Contributions
1,800 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDJammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political SituationMy Lords, the United Kingdom monitors developments in Pakistan-administered Kashmir closely. We are concerned by reports of unrest, loss of life and injuries. We support freedom…23 Jul 2026HANSARDJammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political SituationWe welcome the recent reports that dialogue is ongoing between the affected parties to find a resolution. It is good news. I reassure the noble Lord that, during Minister…23 Jul 2026HANSARDJammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political SituationI reassure the noble Baroness that we regularly raise human rights concerns with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels. Promoting human rights is a core part of the…23 Jul 2026HANSARDJammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political SituationFirst, I confess I take a whole-government approach: I am not in the FCDO at the moment but have some responsibility for government policy. I reassure the noble Lord that, in my…23 Jul 2026HANSARDJammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political SituationI thank the noble Lord and I am sure, by the way, that we will have dedicated Ministers in this House. The Government are committed to that, but do not be disappointed when I get…23 Jul 2026HANSARDJammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political SituationI hear the noble Baroness, but the first priority of the FCDO is the safety of British nationals, which we ensure through regular consultation with our missions. Our advice is…23 Jul 2026HANSARDJammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political SituationAs I think I said in my initial Answer, we are monitoring the situation very carefully and we strongly support individuals’ rights of freedom of assembly and expression and…23 Jul 2026HANSARDJammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political SituationThe noble Lord knows from previous Answers to these Questions that we have been consistent about reports of violence. We express our condolences to families who have lost loved…23 Jul 2026HANSARDDraft Conversion Practices BillI thank the noble Lords for their questions. I am acutely aware that there is a consensus across this House. There are no bipartisan divides here. The previous Government were…01 Jul 2026HANSARDDraft Conversion Practices BillI thank the right reverend Prelate. The important thing here is that the consultations have been going on for some time, as have the debates on this legislation, as the noble…01 Jul 2026HANSARDDraft Conversion Practices BillI thank my noble friend for emphasising that point, because I think it is really important. I also thank him for his congratulations on my appointment as Special Envoy for LGBT+…01 Jul 2026HANSARDDraft Conversion Practices BillI had hoped that the noble Baroness would have listened to my response to the Front Benches. To be clear, we have identified gaps in existing law where we cannot prosecute…01 Jul 2026HANSARDDraft Conversion Practices BillI thank my noble friend for her question. She is absolutely right, and that is why the pre-legislative scrutiny will be important. We are very clear that the Government will not…01 Jul 2026HANSARDDraft Conversion Practices BillI cannot be clearer, and I will repeat the point: this is not about the Government dictating to people how to raise their children. The measures in the Bill are not intended to…01 Jul 2026HANSARDDraft Conversion Practices BillI thank the noble Lord and I appreciate his comments. I meant what I said: there is cross-party consensus and a consensus across this House on stopping this abuse, and he is…01 Jul 2026HANSARDDraft Conversion Practices BillI think I am inclined to agree with the noble Baroness that scrutiny is about challenge. I have no problem with questions being asked. I have no problem in addressing the issues…01 Jul 2026HANSARDDraft Conversion Practices BillI thank the noble and right reverend Lord for his question and sort of agree with him. I have tried to be clear that the Bill criminalises abusive, harmful acts that are intended…01 Jul 2026HANSARDDraft Conversion Practices BillI am glad that my noble friend has asked that question because I cannot be clearer. I might be offended by someone saying to me, “You’re gay, we don’t like it” or “It’s against my…01 Jul 2026HANSARDCuba: Humanitarian SituationI hear what the noble Lord says, but what the United Kingdom Government have been doing is engaging with both the United States and Cuba. We welcome the dialogue taking place…09 Jun 2026HANSARDCuba: Humanitarian SituationI suspect that the noble and learned Lord knows the answer to that question. We are members of the United Nations Security Council. We are absolutely committed to international…09 Jun 2026