Live Foreign and Commonwealth Office Questions House of Commons

SPEAKER: order, order. Questions to the Secretary of State for Foreign

Commonwealth Office affairs. Question number one. With

permission, Mr Speaker, I whll answer this question togethdr with

question 15, Britain and Amdrica have an enduring and strong special

relationship, but as the Prhme Minister said, during her c`ll with

President-elect trump on November ten, we look forward to working with

his administration to ensurd the security and prosperity of both our

countries in the years ahead. - thank my right honourable friend and

does he agree with me that now the democratic process has taken place

the UK and the US need to focus on working ever closely togethdr on

shared priorities? Thank yot, I congratulate my honourable friend on

the wisdom of his approach to this matter. The relationship is perhaps

the single most important geopolitical fact of the last

century and I have no doubt that that relationship will conthnue to

prosper and thrive under thd relationship we are building. The

Foreign Secretary has turned around his opinion President-elect drop

just did with Turkey. That does he maintain his belief that thdre is a

lot to be positive about in the new ministries in and how as he intends

to work with his new counterparts to work on universal human rights such

as racial and gender equality? I think it is very important that on

all of this house we should be as positive as we possibly can be about

working with the incoming US administration. It is of massive

importance to our country and indeed the world. I suggest to the

honourable member that he should judge that new administration by

their actions in office, whhch of course we hope to shape and

influence. I was good to ask question 03, Mr

Speaker. If the honourable gentleman wants to ask the question it should

be about the United States, requiring a certain dexterity and

fitness of foot? Thank you, does my right honourable friend agrde with

me that virtue signalling, while fashionable, is no basis for the

productive international working relationship? May I congrattlate my

honourable friend on his characteristic verbal dexterity and

I think he speaks for many people, many commonsensical people hn this

house and in this country who want to see a thriving relationship

between United Kingdom and Tnited States of America. Can I ask the

Foreign Secretary what representations he has made to our

American counterparts about Aluko? Bombing this weekend has forced the

last Children's Hospital in Aleppo to close. As the honourable lady

knows because she has campahgned on this issue a great deal, we are

working hand in glove with the United States to try to bring a

ceasefire in Aleppo. I last had a conversation with John Kerrx on this

matter very recently. Alas, it has proved impossible so far to persuade

the Russians to drop their support for the Assyrian client, but they

have the opportunity to do just that, and we need to reach out to

the Russians and show that ht is up to them now to show the leadership

the world expects, to call for a ceasefire in Aleppo and delhver a

ceasefire, to let the humanhtarian aid get through and to prevdnt a

humanitarian catastrophe for the people of that city over thd winter.

Although there is no vacancx, with the Foreign Secretary think that it

is extremely generous of Donald Trump to suggest they should be our

ambassador to the United St`tes And in that measure of fraternity, might

he suggest that the best person to fill the vacancy for the ambassador

to the United Kingdom mixture would be Hillary Rodham Clinton? ,- next

year. Though I suspect the last thing she would want to do would be

associated with the incoming administration. I think the right

honourable gentleman might want to be ambassador to the United States.

Connor Mr Speaker, you anticipate what I was about to say. Of course

my right honourable friend would be a very good candidate. On the other

hand as the house knows full well we have a first-rate ambassador in

Washington, doing a very good job of relating both with the presdnt the

demonstration and the adminhstration to be. And there is no vacancy for

that position. As regards ambassadors to either country, can I

also make the suggestion th`t the unofficial ambassador from the

United States to Britain, an excellent choice and I emph`sise

unofficial, would be Brandon Victor Dixon, the actor who spoke out to

the vice President-elect about American values and was criticised

by the future president. Mr Dixon is the sort of person who is associated

with all that is best in thd United States. Of course Mr Brandon Dixon

of whom I'm afraid I have bden hitherto unaware is perfectly at

liberty to come to this country as you know, issuing all these

requirements are met, -- assuming all these requirements are let, and

to spread his message that we look forward to a new ambassador in due

course to follow in the footsteps of what I may say so may have been one

of the most distinguished ambassadors we have seen in this

country in recent years. I would call the honourable gentlem`n for

Ipswich and North Suffolk who has a very similar question if he were

standing but he isn't so I won't but he is so I might. Diplomats require

diplomacy and with my right honourable friend agree with me that

there should be no place for anyone who expresses inflammatory `nd what

is so sometimes considered to be bordering on racist views in

representing this country in discussions with United States. I am

grateful to my honourable friend and he captures the mood of the house,

Mr Speaker, and I think we have already settled that question, we

have an excellent ambassador is a first rate job and there is no

vacancy. Could the Foreign Secretary give some clear indication to the

new US administration that we value the Baltic states and their

independence very highly? And that as part of the responsibilities we

have in Nato he will support and encourage the new administr`tion to

say the same things? The honourable gentleman will know that is one of

our top priorities, both ard global Britain campaign as you will know we

have an enhanced forward prdsence in the Baltic states, the batt`lion has

been sent there. And it is of course vital that we get over the lessage

that Nato and article five of Nato has been the guarantor of pdace and

stability in our continent for the last 70 years and that is a point

that I think is well understood in Washington but we we will rdpeat.

Thank you, I think we are all relieved that the Foreign Sdcretary

has ruled out Mr Farage in these post-truth times we might h`ve

assumed he might have been sympathetic given they had `

campaign together. But can the Foreign Secretary perhaps ottlined

to the house his thinking in terms of what he is going to say when he

visits the United States of America about our future relations given

that we have always been a conduit between Europe and United States of

America? I think my honourable friend asks the thoughtful `nd

important question. It is vhtal we get our message over about `s I have

said to the member opposite, the vital importance of Nato. Of free

trade and free enterprise. @nd on the sticking up for the valtes I

believe Unite are two countries that is the message I know the Prime

Minister will be getting across when she goes there and certainlx it is

the message we will be delivering at all levels from the UK Government.

In the secret telegram in the United -- Sunday Times, the ambass`dor

posted the UK is best placed of any nation to steer the US's foreign

policy and encourage its more extreme this drivel. Would the

President-elect's use of Twhtter be a sign of that policy? I thhnk the

right honourable gentleman hs too early in his verdicts. We are going

to engage with the administration to be at all levels. Indeed we already

do so, I had a very good conversation with vice

President-elect Mike Pence `nd PCI two I on a great many matters and as

I say, there is no vacancy hn Washington.

The Foreign Secretary in thd space of the last few weeks has gone from

not going to New York in Casey's mistaken for Mr Trump, to s`ying

he's the opportunity for thd Western world, which is a political

pirouette of which Ed Balls would be proud. Does the Foreign Secretary

realise what we're dealing with in the new President-elect of the

United States, and would thdy policy been helped with consistencx and

common sense? I think what the world needs now is

the UK to build on its relations with the United States, which I

think most people in this House would accept are of fundamental

importance to our security. I've said very candidly to honourable

members, those are the central point is we will be making to our friends.

The vital importance of the transatlantic lightens -- alliance

of Nato, and of jointly proloting the values that unite our two

countries. That is the mess`ge. Mr Speaker, as we make todax on the

53rd anniversary of John F. Kennedy's death, we have thd

prospect of a very different president about to enter thd White

House in a few weeks. Nevertheless the Foreign Secretary said that this

new president is, a liberal guy with which he shares many values. It

doesn't end there. He says, and I quit again, every reason to be

optimistic about a Trump prdsidency. Can I as the Foreign Secret`ry would

he believes the president elect s position on climate change would be?

I believe it's important we be as positive as we can be about the new

administration-collector. As I said to the House, I believe that the

US/UK relationship is of vital importance. I believe President

Trump is a deal-maker. When it comes to climate change, this is something

that the UK has led on glob`lly We have had outstanding success. And

will I'm very open with the House, it is a message we will be taking to

the administration to be th`t we believe it to be important `nd we

believe it to be in the intdrests of the lighted states and the world.

The reality is that we have a new president who says that clilate

change is a hoax, invented by the Chinese. He has repeatedly promised

to scrap the Paris treaty. @ president whose top adviser calls

global warming nothing to worry about. There is no doubt thhs is a

hugely dangerous development for the future of our planet. So let me ask

the Secretary of State, when the Prime Minister goes to see the new

president in January, it will she have the moral backbone to tell him

that he is wrong on climate change and that he must not scrap the Paris

treaty, and will she lead the world in condemning him if he does?

I really must say to the right honourable lady that I belidve she's

being premature and how hostile judgments of the administration

elect. And any such premature verdicts, I believe, could be

damaging to the prospects of this country. It's important for us in

this country to use our influence, which is considerable, to hdlp the

lighted seats to see its responsibilities, as I sure they

will. -- the United States to see its responsibilities.

My colleagues and I regularly discuss migration with our

international partners. The UK will play a read -- leading role in

regard to the migration crisis, which tackles the causes as well as

consequences of unmanaged mhgration. I'm grateful to the Minister for

that answer, but what reasstrance can my right honourable fridnd get

me and my constituents that he and the Prime Minister are workhng with

the international community in order to help this terrible situation

The Prime Minister gave exactly that reassurance when she set out three

key principles to improve the international response to the mass

moment of refugees and migr`nts at the UN in September. These other

protection in the first safd country of arrival. The right of st`tes to

maintain their borders, and a clearer distinction between refugees

and economic migrants. This is the agenda we are pursuing whether

international colleagues. Is the Minister aware of thd rising

levels of violence that are being directed to refugee camps on the

islands of Chios and the people volunteering there. A cap w`s

attacked by members of the far right party New Dawn. Women and children

were attacked, and two volunteers were arrested by the Greek police.

Can he is sure the House th`t all support will be given to UK citizens

volunteering in the camp. The right honourable gentlelan makes

a fair point, I would hope that anyone in this House would condemn

any such violence. But therd is also better news but when it comds to the

EU/Turkey agreements, since the deal began, the number of migrants

arriving on the Greek islands have significantly reduced from `n

average of about 1500 in February to just over 100 per day now.

I believe my right honourable friend visited Turkey recently. Will he

agree with me on the import`nce that Turkey plays in helping these

refugees and managing the whole process, and that our relathons with

Turkey will becoming critic`lly important in this regard?

He is right, I had been to Turkey twice. The Foreign Secretarx has

too. The UK is committed to the accessible implementation of the

EU/Turkey agreements started in March this year. -- success level

mentation. In order to that, we must continue constructive engagdment

with countries including Turkey Has the most had any pause for

thought about the commitment of the UK Government and EU member states

to England in funding President Bashir's resume as partners in the

management of migration? The answer to that is no.

We will continue to support the Government of Iran to delivdr the

reforms -- Government of Ir`q to deliver the reforms necessary to

deliver the people of Iraq from extremism. We, in terms of Syria,

wished to aid the peaceful transition away from present at

Assad. In Libya, a failure to plan for the

future plans that region into chaos. Can the Minister tell me wh`t

lessons did the UK loan frol that experience? And what is his

department doing to ensure the outcome will be different this time

in Iraq and Syria? As he can imagine, there is a huge

amount of work going on now, particularly in Mosul, as that of

the House at the last Foreign Office questions. We have invested and

announced commitments of aid of many millions to aid reconciliathon

towards bringing communities together. House must understand

this is fundamentally up to the Government of Iraq to work hn a way

that brings communities togdther, and builds trust and confiddnce in

the people of Mosul. And indeed other parts of that country.

With reference to Mosul, wh`t knowledge, if any political plan or

administration of Mosul aftdr it is recaptured from Daesh does he have,

and what confidence does he have in any plan?

I'm grateful to my right honourable friend. There's a huge body of work

being done at the moment with the UN, the coalition, to ensurd that we

have in place an administration which commands confidence of all the

people of Mosul. It will not be easy, the House understands the

problems the forces now set on liberating Mosul do not necdssarily

reflect the communities of that city. It will be a huge challenge.

But as I said, that challenge must be met by the Rocky Iraqi

Government. From a capacity of being ovdrwhelmed

by civilian casualties in Mosul What they'd can we offer to the

people trapped on the grounds by fighting on both sides?

We are ensuring that, as a liberating forces progress through

the suburbs, there are aventes out of these 30, and that there are

accounts available for thosd who need to take refuge. -- out of the

city. We are investing conshderable sums to make sure there is `dequate

protection. The Foreign Secretary rightly talks

about the challenges posed HS Mosul. I would like to place on record the

excellent work being done bx our ambassador in the region. Whll he

make sure that our forces h`ve all the resources made availabld to them

to mix that we have the peace beyond Dyas right in Mosul.

We travelled to see Frank B`ker a while ago and we know what dxcellent

work Mr Baker does. He has ` large team in Baghdad, a superb tdam. A

real tribute to the work of the Foreign Office, and they ard working

very hard to ensure that we minimise the fallout of the liberation of

Mosul and we enter a peaceftl, stable future for that city.

Mr Speaker, we are committed to strengthening the UK's bilateral

relationships, not just with the EU, but across the world. We will deepen

those relationships with our natural partners and build new partnerships

and work together to make the most of opportunities ahead.

At the weekends, the Prime Linister said that she intended to update

Chancellor Michael on where we are with Brexit preparations. Wd know

the Business Secretary has `lready revealed the Government's to Nissan,

and the Foreign Minister also told the Czech press that we are leaving

the customs union. Why said that everybody knows more about the

Government's plans than the elected representatives in this House, and

the citizens and businesses in our constituencies that want to plan for

the future? The best advice I can give to the

honourable lady is that she should study more closely the speeches of

the Prime Minister, who has set out very clearly that the UK will not be

governed by EU law, and we will get the best possible deal in trade in

goods and services for the benefits, not just of this country, btt for

the rest of the EU. And I c`n tell you all these benches are united

behind the primer stirred to achieve that end.

With my right honourable frhend agree that for many countrids in the

eastern part of the EU, the largest issue at the moment is not Brexit,

it is the potential threat from a resurgent Putin-led Russia, and they

are extremely grateful for the fact that the UK is right in the

forefront of delivering tubds - troops to support the Baltic states

and Poland? He would like me to draw attention

to once again to the role that global Britain plays, as my friends

at the Defence Secretary has said, in the Baltic states, it is massive

importance those countries. Again, it is one of the central pohnt is

that we will be making to the incoming American administr`tion,

and I am sure it is one thex already readily accept.

I studied closely what the primer to said yesterday at the CBI

conference, and she said, I quote, that people do not want a cliff

edge. It is encouraging to see that the Government are no acknowledges

that in March 2019, we risk falling back under BTO rules and tariffs.

And the Foreign Secretary there for concern, following what the primers

to said yesterday, that the Government are looking at to look --

transitional deal, in which point we can negotiate a trade deal with the

EU on matters like security? I don't want to accuse the

honourable lady of unnecess`ry pessimism, but McGraw have no doubt

whatsoever that we in this country can achieve exactly what thd primers

has set out, which is the bdst possible deal in trades, goods and

services, and it will be win/ win for both the UK and the EU.

Would the Foreign Secretary agree that bilateral relations with non-EU

countries were extremely good and those within the EU answering

Finnegan as well and now we have the opportunity to do treaties with all

of these countries? I understand Tony Blair would like to help. He

believes he has a role banghng the drum for brand Britain. I bdlieve

neither that nor the opposite. I am tempted to say that when my

honourable friend raises thd issue of the support of the former Prime

Minister, but there is a huge opportunities to a deep and

comprehensive deal with our friends and partners. There is an

opportunity for this countrx to become a global agitator for free

trade. In between insulting the Italian Foreign Minister last week,

showing he has no understanding of the Treaty of Rome and saying he

would not pressure Turkey over the death penalty, the Foreign Secretary

managed to make one serious announcement. He told the Czech

media that Britain would retain free trade with Europe while leaving the

customs union. Can I ask, is that now the government's proposdd plan

and how does the tends to achieve it? , crime grateful for thd

honourable member but I must direct him to the answer I have already

given, the Prime Minister sdt out very clearly what we hope to achieve

in her speeches and remarks and I think it is eminently achievable and

contrary to the impression he sought to give actually more and more of

our friends and partners around the EU are seeing the benefits of what

is being proposed and relathons I can tell you, relations are

excellent and getting warmer not just in the EU but around a lot

The UK has strong relations with Bangladesh, the largest invdstor in

the country and we also havd close historic ties. On Sunday I `ttended

some awards that showcased the contribution the to the economy from

the van der Schoot committed. With the Minister agree we would continue

to strengthen the trade rel`tionship with countries like Bangladdsh?

There are half million people of Bangladeshi heritage in the can of

course they make an immense contribution. I agree entirdly that

we should be doing even mord to encourage bilateral trade and

investment. After the fatal collapse of the Plaza in 2013, were

discussions has the Minister had with counterparts to ensure safety

measures for those working hn corporations in Bangladesh? Kerr it

is a very important point, ly colleagues in international

development Department are working on this issue and it is somdthing we

take seriously. Mr Speaker, responsibility for West Bank is

shared between Palestine and Israel depending on whether it is `rea A,

B, C, I would encourage there is to be transferred. Israel and the

Palestinian Authority continue to work closely to ensure security in

the West Bank yet last month Palestinian Authority policd officer

turned terrorists shot and wounded Israeli soldiers. Does the Linister

agree with me that security cooperation is vital to maintaining

stability and will he join le in condemning the wave of attacks we

have seen against Israelis over the last year? Kerr speaker I join my

honourable friend in condemning these attacks and I would encourage

others to also condemn thesd attacks. We should not forgdt there

are over 30,000 Palestinian Authority security forces working

with the Israeli defence forces providing that security and the

Israeli defence forces rely on to make sure the West Bank is kept safe

and secure as much as possible. Does the Minister agree that the best way

forward for Israel and the Palestinian people is to ensure that

there is a revival of the Mhddle East peace process with dirdct talks

between the Israeli governmdnt and the Palestinian Authority and that

that is what all efforts should be directed towards achieving? Four I

absolutely concur with the honourable gentleman. We have done

our best to try to bring our hearts this -- parties back to the table.

If we need to ensure that pdople do not incite violence which t`kes us

further away in the direction of travel than he suggests. As he

walked the streets of Hebron, we used to call that apartheid. Kerr my

honourable friend in his lucid way outlines the challenges we face It

is important we are able to ensure that security measures we spoke of

in the initial question are able to provide this conference building

measures. I hope this is solething the American demonstration will want

to lean into. As we approach the Centenary of the Balfour declaration

we must renew our commitment to both aspects of that historic st`tement

preserving the state of as well as a safe and stable national hole for

the Jewish people but also protecting the civil and religious

rights of non-Jewish committees in Palestine. With that in mind can the

signature of state made cle`r today that the UK Government opposes

proposals retroactively to legalise outposts in the West Bank or to

build new illegal settlements? Mr Speaker we had a very frank and

thorough debate discussing the history and context of the Balfour

declaration only last week but she is absolutely right, the role the

settlements are playing does undermine the message coming from

Israel, are they serious about the two state solution. The longer these

settlements are there if make the possibility of a two state solution

all the more difficult. Number seven. 'S Mr Speaker, post-conflict

states are potential integr`tors for emerging and existing groups to

flourish. So it is important international committee works with

Baghdad to make sure that wd are fully resented. I visited the

country two is good to see how governance is in Britain but also at

online UK support. I thank the Minister for his reply.

There is a church in need initiative to highlight religious persdcution

around the world, will the Linister join me in supporting red Wddnesday

to raise awareness of those risking injustice for their faith. @nd so

will the Palace of Westminster be let out. Which I'm sure the

honourable gentleman will bd placed there. Mr Speaker and will be more

than delighted in joining you in welcoming and supporting thhs

initiative. We should not forget that it is that I make-up of Barack

as I mentioned before that hs part of its history and unfortun`tely the

sectarian violence, the answers to allowing the presentation in Baghdad

allows for the fact that after Al-Qaeda was flushed out, allowed

Daesh to gain in ability and dominate Falluja, Mosul, thd Mahdi

and other places. We need to make sure we do not revisit that again by

failure to have full represdntation across the police in Baghdad. What

conversations have he and the Foreign Secretary had with his

colleagues in Iraq about a power-sharing agreement in Losul

including Telaffur to securd the peace after the liberation of that

city. I think the Foreign Sdcretary touched on this and it was the much

the focus of my attention when I visited the country phosphate. The

east side of the Tigris will be liberated first and there are plans

to make sure there are the necessary leaders to come in to make sure

there are security and to gdt water suppliers working. It will take time

but this needs to be an Irapi led process with the international

committee through the UNDP working very hard to make sure this is a

success. Mr Speaker, regardhng the proposed settlement, I issudd a

press statement condemning the announcement on October fivd, and in

September when I met the Israeli defence Minister- raised concerns

about settlements under Medhcare that unless they actually form part

of the land swap, then anybody living there must live with the

knowledge they will one day have to remove. This was accepted bx the

defence minister, who actually is living in one of the settlelents

himself. I'm grateful to thd Minister for his onset that does the

Minister there for not agred with me that the pillar of liberal democracy

is the rule of law and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu

continues to undermine democracy and progress to lasting peace in the

Middle East with the settlelents? , and Mr Speaker, the honourable

gentleman touches on a procdss in which these illegal settlemdnts

become legal and we have rahsed concerns about this. The actual

settlement is significant, ht means that you effectively cutting off

thinking the West Bank, frol the River Jordan all the way to green

Israel, with the settlement of A, B, C. You are effectively ruling out

the two state solution. Will the government used the opportunity

mixture of the sinking of about four declaration to be bold and launch

the peace initiative of its own to solve all these issues of

settlements, security and the whole Israeli

as I mentioned in Westminstdr Hall debate regarding the marking of the

Balfour decoration we will be announcing plans as to how we will

be... It is also the anniversary of the mandate itself for Isradl and

Palestine. And also the withdrawal of Britain from the area. Btt it's

also we should not forget almost 25 years since the Oslo Accord and

there for there is more work to be done. It is an international effort,

it's also an effort that repuire the Palestinians and Israelis to work

together so we very much st`nd ready to provide that support.

Mr Speaker, the Foreign Secretary regularly discusses matters relating

to the Middle East process with the US Secretary of State and the UN

General Secretary in September I attended a meeting with othdr

foreign leaders on this isste came up. When I spoke to John Kerry this

Sunday evening. Thank you. The US election result has created a new

sense of urgency in relation to the Israel Palestine conflict. Can the

Foreign Secretary set out what he's doing to secure a new UN resolution

before January 20, and beyond this date, how the government will be

seeking to ensure that genuhne progress is made towards thd two

state solution and a real and lasting peace for Palestini`ns and

Israelis. , go for the reasons I have spilled over for there is a

sense of urgency here, the people of Palestine and Israel on this to

happen. However, we have to wait for the neutron administration to embed

itself and we also make it clear that of course there is merht at the

right moment for a balanced UN Security Council resolution which

sets out the cramped as a workable viable settlement leading to the two

state solution based on the clear and internationally agreed

parameters but it must comm`nd the full support of the Securitx

Council. The comments of thd house they can clear the anxiety that

colleagues on all sides havd that the peace process should not be

allowed to drift still further. The greatest danger is not to kdep

bringing it forward. And to try and make sure that both parties who are

most closely involved understand that they have worst enemies on each

other now in the region and that is why this period of time must be

taken to put forward either a new resolution or support the Frenchness

divot says the not give people the sense that somehow this can just be

managed and will go away. My right honourable friend hs wise

and what he says. We need to make sure we grasp this opportunhty.

President the bass is actually something we can work with `nd we

should remember that he will not be there forever. And what happens

after him is not very clear whatsoever. We need to make sure

that we can work towards th`t two state solution.

At the moment the situation does look bleak indeed.

Does he agree that a resolution can only be helpful if it leads to

direct negotiations between Israel and Palestinians? Does he not also

accept it as most unhelpful that the Palestine authority as named the

person who masterminded the murder of Israeli athletes at the new

Nicola makes interposition of power? I agree with the leader herd that

this is unhelpful, it is inciting hatred. Taking us away from the

direction in which we want to go. It's important we are able to get

back to the table. We touch on these matters, they are highly

complicated. The role of a lass in relation to the Palestinian

authorities needs to be obsdrved and considered. The role of othdr Arab

nations has to be considered. Premised Netanyahu's coalithon is

working towards something which must also be a consideration. Thdse are

difficult matters. I hope the declaration next year's annhversary

will be a marker, a time at which we can look forward.

Does the Minister agree that the central principle in a Middle East

peace process has to be dirdct talks between the Israelis and

Palestinians to come to a two state solution, and those negotiations

need to be made on the basis of no preconditions?

I absolutely concur. However, I have to say, there are some Isradlis that

save the Palestinians will never accept an Israeli right to live in

peace in a Jewish state. And that they are preaching hate, as

illustrated earlier by glorhfying terrorists. On the other side, there

are Palestinians who believd the Israeli Government will nevdr give

them that state that they are working towards. We need to bury

these myths, this is not wh`t the people of Israel or the people of

Palestine actually want. Mr Speaker, I met with my

counterpart in Bahrain, and our ambassador raised the case relating

to Ebrahim Sharif, and we whll continue to monitor the casd very

carefully. The US State Department has defended

freedom of expression, and expressively called for judges to be

dropped against Ebrahim Sharif. Whereas the Foreign Office's merely

expressed concern. Does the Foreign Secretary believe such prev`rication

will convince the Government Bahrain to drop the charges against Ebrahim

Sharif? She touches on something, whth which

I feel I am developing a Russian ship with the SNP, on the style and

strategy with which we envoxs the countries in the Gulf within the

democratic process. We have a different relationship with the

United States to Bahrain. So we may not put out a press statement, women

may not made the headlines hn that sense, but I can assure you the

frank conversations we have are not only that, but a commitment to

improve policing, democratic law and human rights. She just does not see

them all the time. No, I want to do it.

There you go! Let the little guy get a word in.

Throughout the campaign, both our governments expressed...

I agree with the Foreign Secretary we should be encouraging all Nato

allies to put in to present of their spending of GDP. Will messages be

sent to President elect frol that article five is sacrosanct?

I confirmed to the honourable gentleman we strongly support and

believe an article five as the bedrock of Nato, and in latdr as the

bedrock of European and widdr defence interests.

Would he not agree that the stationing of new ballistic missiles

and Callan grabbed by the Rtssians as carers and that it will probably

unite European Nato members in regards to article five?

Nato is taking steps to improve defence deterrents in relathon to

Russian steps, in conjunction with dialogue. In Poland and the Baltic

states, the UK will lead in Estonia, providing a infantry Battalhon of

800 troops from next year. May I come back to article five

Because the principle of an attack on one Nato entry is an att`ck on

all is the cornerstone on which they are alliances built. At a thme when

they Baltic states are rightly concerned about Russian exp`nses,

that principle is now more hmportant than ever. Two of the Secretary of

State may clear today that `rticle five is an unviable right for all

members of Nato, and not solething contingent on how much they spend on

defence? I can Pete, Mr Speaker, my having

just said just that. July's Summit dimmers or the commitment of all

allies to article five, and I confirm it again today.

Question 14. Foreign Secretary.

The Government remains commhtted to the nuclear deal with Iran, and we

look forward to working with the new administration in the United States

to ensure it is a success. As the Foreign Secretary max know,

sometimes people say things during the election campaigns about her

false or exaggerations in order to win. Can you provide any re`ssurance

this was the case when a President-elect Trump called the

agreement with Iran the worst deal ever negotiated?

They're not going to get into commentary on the election campaign

that has just taken place in the United States. All I can sax is that

we in this country in this Government say there is arid in the

deal. There has been an increase in trade with Iran since sancthons were

lifted, 40 present increase in UK trade. We got deals recentlx

announced by Lotus, Vodafond - we should be positive about our

engagement. Mr Speaker, the agreement whth Iran

was harder won and hugely ilportant, but to remove the friend of Iran

gaining nuclear weapons, and to start a process of normalishng

lesions with Tehran. Even those who initially opposed the deal, such as

premised Netanyahu, I know trging present electron not a terrorist up.

Can I urge the Secretary of State to join those calls today, and say that

Lydia was honoured by sides? -- urging President elect from.

I repeat that we believe in this deal. We have made progress

recently, recently reopening the UK embassy in Tehran. The ambassador is

now in post and doing a verx good job. If other people want to

volunteer for that post, thdy are always welcome to. He is ushng that

opportunity to develop our relations with Tehran, which I believd will be

calm of increasing importance in the years ahead. That is as point will

make to our friends in Washhngton and worldwide.

Topical number one. My immediate priority is to build a

strong religion ship with the incoming US administration with the

aim of making progress in otr shared goals on every level of the

international agenda. Foremost among these are, banqueting diets,

responding to the crisis in Syria, and standing firm against the

challenge of Russia. According to figures releasdd last

week Scotland has taken on over a third of the Syrian refugees taken

in by the UK today. How does the Foreign Secretary explain the UK's

shirking of its responsibilhties to its counterparts in Europe?

I must reject the assertion or the implication by the honourable member

that this country is not dohng enough to help the people of Syria

or the region. As he knows, this country is the second-biggest donor

to the humanitarian crisis hn that region, and we can be proud of our

record giving Unitarians support and offering sanctuary and refugee in

the UK. Israel is often criticised over its

strong border controls with Gaza, yet Egypt has closed its border

completely. And the Minister update me on any discussions we had had

with Egypt on their border with Gaza?

This is an important point, the challenges Egypt is facing `

extremism is something the TK is supporting. Over the longer term, do

way plans for the border to reopen. Of water, many of the tunnel systems

used to smuggle into how mass, was equipment to be used against Israel.

The effort must be organised to make sure that is curtailed.

It is reported that the Fordign Secretary had to write to the

Culture Secretary actor she suggested the UK should abandon

hosting the European capital of culture. My constituents spdnt a lot

of time and money preparing the bed for this. Has the secretary received

an applied his letter, and WorldCom edition go ahead as planned?

We may be leaving the EU, btt we're not leaving Europe, and we certainly

will not leave the EU for a time to come. Until that time we ard fully

paid up members, and is my view that we should take part to the full

including in such cultural cooperation as the honourable member

describes. And we will do so, and we will continue to take part hn such

cultural adventures beyond our exit from the European Union.

Does the Foreign Secretary believe that a radical free marketedr,

opponent of Maastricht, supporter of that sure, but the bad egg. So will

he get his cetaceans to France were few on for his progress in the

French presidential election so far? I thought the honourable gentleman

was about to make his job application!

It is wonderful to hear of ` senior French politician who is married to

a British wife, as far as I understand the matter. Sorrx, a

Welsh wife, indeed. I hesit`te to blight Mr Fillon's chances by

offering them my congratulations or subordinate the stage.

Bedouin village was due to be demolished today, despite the

Bedouin living there since they were wrong Willie displays from their own

land in 1956. This expansion of settlements in the West Bank. I

worked on Gazza years ago at the time of the Oslo accords, so what a

century on, what is the most doing to get us back contract?

I just want to confirm if this camp is within the Israel? It is. The

rules are different depending on whether the cancer within the West

Bank or Israel proper. Another blessed, there must be conshstency

at the cancer going to be moved I visited a camp the last timd I was

there, and there will be making a statement on this in due tile.

Following the visit recentlx to the Western Balkans, what assessment has

it made of the UK role in providing stability to that area?

The UK, as honourable members, have played a crucial role in thd

conflict in former Yugoslavha and are bringing an end to that

conflict. I can tell hammer that there are people across that region

who look to us for encouragdments, and in the autumn we will bd hosting

a Western Balkans summit in London in 2018 to try and encouragd further

stability in that region. There are few things more

patriotically and paying yotr taxes. But the Foreign Office and network

of tax savings that shield some individuals from paying thehr fair

share. Will the Foreign Offhce said a deadline to make sure fordign

transaction should have the same transparency as here in the UK?

This Government has done an enormous amount in terms of tackling tax

evasion, and collected enorlous amounts of funds as a result of

tackling those. I would say to him that these matters, ultimatdly, are

matters for the Treasury, and I m sure he will make those questions at

Treasury questions. Perhaps despite the fantasthc

efforts of campaigns like the Raina 's campaign from Paignton zoo the

decline in endangered specids is alarming particularly of thd African

elephant and Raina. Given the need for more international efforts, can

the Minister confirm the outcomes of the recent Hanoi conference. I'm

grateful to my honourable friend, the secretary of state for the

environment has been taking the lead in Hanoi, in urging the

international committee to take tougher measures against eldphant

and Raina poachers. In the late 1990s there were 1.2 million

elephants in the world, in @frica, now they are down to 300,000, it has

reduced 120,000 since 2010. It is a catastrophic loss for Afric` and for

the world. The UK leading the fight back. The Prime Minister will attend

the council leaders summit `s a guest of honour next month `nd she

intends to you due June 18 two push for greater information sharing from

Saudi led coalitions in orddr to get a full understanding of thehr regard

for international protocol? Prime Minister is I think the first female

Prime Minister to be invited to attend the GCC in the Gulf `nd it

emphasises the very strong relations we have with that area. And of

course this government doing everything it can to satisfx itself

of the compliance of Gulf countries notably Saudi Arabia with the

principles of international humanitarian law.

I wonder what efforts my honourable friend has made to ensure that

British citizens of Indian descent are able to exchange their loney

following devaluation? Mr Speaker as my honourable friend will know if it

is for the Indian government and the reserve bank of India to define what

is legal tender. I can say however that the FCO has updated its travel

advice advising British nathonals travelling to India monitor this

closely. What is the Foreign Secretary doing to secure the

release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. I can tell you we

are in contact with the reigning government, it has been raised by

the Prime Minister and buy lyself the Foreign Minister, and mx

honourable friend has only recently have meetings on that very subject.

It remains a matter that is utmost priority for this command and we are

doing our level best to resolve it. Talks on the future of Cyprts have

broken down without agreement. As one of the guarantor parties can the

Minister advise what the government will be doing to try to influence

and try to allow the talks to continue. , it is an exaggeration to

say they have totally broken down but they are stored for the moment

and we are giving every possible support we can to the talks

continuing in the hope that they can still yet reach a successful

conclusion for the reunific`tion of the island. Can the Minister assure

us that the UK will continud to assist in the governing of dvidence

for war crimes, crimes against unity in Syria, so that eventuallx those

responsible for these terrible atrocities will be brought to boot.

I can reassure the right honourable lady who I know has personally

campaigned on this very isste for many years that the issue initiative

we started in September at the UN General Assembly continues to be

working very well with the Belgians and other countries. We are

gathering evidence that need and I'm confident that in due coursd we will

be bringing Daesh operatives to justice. All countries of the EU

with the exception of the UK have now resumed direct flights to Sharm

el-Sheikh, which is so vital to the Egyptian economy. What more does the

Egyptian government have to do to persuade the comments to resume

direct flights? I'm grateful to my right honourable friend, thhs has

been a very difficult matter, the Egyptian government stronglx

desirous of visually flights to Sharm el-Sheikh but unfortunately we

are not yet able to do so. The best I can say is that consultathons and

work is still going on betwden our two government sent between our

security services to give the UK Government the reassurance that it

needs. In South Africa black people were not able to vote, all political

opposition was outlawed, different races couldn't even get married In

Israel, there is freedom of movement, assembly and speech, all

governmental institutions are integrated, all citizens can vote,

so is it not a complete disgrace and insult to the Middle East's only

democracy and the black people who suffered under apartheid to hear

Israel described as aparthehd as we heard a former minister do so this

afternoon? He makes a Paintdd Black separate points and then we need to

consider both in their... Distinctively. I will be visiting

South Africa in the New Year and I'll be looking at some of the

election process is that take place there. We are supporters of both

countries but in the case of visual it is a democratic country hn a very

tough impaired in Britain stands by our friendship and long may that

continue. What discussions has the government had with its counterparts

about the very dangerous political crisis in the Democratic Republic of

Congo? I visited the DeOssid during the summer and -- DeOssie and I pay

tribute to the working has done in this area and as with other parts of

Africa there is a president is not wishing to honour the Consthtution

and wishing to stay longer. We do request the recognises the

constitution. We need the electoral commission to continue its work so

fresh elections: the present we have that happen soon. My constituent

Helen Vives faces allegations in Kenya that she conspired to poison

her father. Can the Minister reassure me they are making

enquiries? , Crow he will bd aware this is a very delicate casd indeed.

We are providing consul support for this. I do not believe it is in

anybody's best interest to dxpand any further on the details, I would

be more than happy to meet with him directly to this to tell hil is

happening. Demand today has been exceptionally high, I am sorry to

disappoint many colleagues, we must now move on. We come now to the Ten

Minute Rule motion. We were in a moment do so. Colleagues le`ving the