Live Foreign Office Questions House of Commons

Hello and welcome to BBC Parliament's live coverage from the

House of Commons. In an owl we have an urgent question on the

Government's way strategy. That will be followed by his statement

from the Health Secretary on the Government's agreement to change

its controversial plans for the NHS in England. The revisions stem from

an independent review. The main business in the Chamber today will

be the committee stage of the Armed Forces Bill. Every five years, new

legislation has to be passed to renew the legal basis for the Army,

Navy and RAF. Do join me for a round-up of the day in both houses

of parliament in The Record at 11 o'clock tonight. First, we have

questions to the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, and his ministerial

team. We will be crossing to the House of Commons in a few moments

Order, order. Questions to the Secretary of State for Foreign and

Commonwealth Affairs, Margaret Curran. Christian number one.

Speaker, with permission I will answer a question 12 with this one.

Membership by the UN is one option under consideration by President

Abass. We believe Israelis and Palestinians should return to

negotiations and will only make a statement on UN membership at the

appropriate time. Can I thank the Secretary of State for his answer.

Time and time again, you have said if you are in favour of an

independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders. Surely, the time

is now right to show solidarity with the Palestinians, support them

at the United Nations and prove once and for all we are on the

Palestinians' sighed. We have learnt a great deal of support to

the Palestinians at the United Nations and as the honourable lady

will know we voted in February for the Palestinian resolution on

settlements. We bedded the opposite way to the United States on that

occasion which is unusual for this country -- we voted the opposite

way. We strongly support a state based on 1967 borders. We have to

remember the real way to a viable and secure estate is through

negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians and it is to those

negotiations we want both parties to return. Mr Speaker, I am

disappointed with the Foreign Secretary's answer. We will wait

for ever. President Obama made self determination the focus of his

speech to the Middle East and reference to the people who are

struggling for freedom in the Arab world. Does this not also apply to

the Palestinians and would UN membership take it a step forward?

The honourable lady would have to be disappointed with the position

of all European countries because we have all withheld the decision

on the question of Palestinian membership of the United Nations.

It is vital to remember that the way to a secure Israel and a viable

and prosperous Palestinian state is through negotiations between the

two. She's quite right to be frustrated and exasperated at the

length of time negotiations have taken. However, there is no other

way to lasting peace than through those negotiations. Will the

Foreign Secretary impress upon the Israeli government that the only

manner by which they can avoid an overwhelming vote in favour of a

Palestinian state at the General Assembly would be if the Israeli

Prime Minister is able to give an unequivocal commitment in support

of the two state solution as proposed by President Obama and to

seek to enter into meaningful negotiations towards that end?

agree with that. I think my right honourable friend was right. It is

very important now for Israel to show a readiness to negotiate in

light of the president's speech and in light also of what could happen

at the United Nations in September. Indeed, one of the advantages for

the United Kingdom's and other EU nations, of considering our

position on this over the next few months, is it will maximise the

pressure on both Israelis and Palestinians to be prepared to

enter such negotiations. Does my right honourable friend agree that

an essential feature of state could is identifiable and recognised

borders? Therefore can he confirm there will be no compromise on the

principle that any settlement must be based on the borders of 1967?

right honourable friend on air that what the President of the United

States has said about the 1967 borders and what we have always

said his we mean 1967 borders with mutually agreed swaps of land. I do

not think we can be as categoric as my right honourable friend was

trying to be. But based on those borders, there would be subject to

agreement, a good deal of latitude around them. What is the Secretary

of State's current assessment of moves towards Palestinian unity?

Does the reconciliation process between Fatah and Hamas make it

more or less likely that the United Kingdom will support UN membership

for Palestine? The stance we take on that, come September, if it

comes to that point, will depend on many things. It is very important

that the reformed Palestinian Authority, and we still wait to see

many of the appointment to it, are halved non- violence, that they are

committed to a negotiated to state solution and they uphold the

previous agreements of the PLO. Those will be factors by which we

judge the Palestinian approach. Peace cannot be imposed on the

parties to the conflicts, no vote in the United Nations will ever

create a Palestinian state. Mark my words, the words of President Obama.

Isn't it the case that moving too quickly towards an individual state

had, and what we should be doing is seeking the two parties to

negotiate together towards an agreement? My honourable friend

will have heard that I have, in answers to these questions, placed

our own emphasis on that. There is a need to return to negotiations by

both sides and now President Obama has made his speech about 1967

borders, I hope Palestinians will take that approach and we have

already talked about the Israeli approach. Question number three.

Speaker, with permission, I will answer a number 7 with this

question. Thanks to the international navies and the self-

defence measures used by large sectors of industry, there will be

no hijacks -- there are no hijacks of the area since 2010. However,

piracy continues to pose a threat to shipping and seafarers in the

Indian Ocean. We are not complacent and Britain is playing a leading

role in the counter piracy operations at sea and we are

leading work to put in place penal punishments to deal with this.

is aware of the role of many British service personnel in the

shipping of Somalia but does he agree that fundamentally, it is

only when Somalia has a high degree of law and order, which it does not

have at the moment, that the problems will be properly solved?

Mr Speaker, that is exactly why we are putting so much effort into

helping to rebuild this failed state. DFID have a four year

programme for Somalia. That will focus on building regional,

judicial and penal structures, struggling -- strengthening the

police, strengthening the coastguard and trying to find

alternative livelihoods. This problem will only be solved on the

land. I would like to thank the Minister for his response. One of

the issues is we do need to have a deterrent for piracy. Currently,

the British Chamber of Commerce is stating that 80 % of those who are

captured are actually then released. What measures can we put in place

and would he be able to expand on the international agreements that

we need to counter piracy? Speaker, I share my honourable

friend's concerns because catch and release encourages further piracy.

I recently visited the EU naval headquarters and the Armed Forces

Minister made it very clear that both the Royal Navy and other

navies I doing all they possibly can, not just to capture pirates

but to gather sufficient evidence so they can be put on trial in

courts in the region. That is why I am working hard with the Foreign

Secretary with regional countries to build that vital penal and

judicial capacity. I regret that the Minister's reply is rather

complacent. At a conference in Singapore last month, the Defence

Secretary would have heard several defence ministers expressed alarm

at the considerable rise in piracy in the Indian Ocean. Suggestions

have included greater convoys and more importantly, changed and

toughened rules of engagement and also possibly exclusion zones. The

international community is united on the need that this must be

brought to a head. As a major maritime nation, when will the

Government get a grip and take a lead to combat this menace,

particularly in getting international agreement and change

rules of engagement? Mr Speaker, I can understand the honourable

gentleman's frustration. As I have explained, there has not been a

successful hijack in the Gulf of Aden this year and we are having

significant success has. The EU agreed in May to amend its

operation planned to deliver more robust action. I cannot discuss

this publicly but that is that largely the result of evidence from

the Foreign Secretary and I can assure him we are very much on the

case. Question number four. welcome Croatia's progress towards

EU membership and the arrest of Bosnian Serb Ratko Mladic. We are

seriously concerned by the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina

where there remains a need for sustained EU focus. They also

remains major work to be done on the dialogue between Serbia and

Kosovo, to resolve the issue over Macedonia's name and ensuring a

functioning political dialogue in Albania. At the recent NATO

parliamentary assembly, the noble Lord Sewell reported a draft report

on Kosovo which described a dire economy with weak institutions,

ethnically divided with corruption and organised crime and poor

relations with its neighbours. It has not been universally recognised

as a state. Does the Foreign Secretary believe that Kosovo will

one day be a viable European I do believe it will be. We have

been encouraging other nations to recognise Kosovo. It is important

work now takes place on economic development, the rule of law, in

particular with regard to the IMF programmes. It is important to

comply with the IMF. Could I welcome the arrest of red comb that

Not Britain's finest hour of foreign policy. As we move forward

in the Balkans, when he moves forward in urging responsible for

Serb politicians to recognised Kosovo, to stop the blocks to

Kosovo joining international institutions. Serbia will not allow

it to progress. A I went to Belgrade last summer up to discuss

these issues with the President and urged him in to enter into an EU

facilitated dialogue with Kosovo. That was the essential first step

towards what the right honourable gentleman is talking about. He

agreed to do that and I now urge both governments to engage with

each other constructively with goodwill on both sides, dialogue

can help move both states to EU accession. Would my right

honourable friend agree with me that the scourge of organised crime

in the Balkans is one of the biggest obstacles to good politics

developing there? Yes, absolutely. It will be extremely important to

tackle those things in order to maintain that the European

prospective of the Western Balkan countries. That is why, for

instance in Croatian accession negotiations, is of such vital

importance. Can I ask the Secretary of State if he believes that the

membership of Croatia of the European Union would act as an

effective catalyst for other member states? Would you like to offer a

timescale on this? We hope it will be an encouragement to other states.

We hope they will also have drawn the lesson that it is important to

me to the conditions of EU membership. That is vital for the

accession process to have credibility. We are in the closing

stages of negotiation of EU accession. There had been a

positive recommendation from the commission and it will be discussed

at the European Council next week. To discussed dates ahead of that

would be premature. Demands for greater political, social and

economical parties will continue. Through our Arab Partnership

Initiative, the review of the European neighbourhood policy we

are working with partners in the region to support those who seek

political and economic reforms. I thank the Secretary of State for

his answer. Could I ask him, given recent months we have seen a number

of occasion worth government access to the internet during protests has

been limited come up what moves have the British Government taking

to organise peaceful demonstrations online. We do, wherever we can, we

also has -- always support access to the internet. One of the

measures set out in our draft resolution before the United

Nations Security Council on Syria is seeking freedom of access to the

Internet. We do sometimes also take practical measures in order to try

to maintain access to the internet or give people advice as to how

they can do so. I do not want to give any technical details of that

as it would make it easier for them. The flow of information from

organisations like the BBC World Service, the Foreign office has had

a look at the Budget for the BBC World Service, when are we likely

to get an answer on that? Government has taken full note on

the debate that has taken place in this House two or three weeks ago

calling for a review of that position. We're looking at this

subject along with the World Service also looking at their

allocation of priorities. I think by early July will be able to come

back to the House. Mr Speaker, given the popular protests in North

Africa and the Middle East, this side of the House has been arguing

that the European Union's external action of the Budget should be read

balanced. Following the announcement of which the Foreign

Secretary spoke, can he tell us if he feels the European Union

contribution is adequate to the challenge and the risks? And what

proportion of that money is actually new money? It is really

the money available for development and economic partnership that is

the crucial thing rather than the budgeting of the external action

service. The proposal published on 25th May by the commission set out

a plan which included 750 million euros of additional resource for

the EU to work with the economies of North Africa. That is subject of

further discussion at the European Council next week. Let me ask about

one country in particular, Libya. On 13th April this year the Foreign

Secretary told us the United Nations should take forward lead

planning for our early recovery of peace building in Libya. Last

Tuesday, a tour this House that Britain is in the lead of post

conflict planning. Given his statement last week that planning

is only at an embryonic stage, can the Foreign Secretary tell us who

is responsible for post conflict planning? Is that the United

Kingdom, the United Nations or the European Union? The Right

Honourable of Gen Tom Allen is bringing together several

conflicting subjects. -- the right honourable gentleman. They are

doing a lot of that work for post Colonel Gadaffi. We are in the lead

in that looking, in detail, at stabilisation response.

Destabilisation response team has been there, they are now writing

their report, but we have been working with Italy, and Turkey. The

UN will have that responsibility for co-ordination of Humanitarian

Assistance and for the future, but Britain has taken the lead on

putting people on the ground and doing the thinking. Will the

Foreign Secretary take up the case of the young woman who is in prison

for a reading a poem about freedom? Yes, of course we take up and we

expressed to the Bahrain authorities the need for universal

respect for human rights. Including for due process. That is what we

look to them to bring about in the judicial process. I have strongly

expressed that a view myself to the Crown Prince of Bahrain. Question

number six, Mr Speaker. We have made direct representations on a

number of occasions and of course we continue to condemn the

imprisonment of opposition politicians in Belarus as well as

the persecution and harassment of civil society leaders and human

rights defenders. The President's administration is responsible for a

series of enterprises and those profits are kept within the

presidential administration including the KGB. Due to these

clear, close financial links between state oppression and these

enterprises isn't it time that the UK looked at prohibiting British

trade and investment with these companies? As the honourable lady

knows, we together with our European Union partners have agreed

at a set of sanctions targeted against leading members of the

regime in Belarus. There is also a review of the possibility of

additional economic sanctions. Not every EU country has expressed

itself in favour of that. We also have to take account of the need to

get the balance right between harming the regime and are not

trying to impoverish a a people who are already oppressed. The Minister

will be aware that in light of its economic failures, Belarus has

requested for the �5 billion bail- out from the IMF. What discussions

has he had with the Treasury that Britain will not support a bail-out

package unless it comes with a firm commitment from the Belarus regime

to recognise the basic rights of freedom of its civilians.

honourable friend puts her. Well. As she rightly says, the economy of

the Belarus is in a a dire state. The economic as well as the

internally repressive policies of the Government are making a bad

situation worse for the people of that country. We are considering,

both internally within the United Kingdom and with international

partners, what our approach might be in the event that Belarus were

to apply for a further help from the IMF. No. Eight, Mr Speaker.

believe the relationship between the interim government and the

growing number of political parties in Tunisia is a stable one as we

head to elections in October. There are challenges, partly the

technical arrangements for a nationwide election and partly the

economic challenges the company -- country faces. We believe the

building blocks for a democracy will be in place. I am grateful, Mr

Speaker. Given the unique history of Tunisia as probably being the

most progressive country in North Africa, it could act as a beacon of

hope, yet there are reports of interference from fundamentalists

in the Tunisian, or the proposed Tunisian process. What further help

can the Government gave to the democratic forces within Tunisia?

The honourable gentleman's caution is well-balanced and understood. It

is right to recognise the good things that are happening, he is

right about the background of Tunisia. We have already committed

about �1.5 million of the original �5 million of the Arab partnership

to work in capacity building, strengthening political

institutions and working on issues like that as we head towards the

election. There will be more money available through the partnership

but we are looking to swap expertise and build up the

embryonic political parties in the areas we would -- he would expect

us to be involved. Can I congratulate the Foreign office to

set up the fund to enable parties are Peter's to help the emerging

political forces in Tunisia to march towards democracy. It is

important not to overlook the moderate states alongside who have

not had a revolution, but are doing the right thing and moving towards

democracy. We should be supporting them as well. Yes, and my

honourable friend is absolutely right and we will do. Relationships

with Morocco and Jordan are a good. They have put themselves in a

position where they appear to be ahead of the curve by responding to

the aspirations of that people in an appropriate manner. We are

looking to WFD to deliver quite substantially in relation to their

obligations. It is a heavy responsibility to help political

parties develop and play an important part. The Minister will

also be aware of the growing humanitarian pressures on the

border between Tunisia and Libya. What offers of assistance at the

technical our financial have been offered to address issues of clean

water and sanitation access in that region? We are very conscious of

these pressures. Most of them are being absorbed by the Tunisian

people themselves. It is remarkable how many families have taken into

their own homes those who have been fleeing from neighbouring Bolivia.

-- neighbouring area. Millions of pounds have been committed to this

and we will continue to support and assist them. Number nine, Mr

Speaker. The Foreign and Commonwealth office does not

provide financial assistance for legal costs of British citizens

arrested overseas. We provide information about the local legal

system, including whether a legal- aid system is available. We can

also provide a list of local, English-speaking lawyers and we

work with non-government organisations he may be able to

offer support. The Minister will be aware of the plight of and it --

constituent of mine, Stephen scarlet he remains in prison in

Senegal today despite the fact that his sentence ended this year. His

family has been unable to get any financial support tonight it --

navigate the local system. Does he not agree with me that in such

extreme cases, the needs of these I understand the distress felt by

the man and his family at the length of time the case is taking

to resolve and he has been assisted by the British Embassy in back car

and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as a whole. However, the

responsibility for ensuring Mr Scarlett receives the best outcome

lies with his lawyer. There are three groups which insist British

citizens and we are aware that Fair trials International have offered

their services to Mr Scarlett's family. Question Number Ten. Mr

Speaker, DFID Spence �73 million in Israel and the occupied Palestinian

territories on a range of measures promoting peace through the

conflict prevention pull and through economic development. This

year the Foreign Office is spending �70,000 on the co-existence

projects which range from language development two courses and work

inside Israel itself to help bind communities together. According to

answers to ministerial questions in January, only 1% of EU aid to the

Palestinians goes on civil society projects. What is the Government

doing to ensure a greater proportion of EU aid is spent on

developing co-existence projects which are so vital to the peace

process? The honourable gentleman is right in terms of the proportion

being spent which I picked out for the answer which I have just given

him. I think sometimes it is difficult to separate category by

category in that I expect an amount of work which goes into promotion

of Palestinian economic developments, some �30 million, for

example, goes into work which feeds into prosperity issues and co-

existence issues. We are very open in the Foreign and Commonwealth

Office to more applications coming in on these types of projects and I

will certainly be looking to see what more we can do to encourage

what he has spoken about. Will the Government make it clear to the

Israeli government that an attack on any future humanitarian flotilla

would be met by international condemnation? We are talking about

co-existence projects and joint business initiatives. I believe, Mr

Speaker, we would be right in saying we would be looking to the

reopening of the crossing in Gaza to help both economic development

and encourage the co-existence that would be necessary because the

greater the economic development in the West Bank and Gaza, the more

opportunity there is for both and the less need there is for anyone

to be attempting a flotilla to bring produce in law-making eight

point. Question number 11. totally deplore any company

operating anywhere in the world that ignores basic human rights. It

is especially important that companies that the highest possible

standards when operating in failed states or conflict zones. That is

why we support the excellent work carried out by the UN's expert on

human rights, and we particularly welcome the final version of his

guiding principles which deals with the subject. I wonder if he might

go little further, giving the effect that legal protections could

have on the lives of ordinary people in countries like Korea,

Indonesia, Mexico, indeed, it even the Israeli occupied Palestinian

territories, where they have been cases of abuse, torture and

killings where citizens have protested against large-scale

private sector projects. Will the Government indicate to the House

that they are supporting the recommendations of Professor John

Roby who recommended the Government explore greater protections for

victims of abuse in conflict situations. I had the chance to

meet the professor the other day and I am working very hard to

ensure the guiding principles are actually incorporated and endorsed

by the UN's human Rights Council in Geneva because that will give them

extra cloud and accountability. Question number 13. I last met

Secretary Clinton on the eve of President Obama's visit and we had

a range of discussions including the situation in Afghanistan.

he tell us that the discussions touched on the prospect of British

troops remaining in Afghanistan post 2014 and how many and with

what remit exactly? Yes, such matters are included in our talks

but are also a matter of our public policy position. As we have said,

British troops will not be engaged in a combat role after 2015, nor in

anything like the numbers they are today. We have set out our

intentions in line with the prospect and aims for transition to

Afghan security control throughout Afghanistan by 2014. Given that it

is highly unusual to set the withdrawal date in the middle of a

counter insurgency campaign, has my right honourable friend received

any indication from the Americans that they are considering the

retention of a long-term strategic base or bridgehead area in the

region, so that real pressure can be exerted on both sides to reach

an appropriate settlement? long-term relationship, the

relationship after the insurgency, if you like, and after a transition

in 2014 between United States and Afghanistan, is subject to

negotiation at the moment between the United States and Afghanistan.

It is not possible at the moment to give a precise answer to the

question of my honourable friend but it is matter to say it -- it is

possible to say such matters are under discussion. Last week,

members of the Home Affairs Select Committee visited the borders of

Greece and Turkey and the detention centre where we were told 15,000

afghanis had crossed the border between Turkey and Greece last year.

Could the Foreign Secretary, in his discussions with the Americans,

talk about the mass migration, the illegal migration, of hundreds of

thousands of afghanis from Afghanistan into Western Europe?

think the right honourable gentleman makes an important point.

It underlines the need to bring stability to Afghanistan in the

future so that those who wish to be in Afghanistan can have their homes

and livelihoods there. I will certainly give attention to the

point he raises. Given that the Taliban will not be beaten, and

that the situation does not seem to be getting a better, does the

Foreign Secretary agree or can I press upon the Foreign Secretary

again, the need for the Americans to open meaningful unconditional

talks with the Taliban. The Americans need to realise that as

week proved in Northern Ireland, you can talk and fight at the same

time. I think that well -- that point was well understood.

Secretary Clinton called for a political surge alongside the

military said and that is very much in line with the approach of our

own country as well. Of course, that is the case. At the same time,

the other thing that is changing and my honourable friend should

give credit for, is the huge expansion and intensive training of

the Afghan security forces and that bodes well for the longer term.

Question number 14. We are deeply concerned by reports that a number

of protesters have been killed and injured. We recognise Israel's

right to defend herself. Any response must be proportionate,

avoiding legal use of force and the right to process -- protest must be

respected. I call on all parties to do what they can to protect the

lives of civilians and avoid provocative acts. I thank the

Secretary of State for his answer but what does this incident tell us

about wider involvement in Syria and the handling of protest and

unrest? I'm not sure what this instant tells us in itself about

international involvement in Syria. Certainly, I believe Iran is

engaged in giving direct support to Syria in the suppression of

peaceful protest, both in terms of advice and technical equipment to

enable them to do so. An extraordinarily hypocritical

position given Iran's support for protest elsewhere in the Arab world.

I cannot say this is connected with this particular incident but since

the area of the Golan Heights is under direct control of the Syrian

authorities, people can draw their own conclusions. Does the Foreign

Secretary agree that the recent incidents at the Syrian Israeli

border were organised by the Syrian government in an attempt to

distract attention from their brutal internal dealing with their

own rebellions? I don't think I want to add to what has said a

moment ago about that. It is a remarkably convenient distraction

from the point of view of the Syrian government. This requires

both sides, both Israel in its response to such provocations and

Syria in any role it may play in such provocations, to exercise much

greater restraint. On the point of fact, have there been any Syrian

protests on the Israeli border? I thought the protests were in the

Golan Heights which last time I look, where Syrian territory,

illegally occupied by Israel. than hikes are occupied territory -

- Thurgoland heights but the territory on the other side that no

one can dispute it is under the operational control of Syria and

that is the point I am making. Question number 15. When I went to

Benghazi I was impressed by the progress being made, the sense of

optimism and the plans for a democratic future. The Gaddafi

regime is isolated and on the defensive. Through a combination of

military, economic and diplomatic means, we are ramping up the

pressure for a genuine political solution for the Libyan people.

thank the Foreign Secretary for that answer. Does he not agree with

me that the further defections from the high level of the Gaddafi

regime, a further loss of ground to the opposition forces and the

growing authority of the transitional camps all point to a

squeeze on the Gaddafi regime? my honourable friend sums up the

situation very well. All of those are increasing pressures on the

regime. A high-level defections included a number of generals, the

head of the state owned National Oil Corporation and we believe

there are many others who would defect if they could safely do so

or of their families would not be under threat if they did so.

Certainly, the morale of the regime is much reduced from some weeks or

months ago. As I saw for myself, the morale and organisation of the

National Transitional Council has improved considerably. With the

Foreign Secretary confirm once and for all that Britain's military,

economic and political involvement in Libya is for regime change and

because of that it has been possible for any traction to be

brought about by the EU, NATO and Britain, to bring about an urgent

political solution and a ceasefire to save any more lives before the

war get worse? Our military role is defined by a UN Resolution 1973. It

is our implementation of that resolution that has saved thousands

of lives. If we had not had that resolution, I know the honourable

gentleman is an opponent of that resolution, if we had not had it,

far more people would have died so far in this situation in Libya. If

it is additionally true that we believe Colonel Gaddafi should go.

But that is the belief of the vast majority of nations in the world,

even so many around Africa as well and even Russia at the G8 Summit.

And as I saw in Benghazi, of vast numbers of Libyans as well.

Question Number 16. The Syrian government continues to use

unacceptable violence against pro- democracy protesters. Syrian

security forces have launched an offensive. There are reports of a

military build up in other towns in Syria including overnight in

eastern Syria. There are credible reports that more than 1,000 people

have been killed since the beginning of protests. This

violence is unacceptable and it should stop. I thank the Foreign

Secretary for that answer but ask him as well if there has been any

progress in getting the Red Cross to access civilians who have been

attacked by the military in Syria? That is a good question. Sadly, the

answer is no. My right honourable friend discussed this with the

President of the International Committee with the Red Cross a few

days ago and one of the things we have called on the Syrian

government to grant his humanitarian access. This remains a

prime consideration and something I will discuss tonight with the

Turkish Foreign Minister what more can be done in working with Turkey,

Syria's closest and most important neighbour, in terms of diplomatic

relationships, in order to try to be swayed the Syrians to grant such

The United Kingdom has a strong relationship with Japan

encompassing long-standing commercial, cultural and official

ties. These relations have been enhanced in recent months with the

visit of the Japanese Foreign Minister to London and the Business

Secretary to Japan. I plan to visit Japan next month to for the develop

the relationship. I thank the Minister for his response. Can the

Minister of date the House on what the UK is doing to support British

businesses that work in and with Japan, particularly ensuring that

supply chains operate effectively? The honourable member makes a

valuable point. There are literally thousands of people in Britain

whose jobs depend on either direct inward investment of Japan or in

related jobs associated with direct inward investment. About 17,000

Britons work in Japan. We constantly turn our attention to

how we can deepen the commercial relations between our two countries.

They are the third and the sixth biggest economy is in the world. In

addition to the many situations we have already discussed, I am

concerned by the worsening situation in sedans. We call upon

all parties to cease hostilities and returned to the negotiations.

We're working with the African Union very closely to support the

peace negotiations currently under way us. Can I asked the Foreign

Secretary, further to that, when he would expect those negotiations to

resume and what action the British Government intends to take?

special representative is involved, intimately involved in those

negotiations. I spoke to the former President a few days ago who is

leading the conduct of those negotiations. I have also spoken to

the south Sudanese president and to the Foreign Minister -- Foreign

Minister of the North. We are highly active in trying to push for

a solution, including working with Ethiopia us. It is not possible to

say when that will happen, but real progress needs to be shown before

the ninth of of July which is the date for the independence of south

Sudan. The whole House will be aware of reports that over 5,000

Syrian refugees have registered on the border of Turkey and many more

are poised to flee the country. I welcome the statement the Foreign

Secretary has just made informing of the House that he will be

speaking to the newly elected Turkey government on the situation

in Syria. How hard will he be pressing for that country to step

up its regional leadership role in relation to Syria, in particular.

will of course be doing that and the Prime Minister has already

spoken to the Prime Minister of Turkey. Turkey plays ace -- strong,

leading a regional role and has made many efforts in recent weeks,

despite their own election campaign, to persuade them regime that to

adopt a different course. I am sure they will want to redouble their

efforts given the situation on their border. I would strongly

encourage them to do so. The whole House will share the concern of

many British nationals at the spread of violence and unrest in

the Sudan and welcomed the Secretary of State updating us on

the situation as it presently stands. Just to add to what my

honourable friend said, we are keen to see action that p 5 a level and

we are keen to see the issue raised with the Security Council hopefully

this week. My constituent was evacuated from Libya as part of the

British evacuation, with his pregnant Libyan wife. They have now

receded bill for the birth of their child from the NHS for �1,255. Is

this any way to treat a family fleeing Gadaffi, and will he

undertake to look into this here and in Wales? Clearly, I am unaware

of the circumstances precisely described by the honourable

gentleman. I will happily look into it. It may refer to regular UK

status, and then behave by certain benefit regulations about being

ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom. At this stage, I would be

very happy to have a look at the circumstances. I would like to ask

the Minister what measures we will be putting in place to support the

French at the G20 on Sid security? It is one of the issues that really

links foreign policy with prices in my supermarkets for my constituents.

We welcome the French presidency's aim to tackle high acid prices.

Prices since 2010 have pushed 44 million people across the world

into poverty. They are being driven by a shortage of supply and

increase in demand. I would urge countries like Sudan to start

producing food again, not least for their own people. The Secretary of

State will be aware of a case of my constituents who is one of a number

of British citizens who, for more than 20 years, has been trying to

secure equal pay under their European up like so like Italy. I

wonder if he would take up this case again and tried to bring the

Surrey side go to a conclusion. I intend to visit Italy within the

next week and this is one of the items that will be on the agenda.

With the Foreign Secretary please confirm the UK's policy towards the

use of predator drones, and in particular its legal and moral

basis. Our policy is that the use of drones is a matter for the

governments of the United States and Pakistan. Will the Foreign

Secretary join me in welcoming the release of the Iranian trade

unionist? Despite this encouraging step, two others are still in jail

in Iran, possibly for belonging to a trade unions. With the Foreign

Secretary agree to meet with me and other interested politicians on

this issue? This is another example of the appalling human rights

record of the Iranian government. Either I, or one of my ministerial

colleagues, will meet the honourable gentleman if that is

acceptable to him. Iran's human rights record has deteriorated

steadily, even throughout this year. There are more journalists in

prison in Iran than anywhere else. It has an appalling record of a

human rights abuse and the instance he gives is another one. Would my

right honourable friend comment on the worrying situation in south

Sudan and the considerable increase in violence in the disputed states?

The states are subject to talk to day between the presidents of north

and south Sudan and the former President of South Africa and the

President of Ethiopia. I share my honourable friend's concerns. That

is why we have called on all parties to end this and respect the

humanitarian responsibilities and to allow access to larger needed

international assistance. Minister will be aware of the

legislation passed in March in Egypt restricting the right to

strike and criminalisation of protests. Will the Government

raised concern with the Egyptian authorities about restrictions on

the right to protest? Yes, this is the kind of issue that I discussed

with Egyptian authorities when I visited Cairo last week. Clearly,

we want to see a much more normal state of affairs. We hope that the

onset of elections and greater political Sweden will bring that

about. People having the basic rights, including those to which

you are fair. Europe's stands united in condemnation of the

atrocities perpetrated by the Syrian regime, but progress in

getting the Security Council to similarly declared the combination

of these abuses is slow. The support of countries like Brazil,

said Aberdare and India could reduce the likelihood of a Russian

or Chinese of veto. Can the Minister say what steps the

Government is taking to strengthen ties between the Britain and the

emerging powers, not just in terms of trade but also shared interests

like human rights. Yes, my honourable friend is right up to

draw the conclusion to elevate these relations. A good example of

this is the UK, South Africa bilateral forum which we held on

Thursday. This included four said African Ministers with their

counterparts from the UK, discussing a whole range of issues,

emphasising in particular the shared values between our country

and a country like South Africans. We will take forward a that work in

the years ahead. Ministers met last week with our constituents who took

the time to have tea with us about overseas aid. Many members of

Parliament for many years have been concerned with aid in return for

trade. Could the Secretary of State say that his department would never

get involved in a conversation about a commitment of overseas aid

in return for privatisation of public utilities for a contracts

for British companies? It I think he may want to answer this question

at the Department of International Development to get the thought of

answer, but as he knows, across the House we are in favour of

development aid being given on its merits and not for the kind of the

deals are arrangements he is talking about. Mr Speaker, the

recent elections in Nigeria exceeded international expectations

as a fair process and a true democratic choice. Will the

Minister encourage the Nigerian government to extend that she the

business sphere by tackling corruption and supporting

entrepreneur ship as this is the best way to Secure at a secure

economic future for the Nigerian people. I was struck by the

President's determination to root out corruption and put in place a

road map before or oil and power sector reform. Can the Minister of

dip a house on progress that has been made on getting Palestinian

leaders to recognise the right of the state of Israel to exist?

the moment, Hamas does not recognise the right of Israel to

exist. The criteria we applied to the new Palestinian authority are

those which I set out to the House earlier and set out last week,

including accepting the previous agreement of the PLO. What

discussions were had with Barack Obama concerning recent US calls

for the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. Was he persuaded to

support democracy in the South Atlantic as well as the Middle

East? It there has been no discussion with Barack Obama on his

recent visit of the Falcon Islands and the position of the United

Kingdom remains absolutely the same, as it has found under successive

governments since 1982. Ahead of Channel 4's screening of the

killing fields of Sri Lanka, what reasoned assessment has the

Secretary of State made of the credibility of the Sri Lankan

government's lessons learnt and reconciliation commission and its

new deadline to report to November of this year? I spoke to this

morning to the Foreign Secretary of shrill Lanka. He had an opportunity

to update me on some positive measures that had been taken. I was

in a position to remind him of the importance of a credible and

independent investigation of the various allegations which are now

very much on the table from the UN and others. It is essential that

those are dealt with. We note the new timetable to report his

November. However long this takes, it will not be possible for surely

go to move forward unless it has addressed some of the horrors of

the past. The Foreign Secretary will be aware of the large and

growing Serbian expatriate community in London. What positive

message can we send them about the prospect of the easing of visa

requirements in the future, and also the Halle and when Serbia

could eventually joined the European Union? As my honourable

friend knows, these requirements are at a matter for the Home office.

And they will be considered by Home office Ministers when the next

review the visa waiver scheme. The message to Serbia is this country

supports Serbia's ambitions to join the European Union and wishes the

President every success in taking through the very demanding

programme of reforms that will be needed for them to meet the

conditions of entry. Is the Foreign Secretary aware of the reasons why

his German counterpart went to Benghazi and said that the German

government was now recognising the transitional government in

Benghazi? Does this represent a welcome shift of Germany's position

given they abstained on the Security Council resolution of

Injury any has been supportive. Although they abstained in the

Security Council in March they have been part of the contact group, the

German Foreign Minister attended the London conference, which I

hosted, at the end of March. Although Germany has not made a

military contribution to the NATO effort they have been helpful in

many other ways and given political support to what we are doing. What

he points out is further evidence of that consistent approach.

too many parts of the world freedom of religion and belief does not

exist or is being undermined. Would my honourable friend establish an

advisory commission on freedom of relig ligious belief to advise the

government on these important issues? I have already established

a human rights advisory group which, at its second meeting last week,

that meeting we had a specific discussion about this very subject,

about freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and so on. The Foreign

Office paper will go on to be discussed at a conference, to be

held shortly. This is an important subject in which the Foreign Office

and many other people are now engaged. The Foreign Secretary said

earlier that he had a conversation with the Crown Prince of Bahrain,

that he is in favour of dialogue. It's very well saying that, both

here and the United States, the same time the government in Bahrain

is crushing dissidents and also locking up those people who should

be part of the dialogue. Yes, she makes a powerful point. The point I

would make in return is, yes, we should be highly critical and we

should condemn human rights' abuses in Bahrain, but it is very

important for us to play what role we can in encouraging the most

constructive, the most moderate figures, on both sides, to make a