Contributions
3,506 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSouth Africa: Just Energy Transition PartnershipMy Lords, again, the noble Baroness raises an important point. I say to her that in this framework the “J” is “just”. That is something we recognise and it should do what it says…30 Jun 2022HANSARDSouth Africa: Just Energy Transition PartnershipMy Lords, again, my noble friend speaks with great insight and expertise, and I agree in the sense that this should not be in any way prescriptive. It should not mean the…30 Jun 2022HANSARDSouth Africa: Just Energy Transition PartnershipMy Lords, I think I have answered seven or eight questions and I was going to be in the unusual position of leaving your Lordships’ Chamber having said that I agreed with every…30 Jun 2022HANSARDAiden Aslin and Shaun PinnerMy Lords, as the noble Lord will be aware, prisoners of war cannot be prosecuted for taking part in direct hostilities. The whole process is about their early release, and they…28 Jun 2022HANSARDAiden Aslin and Shaun PinnerI am sure the noble Baroness will appreciate that I am not going to comment on the specifics, particularly in the sensitive situation which currently applies to the detainees. I…28 Jun 2022HANSARDAiden Aslin and Shaun PinnerI agree with the noble Lord. That is why we have been absolutely at one—and I appreciate the position of Her Majesty’s Opposition in this regard—in staying strong in our position…28 Jun 2022HANSARDWomen’s Rights to Reproductive Healthcare: United StatesMy Lords, with the leave of the House, I shall now repeat an Answer to an Urgent Question in the other place given by my right honourable friend the Minister for Asia and the…28 Jun 2022HANSARDWomen’s Rights to Reproductive Healthcare: United StatesMy Lords, I am sure the noble Lord acknowledges that, over many years, the United Kingdom has taken a strong and principled position on this. Indeed, the noble Lord and I have had…28 Jun 2022HANSARDWomen’s Rights to Reproductive Healthcare: United StatesMy Lords, I assure the noble Baroness that I am aware of all the respective conventions. We have articulated the clear position that this is a matter for the United States, but…28 Jun 2022HANSARDCommonwealthMy Lords, as my noble friend will be aware, the issue of girls’ education remains—and rightly so—a priority for Her Majesty’s Government and our Prime Minister. I can assure my…28 Jun 2022HANSARDWomen’s Rights to Reproductive Healthcare: United StatesMy Lords, I believe I have already stated that my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary has prioritised spending on women and girls, including on sexual and reproductive…28 Jun 2022HANSARDWomen’s Rights to Reproductive Healthcare: United StatesThe point made by the noble Baroness is exactly what I have articulated: we have made it clear that this is very much an issue for the United States. Of course, each state has its…28 Jun 2022HANSARDAiden Aslin and Shaun PinnerMy Lords, we are engaging directly with all agencies on the ground. The noble Lord mentions the Red Cross; of course, it has played an important role in reaching many communities…28 Jun 2022HANSARDCommonwealthAgain, I agree with my noble friend in his expert analysis and the wise counsel he offers to the FCDO. It is important that we remain vigilant. Indeed, it is not just across…28 Jun 2022HANSARDCommonwealthMy Lords, the importance of Ukraine—indeed the next Question I will be answering is on that very subject—was a discussion that did not meet with total agreement. I sat through and…28 Jun 2022HANSARDCommonwealthMy Lords, I am sure the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth will share my view that we enjoy a very strong, constructive relationship. That is important to take the Commonwealth…28 Jun 2022HANSARDCommonwealthMy Lords, one of the areas we pursued during our time in chair-in-office was to strengthen the voice of civil society within the context of the Commonwealth. Although I was not…28 Jun 2022HANSARDAiden Aslin and Shaun PinnerMy Lords, I hear what the noble Lord says. Of course, he is right to articulate that we have been making representations, including directly with the Russian authorities. We do…28 Jun 2022HANSARDCommonwealthOn the noble Lord’s second point, there is a very strong and objective criterion assessment. No new member state joins unless the existing members of the Commonwealth agree. On…28 Jun 2022HANSARDCommonwealthMy Lords, over the last four years, the United Kingdom, as chair-in-office, has worked closely with our Commonwealth partners to pursue the shared priorities that leaders set out…28 Jun 2022