Live Foreign and Commonwealth Office Questions House of Commons

Welcome to the live coverage from the House of Commons. We will have

the Finance Bill to tackle money-laundering and corruption. MPs

are expected to finish deliberations today. There is a motion announcing

changes to benefit payments and increasing the level of the minimum

pension. The House of Lords is holding a second debate on

legislation to start the formal process from leaving the EU. You can

watch live coverage of that on the red button service or on our

website. Join me for a round-up of the day in both Houses of Parliament

at 11 o'clock this evening. First, questions to Boris Johnson and his

team of ministers. Order, order, the clock will read

the title of the private bill set down for consideration.

Questions To The Secretary Of State For Foreign And Font -- Secretary Of

State For Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs. I Will Take Questions And

One, Ten And 12 Together. I Met and have good conversations and I am

sure we will be having more in the weeks ahead. Too deep in a

relationship that has been part of the foundation of global peace and

prosperity for the last 70 years. Called the Foreign Secretary

confirmed to me that when he met with the Secretary of State last

week, he said unequivocably that Her Majesty 's Government thinks the ban

on travel by President Rouhani proposed on Muslim countries is

simply wrong? He will know very well that this Government did not support

the travel measures introduced by the executive order. They were

something that we would make to the House and not something we would

like to see in this country and we made it clear to our friends in

America and it was by engaging with the White House and others that we

were able to secure the important clarification that the executive

order would make no difference to any British passport holder

irrespective of country of birth. I'm pleased to hear the Foreign

Secretary's reports but I want if you could tell us more about how he

plans to manage the important tripartite relationship between each

-- between the UK, EU and US post Brexit? The Ansett is that on some

things, we will differ from our American friends. We had an example

of that. -- cancer. -- answer. There are some members

who are not in the same space that we are. The policy of the UK as you

would expect is to stick up for UK interests and UK values and if I can

use jargon to triangulate dynamically between the two.

Speaking of standing up for British interest, Mr Trump's record suggests

any deal he agrees to would be to our disadvantage. What will the

Foreign Secretary de -- do to make sure any deals with not just

American ones? It is very important to be clear eyed about how American

power and success in negotiating trade agreements and to recognise we

will have to be on our mettle to get a good deal for this country. I have

no doubt that we will be able to do such a deal and it is a great shame

that in 44 years of EU membership, we have not been able to secure a

free trade deal with the United States. That is now on the table. In

his discussions, did he discuss the best opportunity to mark a state

visit by President Trump and did he put in my suggestion that 2020, the

anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers, would be a better day for a state

visit than in the next few months when it is right -- likely to be a

rallying point for discontent in the UK? I thank my right honourable

friend for his interest in suggestion. It is not one I had time

to make to our American counterparts. Let us see how the mat

of the state visit evolves. The invitation has been issued and it

has been accepted and I am sure it will be a great success. Would my

right honourable friend tell the Secretary of State next time he

meets him that if the current discussions between the US

Department of defence and State Department lead to them recommending

to President Trump that they put American ground troops in the root

-- northern Syria to combat Isis, that the British Government would

not be following them? I am not aware of any such proposal. Nor do I

think having listened to the language being used both by the

White House and by the State Department, that we are going to see

the imminent contribution of ground troops in that theatre. I do think

that the advent of the Trump administration offers the

possibility of new thinking on Syria and the hope of a new way forward.

Last week the honourable member for tooting and I went to Jordan as

guests of Oxfam and we met a number of Syrian refugees, notably one man

who lived in the refugee camp. He was due to start a new life in

America, literally within the next few weeks. It is difficult to put

into words the sense of despair that all his hopes and dreams for a new

life have been shattered by President Trump's decision to ban

all refugees from going to America. Would my right honourable friend,

when he gets the next opportunity, not hesitate in telling him that

this ban on refugees brings great shame on his country and he should

lift that ban on refugees immediately? She will know full well

we have already expressed our disagreement with the travel ban and

indeed the policy on refugees. She was in the House when I came to

explain the Government's view about that policy. This country can be

extremely proud of the way we not only support that particular camp in

Jordan, which we do, and we agreed another ?30 million to support that

individual operation, but this country is the second-biggest

contributor to the humanitarian effort in the region with 3.2

billion already pledged. Isn't it a case that policy triangulation has

meant that these people anticipate when an American policy is going to

be and mimic it? That must be difficult into a pity what American

policy will be and who will be implementing it. The Foreign

Secretary wait to see what the policy is before changing policies

like the two state solution in the Middle East? I'm sure the right

honourable gentleman knows very well that not only is Her Majesty's

Government's policy unchanged on the solution in the Middle East but so

to the best of my knowledge is the United States's policy. If I may

with the guidance of the House, it is my impression that the policy of

the United States is migrating evermore to wards a position of

congruence within our policy rather than the reverse. Was it the Foreign

Secretary's idea to visit President Trump after seven days in office?

Given the Foreign Secretary declared he would go to New York in case he

was mistaken for Mr Trump, is there any chance President Trump would not

come to London on a state visit in case he is mistaken for the Foreign

Secretary? I'm embarrassed to tell you that not only... I was mistaken

for Mr Trump in Newcastle, which rather took me aback. Also in New

York, a humbling experience as you can imagine for me. I can't tell you

who was the exact progenitor of the excellent idea to accord an

invitation to the President to come on a state visit but the invitation

has been issued. It is a wholly appropriate thing for the British

Government to do and it will be a great success. With my right

honourable friend agree that at a time when there is fresh fighting in

the Ukraine, at a time when Russia continues to carry out large-scale

exercises close to the borders the Baltic states, some of them with

nuclear capable of treatment, would he agree there has never been a time

in recent years when our relationship with America and

keeping Nato together has been so important for Europe as a whole? He

is completely right and why it was so important that the Prime Minister

on her very successful visit to the White House secured from Donald

Trump the 100% commitment to our Nato alliance which has been the

guarantor of peace in our times. We note that Trump's Muslim than

attracts die -- Daesh's... Can I ask the foreign sense -- Secretary

Wattie has had in discussions with the Secretary of State the defence

by the increased threat to UK national security as a result of his

immoral and racist policies? We remain vigilant about the threat to

terror as a result of all international policies but as I have

said before, the seven countries in question had been previously singled

out by the Barack Obama administration for term Visa

restrictions and as she will be aware, this Government has already

signalled its disapproval of the ban to which members opposite are

rightly objecting. They quantified the queue of countries seeking to do

a free-trade deal with the US and where Britain's place was in queue.

Racks stellar sin was clear he regards the UK of pivotal importance

for his own country. -- Tillerson considers that. Nato is pivotal not

just for the safety of European countries but for the US itself.

Tillerson was also clear that the UK will be at the front of the queue

for a new trade deal. President Trump boasts of running a

finely tuned machine, but the truth is that when it comes to all of the

world's major crises from Ukraine to Syria, from Afghanistan to North

Korea, American policy is under review. I hear from the Secretary of

State there is new thinking but we have yet to see anything coherent

from America. The finely tuned machine has not stalled is much as

hats not got going, and the resulting vacuum is being felt by

the Russians. Peace talks on Syria and Afghanistan are taking place

without US or UK involvement, so is the secretary of State happy to keep

voting for President Trump's ideas or will we see a change in

initiative from any of these countries and if so what is the

plan? The finely tuned machine that is the

Labour Party is a fine one to offer any kind of political advice to the

American administration. As she knows very well, it is in fact the

UK that has been in the lead on trying to find a solution in the

Yemen. It is the UK which has been in the lead in Somalia in trying to

maintain the commitment they are, and I think in all fairness she

should recognise that the current area of diplomacy being considered

by the United States in respect of Syria is a course that the UK has

principally advocated. That is one in which the Russians and the

Iranians are separated in their interests, we move towards a

political solution any transition away from the barbarism of the Assad

regime. I have to say, Mr Speaker, if that

is the plan, I am a monkey's uncle. The fact is the Government has been

frozen out of negotiations on some of the most pressing issues we face.

Afghanistan, for more than 15 years, there have been 450 British

fatalities. The American army general on the ground John Nicolson

describes the fighting as a stalemate, which may take several

thousand more troops to break. In the meantime, Russian led peace

negotiations are going on in the absence of America, and the United

Kingdom, and in the absence of any other Nato member. So I ask again,

when will we start seeing some leadership on this Government?

If she is referring to Russian led peace talks in Afghanistan, she is

perhaps talking about detox... The talks on Syria... It is in the view

of all of the Syria supporting countries that those talks should

resume as soon as possible in Geneva. When she talks about the UK

contribution to Afghanistan, I think she can be very proud, and the whole

house can be very proud of the sacrifice made by those 456 British

troops who have lost their lives over the last 15 years, because

there are hundreds of thousands of women in Afghanistan being educated

as a result of the sacrifice made by British troops and investment by the

British people in that country. There are people getting food and

water and sanitation it would not otherwise have received it.

Question number two, Mr Speaker. My right honourable friend and I

took part in the Geneva conference on Cyprus, and we welcome the

intention to resume talks next month and are keen to maintain momentum

and bring negotiations to a successful conclusion.

Will he agree that the fair country guarantees should have no place in

the settlement for Cyprus because Cypriots should be able to determine

their own future without the threat of external military intervention?

It is up to the two sides to understand what kind of future

security arrangements they won for a united Cyprus which will enable both

committees to remain secure. As a guarantor power, the UK plays a

supportive role and is open to any arrangement which is acceptable to

the two communities. I thank the Minister for that reply.

You will know that from Northern Ireland's point of view we have been

able to have a partnership Government which has moved from

bringing communities together. Can I ask this question, what is being

done in relation to, from that advice from Northern Ireland, to

bring advice, which could benefit Cyprus at this moment in time?

I think the example of Northern Ireland is an example to the whole

world, and I think it has been of benefit in the likes of Nepal and

Colombia in that way. I hope the lesson from Northern Ireland can be

taken into account for Cyprus and formed the progress we would like to

see in Cyprus. What does the Minister have a view,

that the best for the solution is the dedication and encouragement of

both this Cypriot leaders negotiating, the realisation that

the status quo of divided services is untenable? And we need to make

sure Turkey understands that when it comes to guarantees.

We will upload, and we must applaud the two leaders working towards a

solution. Other things are necessary such as the cooperation of Greece

and Turkey, the next-door countries, and successful referendums within

each community. Last time negotiations on Cyprus

seemed close to a deal but the effort collapsed when hackers broke

into the UN computer systems and documents were leaked to a separate

newspaper. The inflamed community tensions which followed had a hand

in scuppering the deal. What assurance can you give that lessons

have been learned from that experience and a proper safeguards

are in place to protect negotiations from undue influence from outside?

We have close association with the UN special representative, and I am

confident that he will have thought of this possible intrusion into the

successful negotiations and I hope those safeguards are properly in

place. Question number three, Mr Speaker.

With permission, I will answer questions three and 13 together.

Global Britain is a programme to help to explain to the world but

also to the people of this country what I think they do not often

suspect, which is the full range of Britain's military, cultural,

commercial, diplomatic influence in the world. I do think that it is

important to do that, now particularly as we make Brexit, or

Breentry as we should perhaps call it, as we help people understand

that a more global Britain will be more prosperous.

And my right honourable friend tell us how the various initiatives about

building a global Britain as we leave the EU will help the people of

the Yeovil constituency in the south-west of England?

I am delighted to tell my honourable friend that over the next ten years,

we will for instance be spending ?178 billion on defence, one of the

few countries in Nato to contribute 2% of our GDP to defence for that,

and there will be more funds to support companies in Yeovil such as

a helicopter company that, as far as I know, built the Wildcat submarine

hunting helicopters among other vital bits of kit.

Will you agree that in addition to defence of soft power, including the

effective use of aid and increasing trade and investment by helping

businesses to find suitable partners, that remains an essential

part of the UK approach to boosting security in the more dangerous part

of the world? I agree. If I may just give the

House, Mr Speaker, one stunning fact that should seldom be off there lips

when selling a UK... When selling UK universities to the world, of the

Kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers in the world today, one in

seven were educated in this country, and we have more international

students in London than any other city in the world.

The Foreign Secretary's brother probably told him that. There is no

harm in that. Mr Speaker, could we have a number

of honesty in terms of an assessment of this nasty little hard Brexit

campaign? The fact is that we, instead of insulting the former

prime ministers Tony Blair as he did last week, will he take seriously

the danger to this country of a hard Brexit that the people of this

country did not sign a black check for -- a blank cheque. They want a

real vote as how good the deal is with Europe as we leave it.

I do not think anybody could seriously say that the former

premised had been resulted by any remarks I made last week. What I was

trained to get over was my strong feeling that a debate was had last

year and everybody understands that and we were going forward with a new

approach for this country, a global approach, and it will be eight clean

and Brexit and I think a highly successful Brexit, as the premise

has said. Given that a famine has just been

declared in South Sudan, Cathy confirmed that a truly global Brexit

will respond to global situations like that rather than siphoning off

in power in advance? I'm sure he will be aware that the

UK is one of the only countries in the world to contribute 0.7% of our

GNI to overseas development. We have a fantastic record, not just in the

Sudan, but across Africa. And I say-so that in... Ears is right to

draw attention to the approaching famine in South Sudan, we have sent

400 troops to help deal with that emergency. -- he is correct to draw

attention to this. Thank you, Mr Speaker. We remain

deeply concerned about the UK consulate cases in Iran and continue

to raise them with the Iranian Government at every opportunity,

including when I visited Iran last month. And by the Foreign Secretary

when he met his counterpart at the Munich Security conference.

I thank my honourable friend for his answer. He is familiar with the case

of a 77-year-old father and grandfather to my constituent who

has been detained in Iran's notorious prison for almost 60 year.

Does he agree with me that at a time when Iran and the West's

relationship are under increasing scrutiny, the exercise of clemency

in this case and others like it would demonstrate Iran's commitment

to constructive engagement with the international community?

Mr Speaker, I wholeheartedly agree with my honourable friend and I'm

grateful for the work he has done with the family. I was able to meet

the counterpart on the 25th of January and I spoke to an ambassador

this morning about this particular case, and indeed when I visited Iran

last month, I am pleased to see he will now be receiving the health

Cathy has been requesting. He is right that there is a case for

clemency here. -- he will be receiving the health care.

Is anyone in the British Government able to make direct contact with the

Iranian Revolutionary guard, because these are the people arresting and

falsely imprisoning our national 's? If we are speaking simply to the

puppets in Tehran, no one from Britain will be safe to visit that

country. Mr Speaker, we should be careful of

the language we use. The Iranians like many countries do not recognise

dual nationality, and therefore we must conduct these matters with

diplomacy. Our avenue with the Iranians, which was not there are a

couple of years ago, is through the Iranian Foreign Ministry, and we

have had communications from our Prime Minister from the Foreign

Secretary, as I said, and now from myself with our embassy opening as

well. The Prime Minister made clear on the

17th of January the high priority this Government places on its

science relationship with Europe. My honourable friend the Ministry of

State for science research and innovation is in regular contact on

this issue with his European counterparts including the European

Commission. Can I ask that he will confess to

the House that there are no barriers to the UK joining future

collaborative ventures, and that the UK intends to pursue those

collaborative ventures with high tech beacons around the world

including Hong Kong, and Israel? The Government aims to secure the

best possible outcome for UK science and research as we leave the EU, and

both the EU and the UK have publicly emphasised the importance of

continuing to work together to produce high-quality research. Both

at home and abroad we will remain at the forefront of science and

research. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The

Government White Paper tells us that they would welcome an agreement with

the European partners on science and technology issues but gives no

indication as to how that agreement will be achieved, no timetable, no

detail and absolutely no guarantees. Can the Minister tell us what

discussions have actually taken place rather than simply telling us

that? The department views on science but

this will be an essential part of the negotiations we conduct with the

European Union after we've triggered Article 50. Could I screw ministers

to ensure that scientific Corporation in Europe is also

extended to the preservation of threatened species? -- secure

ministers. The Foreign Secretary is proof that the woolly mammoth can

return from extinction. This Government is committed to

strengthening our commonwealth engagement in continuing the theme

of global Britain and we look forward to hosting the Commonwealth

trade ministers meeting in March and the Commonwealth heads of Government

meeting in 2018. Could he tell me how he believes that the inaugural

Commonwealth Trade Minister's meeting referred to can be used as

an opportunity to promote the Commonwealth as a trading network?

The network of 52 states is important to Great Britain. Combined

population of 2 billion people and 1 billion under the age of 25 and in

the post-Brexit environment, we are looking for a trade deals. When we

travel across the Commonwealth, the first question they ask is what are

the opportunities the Brit now you are liberated from doing business

through Brussels. This meeting is a great opportunity for us to embark

on looking towards those trade deals we need for the future. Will the

Minister join me in welcoming the cross-party majority in the vote on

the EU candidate trade deal and what priority is the minister given to

completing that deal and also ensuring similar arrangements with

our Commonwealth Canadian friends and cousins post-Brexit? He makes an

important point and as we are contained at the moment until

Article 50 has gone through the passage, Canada is another example

of where we can push forward trade deals to the benefit of the UK. On

going to the continent along with other ministers visiting nine

countries, can I encourage him not to just look at the existing

Commonwealth baguette Zimbabwe back and Mozambique and Rwanda and

perhaps look at the Ivory Coast and invite them? The Foreign Secretary

has been to Gambia, Ghana and Liberia and I was in Angola and DRC

and Rwanda. I stress the opportunity is there that as we venture across

Africa, there is huge opportunities the Great Britain to advance our

trade deals post-Brexit. Does the Minister agree that increasing

systems to promote democracy in places like Bangladesh is a vital

part of strengthening ties between the UK and members of the

Commonwealth? He is right. These are countries that we have a history

with and a relationship with and we are trusted and through

organisations, we can do that work and hope to embark on such projects

with Bangladesh and other countries across the Commonwealth. With 52

members encompassing a third of the world's population, isn't it vital

that we set out our still four Britons and we want free trade with

Commonwealth countries and the Government sets a plan how this can

be achieved. I'm sure Westminster Hall will be

packed tomorrow. The Commonwealth trade will surpass $1 trillion by

2020 and the trade estimated across the Commonwealth is 20% cheaper

because of common legal systems and language and trust. That is the

areas we need to spy to given our leadership role in the Commonwealth.

90% of those that live in the Commonwealth live in countries where

homosexuality is illegal and Tanzania has announced it intends to

publish lists of people who are meant to be homosexual in the public

domain. That is a massive danger to those individuals. It poses further

risk to others because they are trying to close down all the HIV

AIDS units and trying to blame homosexuality that HIV. Don't we

need to enter into negotiations with our colleagues with our eyes wide

open and making clear we will not put up with this kind of thing? I

will be visiting Tanzania soon and will take that message with me. It

is important to understand that whilst we have our trade advances

across Africa, we do not miss the opportunity to raise delicate

matters such as this so 21st-century standards can be met. We maintain

excellent relations with Japan and have a close defence Corporation and

RAF Typhoon 's was a visible demonstration of this operation.

Japanese businesses employ 140,000 people in the UK which shows our

economic ties. Would he agree that North Korea's recent missile tests

in violation of UN security resolutions shows how important it

is we maintain strong military and security relationships with our

friends in Japan and South Korea as well as strong trade relationships?

The actions of North Korea are a direct violation of resolutions and

are a threat to international peace and security, are pleased to our

friends in Japan and South Korea. Last week the UN -- the great

ambassador was summoned and we made clear concerns. Japan is our closest

security on and we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies. Wattie

agreed that the innovative technology sector is important in

terms of trade between Japan and the UK and we in Northern Ireland excel

at that. Witty and share -- witty ensure that that sector is promoted

heavily for the benefit both of the Japanese workforce but for those

developing a sector here? We enjoyed close trade relations with Japan.

When I was in Japan last year, I met with Japanese companies and he will

be aware that the biggest acquisition that has come to the UK

was the acquisition of arm Holdings by Softbank which is ?24 billion.

Will the Minister engage with his Japanese counterpart to get the

latest assessment of their attempts to resolve their dispute with Russia

over the puerile islands? We maintain close links with Japan and

all our allies on matters related to security and we continue to have

dialogues across a range of issues including those he has just raised.

Last week the Scottish Government's external affairs Minister visited

Japan to boost investment. It is causing a cloud of uncertainty and

given a pending EU Japan free trade agreement, will be Brexit agenda

leave the UK trailing behind? I regularly talk to Japanese

businesses to hear their views. We have seen a huge amount of

investment being confirmed from Japan into the UK and I made

reference to the armed Holdings deal but she will know Nissan reconfirmed

the plant in Sunderland. If that is not a vote of confidence in the UK,

I don't know what is. Yes indeed I met Prime Minister Netanyahu and

repeated what is the historic UK position that we believe that the

settlements on the west bank are illegal and constitute a barrier to

a peaceful settlement in the region. President Trump has caused concern

for future peace in the Middle East by dismissing a commitment to a two

state solution. Can he confirm the UK is committed to a two state

solution and will double its efforts on that? I can and he misrepresents

what the US President said. In addition to representations about

settlements, did she set this within the context that Hamas has restored

its military strength to levels before 2014 as an illustration that

Piste is not entirely depend on this one issue? We are aware of the

preparations being made by Hamas in Gaza and we remain concerned about

that situation. That underscores the reality that Israel is at fault that

the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and we have made that

absolutely clear. Nobody should underestimate the very real security

threat that is Israel -- that Israel faces and we are on the side of the

Israelis as they face that threat. Two days ago stopped now orders were

distributed in the village of an area of mine including a primary

school that serves 170 children from the local communities. He may or may

not know that that school is being visited by a large number of

honourable members from this house and if demolitions take place there

to make way for settlements, the chances of a Palestinian state

disappear. Is he making representations and what action will

he take to ensure Mr Netanyahu mates -- meets the representation? There

is a difference between settlements taking place and demolitions taking

place in the West Bank and those in demolitions within Israel. Does my

right honourable friend think our opposition to settlements is

somewhat diluted by treating all settlements equally? The late

President Arafat recognised there would be land swaps. Wouldn't it be

better to concentrate on new settlements and relieve the existing

settlements for a final decision? The policy of the Government is

unchanged. We regard settlements as illegal. As far as they are

outside... There is some sense when it comes to

doing that deal. I want to give the Foreign Secretary another

opportunity to answer the question that the honourable member behind me

said. The police arrived at this area and issued stop work orders. An

entire community are about to be forcefully displaced. What

representation has he made to his Israeli counterpart regarding this?

My honourable friend will be going to Israel very shortly and when

we've got to the bottom of the complaints she is making, I'm sure

he will be raising it. Alongside concerns about mass and rebuilding

of its network of crisp -- cross-border terror tunnels, does he

share the alarm at the new activities of Daesh together with

the violence from her ass and a new wave of terror attacks on Israeli

citizens? -- Hamas. He is completely right and I think what he says

underscores the need for a regional solution that brings together all

the surrounding states of Israel, to do a deal that brings the

Palestinians to the table and brings concessions from the Israelis. The

Israeli authorities at no stage have ever wanted a viable independent

Palestinian state and the inane comments of President Trump has

strengthened the horror in Israel. What is continuing to occur with the

destruction of their homes and their settlements being built by the

Israelis? Every Israeli Prime Minister in the last 20 years has

supported a two state solution. I think that is the right way forward.

It is the policy of the UK Government and I think it remains a

policy of the US Government. The difficulty will be to get a deal

that allows the creation of the state that I think everybody wants

to achieve in stock but which protects the security of the state

of Israel. That is the difficulty. But last week President Trump said

clearly on televisions across the world that he could, and I quote,

live with either one of a two state or a one state solution. So I am

sure the Foreign Secretary would agree it is deeply disappointing the

president could casually disregarded so many years of international

consensus on a possible peace agreement between Israel and the

Palestinian people. Did Mr Netanyahu give any hint at his recent meeting

with the Prime Minister that he too was prepared to live with a 1- state

solution? If so, what was her response?

Let's be clear. What is needed now and what of the President and Prime

Minister Netanyahu and indeed the Palestinians have all said, is that

there needs to be dialogue. At the moment I do not think the

Palestinians are committing to dialogue in the way they can and

shoot. It takes two to negotiate in this problem. -- committing to

dialogue in the way they can and should. In the last ten years we

have seen no progress so let's not rule out the possibility of progress

today. Strongly committed to European

community and will remain so as after we leave the EU. Nato remains

the cornerstone of our defence and we will continue to play or full

part in supporting European security, particular in Eastern

Europe. Does he not find it as depressing as

I do that whilst other countries are obsessed with creating an EU defence

identity, they are failing to meet their Nato requirement of spending a

minimum of 2% on defence? And his views on Germany by dragging their

feet, being the richest country but not honouring the agreement?

Nothing should cut across Nato's role as the cornerstone of European

defence, and other parties' contribution fairly distributed to

Nato would make sure that it can remain a force it should be.

The Foreign Secretary mentioned the sanctions against Russia with regard

to their actions in Ukraine. Can the Minister confirm that even when we

leave the EU, it is open to us to democratically agree with the rest

of the EU, such sanctions in future, because it is in our mutual

interest? This is not specifically a question

about defence policy on the order paper, but I can reassure the

honourable lady that the answer is yes and some kind of parallel

structure for implementing sanctions will be required and I am sure it

will be. Mr Speaker, Burma has made welcome

progress towards democracy since reforms in 2011 and lifted media

censorship and least political prisoners and held legit elections

in 2015. 25% of seats in parliament that we want to see a transition to

full democracy. Mr Speaker, the National League for

democracy, in power at the moment, continues to lock up its own

activists who have spoken against the accessing of Burma's military,

and ethnic minorities. Will the Minister made it clear to the Bernie

's Government they cannot be recognised as genuinely democratic

if they keep putting behind bars their critics?

Of course human rights are vital and important and we always ask any

Government to make sure they are observed. Can the point more broadly

be made by me that the real issue is stopping violations of security

access and delivering accountability imports of Burma where it does have

it? And is the point that my right friend the Foreign Secretary press

the Burmese Government on when he visited last month.

Muslims were barred from voting in last year's elections in that place,

and endemic violence against a particular minority has been

described by UN officials as ethnic cleansing which may amount to crimes

against humanity. Did the Foreign Secretary raise this plight on his

recent trip to Burma? Yes, he most certainly did.

Topical question. Rob Marris. Question one.

Mr Speaker, by the next time I answer questions in the house, the

Government will have invoked Article 50. My priority therefore for the

rest of the year will be to ensure the smoothest and cleanest possible

departure from the EU, consistent with maintaining close corporation

with our European friends. I shall also strive, which the other side

can ever achieve, to work alongside the new US administration, as we

deal with common challenges posed by Russia and the crises in the Middle

East. By 2015, the highest court in

Connolly decided Her Majesty's Government had committed against its

embassy employee on the basis of his ethnic identity and religious

convictions, so the court ordered his immediate reinstatement, yet Her

Majesty's Government stubbornly continues to refuse to obey the

court in Colombia. Does the UK Government not take seriously the

judicial decisions of courts in Colombia does the UK Government not

take seriously its need to cease its ethnic and religious discrimination

against these employees in Colombia? As the honourable member well knows,

I have written to him in detail and it is impossible to reinstate him as

the job no longer exists. There is a great local charity which

helps women who are stuck overseas often facing domestic violence,

called Global Ark. What is he doing to help domestic violence sufferers

unable to return to the country with their children?

My honourable friend will know that we have a programme to support the

return of... Of children who... Whose parents are stuck in the wrong

country, erm, and we do that through our, erm... Erm... We... We do it...

We do it to our proper presses and making use of all of our constant

services. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am sure the

whole house will welcome the recent positive political developments in

the Gambia, but Gambian authorities are already investigating

allegations that the former resident smuggled millions of dollars worth

of assets out of the country before his departure last month. So, what

steps is this Government taking to help track down any meaning assets

-- missing assets which may have ended up in the UK, and to make sure

any proceeds of corruption are returned to the Gambia without

delay? We are... Thank you, Mr Speaker. We

are doing everything we can to support the Gambia's, erm, judicial

system, and the honourable lady will know that the new president there

has indicated that he would like the UK to be the Gambia's principal

partner of choice in tackling corruption in that country and

putting the Gambia back on an even keel. I can tell you, Mr Speaker,

that, erm, when I recently went to the Gambia there were crowds in the

street dancing... Not because I think they were necessarily pleased

to see me... Perhaps they were... But because they were delighted that

the Gambia was being welcomed back into the Commonwealth. And I can

tell you that their joy was unconfined.

Further the two comments made last week by Mike right honourable friend

the Foreign Secretary, would he care to suggest what the great British

public should watch on television rather than the former Prime

Minister and member of... The guacamole- loving former Member of

Parliament. I am very grateful to my honourable

friend. I hesitate to advise the British public what to watch on

television. But I have to say that I think they will exercise their

infinite wisdom in not heeding the siren voices of those who tried to

overturn the democratic decision of the people of this country last year

to embark on a course that I think will lead us not only to democratic

emancipation, but to a new course of global prosperity...

The NGO, an independent organisation, Position For Human

Rights, published a report which said that the Indian authorities

recently in the conflict in Indian occupied Kashmir responded to

protesters, killing 87 of them and injuring 9000 of them. What

representation has our Government made to the Indian authorities

regarding this excessive use... Mr Speaker, we discuss a wide range

of issues with the Indian authorities, but can I say to the

point she was raising, that earlier in the year, the State Government of

Kashmir ordered the establishment of special investigating teams to look

into the deaths of civilians and is violence and we will look into this.

There were also crowds to welcome us when we arrived in Ghana, although

we could not work out whether it was for us or for the Minister for

trade, but it was nevertheless enjoyable. It seems the greater the

number of trading connections we forge, particularly in west Africa,

the stronger the foundation on which to build good international

relations. Does he agree with me that withdrawal from the European

customs union gives us a once in a lifetime opportunity to boost the

dramatic relations worldwide?, I thank my friend... And I thank the

envoy for gun and all of our trade envoys to do fantastic effort.

Thanks to the efforts of my colleague and others that we are

seeing increased trade with countries such as Ghana and I'm glad

to see British firms in operation but for the largest single

private-sector employer in Ghana being a firm run by a British person

and be proud of the contribution. The former prime ministers Tony

Blair has acknowledged the people voted to leave the EU but not at any

price. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that when the price of Brexit

becomes clear, people should be asked to confirm that it is a price

they wish to pay? This House very clearly mandated by

six to one to give the people the decision, Mr Speaker, whether or not

to stay in the European Union. All sorts of threats and all sorts of

blandishments were made to the people of this country to stay in...

Those threats and warnings have proved to be ballet shoes and I

think all future threats will be taken with a pinch of salt.

Many sectors in my constituency rely on foreign workers, from highly

skilled workers to seasonal agricultural workers in agriculture.

Including 12% of workers at Addenbrooke's, my local hospital. I

know the Secretary of State values the importance of foreign workers

and EU nationals and their contribution to the country, but as

he also acknowledged it is important to acknowledge and give them some

certainty as to their future as soon as the?

I accept that we need to give all the 3.2 million EU nationals the

maximum possible certainty and we should do it as fast as possible.

Unfortunately I don't think it is reasonable to do that in advance

of... In certainty to UK nationals in other EU countries. We would like

to do that as fast as possible but it is up to our friends and

colleagues abroad to join us. Last week, Donald Trump said, I am

securing peace between Palestine and Israel, so I am looking at two

states and one state, I can live with either one. In light of hearing

that direct quote, how can the Foreign Secretary say as he did

earlier to my honourable friends that US policy has not or is not

changing? I must accuse the honourable member

failing to listen to the answer I gave a few moments ago...

It was that I am not here to defend or explain what the American

president has said but he made it very clear. He made it clear that

there should be dialogue but he also made it clear that he thought that

the settlements should no longer continue... That illegal settlements

should no longer continue. And that the solution is a deal is to be done

between the two parties. That is what everybody in this house

believes and wants. Today, once again, the ghastly

prospect of famine stalks the world, in four countries with which Britain

has very close and long-standing connections, historic connections.

Yemen, north-east Nigeria, South Sudan and Somalia. Will the Foreign

Secretary in short, perhaps to the court meeting mechanism of the

National Security Council, that every sinew of Government is bent to

address and combat this unconscionable situation?

I can certain up the give my right honourable friend that a charade and

I think the whole House could be very proud of the work that is being

done by the Department for International Development and the

huge contribution this country makes through UK aid to all four of the

region, that he identifies, and in the Yemen in particular as he will

know. I know he has recently been to the Yemen and it is a difficult and

intractable problem but it is the UK who is trying to knock heads

together and get a deal. Despite its continued violations of

international law, Israel enjoys fame and trade status with the UK

and the EU. Does the Minister agree that if the UK Government is serious

about peace and justice post Brexit, we must revisit trade negotiations

with Israel while it continues to deny Palestinians rights?

If the honourable lady is suggesting we should boycott Israeli goods,

that I must say I am completely rejecting her advice.

That global British strategy should include the whole of the British

family, including overseas territories and Crown dependencies.

What guarantees will Government give that they will be included in any

new arrangements post Brexit? I can assure him that the sovereign

trades position remains unchanged and Gibraltar is involved in the

preparations with the process of leaving the European Union. Can you

look into the abuses of Muslims by the Burnley 's army at the human

rights Campsall -- human rights Council this month? They have issued

a report on the widespread human rights violations and a raptor has

led to a press briefing. A report is due in March and we will consider

the scope for further enhancing scrutiny and can confirm I will be

attending I will be attending the human rights Council. Brexit

provides... Will the Foreign Secretary agree there should be a

moratorium on any asset disposals until a review is complete and that

such a review should examine how to bring other Government departments

under the control of their respective heads of mission? I am

delighted by his support. It is true we have an unparalleled network

around the world and it is true they will be needed more than ever as we

forge a new global future. That is a point that will be heard loud and

clear by the current occupant of the Treasury who was the previous

Foreign Secretary. Last month we met with NGO's raised concern about the

safety of aid workers in Yemen. Particularly at the checkpoints

where they were at risk of being caught. Could the ministers tell me

what specifically is the Government doing to end aerial them bark mode

in Yemen so aid can get through? -- bombardments. I will be visiting

this week and we are concerned that we need to move towards a political

resolution here and we won the military component that has been

taking place to end. The Israeli Prime Minister has spoken about

coming together with the Gulf cooperation Council 's on security

issues. In countries like Jordan and Egypt, does the Foreign Secretary

think the GCC has a role to play in the Palestinian peace process? He

brings a wealth of knowledge to this subject. I think the GCC and Arab

countries do hold the key and a variant of the Arab peace plan is

where we will end up. What it takes is for base -- for both sides to see

that and make progress. Doesn't the announcement by Toshiba regarding...

Will mean foreign investment is required into the Moorside nuclear

development and Disney bought a new question over the decision by the UK

to pull-out of Eurotunnel creating more instability? We intend to make

sure that all of our research and nuclear fusion will continue after

we leave. We look forward to the day we will see a sovereign Palestinian

state existing alongside a safe and secure Israel. Does he agree with me

that we come to this through face-to-face negotiations between

Palestine and the Israelis? I think those negotiations should take place

as fast as possible. With Iran testing missiles, North Korea

murdering dissidents, does the Minister agree now is the time to

renew western resolve and leadership which has sometimes been lacking in

the past eight years? I completely agree. One of the interesting

phenomena of the global reaction to the new US presidency is how variant

it is with some of the other commentary. What I am finding is

many people in foreign ministries and other governments are hopeful

that they will see American leadership again where it has been

lacking. They are particularly encouraged by the role of the UK in

helping to transmit and to improve American policy. Last week I led a

delegation to Kosovo. The President, Prime Minister and others we met or

appreciated if of his recent visit. Could I invite my right honourable

friend to reaffirm our continued support for Kosovo and to take part

in any future initiatives to help them? We shall and I much enjoyed my

time in Kosovo and all those who have sprung to the defence of the

former Prime Minister this afternoon from the Labour benches should know

at least in Kosovo, years memorialised in the fuel -- form of

many who christened Tony Blair. President Putin made the President

Trump's new best body but he isn't ours. Will the Foreign Secretary

will be -- will give his new support to the debates that will allow any

Russians to be seized in the UK? We will be looking carefully at that

debate as it unfolds and the arguments that made. We think we

have a good provision in our statute and will take account the debate as

it evolves. I have recently had a meeting in my constituency's surgery

with a delegation from... It is regarding the lack of democracy in

Cameroon. There is fear, brutality and a lack of English speakers. What

is the role that the FCO for the security fund and supporting

democracy in this area? Can I pay tribute to the day after is based in

the UK that provide us with an understanding of what is going on

and I pay tribute to the work she does. In Cameroon, I agree with the

concerns she has raised and she is right to point of the front where we

should provide that stability and we can do just that. The Secretary of

State confirmed what this house resolved on the 9th of February that

there should be the planning settlements in the occupied

Palestinian territories. Why if the UK -- boy is the UK allowed to trade

with those illegal settlements? It is their policy of the UK and the

policy of many of our friends and partners to continue to trade on the

grounds that that is the best way to support the economy of the region.

Many of whose workers come from populations within the occupied

Palestinian territories. They are dependent for their livelihoods and

it is a policy that is widely understood and supported. We will

continue with it. We must move on. Thank you Mr Speaker.

Notwithstanding the underwhelming support for my vote of no confidence

in you, has the Government or the backbench business committee

contacted you in any way to allocate time for this unresolved matter to

be debated and indeed voted on? The short and is is now and there is no

reason why they should've done. A point which I can say from my own

and heart, fortified in the knowledge that is also the signed

advice of the experienced clerk of the House who has been working in

the service of the House for 40 years. Point of order. World the

secretaries in the Chamber, the Foreign Secretary made the point at

the dispatch box Jim questions that the Trump travel ban