Contributions
331 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDExiting the European Union (Sanctions)I would genuinely like to thank all Members who have contributed to the debate. Many have done so from a position of significant expertise and knowledge of the countries mentioned…29 Apr 2019HANSARDExiting the European Union (Sanctions)In general terms, the answer is yes, I very much hope so. That is what sanctions are designed to do. However, as the House will appreciate, we are today just looking at the…29 Apr 2019HANSARDExiting the European Union (Sanctions)If we leave the EU with a deal, there will be a period of transition in which we will retain our sanctions under the existing EU system. If we leave with no deal, which is what we…29 Apr 2019HANSARDExiting the European Union (Sanctions)Right hon. and hon. Members will be well aware of the importance of sanctions, which are a key element of our approach to our most important international priorities. They help to…29 Apr 2019HANSARDExiting the European Union (Sanctions)I am about to finish. If the hon. Gentleman would like to catch your eye, Madam Deputy Speaker, he may stand a chance of asking some questions, which I will answer at the end.…29 Apr 2019HANSARDExiting the European Union (Sanctions)I beg to move motion 1, That the Chemical Weapons (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I., 2019, No. 618), which were laid before this House on 22 March, be approved.29 Apr 2019HANSARDExiting the European Union (Sanctions)I am afraid that the hon. Lady’s indignation is wrong on all counts. First, white phosphorus does not fall under the chemical weapons regime as it is a different sort of weapon,…29 Apr 2019HANSARDExiting the European Union (Sanctions)The hon. Lady seems slightly indignant, and I am happy to give way.29 Apr 2019HANSARD Saudi Arabia: Mass ExecutionsFirst, we do have to be certain about establishing the facts in these cases. I know that a lot of suggestions have been made about many things that may have happened with the 37,…24 Apr 2019HANSARDRussian Annexation of CrimeaWhen we have something to say, we will choose the time to say it. This is not the forum in which to comment on the Council of Europe, because the debate, as on the Order Paper, is…24 Apr 2019HANSARDRussian Annexation of CrimeaI hope that everyone in this Chamber is in favour of the consistent application of such rules across the world, be it with Israel or with Russia. That consistent application is…24 Apr 2019HANSARDRussian Annexation of CrimeaI thank my hon. Friend the Member for Henley (John Howell) for initiating this debate, and for setting out the arguments so clearly and in such a well-informed manner—as did all…24 Apr 2019HANSARD Saudi Arabia: Mass ExecutionsOur objective is for the Saudi Arabian Government to remove the death penalty for absolutely everything. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has made very clear statements…24 Apr 2019HANSARD Saudi Arabia: Mass ExecutionsI accept that we are one Minister down in the Foreign Office at the moment, and that may well be because my right hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair…24 Apr 2019HANSARD Saudi Arabia: Mass ExecutionsThe hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to say that the trend has been thrown into reverse gear. That is what the EU statement today says specifically in respect of Saudi Arabia.…24 Apr 2019HANSARD Saudi Arabia: Mass ExecutionsThe hon. Gentleman is right to point out that there is a moral dilemma here. Moral dilemmas are never a choice between black and white; they are a choice between different shades…24 Apr 2019HANSARD Saudi Arabia: Mass ExecutionsThe hon. Lady is absolutely right to raise this point. As a Government, we tend to attend internationally important trials in all countries, where of course it is permitted by the…24 Apr 2019HANSARD Saudi Arabia: Mass ExecutionsI do not think that this is the moment for me to give an extended thesis on such matters, but I understand the hon. Gentleman’s suggestion. In many parts of the middle east, the…24 Apr 2019HANSARD Saudi Arabia: Mass ExecutionsWe value our trade with Saudi Arabia, as we do with all partners in the Gulf, but we have to ensure that such commercial activity goes hand in hand with the robust political…24 Apr 2019HANSARD Saudi Arabia: Mass ExecutionsI can give that assurance. We obviously want to defend human rights everywhere, and we want to maximise our trade, but we will not pursue a trade opportunity at the expense of…24 Apr 2019