Contributions
3,506 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDIndia: Democratic FreedomsMy Lords, the United Kingdom Government are absolutely committed to standing up for democracy and defending human rights around the world. We have a broad and deep partnership…14 Mar 2024HANSARDIndia: Democratic FreedomsMy Lords, I would not compare India in any shape or form to Russia—we have to be very clear about that. On the specific case that the noble Lord raised, he will be aware that,…14 Mar 2024HANSARDIndia: Democratic FreedomsMy Lords, the noble Lord is right. This Government stand up for media freedom and the protection of media. Indeed, the current Chancellor of the Exchequer initiated such a…14 Mar 2024HANSARDIndia: Democratic FreedomsI totally concur with the noble Lord’s summary because that is demonstrable in any country around the world. On the issue of Dalits, we have seen progress in this respect not just…14 Mar 2024HANSARDIndia: Democratic FreedomsI assure the right reverend Prelate that this Government, with our partners, are fully committed to defending freedom of religion or belief globally. Any reports of discrimination…14 Mar 2024HANSARDIndia: Democratic FreedomsI said in previous answers that we continue to recognise India’s valuable contribution internationally, but, equally, we raise concerns constructively where we see them.14 Mar 2024HANSARDGibraltar: UK-EU NegotiationsI assure the noble Baroness and your Lordships’ House that the United Kingdom’s support for Gibraltar is steadfast, and we will not agree anything that compromises Gibraltar’s…12 Mar 2024HANSARDGibraltar: UK-EU NegotiationsI am sure that when they see the noble and learned Baroness, there will be a nod through at both ends. There will be two processes; there will be checks by both Gibraltar and…12 Mar 2024HANSARDGibraltar: UK-EU NegotiationsMy noble friend puts forward a practical suggestion that I will certainly take back. However, he will be aware that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office engages…12 Mar 2024HANSARDGibraltar: UK-EU NegotiationsMy Lords, I suppose I should declare an interest: Gibraltar in Arabic is actually Gibr al-Tariq, so I suppose I have a personal claim over the territory under discussion. I agree…12 Mar 2024HANSARDGibraltar: UK-EU NegotiationsAs the noble Baroness will know, there are provisions within the political framework for a level playing field. That will allow for mutual standards on matters covering labour,…12 Mar 2024HANSARDGibraltar: UK-EU NegotiationsThe noble Lord speaks with great insight. I can give him a cast-iron assurance that I agree with every word he has said. We work closely with the Chief Minister and his team. I…12 Mar 2024HANSARDZimbabwe: SanctionsMy Lords, I assure the noble Lord that part of our approach on sanctions is one element of that: using the levers that we have, in working with key partners, to ensure that the…07 Mar 2024HANSARDZimbabwe: SanctionsMy Lords, I often say about sanctions that I will not speculate about what we are going to do; I will not speculate on the intention of another Government. We have a strong…07 Mar 2024HANSARDZimbabwe: SanctionsMy Lords, on the noble Lord’s final point, as I said, the global human rights sanctions regime was introduced in 2019. It allows for regular reviews. We debate particular…07 Mar 2024HANSARDZimbabwe: SanctionsMy Lords, our Zimbabwe sanctions hold to account four individuals and one entity responsible for serious human rights abuses. They do not target the people or economy of Zimbabwe.…07 Mar 2024HANSARDZimbabwe: SanctionsMy Lords, my noble friend is right. We have been deeply seized by and concerned about the targeting of civil liberties. We engaged with the Government on the PVO amendment Bill…07 Mar 2024HANSARDZimbabwe: SanctionsMy Lords, on my noble friend’s first point, I assure him that we are finely tuned and attuned with our colleagues across the pond. They shared their intent in advance. On his…07 Mar 2024HANSARDZimbabwe: SanctionsI pay tribute to the noble Lord for his work on the APPG. I agree that Zimbabwe has great opportunities, from looking at the people-to-people links with the United Kingdom. Again,…07 Mar 2024HANSARDZimbabwe: SanctionsMy Lords, the noble Lord knows I agree with his last point, not just in Zimbabwe but everywhere. Countries—indeed, Governments—can learn and progress much faster and more…07 Mar 2024