Contributions
1,619 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDGenocide PreventionThe noble Lord will be aware that the United Kingdom Government work closely with global partners in the consideration of such situations and in determining how best to address…27 Feb 2019HANSARDGenocide PreventionThe noble Lord makes an important point, with which I am sure the entire Chamber is in sympathy. Again, I do not have specific information about training, but I will undertake to…27 Feb 2019HANSARDGenocide PreventionI have noted my noble friend’s letter to the Leader of the House; I am sure she will welcome it. On his point about training, he is absolutely right. A lot of cross-government…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirMy Lords, with the leave of the House, I will repeat in the form of a Statement the Answer given by my right honourable friend Mr Mark Field in response to an Urgent Question in…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirWhat I would say to my noble friend is that this will require wisdom and reflection by both countries. We have India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Any…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirSpeaking for the United Kingdom Government, they have been very proactive in engaging with both India and Pakistan. As I said, on Monday the Foreign Secretary communicated by…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI thank the noble Lord. I will turn to his last point first, if I may. Yes, we totally share his concern about the plight of the citizens within Kashmir. Our thoughts particularly…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirSadly, the conflict in Kashmir long predates Brexit. The noble Baroness will be aware that the United Kingdom has, with global partners, been working tirelessly and doing…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirMy noble friend makes a very pertinent comment. We recognise that there are deep human rights concerns in both India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Any…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI cannot answer that specific question, as I do not have that information in my brief. However, I undertake to investigate and shall write to the noble Lord. He refers to 20 years…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirThat is an important observation. Both countries have much to gain from a more peaceful environment in Kashmir and both have much to lose if that peace is disrupted. As a…27 Feb 2019HANSARDChagos ArchipelagoThis is an interesting and challenging situation. The United Kingdom Government are very clear that, while we do not share the view of others that this is a court judgment—we take…26 Feb 2019HANSARDChagos ArchipelagoI shall say two things to the noble Lord. First, in its statement to the court, the UK made clear Her Majesty’s Government’s sincere regret about the manner in which the…26 Feb 2019HANSARDChagos ArchipelagoMy Lords, this is an advisory opinion, not a judgment ruling. The opinion refers to our administration, not occupation. Of course we will look at the detail of it carefully. The…26 Feb 2019HANSARDChagos ArchipelagoI thank my noble friend for making a significant point—a point that I am sure has not escaped other Members in this Chamber. The ocean territory occupies a strategic position of…26 Feb 2019HANSARDChagos ArchipelagoI cannot comment in detail as to precisely how the Government will approach the future relationship. I have made clear what the Government propose to do at the moment. I have also…26 Feb 2019HANSARDChagos ArchipelagoAs I have already indicated, the Government will look at the detail of the advisory opinion very carefully. It is complex, and it needs analysis. I say to the noble Lord in the…26 Feb 2019HANSARDChagos ArchipelagoThe noble Baroness may be aware that in 2014 there was an independent detailed review and public consultation. That was carried out by KPMG. Resettlement was decided against on…26 Feb 2019HANSARDChagos ArchipelagoI think the noble Lord’s observation will be noted. It is an important point that, in the conduct of international affairs, there has to be mutual respect and recognition, and if…26 Feb 2019HANSARDChagos ArchipelagoAs the noble Lord will be aware, there was not unanimous support for the original referral. Concerns were expressed, particularly by the US, Australia and Israel, that this was…26 Feb 2019