Contributions
3,506 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEuropean Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere and the European Space Agency (Immunities and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 2023My Lords, I thank both noble Lords who have spoken in this brief debate for their acknowledgement of the fact that what we have in front of us is a correction rather than a…06 Feb 2024HANSARDEuropean Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere and the European Space Agency (Immunities and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 2023That the Grand Committee do consider the European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere and the European Space Agency (Immunities and Privileges)…06 Feb 2024HANSARDUkraineThat this House takes note of the situation in Ukraine.26 Jan 2024HANSARDUkraineMy Lords, I first welcome all noble Lords who are taking part in this extremely important debate. I thank them all in advance for their participation in what I know will be an…26 Jan 2024HANSARDUkraine: ReconstructionMy Lords, on my noble friend’s second question, financial systems and capital markets have developed very differently and progressively since the era he talks of. On the first…25 Jan 2024HANSARDUkraine: ReconstructionI am aware of the steps that other jurisdictions are taking. I am not going to make policy on the hoof here and suggest that we are now going to impose windfall taxes, et cetera.…25 Jan 2024HANSARDUkraine: ReconstructionMy Lords, I disagree on several points here. What is very clear, and I think the majority of your Lordships will agree with me, is that Russia is accountable. The freezing of…25 Jan 2024HANSARDUkraine: ReconstructionI think that it is based on his insight and experience. It is helpful that the US is exploring various options, as the noble Lord, Lord Fox, also pointed out. I cannot go further…25 Jan 2024HANSARDUkraine: ReconstructionI believe I have addressed that. I agree with the noble Lord, and that is what I have said. Any action, whatever that may be, must be legally underpinned and legally robust. That…25 Jan 2024HANSARDUkraine: ReconstructionOn the noble Lord’s second point, that is something that we are working through. I cannot go into further detail, but we are working closely with our colleagues in His Majesty’s…25 Jan 2024HANSARDUkraine: ReconstructionMy Lords, of course we are working very closely, as I said in my original Answer, with G7 members, particularly the United States. On seizing assets, we will ensure that any…25 Jan 2024HANSARDUkraine: ReconstructionMy Lords, the United Kingdom, alongside the G7, has underscored that Russia’s international law obligations are clear. Russia must pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. G7…25 Jan 2024HANSARDUkraine: ReconstructionOne thing I have learned as a Minister is that you never spill the beans unless it is necessary. The noble Lord will know from his experience of being a leading diplomat that of…25 Jan 2024HANSARDTaiwan: ElectionsOn the noble Lord’s first point, I fear that if he is asking for a reciprocal letter of congratulations from Taiwan, he will be waiting a long time. I take on board the point he…18 Jan 2024HANSARDTaiwan: ElectionsMy Lords, the noble Lord knows how much I agree with him on this point. Civil society is intrinsic to any progressive society, particularly democracies, be they emerging, fragile…18 Jan 2024HANSARDTaiwan: ElectionsMy Lords, on the noble Lord’s second point, I have already said that we have led on that and will continue to campaign for Taiwan’s direct engagement as an observer at the World…18 Jan 2024HANSARDLGBT People: Diplomatic ServiceMy Lords, the FCDO has rightly apologised for the unjust ban on LGBT+ officers serving in the Diplomatic Service prior to 1991. The department is also actively monitoring the…18 Jan 2024HANSARDLGBT People: Diplomatic ServiceOf course. That is a very pragmatic and practical suggestion, which we will take forward. I assure the noble Baroness that we are doing exactly that and working with the…18 Jan 2024HANSARDTaiwan: ElectionsWe certainly welcome the partnership agreement. As I understand it, the Department for Business and Trade has no current live plans for an FTA. However, the diversity of our trade…18 Jan 2024HANSARDLGBT People: Diplomatic ServiceOver many years, if I have learned one thing it is to listen to my noble friend very closely. Of course we will take that forward, but I assure her that, notwithstanding her…18 Jan 2024