Contributions
387 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDJammu and KashmirI know that my hon. Friend is also a former officer of the all-party beer group—I wondered whether he was going to express that interest today. Again, he makes a serious point…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI am not sure I would recommend a referendum to anyone in the current circumstances—certainly, it would not be wise for the UK—but the right hon. Gentleman makes a very serious,…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirYes, I very much agree with my hon. Friend. She will be aware that any allegations of human rights abuses are concerning and need to be investigated thoroughly, promptly and…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI thank the hon. Gentleman. As I mentioned earlier, we are working as rapidly as we can within all international organisations. If I may touch on a point I did not address earlier…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirMy hon. Friend will recognise that, as a diplomat or a Foreign Office Minister, sometimes the most effective way to make an argument to our counterparts is not through megaphone…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI am amazed I am so popular—it is great to see. I will ensure that that voice is properly heard.27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirWe will offer support to all Governments who look to protect their civilian populations, but we will do so in a way that is managed, manageable and not focused on an overreaction…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI understand the hon. Lady’s heartfelt passion, but let me just say this: that is not relevant to the present situation. We all know we are in a pre-election period in India, and…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI know full well that my hon. Friend has a significant Kashmiri population in his constituency, not least because I have had the chance to meet some of them in recent weeks. He is…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI thank the hon. Gentleman for his constructive words. He is right that this requires a nimble diplomatic approach. I have to say that I have encountered over the last two…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI must say—the hon. Lady will recognise this—that I do not agree with her prescription that we should try to intervene. The reality of the situation, as I am sure she is well…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirWe shall do our level best. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that active conversations will take place within the UN corridors of both New York and Geneva. I should perhaps say…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirThe right hon. Lady is absolutely right that we want a broad-based dialogue, and that the whole House condemned the original attack that took place on 14 February. I have to say…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI have a lot of respect for my hon. Friend, who takes a great interest in these issues. However, I think he is making some categorical statements that are not entirely supportable…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI thank the hon. Lady for her calm and wise words. May I say that I appreciate she has a busy day today already, with huge amounts going on near her own constituency following the…27 Feb 2019HANSARDJammu and KashmirI understand that the Prime Minister referred to this during Prime Minister’s Question Time. The UK is deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan.…27 Feb 2019HANSARDUK Soft PowerWe should be proud of the UK’s soft power and the contribution that independent institutions such as the BBC and the British Council make to it. That is why the Foreign and…26 Feb 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe UK Government unequivocally condemn the appalling terror attack in Pulwama on 14 February. We are actively encouraging the Governments of both India and Pakistan to find…26 Feb 2019HANSARDUK Soft PowerI obviously represent Asia and the Pacific abroad, and whenever I go to that part of the world, I always come back much more uplifted about the UK’s brand. We find that many…26 Feb 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsI thank the hon. Gentleman for his heartfelt question. We were clearly concerned by the outcome of the elections in Bangladesh, and we are waiting for the Electoral Commission to…26 Feb 2019