Contributions
3,506 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTaiwan: ElectionsMy Lords, I have already alluded to the importance of our relationship with Taiwan, the need to strengthen global trade and the role Taiwan plays in that regard. I will certainly…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 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 2024HANSARDLGBT People: Diplomatic ServiceI agree with the noble Lord, and I assure him that, certainly in my time at the Foreign Office as a joint Minister and at the FCDO, we have made great strides forward. I recognise…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 2024HANSARDLGBT People: Diplomatic ServiceI begin by paying tribute to the noble Lord for his work in this area, and to that of my noble friend Lord Lexden, too, for what has been done in this place. I also acknowledge…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 2024HANSARDTaiwan: ElectionsMy Lords, the elections on 13 January are a testament to Taiwan’s vibrant democracy. My noble friend the Foreign Secretary issued a statement following the result congratulating…18 Jan 2024HANSARDLGBT People: Diplomatic ServiceMy Lords, I note what the noble Baroness has said. As the noble Baroness, Lady Hayter, also pointed out, it is important that we are proactive, but also sensitive, in our…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 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 2024HANSARDIsrael and PalestineMy Lords, I will first share my own thoughts and those of the Government. I think I speak for every Member of your Lordships’ House when I say that the loss of life we saw in the…15 Jan 2024HANSARDPoverty: International Development AidThe noble Baroness differentiated between me as a Minister of the Crown and the Government. I assure her that we are at one and we totally understand the connection that she…15 Jan 2024HANSARDIsrael and PalestineMy Lords, I first thank the noble Lord for his kind remarks. Securing UN Security Council Resolution 2720 was of course important. Being directly involved, I can assure your…15 Jan 2024HANSARDPoverty: International Development AidThe right reverend Prelate is right to raise that question. I will take back the specific issue of an update on the strategy and write to him, but we believe very much in…15 Jan 2024HANSARDIsrael and PalestineMy Lords, first of all, on my noble friend’s point on hostages, I myself, along with the Foreign Secretary, have met with various members of the families of hostages currently…15 Jan 2024HANSARDPoverty: International Development AidI totally agree with my noble friend I am sure that Hansard will correct me otherwise, but I think I did mention trade. I agree that trade is part and parcel of this, which is why…15 Jan 2024HANSARDPoverty: International Development AidMy Lords, the strategic decision to reduce was taken because of domestic pressures. It was right that we gave a commitment to return to 0.7%, and the Government stand by that. On…15 Jan 2024HANSARDPoverty: International Development AidFirst, I understand that it is the noble Lord’s birthday, so I extend my best wishes and those of your Lordships’ House—he is 21 once again.15 Jan 2024HANSARDIsrael and PalestineI assure the noble Lord that we have done exactly that. While there may not be direct operational instruction from Iran to those militias that are being supported—not just those…15 Jan 2024