Live Foreign and Commonwealth Office Questions House of Commons

press and police. Do join me at 11pm for a round-up in both houses of

Parliament. First, questions to the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and

his team of Ministers. Order, order. Questions to the Secretary of State

for foreign and affairs. Question one, Mr Speaker. Happy New

Year to you. The humanitarian situation in Yemen is one of the

most serious crises in the world, and UNESCO says there are 19 million

people in need of help in that country. The UK is providing

support. We are spending over ?100 million to provide assistance. We

all agree that a political solution is the best way to end this

conflict. I met with foreign Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Amman,

the United Arab Emirates and the United States on eight under

December, in Riyadh, as long the macro well as the UN envoy, and I

hope to bring all parties back to the table. The humanitarian

situation in Yemen is deteriorating, and the UN estimates that 80% of the

population in Yemen is in need of humanitarian aid. Around 22 million

people. According to the governance's own figures, British

aid has reached less than 5% of those people. Whilst it is welcome,

it is nowhere near enough. This is a major emergency, affecting people

not only in Yemen, but also in my constituency. What plans does the

Minister had to increase the people in Yemen supported by British

support? She raises an important aspect of this very sad conflict.

Whilst we are denied a political solution, it is the people of Yemen

that are suffering. Because of this is the ability to get aid into the

country. The main access to the majority of the country is through a

port which is currently in boozy hands. The cranes are out of action,

and it is there that we need to get more access through. Dash-macro

Houthi. We need to prepare the cranes so a greater size of ship can

get in and then equipment and support can be distributed across

the country. I wholly endorse the remarks made by

the honourable lady. In addition, the UN reports there may be up to

370,000 starving children in Yemen. In addition to our own age, what

discussions has my honourable friend had with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf

states to provide significant humanitarian aid? It is fair to say

that Saudi Arabians, and members of the coalition, whilst the headlines

are about the military campaign that takes place on they are doing huge

amounts to provide support for refugees in their countries, and

also to provide humanitarian aid. Often this is done outside the

auspices of the United Nations. During the United Nations General

Assembly, my right honourable friend, the Secretary of State 40

fit, held a conference to make sure that we can bring countries together

to support Britain and our work to get aid into and across the country.

Mr Speaker, can I thank him for his personal efforts, and that of the

Foreign Secretary, in trying to broker a ceasefire. But that is the

key. We need a ceasefire in the same way as Turkey and Russia managed to

do for Syria. Have there been any further discussions with the United

States about getting this back onto the agenda of the Security Council?

I know the Foreign Secretary was in America at the end of last week. Was

this raised with them, and when can we get this back for discussion at

the UN? I think there is a further question down the line, which

focuses on a UN Security Council resolution. Just touching on that

now, this is our ambition, to gain a resolution which will be along the

lines of what the road map is discussing. We met our 19th of

December, we did confirm the direction of travel that we want to

go. He will know because of his understanding of the country, it is

not so simple as to suggest this is the Houthis against resident howdy

on those on that side, but it is a complex tribal structure which

requires the buying of many parts of the country in order to make sure

that ceasefire and the station of hostilities can last. Can he confirm

media reports that Iran is now publicly backing the Saudi led

coalition attempts to bring security back to Yemen? I can confirm that

the Foreign Minister for Oman was at the discussion, as well as a

representative from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the key

nations providing support, and I pictured beautiful work that Oman

has done in bringing the Houthis to the table to attain this ceasefire.

In accurate information has been provided to Parliament on a number

of times. The Minister said previously he acted immediately, but

a new Freedom of information request reveals that the Minister and former

Foreign Secretary knew as early as the 28th of June last year that

Parliament had been misled, but this was not corrected until the 21st of

July. Does the Minister believe that the ministerial code was complied

with? I am guessing from the question he puts forward that this

is in relation to the sale of munitions. He did not explain this

or the context, so maybe if we meet afterwards, then he can give me a

follow-up question, or he can come to the debate on Thursday when we

will discuss Yemen in more detail. Mr Speaker, last month the Defence

Secretary informed the House that the Saudi government had given

assurances they would no longer use UK manufactured last bombs. Can I

ask the Minister if he has confirmation from the Saudis that

they have now disposed of these weapons? They have confirmed that

that is their intention, and hopefully for the debate on Thursday

I will be able to ensure that that has actually happened. I will go

further than that to say that, prior to the visit by the Prime Minister

for the conference, I invited all of the GCC nations to sign the

convention on cluster munitions so they can join other countries around

the world in condemning these horrific weapon systems. 40 million

people in Yemen, more than half the population, are today going hungry.

In the capital residents scavenge rubbish dumps for food. Can the

Minister tell us what progress he is making towards brokering the

ceasefire so these people can get the help they need? This goes back

to the original question and it is vital that we get full access to

Sanaa. I'm fortunate, this is in the hands of the Houthis. We are unable

to utilise the airport, which would be the best way to get into the

country because of disagreements taking place. The sooner we can get

all parties back around the table, then we can get this cessation of

hostilities in place and gain that important aid into the country,

including the capital. Let me first say that I think it would be fitting

that the House ought to welcome the fact that, whatever else 2016 port,

it was the first year in almost four decades when no member of our Armed

Forces was killed in operations. Sadly, Mr Speaker, this is not

because we live in a more peaceful world. In Yemen the conflict is as

fierce as ever and the suffering of their children is worse than ever.

It is the worst crisis in the world. One child dies every ten minutes

from a lack of food. I have here the UK's draft UN resolution, which

could bring an end to that conflict and allow the delivery of

humanitarian relief, but there was not a single words that any

reasonable party could disagree with, so I ask the Minister this

question. Three months from its first appearance. Why is the UK

still sitting on this draft resolution? Mr Speaker, the way that

the UN resolutions are drafted is that they need to be made sure that

they are workable, and that means that all parties must sign up and

agree to it, otherwise it is simply just a piece of paper. For us to

make sure that the UN resolution can stand on what we are actually

saying, and can be enforced, you then need the parties to come round

the table and have that cessation of hostilities. As she is right, we

work towards the drafts, we don't increment them and will are sure

that resolution can work in actors. I thank the Minister for that answer

but we have heard this before. I know that the Ministers don't listen

to their ambassadors any more these days, but this is what our UN

ambassador said back in November. Asked what it would take to achieve

a permanent ceasefire he said, "The UK will continue to support those

efforts, including the use, if necessary, of our draft Security

Council resolution." That was 50 days ago. 50 days of continuing

fighting, and still we have the same old delay in tactic from this

government. I ask again, when Bull the Foreign Secretary pull his

finger out, present this resolution, and end what is a terrible proxy

war? I'm sorry to use these words, but

she is now illustrating that she does not have a grasp of the UN

process itself and what is going on on the ground in Yemen. To suggest

that any of us on this side of the page do not listen to our

ambassadors, that is to mislead the House. I would invite... Order. Of

one thing we should be clear, the Minister has a grasp of

Parliamentary protocol. You cannot accuse somebody of misleading the

House. Both words of wrong and both must be withdrawn. Minister. I

withdraw those remarks. If I had inadvertently, would that work, so?

Inadvertent leak disingenuously misleading the House. Disingenuous.

If someone is disingenuous, there can be nothing inadvertent about it.

I would have thought he was well educated enough to recognise that.

Do get it right, man! The point has been made. Sorry to test your

patience, but it is important to understand that we take the words of

our ambassadors seriously. I spoke to Matthew Rycroft only a few days

ago. We are the pen holders at the UN Security Council and I want to

make sure that there is a phone call between him and the honourable lady

so he can explain the processes of the United Nations so she becomes

aware that we will not get a Security Council resolution passed

until we get the cessation of hostilities in place. Progress apart

from anything else has been clay seal. Far, far, far too slow. We

need to speed up. Mr Speaker, the Foreign Secretary raised the case to

do with this last year in November. Our commissioner is raising this as

well, including discussions with North Cyprus. We will continue to

post to see those guilty of the murder of George Lowe brought to

justice. Can I thank the foreign office for its hard work in trying

to secure justice for both George Lowe and Ben Barker. Natural justice

demands that people should not be able to simply walk away from

custody when they are accused of murder. Northern Cyprus has allowed

this to happen with one of the suspects, and it is feared the other

will follow. Can he reassure the families that every effort can be

made to make Northern Cyprus halal, decency to prevail? The House will

not be aware of this. This has been a delicate carries and I commend the

work he has done in order to work with the families. I assure him that

the Minister from Europe is fully engaged, as our FCO officials to

provide support for both families. He will realise that because it

involves North Cyprus, we cannot speak to widely of what discussions

are taking place. I assure him we're working hard to make sure justice is

seen to follow. This has been a complicated case, but they have been

too many complicated cases involving British National is in the various

different parts of Cyprus. Is not the truth of the matter that until

we get a proper settlement of Cyprus so we no longer have a divided

island, a divided city, there will be no long-term justice either for

the people of this country in Cyprus or for the people of Cyprus. I hope

the former Minister for Europe will join me in congratulating the two

leaders that are coming together this week. I think my right

honourable friend is going to Cyprus in order to push forward what will

be money mental discussions that will take place. It will be provide

that important solution. I hope that then cases such as this will be

resolved faster. With permission, I will answer this question together

with question 13. We are concerned by reports about the detention of

activists in Colombia, often without trial or access to legal

representation. The premise to raised our concerns with the

President -- the Primus to raised concerns with the President.

Will the Minister urged the Colombian government to release all

civil society prisoners as soon as the? We do welcome the arrival of

the new amnesty Bill. We believe this will lead to a new benefit for

all citizens in the wider region as part of the Colombian peace process.

We look forward to all aspects of that law, particularly in regards to

disarmament and reintegration. The transition zones are an important if

not crucial aspect of the peace agreement. Yet we are hearing

reports of living quarters not even started, food so rotten that people

are suffering with severe food poisoning, possibly even lethal food

poisoning. Indeed water is in scarce supply. Considering this is where

the troops are supposed to be gathering, will we put pressure on

the Colombian authorities to ensure these transition areas are completed

and properly stocked? We do of course have read these matters --

raise these matters often and I will relate that back. The United Kingdom

has supported the Colombian government throughout the difficult

recently concluded and very welcome peace process and pledged continuing

support through the UN and EU. Can the Minister outline what

specifically will be supported and for the people be included in the

discussions on how these funds are allocated? My honourable friend is

right, 2016 was a historic year for Colombia and the peace deal ended

the longest running conflict in the Western Hemisphere. There is a

contribution of ?7.5 million of a trust fund with a big percentage of

that going towards de-mining. There is now a paramilitary presence

in several of the Colombian departments. Can we ensure that the

proliferation of paramilitaries and private armies is counted and the

articles of the peace process are upheld? I can confirm that we are of

course concerned by reports of violence against tumour rights

defenders which has increased in 2016. Of course, these attacks have

increased in areas where they are written -- withdrawing.

Mr Speaker, despite the signing of the partnership for the peace

agreement, there were extrajudicial killings. The Saudi led coalition

was formed following the alleged at request of the President as set out

in the UN resolution to 216, added is in this context that the UK

supports this. It beggars belief that the Saudi coalition is

routinely targeting air strikes at cattle markets, dairy farms, food

factories and other agricultural infrastructure. Can the minister

explained why they are doing that and why we are supporting them? Mr

Speaker, we are not supporting them doing that, as she can imagine. We

are working very closely with the Saudi Arabians and the coalition to

make sure that their standards of protocols to meet international

standards that we expect, should we be involved ourselves. Much of the

information from the battlefield is very unclear indeed, and we do

enforce transparency in a way that Saudi Arabians and many other

coalitions have never seen before. Does my honourable friend agree that

since the Saudi led coalition intends to restore the legitimate

government in the Yemen, it is clearly right and proper that we

should support them? My right and will friend, he knows the region

well. He is absolutely right. I will make it very clear that the

coalition has made errors, it has made mistakes. It has not endured

sustained warfare in this manner before. It is having to meet

international standards like never before. It is having to provide

reports on when it makes mistakes, it has never done that before. It

has not had the experience of writing a report before. It is now

wanted to meet those standards, wanting to work with the

international community and we need to make sure that when errors are

made, it puts it stand-up in the same way we do or the Americans did

in Afghanistan a few months ago. Given that Saudi Arabia has admitted

using illegal cluster bombs in Yemen, what consequence or sanction

is being considered or planned by the UK government against Saudi

Arabia given this breach of humanitarian law? If I may attempt

to correct the honourable gentleman, they are not illegal because this

country has not signed up to the Munitions Convention. Therefore, it

is in their right, indeed any country's right to use these

munitions if they wish. As I mentioned earlier, I have encourage

them not only to make sure that they have actually destroyed all cluster

munitions that we sold to them in the past but get rid of their entire

Arsenal of cluster munitions and signed the convention. Has the

minister spoke to the coalition about the long-standing threat from

Al-Qaeda and Daesh in Yemen which threatens not only them but our

security at home? In all of our discussions with Saudi Arabians,

learning to conduct warfare in the standards we expect, the absence of

a solution allows integration of the body such as Daesh. And also

Al-Qaeda. The port was run by that terrorist organisation, and there

are more terrorist attacks plotted in the peninsulas by Al-Qaeda then

any other wings of Al-Qaeda itself. It is important we were called out

coalition friends to make sure we defeat extremism in Yemen. Can I

endeavour to make a better case for Britain's policy in the Yemen

tragedy and the minister did in his earlier replies. Could he make clear

the value to our security and also to our dynamic aerospace industry of

our relationship with the Saudis and the Gulf states and also because as

of the UK and the international community of the expansionist

approach of the Saudi regime. They are important ally. Their security

is our security. They are not used to conducting such sustained warfare

and they need to learn. We are standing with them to make sure they

are learning lessons and make sure that we work towards peace in Yemen

for all of the reasons we have discussed in the chamber today.

Number five, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, thank you. I have indeed spoken to

the Israeli prime and -- Prime Minister on this matter on December

23. I raised illegal settlements. I probably spoke for a large majority

of people in this House when I said that I am a strong, passionate

supporter of the state of Israel. But I also believe that the

continued expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank is by

no means conducive to peace. I thank him for his response. Could he

further advise what assessments his government has made of the Israeli

government's intent to comply with the resolution on illegal

settlements? That is clearly a matter for the Israeli government. I

will repeat our position that we believe that settlements in the West

Bank are illegal and the 20th cent expansion we have seen in a

settlements since 2009 is a threat to the peace process, and that is

why we resolved as we did. Of course, there has been a certain

amount of argument about that and a certain amount of pushback from the

Israeli government. But you will find there is a wide measure of

international support. It is in no way diminishing the Government's

strong support for a Jewish homeland in Israel. Is there anything in the

substantial analysis presented by Secretary Kerry on the 28th of

December following resolution that the Foreign Secretary doesn't agree

with? Let me just repeat my point which is that I think that John

Kerry was completely right to draw attention to the illegal settlements

and he was right to draw attention to the substance of the resolution

to 334. I would remind the House that the UK was closely involved in

the drafting of that resolution. It was an Egyptian generated resolution

and we only supported it because it contained a new language, pointing

out the information of terrorism that Israel suffers everyday, not

least on the Sunday, when there was an attack injuries. I was glad that

that resolution identified that aspect of the crisis in the Middle

East. I think John Kerry was absolutely right to point out the

rounded nature of that resolution. May I paid to beauty to John Kerry,

who is shortly to step down as Secretary of State, for his tireless

work for peace, not just in Israel, Palestine, but across the wider

Middle East. "The Cessation of activities is

essential for a resolution". Given the meetings the Foreign Secretary

has had with members of the incoming administration in the US, does he

think that is a view that is shared by President elect Trump? I think it

is a widespread view in Washington and across the UN Security Council

that settlements are illegal, and that's why the resolution went

through as it did without any opposition. To answer the right

honourable gentleman's question directly, frankly speaking it is too

early to say exactly what the administration to be will decide on

this matter, but he can rest assured that the British Government will

continue to make the point that we have, not because we are hostile to

Israel, on the contrary, because we wish to support the state of Israel.

Let me try to get this right. The British ambassador is summoned

formally in Israel because of the way the UK voted at the UN Security

Council, but meanwhile in the UK, and employee of the Israeli embassy

is caught on film conspiring with a British civil servant to take down a

senior Minister in his own department, the chairman of the

foreign affairs select committee and other members of this House, the

Israeli ambassador makes a couple of phone calls and all is forgiven. Can

be Foreign Secretary enlighten us on the thinking behind this? I

certainly can enlighten the House in the sense that, as my right on a

friend points out, the Israeli ambassador made a very full apology

for what had taken place, and the gentleman in question, the diplomat

in question, no longer seems to be a functionary of the embassy in

London. Whatever he may exact have been doing here, his cover can be

said to have been well and truly blown, and I think we should have

said the matter closed. Progress is lamentably slow. One question is

will be cut off because there are people lower down big paper who must

be reached. If a UK embassy official had been caught on film in Tel Aviv,

talking about taking down an Israeli Minister, they would have been

booted out of the country without further ceremony, so why did that

not happen in this case question what is the Foreign Secretary showed

even a tiny bit of resolve in such matters, perhaps Israeli diplomats

would not talk about him in such disparaging terms. Divide audible

gentleman seems to have been failing to pay attention, which is that the

Israeli diplomat in question is no longer doing his job here in London,

whatever his job is, he is no longer doing it here in this city. The

Israeli ambassador has made a full apology for the matter in question.

I am happy to consider the matter closed. Will the Secretary of State

agreed to meet with me and colleagues to discuss our graves

concerned about resolution 234 for which my constituents believe will

make these harder to achieve in the middle east? I am grateful, we are

happy to offer exactly such a consultation with colleagues, and I

know that my honourable friend the Minister has already undertaken to

do just that. I am sure that the whole House will join me in

condemning the horrific attack on Sunday on Israeli soldiers in

Jerusalem. Mr Speaker, we will never achieve a lasting peace in the

Middle East until the state of Israel, its soldiers and civilians,

are free from the threat of terror. No, Mr Speaker, will be achieve that

lasting peace and to all sides accept a two state solution, and

until a viable Palestinian state can be built free from illegal

settlements. In these allegedly frank discussions with the incoming

Tom administration on Sunday, was the Foreign Secretary frank about

those points to, and if so, what response did he receive? The answer

is yes to the first question, and the answer to the second is wait and

see. Where is the next fellow?

Question seven. First of all, let me repeat the condolences that we have

offered, I am sure many members will want to join me in offering to the

people of Germany in the terrible attack they sustained on December

19, and we continue to work with our German counterparts to strengthen

our mutual security will stop we have superb relations with Germany,

and it is vital, both going through the Brexit process and beyond that

we deepen and intensified that friendship.

May I associate myself with my right on both and's expression of

condolence to the people of Burlington. Given that Germany is a

net exporter to the United Kingdom, I would not want its economy

affected to the imposition of tariffs must what extra is being

done to build diplomatic relations for the benefit of future reciprocal

free trade between our two countries? I am grateful because as

my honourable friend will know very well there is now a big operation

going on by UK TI, by British diplomacy, to point out the salient

fact that German investment in this country is responsible for about

344,000 jobs here in the UK. UK investment in Germany is responsible

for 222,000 jobs. It would be the height of insanity to imperil either

of those sets of investments. Mr Speaker, the Foreign Secretary

spoke of the relationship with Germany as being a very good and

very special one, but isn't it the fact that many leading Germans are

concerned about Britain leaving the EU and the impact that has on the

security of Europe, particularly our commitment to Nato, given the

instability that we see in Russia? Well, I think the right on gentleman

asked and astute question. Of all the countries in Europe that care

about our departure, I would say it is certainly the Germans that have

been most psychologically and emotionally affected by the

referendum result. That is why I think my honourable friend's friend

is so astute. We contribute 25% of the EU's defence expenditure, but

that will continue because we may be leaving the EU, but we are not

leaving Europe. Our commitment to your's defence is undiminished.

Question eight. Thanks to our historical

connections, our shared economic interests that include foreign

policy, defence, security, trade and culture, we have exceptionally

strong relationships with our GCC nations. This was reflected in the

warm reception the Prime Minister received when she attended the GCC

summit in November, and established a new UK GCC strategic partnership.

So does the Minister agree with me that Britain has a unique

competitive advantage in securing a free-trade agreement with the GCC

due to those desired sectors, our long-standing friendship, and also

the GCC's own desire for economic diversification? My honourable

friend is absolutely right, and that is one of the reasons why the

Chancellor visited the region a couple of weeks ago, to enforce

those exact points. I am sure that once the Brexit discussions have

moved forward that one of the first areas that will be consolidating in

the trade agreement will be with GCC nations.

In December, the spokesman for the Prime Minister said this was not the

governor's view, so whose view was the Foreign Secretary expressing?

Further to our relationships with the GCC nations, these are countries

that are advancing, these are very new. Saudi Arabia only became an

independent country in modern times in 1932. It is because of this close

relationship that we have in a wide variety of sectors and the trust

that we have, that we are encouraging these countries to

advance in government systems as well. The diplomatic stature of the

GCC has risen to six only -- significantly into recent years, not

least due to... With regard to the impasse in Middle East states, does

he believe the time is now right for Arab states and GCC to make an

approach and initiative to move this process forward? I know this is

something that is close to his heart and he worked hard on this when he

was the Minister for the middle east, and he is right, that as the

GCC grows in Powys and strength, and in its authority, it has an

important role to play in arguably what is one of the longest concerns

that has been running since the occupation began of the occupied

territories, a visitor years ago, and in this year that we mark the

declaration, I hope this is the year that we make progress.

The GCC countries have in excess of 100,000 troops, they are up against

a rebel group in Yemen who have been involved in killings, who are trying

to overthrow the country, who are involved in torture and the report

puts the number of child soldiers in the rebel group at 30%. Isn't that

the biggest challenge, and shouldn't we be supporting the GCC? I agree

that it is one of the biggest challenges. We forget that this is

their neighbourhood. This is their backyard. This is where they want to

make sure that they have security, in the same way that we want

regional security, wherever that may be. Certainly near where we live and

work and want to raise families. That is the same in GCC nations, and

it is something I will explore more when we have this debate on

Thursday. Question nine.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. We have as you can imagine, regular

consultations about the future shape of our diplomatic nations with the

rest of the EU, but the honourable lady should understand that we may

be leaving the EU but we are not leaving Europe we will continue to

collaborate on all the issues that are vital in macro fight the

important to us. I welcome that answer. Free movement is a key issue

for our discussions with our EU counterparts. Has the Government

considered therefore that in order to get the best possible access to

the European single market, proposing a managed migration

system, which still gives preference to EU workers, welcoming those with

high skills but limiting the numbers of lower skilled workers coming into

work? I hope she will forgive me that this would come under the

category of giving a running commentary on our negotiations. We

cannot do that and the right honourable lady on the front bench

says Brexit means Brexit and she is perfectly right.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. With my right honourable friend agree that, given

the trade ties she has already mentioned, and the fact that we are

your's largest dispense contributor, we shouldn't has to make deals on

immigration and free movement in order to secure a good trade

agreement with our allies and friends in Europe. May I begin by

congratulating my right honourable friend on his well-deserved

knighthood in the New Year's honours list, and I think he speaks very

good sense. I hesitate to... In fact I will agree with him completely

without being convicted of giving a running commentary on our

negotiations, so thank you very much.

Has the Foreign Secretary given any commentary at all to his own

officials such as Sir Ivan Rogers, who left the service because he said

that he had not been given any sense of what the negotiating objectives

were of the Government. Could you perhaps give a clue as to what the

Department intends to do? I must tell the right honourable gentleman

that if you consult the speeches of the Prime Minister more closely, he

will discover a wealth of information about our negotiating

position, but I do not honour since he has not bothered to do that, I do

not propose to enlighten him. Except to say that Sir Ivan Rogers did an

excellent job, he always gave me very good advice. I think his

reasons for stepping down early work persuasive. Said Tim Barrow as

anyone has worked with him, and people on both sides of the House

will have done, we'll know he is an outstanding public servant with

long-standing experience of UK representation in Brussels, and will

do a superb job in the forthcoming talks.

I'm sure my honourable friend will agree that not only diplomatic

relationships are important but relationships to members of this

House and European partners are important. Membership of the Council

of Europe, of all-party groups, has never been more important. Can he

give the assurance that his Department will assist in every way

to make sure that bilateral relationships exist between mems of

this House and Europe will be encouraged? I'm happy to give that

assurance to my honourable friend. As he will know, there are

Parliamentary bodies of one party or another that have links with sister

parties across the continent and we will do everything we can to promote

that in the years ahead. On behalf of these benches, can I pay tribute

to the long and distinct wish career of Sir Ivan Rogers? He served

successive governments with great distinction and most of the

Secretary of State's predecessors had the good sense to appreciate it.

Pity he couldn't until the just now when Mike honourable friend managed

to press him. In his resignation letter, Sir Ivan said that contrary

to the beliefs of some, free trade does not just happen. Can the

Secretary of State explain who Sir Ivan had in mind? I think I have

given my views about Sir Ivan. I'm happy to repeat them which I think

is that he is an amazing public servant. I must say that it is vital

for officials to continue to give their unvarnished views of matters,

such as the ease of negotiating free-trade deals. It isn't

necessarily going to be simple, but there is no reason to think why it

can't be done speedily and there is no reason to think why we can't have

fantastic free-trade deals, not least with the United States of

America. Question ten, Mr Speaker. I am grateful to the right or lady.

We're using every forum at our disposal to try to encourage both

sides to get to the negotiating table. It is deeply frustrating. I

John honourable members on both sides who condemned the appalling

attack and murder of four Israeli soldiers at the weekend. All I can

say is I've repeat what we said. The only way forward has got to be a two

state solution, and that was why it was important to restate the

Government's position in the resolution. The general secretary of

the UN has warned about Iran's activities, bombing Hezbollah in

Lebanon from their base in Syria. What can the Foreign Secretary do to

combat this minutes to the prospects of any peace in the region? I think

it is important to recognise that Iran is a malign influence across

the region, and we must be vigilant about what they are doing. On the

other hand, you have got to engage with Iran and the JCP OA wraps since

Asa Tatchell way forward -- represents a substantial way

forward. What effect does he think the current global of Palestinian

violence is going to have on the peace process? Is my honourable

friend will know, the level of violence has been down by comparison

with 2015, but it is still too high. It is a board that the resolution

that has been discussed this morning did have that balance in it, and

there was that language in it, pointing out the threat that Israel

faces, and it is important that we stress that. And that we encourage

Palestinians to understand there can be no hope of peace unless they get

their extremists under control. I'm pleased the borrowed secretary is

using every forum to bring peace will stop will he therefore be

attending the Paris conference, and what new initiative for the UK

government be putting forward back? I can certainly assure the right

honourable gentleman that the UK government will be attending the

Paris talks. We will be be enforcing our message, which is that we think

both sides must get round the table and negotiate, and that is the only

way forward, and that it would be folly now to abandon a two state

solution. A one state solution is not in the interests of Israel.

Number 11, Mr Speaker. The Government regularly receives

reports of sectarian attacks on Christian and other minority groups

in the Middle East was to work with all governments and North North

African governments to tackle this violence. The persecution of

Christians across the Middle East is way to -- is way too common. I

welcome the work that has been done such as he has done to promote those

charities. I look forward to reading their report which is due out

tomorrow. They do make -- they have a major contribution to the thoughts

of governments. Will the governor to ensure we do every thing we can to

make sure that this is recognised as genocide in the International

courts? I have said in this House that I do believe that acts of

genocide have taken place. It is not my view that counts. It is whether

we can legally prove that. As we have debated, it is important that

we collect the evidence. I'm sure the House will be delighted to know

that it has been confirmed that the Foreign Secretary joint other

countries including Iraq at the General assembly to launch the work

to be done to collect the evidence to make sure that we can hold those

that are actually conducting these activities to account. I could not

be for grateful to the Minister. Mr Speaker, thank you. I have come

back this morning from the United States, where I have been discussing

these issues with the incoming administration. It was clear that

there is a wide measure of agreement tween us over the challenges that we

face, and I can assure the House that Arab embassy in Washington is

engaging and the primer stuff's -- Prime Minister's office are engaging

with the incoming administration to build on those areas of agreement.

What talks specifically with regard to security and trade did my right

honourable friend had with congressional leaders?

I have the House, there was a huge fund of goodwill for the United

Kingdom on Capitol Hill. And a very large measure of understanding that

now is the time to do a free-trade deal. They want to do it, they want

to do it fast, and that understanding with most vivid on the

part of the incoming administration. Order, topical questions. As the

fellow manifested himself? Rebecca Powell is. Topical mother to, Mr

Speaker. -- topical number two. We will build a stronger working

relationship with the US administration. As I have said, I

have just returned from the US to further that ambition. As this is

the last SCO questions before the end of the Obama administration, let

me repeat formally my thanks to John Kerry for his tireless dedication.

Illegal trading in wildlife is now the fourth most lucrative

transnational crime and has a hugely destabilising effect on habitats and

many communities. On this note, can the Minister tell me what his

Department is doing to help combat the poaching of illegal ivory

trading in Africa? Thank you. We have made it clear in

this government that combating illegal wildlife trade is our

priority, one of our priorities. We have a dedicated team in London,

working with my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for

DEFRA. As the lady will know, the Secretary of State came back from a

highly successful conference in Hanoi on ivory trade. We are

supporting without funds... Let me tell the right honourable lady who

mocks the elephants... The number of elephants are damaging by 8% every

year. It is thanks to the efforts of this government that that issue is

being raised up the international agenda again. We are spending

considerable sums of money to support those who are combating the

poachers. All questions and answers need to be extremely brief,

irrespective of how distinguished those who put them are or judge

themselves to be. Mr Alex Salmond. When the right honourable gentleman

was a columnist, he was a supporter of some aspects of President Putin's

policies. When he became Foreign Secretary, he became hostile to

foreign policy in Russia. He is pursuing a twin track policy which

means we will be supportive and hostile at the same time. At what

time during his visit to Trump Towers did he decide to blizzard was

the best policy? -- duplicity was the best policy. I have never said I

was a supporter of President Putin's activities in Syria. It is important

to understand that although Russia is doing many bad things, and what

they have done with cyber warfare, there is no doubt they are up to no

good, but it is also important for us to recognise that there may be

areas where we can work together, that is what we should do. Does my

right honourable friend agree that until the divisions between the

Sunnis and Shias are short, there cannot be peace and prosperity in

the region? What role does Britain play in that process? It is such a

fundamental question because very cold war feel between them and yet

the difference is actually almost insignificant. They agree on the

centrality of the Prophet Muhammad. The big issue is about succession,

whether it was the cousin and son-in-law, or whether it was the

father-in-law. She is absolutely right. When these two sides

reconcile, peace and prosperity will improve and all of... As I had been

advised, we don't need a lecture in each of these cases. We need a pithy

question and a pithy reply. On Sunday, the Foreign Secretary met

with Donald Trump's chief strategist, a man whose website is

synonymous with anti-Semitism, racism, misogyny, homophobia, hero

worship of Vladimir Putin and the promotion of extremist far right

movements across the world. Can I asked you for an secretary, how did

he and Mr Bannon get on? I don't wish to embarrass any member of the

incoming administration by describing the regular or otherwise

of our relationship. But the meetings were productive. There was

a wide measure of agreement between the UK and the incoming head

ministrations about the way forward. We intend to build on those areas of

agreement. When the Russian air force skirts

along British air force, RAF pilots fly typhoons to see them. Does my

right honourable friend believe that our sanctions against Russia are

hitting the target is just as effectively as our RAF pilots? I am

very grateful because I think it is important for the house to keep in

mind the importance of these sanctions. I have to save the

support for sanctions against Russia, for incidents over Ukraine,

is not as strong as it should be in other parts of the EU and the UK is

in the lead in keeping the pressure on. Following his trip to America,

how confident is the Foreign Secretary that we might have a US-

UK free trade agreement on the table within the next couple of years? Is

there an appetite for it to be based on mutual admiration rather than

single opposition? My enthusiasm is nothing compared to our friends on

the other side of the Atlantic. We will get a good deal, but it's got

to be a good deal for the UK as well. The Minister tell me what it

is doing to ensure lessons of the past are learned and proper

stabilisation and reconstruction planning is in place for Mosul once

the city is liberated? We do not learn the lessons of the lessons

were not learnt in 2013 when the moderate Sunni voices were not

listen to. Extremism is flourishing across north-east Africa and the

Middle East unless we engage with those moderates. Planning needs to

be done before the guns fall silent. Did he make it clear that the United

Kingdom will not share intelligence with his Administration if his

administration is to use it down in a association with a revived US

torture programme? -- in association. We do not discuss

intelligent berry-macro intelligence matters or the operational nature.

Does my right honourable friend share my concern that a prompt 's

statement was not issued over the murder of Israeli soldiers. Refusal

to meet face-to-face is the major problem with a two state proposal?

The resolution has been characterised as a settlement

resolution. It also contains valuable language about terrorism,

but there can be no lasting solution for that part of the world unless

there is better leadership of the Palestinians and unless they

renounced terror. Next week the new president is due to be sworn in

except the current president is refusing to budge. The people of

Gambia have voted to end 22 years of civil liberties and human rights

abuses at the hands of the president. But the Foreign Secretary

during his counterparts around the world in telling him that he has

eight days to get out of office? Not in so many words, but I did have the

chance to congratulate the president elect. The will of the Gambian

people should be recognised and the current president should step down.

What agreement will they be on policy towards Russia between the

British government and the new Administration, given the new

administration's indebtedness to President Putin through the leaking

and hacking of democratic National committee and the Hillary Clinton

each campaign chairman's mouse? First of all, I make no comment on

the efficacy, the electoral efficacy of the hacking of the DNC e-mails

except to say that it is pretty clear it did come from the Russians.

The point we have made to the incoming administration and indeed

on Capitol Hill is justice, that as I said earlier on, we think that the

Russian states, the Putin Kremlin is up to all sorts of very dirty

tricks, such as cyber warfare, but it would be folly for us further to

demonise Russia or to push Russia into a corner. So a twin track

strategy of engagement and vigilance is what is required. The Foreign

Secretary referred to the Middle East process. Secretaries of State

Clinton and Kerry failed to get a bilateral agreement between

Palestinians and Israelis. Is it not time to go to the international

sphere in the sense of the Arab initiative originally in Jude oost

by Saudi Arabia in 2002. The only way forward is both sides to get to

the negotiating table and recognise that a two state solution is way

forward. Does the Foreign Secretary share the concern on both sides of

the house at President Erdogan Ozma latest power grab following the

retrograde steps he has already taken to Islam miz ath formally

secular Turkish society? It is important to recognise that the

Turkish state, the Turkish government was the victim of a

violent coo in which... And attempted coo in which hundreds of

people died. It was entirely wrong of many governments in the EU to

instantly condemn Turkey for its response instead of seeing that

there is a balance to be struck. Turkey is vital for our collective

security. The last thing we need to do is push them away and push them

into a corner. Last month a UK Government spokesperson told Sky

News that the government is aware of an alleged air strike on a school in

Yemen using UK supplied weapons. Can the Minister update us on the

progress on this? I don't know the details of that particular report, I

have not seen it. I am happy to meet outside the Chamber to discuss it. I

will give her a reply in due course or I can give her a public reply in

the debate were having on Yemen on Thursday.

Well scholarships for students to study in the US continue? We have

made additional funding available to ensure 40 scholars to study at

university this September. What role can the British government play in

the situation in Zimbabwe? Our relationship has been strained

because of the current leadership. She speaks of a six-month period,

but who knows what will happen? We are working with neighbouring

countries to provide support for the people who are suffering more than

ever before under the current President's regime. Improving trust

and intelligence sharing is vital to the situation in Libya? Would it be

prudent to reinstate flights to Sharm el Sheikh? It is true that the

loss of UK tourist business to Egypt has been very severe and we are

working very hard with our Egyptian counterparts to get the reassurances

that we need in order to restore those rights which we all want to

happen. Earlier this morning the Minister said that the government

only supports UN security resolutions when it knows it can

enforce them. So if the Israelis continue with the settlements

programme, what steps will be Foreign Secretary take to enforce

resolution 2334? The honourable lady will no very well but we are working

with our international counterparts to persuade both sides to get to the

table, both of the Palestinians to drop the violence and recognise the

existence of the state of Israel and show leadership, but also to

understand that a two state resolution is the only way forward.

It is the best thing for this government to do. Many of my

constituents are concerned that the recent UN vote marks a change in the

UK's Dalston was Israel? Can the Foreign Secretary confirmed that is

not the case? The state of Israel is well-known and is just about the

only democracy in that part of the world. It is a free and liberal

society, unlike many others in the region. I passionately supports the

state of Israel and I think it was important that the government in

that resolution 2334 stop by UK policy over settlements and

underscored our horror regarding the violence against the people of

Israel. Does he find his counterparts somewhat surprised to

find a genuine British eccentric holding the position which she

holds? Go on, the eccentric! I honestly cannot speak for the

response of my counterparts. All I can say is, he can take it in

whichever way he chooses, but there was a wide measure of agreement on

both sides of the table over some of the problems that our societies

face, both in America and in the UK, and in the need for some fresh

thinking and the huge potential of the UK and the US to solve those

problems. I doubt that the proposition that the Foreign

Secretary is an exotic individual will be a subject to -- will be

subject to division of the house. We are awaiting another judgment over

my constituent Billy Evans. All the situation be derailed because of

Brexit? I raised this matter in October when I was in India with the

Minister for external affairs. The Prime Minister also raised it. We

are pressing for a speedy due process to take place. As she knows,

we are awaiting the outcome of the appeal process. My right honourable

friend was an outstanding Mayor of London and during his time he was

the first champion of the City of London and he was a believer in the

value of the single market. Could my right honourable friend now tell us

and assure us that in his negotiations, rather his meetings

with the incoming trump administration, he ... I think the

right honourable lady will find that the City of London has been through

all sorts of situations that would lead to its extinction, as some

proper sized. The City of London has gone from strength to strength and

Canary Wharf alone is now a bigger financial centre than the whole of

Frankfurt. I have no doubt, and by the way, this opinion was shared by

our friends and counterparts in Washington, I have no doubt that

that commercial and financial dominance of the City of London in

this hemisphere will continue. Further to the question from the

honourable lady from the SNP, we will be looking for more than some

twiddling. Does he have a concrete proposal to get those men home? We

take the matter seriously and we have raised it on a number of

occasions and will continue to do so. We can't interfere in the legal

process of another country, but we are doing everything we can to urge

a speedy process and making sure the men get help in prison as well.

Finally, an immensely patient member of the house. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

What support is Her Majesty's Burrnett giving to the welcome moves

towards a settlement in the Democratic

I had the pleasure of visiting the country last year and I was

concerned there was a delay in elections taking place or by the

President not recognising that his time is up, something that by

honourable friend will be aware of. I am pleased to see political

dialogue is being developed and we are only programme to make sure

elections are returned to the country very soon to make sure we

enforce that to happen but offer our support and assistance to this

important country. I am sorry to disappoint remaining colleagues but

this Question Time session probably enjoys a greater demand than any

other but I am afraid supply is finite. Two hours, the Minister

chanters from a sedentary position, he is a member of the executive and

if the government wants to take the proposition might be substantial

support for it. I tried to expand the envelope but there are limits,

if we don't have a longer session, people will have to be brief in

questions and answers. Urgent question. John McDonnell. I would

support two hours, Mr