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3,506 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDWilton ParkMy Lords, making the presumption that—just because two people may have agreed on their perspective on the Brexit referendum, it does not mean that the former Foreign Secretary—15 May 2019HANSARDWilton ParkMy Lords, first, I am sure that many in this House and beyond regard Ms Stuart as a very able chair. I have dealt with her in her capacity as chair of Wilton Park and have…15 May 2019HANSARDWilton ParkMy Lords, of course the Minister responsible fully considered the position and background of all the candidates who applied for the position. I agree with the noble Baroness that…15 May 2019HANSARDWilton ParkMy Lords, let me assure the noble Baroness and indeed all noble Lords that anyone who takes part in this process is expected to adhere to a code of conduct. The chair continues to…15 May 2019HANSARDWilton ParkI have served under the former Foreign Secretary, and while there have been people who have raised challenges against him—[ Interruption .] I am answering a very long question, so…15 May 2019HANSARDWilton ParkMy Lords, the appointment process for the chair followed the governance code for public appointments. We sought candidates who matched the person specification for the role. In…15 May 2019HANSARDWilton ParkI think we have exhausted time.15 May 2019HANSARDAttacks on JournalistsMy Lords, I join other noble Lords in thanking the noble Lord, Lord Chidgey, for tabling this debate. I recognise and acknowledge his outstanding commitment to international…14 May 2019HANSARDSaudi Arabia: Torture of Political DetaineesThe noble Lord speaks with great insight on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and I agree with him. We have a very important and balanced relationship with Saudi Arabia that is…13 May 2019HANSARDIran and Gulf SecurityWhat was important in the Question from the noble Lord, Lord West, was that Iran stopped further development of its nuclear programme. The letter from President Rouhani made clear…13 May 2019HANSARDIran and Gulf SecurityAs the noble Lord knows, we are not only committed diplomatically to the JCPOA but have been working in co-operation with our European partners on the special purpose vehicle.…13 May 2019HANSARDIran and Gulf SecurityThe noble Lord’s final point is very much a matter for the United States Administration; it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the entourage of the Secretary of State.…13 May 2019HANSARDIran and Gulf SecurityMy Lords, US deployments remain a decision for the United States. In more general terms, we share the concerns of the United States and others about Iran’s influence in the wider…13 May 2019HANSARDIran and Gulf SecurityMy Lords, we note with great concern the statement made by Iran on 8 May concerning its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. We are analysing the detail and…13 May 2019HANSARDSaudi Arabia: Torture of Political DetaineesI have already answered, in part, the question on arms exports to Saudi Arabia, which, as I said, are managed in the most robust manner. The noble Lord mentions that we do not…13 May 2019HANSARDSaudi Arabia: Torture of Political DetaineesMy Lords, the noble Lord raises important points. But the fact that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is deploying a “charm offensive”, as he calls it—I would also call it a diplomatic…13 May 2019HANSARDSaudi Arabia: Torture of Political DetaineesMy Lords, on the latter point, the noble Baroness will know that we have a very rigid arms enforcement arrangement and process in place. That continues to apply to Saudi Arabia,…13 May 2019HANSARDSaudi Arabia: Torture of Political DetaineesI agree with the noble Baroness: the reports we have seen and the recent events that unfolded with the mass executions of detainees were horrific and of deep concern. Many of the…13 May 2019HANSARDSaudi Arabia: Torture of Political DetaineesMy Lords, we are concerned by the allegations of torture of political detainees, including women’s rights defenders, in Saudi Arabia. The UK Government unreservedly condemn…13 May 2019HANSARDIran and Gulf SecurityThe short answer to why the vehicle is not working is that it is not yet operational. However, we are working with our European partners to ensure that all elements continue to…13 May 2019