Contributions
1,648 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryLet me make a little progress before giving way to the right hon. Gentleman. In November 2022, the former Foreign Secretary said that “taking into account relevant legal…28 Jan 2026HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryI thank the right hon. Member for his comments. The answer to that question has been set out by Lord Coaker, and I will be laying it out— [ Interruption. ] The answer is yes, and…28 Jan 2026HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryI give way to the hon. Member for Hinckley and Bosworth (Dr Evans).28 Jan 2026HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryI will finish my remarks on this point. The ICJ concluded that “the United Kingdom is under an obligation to bring to an end its administration of the Chagos Archipelago as…28 Jan 2026HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryI will be coming on to that point in my remarks. That is important. I want to finish my point on the legal matters that have been raised. What the International Court of Justice…28 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyWe continue to raise all human rights concerns at the highest levels of the Chinese Government. It is important to say that any new diplomatic positions at the Chinese embassy…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyOur intelligence services have been involved throughout the process and are advising on a range of measures that are being implemented to protect national security. It may be…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyI will make two comments in response to my hon. Friend’s questions. First, the UK has a broad suite of powers—important powers—available to counter any foreign interference. It is…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyMy hon. Friend will know from his own discussions that we continue to routinely engage with and discuss a wide range of national security issues with the US. Indeed, the US has…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyLet me reiterate: the decision on the embassy must be taken in the proper way. It is a matter for Ministers at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and it is…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyI thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, but I would challenge him on it. He will know that it is possible for the Government to uphold both national and economic security as…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyIt is right to say that national security is the first duty of Government. We will always act to protect it, and it is a matter of great concern for the FCDO and for the Home…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese Embassyindicated dissent.19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyThe hon. Member will not be surprised to hear me say that the decision on the embassy is an independent process, but I will just emphasise to him that the UK has a broad range of…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyI thank the hon. Member for his lesson in Greek mythology, most of which I am familiar with. It is important to have a serious debate about our relationship with China, and to…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyIs the hon. Lady referring to Russia, or to another country? In relation to the China, I will say again what I said earlier: China is the world’s second largest economy and the…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyI thank the hon. Member for his question. It is important to emphasise again that national security is the first duty of Government, and we will always act to protect it.19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyI thank the right hon. Member for his question. It is important to acknowledge that we work with our Five Eyes partners on a range of security matters. It is important that we…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyI recognise and acknowledge the right hon. Member’s deep experience in the House and from chairing the ISC. Matters of security and intelligence continue to be the first priority…19 Jan 2026HANSARDProposed Chinese EmbassyMy hon. Friend is right that we must not tolerate any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate or harass. He has highlighted some examples that have caused great…19 Jan 2026