rights and open societies; rapidly developing technologies posing new dangers; and existential threats like pandemics and climate change. In response to these challenges, the Prime Minister's vision for a stronger, more prosperous Union in 2030 is set out in the integrated review, committing to work on global challenges, invest in science and technology, champion free trade and individual freedoms, and take a robust approach to security and deterrents. The UK remains one of the world's most generous aid donors despite financial pressures from coronavirus, having pledged £548 million for distributing 1 billion doses of vaccine to developing countries and committed £1.3 billion in aid to cushion pandemic impacts globally. We are also addressing climate change and cyber threats through international cooperation and responsible technological innovation.

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