Contributions
1,897 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDReview Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation TreatyI assure the noble Baroness that the FCDO is not in turmoil. The way I look at it is that defence, diplomacy and development work closely together. They are all needed in order to…09 Jul 2026HANSARDReview Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation TreatyNot at all. My job is as the Minister with responsibility for development in Africa. I am confident that there are Members of this House who are very able, should they so wish, in…09 Jul 2026HANSARDReview Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation TreatyThat might be a question better addressed to my colleague at the Ministry of Defence. My understanding of these issues is that our position remains consistent with that of…09 Jul 2026HANSARDReview Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation TreatyWe are completely committed to this treaty, as are our partners and allies. Consensus was not achieved, which is regrettable—it is always better if you can have that—but the…09 Jul 2026HANSARDReview Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation TreatyWe had extensive discussion and advice on this issue while we were debating the relevant legislation. We are confident that obligations under the relevant treaties on…09 Jul 2026HANSARDVenezuela EarthquakesMy noble friend is right—this is a truly devastating situation, and its true extent is yet to be revealed. The United Kingdom will, of course, play its part in supporting those…09 Jul 2026HANSARDVenezuela EarthquakesIt is an important point. There are without doubt going to be long-term needs to strengthen the state, as there were before the earthquake happened, but those have been brought…09 Jul 2026HANSARDUkraine: Decentralisation ReformsMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Risby, for securing this debate. I know that it has not been the biggest draw of the day, as far as Parliament is concerned, but the quality…09 Jul 2026HANSARDInternational Development Outcomes for Women and GirlsI am grateful to the noble Baroness, Lady Sugg, for bringing us together to have this discussion. It is incredibly important that we do so, and it speaks to the level of interest…09 Jul 2026HANSARDInternational Development Outcomes for Women and GirlsI would be very happy to do that. I know that the noble Lord does not pull these things out of thin air; I am familiar with where this has come from. I have said what I have said,…09 Jul 2026HANSARDWest Bank: Purchase of Settlement Land and PropertyIt is not a case of political will. This is about what we can do that would make a practical difference and be enforceable and implementable. Our guidance is clear. We are looking…06 Jul 2026HANSARDWest Bank: Purchase of Settlement Land and PropertyI think the implementation of international law in this circumstance would be a very good thing. We are not telling people what they have to do; we are pointing out that there is…06 Jul 2026HANSARDWest Bank: Purchase of Settlement Land and PropertyAs the noble Baroness knows, we do not comment on sanctions pre-emptively, because that would reduce their effect. But her sentiment of discouraging UK individuals and businesses…06 Jul 2026HANSARDWest Bank: Purchase of Settlement Land and PropertyUK agencies are well aware of the Government’s position on this. The advice we have given is to guide and protect UK businesses and individuals from getting themselves…06 Jul 2026HANSARDWest Bank: Purchase of Settlement Land and PropertyMy Lords, settlements are illegal under international law. We condemn settlement expansion. In June, the Foreign Secretary updated business risk guidance to explicitly advise…06 Jul 2026HANSARDWest Bank: Purchase of Settlement Land and PropertyThe position is that these settlements are illegal, and it is the duty of the Government to make clear that position to UK businesses and others. That is the view of this…06 Jul 2026HANSARDWest Bank: Purchase of Settlement Land and PropertyIn this Government’s view, the purchases do not help to bring about a two-state solution or peace and stability in the region. That is why we have taken the position that we have,…06 Jul 2026HANSARDWest Bank: Purchase of Settlement Land and PropertyAs the noble Lord knows, for generations communities have lived side by side in the West Bank and throughout Israel, and that is the aspiration that we all share. The reason we…06 Jul 2026HANSARDInternational Marine Protected Area: Sargasso SeaMy Lords, the UK recognises the global importance of conserving the Sargasso Sea and has long worked with the Government of Bermuda on science-led conservation, including with the…06 Jul 2026HANSARDInternational Marine Protected Area: Sargasso SeaI will have to take the right reverend Prelate’s word that that is the case. That certainly makes sense to me. As signatories to the agreement, we would hope to work with our…06 Jul 2026