Contributions
3,506 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDAfghanistan: Women and GirlsMy Lords, we are deeply concerned by reports of serious human rights violations and abuses, as well as a reduction in rights and access to services and public spaces for Afghan…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Women and GirlsMy Lords, I can assure my noble friend that we are working on all the particulars that she mentioned. I have travelled to the region with my right honourable friend the Foreign…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: FCDO UpdateMy Lords, I assure the noble Lord that when it comes to dealing with a crisis, unity is very much at the forefront of my mind. As I have said, I have worked in very practical…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: FCDO UpdateMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for his kind remarks. On the specifics of his question, there is of course the MPs- and Peers-specific hotline, and so on. I assure him that my…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: FCDO UpdateMy Lords, I cannot speak for the people of Afghanistan on what they perceive about their previous Government or indeed the Taliban Government. I can say that of course we…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: FCDO UpdateMy Lords, simply put, yes, of course there are levers at our disposal, and I have already alluded to a number of them. “Diplomatic” means how we work together with our key…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: FCDO UpdateMy Lords, I first thank the noble Lord, Lord Collins, and the noble Baroness, Lady Smith, for their questions and contributions during what has been a particularly challenging…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Women and GirlsMy Lords, overseas aid is an important part of our package, but the Taliban must live up to their promises, and no aid will be directed through those channels. We need to work…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Women and GirlsIf we were to identify such individuals, with all sensitivities considered, we would see what support could be offered. The noble Baroness points to a very vulnerable category; I…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Women and GirlsMy Lords, I totally understand the point that the noble Lord raises. He and I have discussed this matter, and I shall continue to work directly with him and other colleagues,…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Women and GirlsMy Lords, my noble friend rightly points out a particular issue. What the Taliban desire the most is international recognition; that is why it was right that we worked with France…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Women and GirlsI assure the noble Lord that we are focused very much on the priority of those who work directly with us. Of course, there are people within Afghanistan who are British nationals…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Women and GirlsMy Lords, I agree with the noble Baroness, and I am sure I speak for all noble Lords in paying tribute to those brave women. We have managed to ensure that many women have been…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Women and GirlsI assure the noble Lord that we are working on the specifics of what was proposed, and from other groups as well. I know the organisation very well, and in coming weeks I shall…07 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: SecurityMy Lords, I totally agree with my noble friend’s very valid point about the importance of the service given by people across Afghanistan in the security services and other areas…06 Sept 2021HANSARDConference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2021That the Grand Committee do consider the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2021.06 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: SecurityMy Lords, I note the noble Lord’s request and assure him that that is being, and will be, looked at. I think this is a moment of reflection. I agree with the noble Lord that with…06 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: SecurityMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness and many across your Lordships’ House and in the other place. The last three weeks have been an extremely testing time for all of us. The…06 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: SecurityThe noble Baroness is right, and there are many heart-rending stories in this respect of choices having to be made not in days or minutes but in seconds. In this regard, we have…06 Sept 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: SecurityMy Lords, the security situation in Afghanistan remains extremely volatile. There is an ongoing and high threat of terrorist attacks. As set out in UN Security Council Resolution…06 Sept 2021