Contributions
4,303 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDChina and JapanWe raised a number of issues in relation to smuggling. The focus was very much on the engines for small boats because of the fact that 60% of them are coming from China, and we…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanAs I have told the House, I raised the case of Jimmy Lai in terms. I will not go into the details of the discussions, save to say that we have subsequently spoken to Jimmy Lai’s…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanWe had very productive meetings in Japan. Among the discussions was how we open up to more trade between our two economies.02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanSixty per cent of motors used to cross the channel are coming from China, so of course it is right to engage appropriately in China on this issue, and to get this agreement on…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanI thank the right hon. Member for raising this point—I know how much it matters personally to him and to the others that he referenced. I raised this point directly, and the…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanI thank my hon. Friend for raising this very important programme. He will be pleased to know I did discuss it with the Prime Minister in Japan, and we will be publishing our…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanI raised the case of Jimmy Lai in terms with the President, as in fact I did, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, at the G20 when I met the President for the first time, and we…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanObviously, the general approach was set out in the Lady Mayor’s banquet speech I gave just before Christmas. My right hon. Friend made a really important point about Europe. As I…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanNo, I did not deliver a written note. I engaged seriously on the issue, as the right hon. Member would have expected me to, and I went into the details of the case that I was…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanThe Conservatives’ position seems to be that if one has concerns in relation to China, the pragmatic thing to do is to buy a bag of sand and put your head in it. I do not think…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanI start by offering my deep condolences on behalf of the Government in relation to Lord Wallace. He was a kind and decent man, and I know he will be sorely missed on the Liberal…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanYes, I can confirm that we are continuing to work with the US. Of course, the India deal we secured will also have an impact on whisky tariffs.02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanIt was this Government who took the action on Scunthorpe to ensure we had British Steel at Scunthorpe—it is one of the proudest things I have done.02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanLet me see if I understand the right hon. Lady’s position. This is the Leader of the Opposition who said we should empty-chair the most important NATO summit for years, who would…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanIn this context, refusing to engage would be a dereliction of duty, leaving British interests on the sidelines. Incredibly, some in this House still advocate that approach. But…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanWith permission, I will update the House on my visit last week to China and Japan, where we delivered for the British people. With events overseas directly impacting on our…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanYes. Engaging is really important for the security of this country. Just for clarity, we did not sign a trade deal on the visit; we simply looked at the ways in which we can open…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanI congratulate my hon. Friend’s son on his achievements. On SMEs and businesses, yes, we discussed how we can enhance our engagement and enhance growth and jobs right across all…02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanThe hon. Gentleman is right to raise these really important issues. I raised them myself during the course of the visit, and I thank him.02 Feb 2026HANSARDChina and JapanThe reason I spoke to Volodymyr Zelensky was to have a discussion in advance on the precise terms in which we would approach this issue. I then followed through on that, and I…02 Feb 2026