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1,614 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyThe right hon. Gentleman knows that I have immense respect for him and his work in this House. I take issue with his choice of words. We have incredible officials in this…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI thank my hon. Friend for her important work on Gibraltar, as I thank you for yours, Mr Speaker. I have said this before and I will confirm again that we are absolutely and…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI have engaged with many Chagossian groups. The hon. Member will know, as I have said multiple times, that there are a range of views across the Chagossian community. He is…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyWhen we are looking to protect the national security of this country, we will operate at the fastest and most appropriate pace that we can. This matter had been left languishing…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyIt is absolutely right that the House scrutinises these matters and it will continue to have the opportunity to do so in a range of forums; indeed, I will meet parliamentarians…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI will not, for that very reason, go into that type of advice. The right hon. and learned Member knows that from his extensive and distinguished experience on these matters. I…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI like the right hon. Lady, but I have to say that I find it extremely unhelpful the way that the Falklands, Gibraltar and other overseas territories, which are not comparable…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI simply do not recognise the right hon. Member’s characterisation.18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI gently suggest that the hon. Gentleman spends a bit more time reflecting on the failures of his Administration on this and a series of other issues, from the public finances to…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI have a deep respect for the hon. Gentleman. As I have said a number of times, the Government deeply regret the way that Chagossians were removed from the islands and treated…18 Dec 2024HANSARD Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill [Lords]I did not intend to speak again, but with the leave of the House, I will respond to some of the important questions that were raised. It is good to see the hon. Member for Esher…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyWe are absolutely not damaging our security; we are protecting it through this deal, and that is why this deal has been agreed—to protect the operation of that base; to protect it…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyThe right hon. Lady constantly talks as if somehow we are giving up the base on Diego Garcia. That is the exact opposite of what this deal does—unlike the failure to secure the…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI have repeatedly stated a number of positive things, including the support for Chagossians that will be inherent in the deal. The positive fact is that after 11 rounds of failed…18 Dec 2024HANSARD Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill [Lords]I thank my hon. Friend for his comments, which underline the importance that we ascribe to our relationships with our Commonwealth partners as parliamentarians and, of course, as…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyWe very much welcome, as I have said before, the election of President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance. During the transition period, there are restrictions on what…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyAs I have repeatedly said in this House, the interests of the Chagossians have been absolutely at the heart of this deal, and I am sure they will be confident that there are a…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyYes, indeed. As far as I am aware, that is the case. In fact, the opposite is true. There has been a warm welcome for this agreement from across the United States security…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI praise my hon. Friend for his service and work. I am very clear: our allies in the United States and, indeed, our other allies who rely on the important guarantees that the base…18 Dec 2024HANSARDBritish Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyAs I have said a number of times in the House, the treaty, once signed, will go through the normal procedures in the House. I confirmed that in my answer to the right hon. Member…18 Dec 2024