Contributions
2,506 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeThe noble Lord has raised the foreign influence registration scheme. That was introduced less than a year ago. As he knows, we have designated initial nations accordingly. It is…22 Jun 2026HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeThe noble Lord has mentioned an important point. The former Security Minister, my right honourable friend Dan Jarvis—who held the post until he was appointed Defence Secretary a…22 Jun 2026HANSARDGrooming Gangs: Independent InquiryThe noble Baroness has a very strong point. It is horrific that the law has historically treated children, including victims of grooming, as capable of being child prostitutes…22 Jun 2026HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeWe have had a number of requests on that matter. We have considered carefully, in conjunction with counterterrorism police, how best to encourage reporting and ensure that reports…22 Jun 2026HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeAs my noble friend indicated, the two individuals concerned received significant prison sentences of eight years and 10 years for their offences. Immediately following the arrest,…22 Jun 2026HANSARDGrooming Gangs: Independent InquiryThe terms of reference for the inquiry are set out and the scope of the inquiry has been developed, and included in that are legal obligations to protect relevant information that…22 Jun 2026HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeWith due respect to the noble Lord, we will take action, where required, against the Chinese authorities. We assess that China poses a significant threat in a number of areas,…22 Jun 2026HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeI am grateful for the question. As I mentioned in my initial replies, to my knowledge, the Foreign Secretary last had contact with the Chinese authorities through the embassy on 8…22 Jun 2026HANSARDGrooming Gangs: Independent InquiryThe point the noble Baroness has made is extremely important. In the 14 or 15 years since she asked that Question, the police’s ability to collect information and to analyse data…22 Jun 2026HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeThe security services were involved throughout in the advice given to independent authorities on the development of the embassy. The Secretary of State has taken his decision. The…22 Jun 2026HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeThe Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office exists to promote trade with the Hong Kong special administrative region, and that is a legitimate activity. If there are allegations of…22 Jun 2026HANSARDGrooming Gangs: Independent InquiryMy Lords, I apologise for the confusion—it is one of those days. First, I welcome the noble Baroness, Lady Cash, to her new role. I wish her every success in holding the…22 Jun 2026HANSARDGrooming Gangs: Independent InquiryIt is an important issue that has been raised. I can give my noble friend the assurance that we will keep that matter under review. We have taken initial action in response to the…22 Jun 2026HANSARDGrooming Gangs: Independent InquiryIt is an important point. It is not directly within my gift to be able to answer that question, but I will make inquiries with my colleagues in the Department for Education for…22 Jun 2026HANSARDGrooming Gangs: Independent InquiryIt is an important point. I do not know the answer to why that was the case specifically, but it is an important point that people who are providing licensed taxi services are…22 Jun 2026HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeI appreciate the way in which the noble Lord has put that question. As I said to the noble Lord, Lord Fox, we are keeping all matters under review. We have commissioned Sir Adrian…22 Jun 2026HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeI certainly will give the right reverend Prelate the assurance that freedom of religion and expression is essential in the United Kingdom. Residents of this country should know…22 Jun 2026HANSARDHong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeIf proof is given and the state is taking action, the Government will consider what action we will take against that state. We have a number of potential tools at our disposal.…22 Jun 2026HANSARDTransnational Marriage AbandonmentThe noble Lord is absolutely right. One of the main causes of transnational abuse is where the passport is taken from the person so they cannot travel. We have tried through the…18 Jun 2026HANSARDTransnational Marriage AbandonmentAgain, in the context of transnational abuse, passport theft, abandonment abroad or abandonment in this country are issues where we have those potential difficulties. We are…18 Jun 2026