Contributions
1,897 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDIsrael-Gaza Conflict: Arrest WarrantsIt is not my understanding that that is the position of the United States. One or two Senators may have made comments, but that is not the position of President Biden; nor do I…26 Nov 2024HANSARDTaipei Representative Office in the United KingdomMy Lords, the UK’s long-standing position on Taiwan has not changed. The UK does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but does have a strong unofficial relationship based on…25 Nov 2024HANSARDTaipei Representative Office in the United KingdomMy Lords, the noble Lord is correct to point out our good trading relationship with Taiwan. We do not see this as an either/or. We have a good trading relationship with both China…25 Nov 2024HANSARDTaipei Representative Office in the United KingdomMy Lords, whenever I am asked about my feelings on these issues, I know that it is probably wise to choose my words incredibly carefully. To reiterate: the Government do not have…25 Nov 2024HANSARDTaipei Representative Office in the United KingdomWe do recognise that. I know that several noble Lords in this Chamber have undertaken many meetings with and visits to Taiwan. This Parliament and representatives of Taiwan enjoy…25 Nov 2024HANSARDTaipei Representative Office in the United KingdomWe are very keen to promote our values of democracy and the rule of law in the region and elsewhere in the world. I would not say that we are particularly leveraging our…25 Nov 2024HANSARDTaipei Representative Office in the United KingdomMy Lords, we support Taiwan’s participation in multilateral bodies, particularly when statehood is not a prerequisite, such as at the World Health Assembly, and we have supported…25 Nov 2024HANSARDTaipei Representative Office in the United KingdomMy Lords, we value the work of the WHO and the contribution that Taiwan has made through the World Health Assembly. We will continue to support its participation, because we…25 Nov 2024HANSARDTaipei Representative Office in the United KingdomThe noble Lord is right to remind us of the precariousness of a situation arising such as he describes. It would be very dire indeed for the world economy. It would take around…25 Nov 2024HANSARDTaipei Representative Office in the United KingdomI hear the noble Lord. There are many countries in the world that I wish we could change for a statement or a shift in position. But we need to tread carefully and respectfully,…25 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP 29: United Kingdom DelegationI welcome contributions from any leaders who have influence anywhere. It is important that this task is not just left to the politicians and that community leaders and faith…21 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP 29: United Kingdom DelegationAbsolutely I would, and if there was anyone who took a pragmatic lens to these issues, it would be our friend John Prescott. Perhaps we could think to ourselves “What would John…21 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP 29: United Kingdom DelegationOur economic goal is around achieving growth for the UK, and our environmental ambition is to reduce the amount of climate change. We are aiming, still, for 1.5 degrees. How close…21 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP 29: United Kingdom DelegationMy Lords, the UK’s COP 29 delegation is smaller than that for COP 28, but our delegation is planned to ensure a productive summit that will progress UK strategic outcomes. The…21 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP 29: United Kingdom DelegationThe noble Lord, with respect, might wish to retable this in a couple of weeks when COP has actually concluded. At the moment, although we know how many people we have accredited,…21 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP 29: United Kingdom DelegationI agree with my noble friend. We need to be serious about this, because the threat of climate change is real and it is driving a loss of resource and of water, it is driving…21 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP 29: United Kingdom DelegationMy Lords, these matters are hugely significant for the future of the world. Yes, it would be wonderful if we could reach agreement on really difficult issues—where the UK, I am…21 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP 29: United Kingdom DelegationWhat the noble Lord highlights is the importance to many of our global partners of action on the climate, whether that is prevention of climate change through the work that we do,…21 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP 29: United Kingdom DelegationThe UK has been consistent in seeking a peaceful resolution. We take every opportunity that we can to move that forward.21 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP 29: United Kingdom DelegationWe are not going to get any improvement in stemming the loss of biodiversity or deforestation without working with indigenous communities. I was very pleased to meet Domingo Peas,…21 Nov 2024