Contributions
3,506 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBahrain: Human Rights AbusesMy Lords, suffice to say that I totally agree with my noble friend. We are seeing progress but there is more to be done, and we are working constructively and engaging with…25 Mar 2021HANSARDBahrain: Human Rights AbusesMy Lords, we have raised this issue directly and seen real progress. When it comes to migrant workers, for example, Bahrain achieved tier 1 status, according to US State…25 Mar 2021HANSARDBahrain: Human Rights AbusesI agree with my noble friend’s approach and, as the UK Human Rights Minister, that is exactly the approach I adopt.25 Mar 2021HANSARDBahrain: Human Rights AbusesMy Lords, the noble Baroness referred to a letter from several years ago. It is right that where we have concerns, we should raise them, and I align myself with that. However, we…25 Mar 2021HANSARDBahrain: Human Rights AbusesI agree with my noble friend. My right honourable friend James Cleverly, who is the Minister for the Middle East, will do exactly that. We look at all funding not only to the Gulf…25 Mar 2021HANSARDBahrain: Human Rights AbusesMy Lords, it takes a great deal to mute my noble friend and I am glad that we have heard from her. As I have already articulated, we have seen the creation of the oversight…25 Mar 2021HANSARDYemenMy Lords, we have debated concerns over the ODA reduction on a number of occasions in this House. I appreciate the sentiments expressed but, notwithstanding the nature of the…25 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights Update[ Inaudible ]—on a lighter note, I am always conscious that, when in an opening line “great respect” is expressed for the Minister, what will follow thereafter is a reflection of…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateI believe that I have already answered my noble friend’s first question in response to the noble Baroness, Lady Kennedy. He is right to raise how we can further strengthen the…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateWe are giving clear leadership and working with allies. While we are touching on a sobering subject—the situation of the Uighurs in China—we should recognise that we have not…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateOn the specific definition of genocide, my response and those of other Ministers are well documented. But I recognise the description that the noble Lord gave us all of the…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateOn my noble friend’s second point, I have already acknowledged the important work that has been done in both Houses in this respect. The Government’s amendment reflects those…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights Update[ Inaudible ]—in respect of what the noble Lord asks, I will write to him. I also acknowledge that, while these agreements were signed in 2015, the international community was…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateMy Lords, on the noble Lord’s second point, the United Kingdom has been seen to be taking action against anyone, or any country, that is found to be engaging in genocide following…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Collins, and the noble Baroness, Lady Northover, for their constructive remarks and will seek to address their specific questions. I also…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateAgain, as the noble and right reverend Lord acknowledged, the Government have rightly consistently called out human rights abuses, not just in the situation he described but…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateI have noted what all noble Lords have said in respect of sanctions of other individuals. I am sure that noble Lords respect the fact that I cannot be specific on particular…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateTurkey remains an important partner for the United Kingdom, but I assure the noble Earl that I engage directly on the issue of human rights with the Turkish Government. They have…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateI pay tribute to the work that the noble Baroness has done in the context of media freedom and the coalition. The independent legal panel has produced some excellent reports in…23 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights Update[ Inaudible ]—and also his own work in this respect. As I have already mentioned, I align myself with and recognise the strong sentiments of and the incredible role played by many…23 Mar 2021