0:00:08 > 0:00:14Hello and welcome to the BBC's Parliament live coverage of the
0:00:14 > 0:00:19House of Commons. In one hour's time, we will have an urgent
0:00:19 > 0:00:27question about pay at the BBC, this follows the resignation of the BBC's
0:00:27 > 0:00:31China editor, Carrie Gracie. After yesterday's free shot full, there
0:00:31 > 0:00:42are a handful of ministers just getting to their feet. One of them
0:00:42 > 0:00:47will be making a statement on the transparency of the parole board.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51The main business of the day will be the second reading of the trade
0:00:51 > 0:00:56Bill. Please join me for a round-up of all the daily's events in
0:00:56 > 0:01:02Parliament at 11pm tonight. First, questions to the Foreign Secretary,
0:01:02 > 0:01:17Boris Johnson.Question number one, Mr Speaker.Boris Johnson.I will
0:01:17 > 0:01:21answer the questions together tackling illegal wildlife. Trade of
0:01:21 > 0:01:25the massive priority for this Government and to that end, we will
0:01:25 > 0:01:29host a high-level conference in London in October this year to drive
0:01:29 > 0:01:35further progress. I can assure the house that this issue is raised
0:01:35 > 0:01:38consistently by this Government at all levels with our friends and
0:01:38 > 0:01:45partners around the world.I am grateful for the answer. Can you
0:01:45 > 0:01:50deal at a bit more about what action the thinking globally to assure that
0:01:50 > 0:01:55the appalling ivory trade is reduced, and whether he thinks
0:01:55 > 0:02:00national plans play an important part in that?I am grateful, Mr
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Speaker, for that question, because the UK Government has been a reader
0:02:03 > 0:02:09for many years now in calling for an end to the illegal trade in ivory,
0:02:09 > 0:02:15which does so much damage, not only to the population of elephants, but
0:02:15 > 0:02:20also of course encourages criminality of all kinds across the
0:02:20 > 0:02:25African continent. I am proud to say this Government is currently
0:02:25 > 0:02:31consulting on an all-out ivory ban. The results of that consultation
0:02:31 > 0:02:38will be announced shortly. I'll to have good news for the house.I
0:02:38 > 0:02:41commend my Right Honourable Friend for all be worried he is doing in
0:02:41 > 0:02:45this area, but can I draw his attention to a shocking
0:02:45 > 0:02:50investigation in the Mail on Sunday that highlighted the continuing
0:02:50 > 0:02:57illegal trade of tigers. Does he agree these findings deserve urgent
0:02:57 > 0:03:02attention to ensure this magnificent species can enjoy a safe future?I
0:03:02 > 0:03:12commend the excellent journalism of that publication. In highlighting
0:03:12 > 0:03:21what is taking place... At least in rat respect. -- in that respect. It
0:03:21 > 0:03:25is an abdominal trade that I think should be condemned by all right
0:03:25 > 0:03:30thinking people across the house and the UK Government not only calls on
0:03:30 > 0:03:33the Government there to stop this appalling trade, but stands ready to
0:03:33 > 0:03:45give any support and help that we can.You may be as interested as I
0:03:45 > 0:03:51am in the oceanic environment and I want to talk about whales, because
0:03:51 > 0:03:5630,000 whales have been killed since the introduction of the
0:03:56 > 0:04:02International whaling ban and nations like Japan and Denmark
0:04:02 > 0:04:10actually take a very controversial view to participating in that. What
0:04:10 > 0:04:22can your Department do to make whaling history?I congratulate my
0:04:22 > 0:04:30honourable friend, and upon as Member for that important question.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34On what we are doing to protect wills which are of course mammals
0:04:34 > 0:04:42rather than fish. The UK has been in the lead over many decades in
0:04:42 > 0:04:50calling for an end to illegal whaling and we only support whaling,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53we only condone whaling I should say, we only condone whaling where
0:04:53 > 0:05:07it is clearly demonstrably necessary for subsistence...Thank you, Mr
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Speaker. Reports from the UN and others have shown the links between
0:05:10 > 0:05:17not just the illegal wildlife trade, but also the illegal timber trade in
0:05:17 > 0:05:21financing illegal terrorist rips. This this only minister's waiter and
0:05:21 > 0:05:30what will he be doing to insure that these links are broken?Excellent
0:05:30 > 0:05:34question, because of course the illegal wildlife trade is intimately
0:05:34 > 0:05:39connected not just with the illegal timber trade but drug running, gun
0:05:39 > 0:05:49trafficking and human trafficking. The illegal trade in ivory is
0:05:49 > 0:05:54estimated to be worth about $20 billion per annum and yet the
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Government has cut to the border for is that it is now looking at
0:05:58 > 0:06:02recruiting volunteers to fill the gap. What confidence can be housed
0:06:02 > 0:06:06have that this illegal trade will be tackled if the Government is not
0:06:06 > 0:06:09prepared to put resources into the border for is that it is now looking
0:06:09 > 0:06:12at recruiting volunteers to fill the gap. What confidence can be housed
0:06:12 > 0:06:14have that this illegal trade will be tackled if the Government is not
0:06:14 > 0:06:17prepared to put resources into the tour de force?-- into the Border
0:06:17 > 0:06:19Force. I have every confidence in our Border Force and their ability
0:06:19 > 0:06:24to police the traffic of illegal items such as ivory, and it should
0:06:24 > 0:06:28be evident I hope to everybody coming from another country with
0:06:28 > 0:06:32such an illegal item in their possession that they threw the risk
0:06:32 > 0:06:42not only of prosecution, but of jail.According to WWF, ivory
0:06:42 > 0:06:47putting in South Africa increased last year. Work support has he
0:06:47 > 0:06:52offered to be South African counterpart to help end this once
0:06:52 > 0:07:06and for all Clubbonce and for all?
0:07:11 > 0:07:16Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have not held full discussions for the
0:07:16 > 0:07:20Secretary of State for Defence on the subject, however we feel deep
0:07:20 > 0:07:25respect for anybody who has served in the Armed Forces underscores the
0:07:25 > 0:07:30Government has been pleased to put £770 million from the fund into
0:07:30 > 0:07:36supporting veterans but at home and abroad.Of course, we very much
0:07:36 > 0:07:48welcome to that.Of bowling there are 600 living in considerable
0:07:48 > 0:07:51poverty in Zimbabwe. With the Minister agree with me that although
0:07:51 > 0:07:56the financial responsibility is out of the Government, the moral
0:07:56 > 0:08:00responsibility also lies with us and with that in mind, will he commit to
0:08:00 > 0:08:04meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss with these people and
0:08:04 > 0:08:09pressing the new president in Zimbabwe to actually face up to his
0:08:09 > 0:08:15responsibilities to the civil living in this country?I will absolutely
0:08:15 > 0:08:19commit to meet with the Secretary of State for Defence on the subject. We
0:08:19 > 0:08:24met also had the Right Honourable Member for Mid Sussex on the
0:08:24 > 0:08:29subject. The prime responsibility for looking after veterans of these
0:08:29 > 0:08:32lovely and I realise that the Government of Zimbabwe, so we will
0:08:32 > 0:08:39also reason is cost directly with the president of Zimbabwe.This
0:08:39 > 0:08:45question related to military personnel. What legal advice to
0:08:45 > 0:08:48military personnel receive who are involved in drum strikes. We read in
0:08:48 > 0:08:54the Guardian today that drum strikes have doubled. What legal advice to
0:08:54 > 0:09:02military personnel receive in relation to that?The most ingenious
0:09:02 > 0:09:18attempts, but is not really irrelevant.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24She can have a go later if she wants.We will be having a summit of
0:09:24 > 0:09:30the common mouth later in April this year. That will provide a fantastic
0:09:30 > 0:09:34opportunity for us to showcase an institution. An institution that has
0:09:34 > 0:09:39stood the test of time, brings together 52 of the fastest growing
0:09:39 > 0:09:45economies in the world. I must say the most remarkable institution and
0:09:45 > 0:09:50an opportunity to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen for a long years
0:09:50 > 0:09:55of unrelenting service.With the summit taking place in April, then
0:09:55 > 0:10:03we agree this represents a major opportunity to patch together a
0:10:03 > 0:10:11trading alliance. India should be playing a major role in furthering
0:10:11 > 0:10:16this mission.You are absolutely right and it's a very good thing
0:10:16 > 0:10:20that the Prime Minister will be coming and of course India will be
0:10:20 > 0:10:29playing a major role in the events. Last time I checked, there were 54
0:10:29 > 0:10:35members of the Commonwealth. Many people from common mouth countries
0:10:35 > 0:10:38are very worried that the diminished role of Britain worldwide as we
0:10:38 > 0:10:46leave the European Union. What does he say about that? Many people are
0:10:46 > 0:10:56worried we will use our space in the Security Council.Our position is
0:10:56 > 0:11:00absolutely secure. The only thing threatening our position on the
0:11:00 > 0:11:06Security Council is the unilateralist design meant policies
0:11:06 > 0:11:11that used to be adopted by the party and the reader of the party
0:11:11 > 0:11:16opposite, because it is the retention or prevention of an
0:11:16 > 0:11:18independent nuclear deterrent that guarantees our membership, as you
0:11:18 > 0:11:30know full well.On the notion of the Commonwealth, Mr James Dudley.To
0:11:30 > 0:11:38make the notion about 52 versus 54 could we increase the number? I
0:11:38 > 0:11:44think the Gambia by the time that we get to this will already be in,
0:11:44 > 0:11:52making it 53. Could we also adds Zimbabwe to that list?
0:11:52 > 0:11:57I thank my honourable friend, here's a great expert on these matters. The
0:11:57 > 0:12:03proper solution is for those countries to apply... The Gambia is
0:12:03 > 0:12:08a long way down the track only hope to welcome them back. For Zimbabwe,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12the price of Commonwealth membership is something that those people to
0:12:12 > 0:12:19aspire to.That's a wonderful thing. Among the important issues of human
0:12:19 > 0:12:23rights, poverty, quality, security and so on that the summit will
0:12:23 > 0:12:26discuss, how much time does he expect the Commonwealth countries to
0:12:26 > 0:12:33devote to the colour of their passports?Not much on that. The one
0:12:33 > 0:12:40thing that will be absolutely crucial is 12 years of solitude
0:12:40 > 0:12:44full-time education for every girl in the world. That will be the core
0:12:44 > 0:12:50of Commonwealth summit.The fourth jog, can I asked the Foreign
0:12:50 > 0:12:54Secretary to get the list of chronology of the countries where UK
0:12:54 > 0:12:58pensioners overseas to get inflation increases, how many of those are
0:12:58 > 0:13:02Commonwealth countries and shouldn't we hang our heads in shame that have
0:13:02 > 0:13:05the pensioners overseas in Commonwealth countries there has
0:13:05 > 0:13:10been no change?I asked him to do something about that. I happily
0:13:10 > 0:13:16accede to Mill Road honourable friend 's request.It Will the issue
0:13:16 > 0:13:19of tax avoidance and tax evasion be raised in the Commonwealth heads of
0:13:19 > 0:13:29government meeting?Almost certainly, yes.Question five, Mr
0:13:29 > 0:13:34Speaker.As we create new partnership with the we must build
0:13:34 > 0:13:40stronger bilateral relations with the member states and of the same
0:13:40 > 0:13:44time maintain positive relations with the EU institutions themselves.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47Considerable effort is being made to ensure that the Foreign Office and
0:13:47 > 0:13:54the country is well placed to do just this.Last month the Foreign
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Secretary warned that the UK would become our vessel state if we could
0:13:58 > 0:14:03not diverge from EU tariffs and standards but he also accepted that
0:14:03 > 0:14:07the divergence would have consequences for the UK. Kiddie
0:14:07 > 0:14:13spell out what those consequences would be?As we move on to phase two
0:14:13 > 0:14:18of the discussions and negotiations all of these matters will be in the
0:14:18 > 0:14:21frame and I'm sure that we will be able to negotiate an agreement that
0:14:21 > 0:14:28is in the long-term interests of the UK.The honourable member who is
0:14:28 > 0:14:33responding at the moment has done enormous amounts simply reasserting
0:14:33 > 0:14:38the bilateralism across Europe this last year. Can he assures that the
0:14:38 > 0:14:41resources he requires that he needs to make sure that our position is
0:14:41 > 0:14:44ready proposed EU membership will not continue the rest of the world
0:14:44 > 0:14:51so we do not rob Peter to pay Paul or Bill bilaterals up the cost of
0:14:51 > 0:14:56global Britain?He makes a fair point. We have created 50 new
0:14:56 > 0:15:00diplomatic positions embassies but it is not a question of simply
0:15:00 > 0:15:04reducing the number of staff outside Europe by that same number. The
0:15:04 > 0:15:10money to fund these changes will be for adjusting some of our processes
0:15:10 > 0:15:17and for some front line staff saving in Asia, the Americas and Africa. We
0:15:17 > 0:15:22are also bidding for extra money from the charity -- from the
0:15:22 > 0:15:31Treasury for 100 pupils to support the process of leaving the EU.My
0:15:31 > 0:15:34friend from Warrington so vast a clear question but it didn't get a
0:15:34 > 0:15:39clear and serve. The Secretary of State said there would be trading
0:15:39 > 0:15:43consequences for the UK if we diverge from the EU tariff and
0:15:43 > 0:15:51rules. Can he ask him what are they? It is perhaps slightly below my pay
0:15:51 > 0:15:55grade to say that I preferred my honourable gentleman to the answer I
0:15:55 > 0:16:00give moments ago but I do. These are matters for the negotiations will be
0:16:00 > 0:16:03discussed in phase two of those negotiations which are now
0:16:03 > 0:16:09beginning.Perhaps the most important bilateral relationship the
0:16:09 > 0:16:14United Kingdom has within EU member state is the location of British
0:16:14 > 0:16:19immigration controls in France. Will the Minister in sure that post
0:16:19 > 0:16:22principally to all that we can to maintain this important
0:16:22 > 0:16:27relationship?My honourable friend has put his finger on a very
0:16:27 > 0:16:31important issue and I think it is an essential part of our relations with
0:16:31 > 0:16:34France which need to continue smoothly and I have little doubt
0:16:34 > 0:16:39that it will be discussed to some extent have a UK Bram Som at which
0:16:39 > 0:16:46will take place later this month. Can I congratulate the Foreign
0:16:46 > 0:16:55Secretary on surviving yesterday's Downing Street situations. The
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Foreign Affairs Committee was told that there would be to the FCO's
0:16:59 > 0:17:03work to Asia, Africa and the Americas. What impact does he
0:17:03 > 0:17:09believe that has on his department's ambitions for a global Britain?I am
0:17:09 > 0:17:13confident that all the combined efforts across Whitehall and many
0:17:13 > 0:17:18departments, that it will not enter efforts to be champions of global
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Britain and all ministers in all departments are making sure that
0:17:21 > 0:17:27global Britain is a reality.It is good to hear that he doesn't believe
0:17:27 > 0:17:31that cuts the elsewhere in the world will have an impact. With increasing
0:17:31 > 0:17:35numbers of people thinking that the government is handling negotiations
0:17:35 > 0:17:39with the UK badly and given that is a view shared many couples around
0:17:39 > 0:17:43the world, does he agree that the appointment of the new Deal Minister
0:17:43 > 0:17:48is the latest sign of a state hurtling towards retreat and
0:17:48 > 0:17:52isolation?No, I don't do much of the last 18 months championing this
0:17:52 > 0:17:57country across Europe and elsewhere, throughout the 77 countries
0:17:57 > 0:18:01represent an employer to say that the British flag flies high and has
0:18:01 > 0:18:08great respect and all those countries.Number six, Mr Speaker.
0:18:08 > 0:18:14With permission I will answer questions six, 15 and 23 together.
0:18:14 > 0:18:20We have consistently made clear our concern about Iran's destabilising
0:18:20 > 0:18:24and destructive activity in the region, their ballistic missile
0:18:24 > 0:18:28programme that remain sanctioned by both the EU and the UN, and about
0:18:28 > 0:18:32the reported uranium weapons supplies to people in the Yemen but
0:18:32 > 0:18:40should be a violation of the UN Security Council resolution 200 and
0:18:40 > 0:18:4721. We have set out those concerned with great clarity.Iran's support
0:18:47 > 0:18:50the terrorist groups across the region, its culpability in the
0:18:50 > 0:18:56destruction in Syria and its devotion to wipe the Jewish state of
0:18:56 > 0:19:00the map obviously need to be condemned by all, but words are not
0:19:00 > 0:19:06enough. Back to will Britain take to counteract Iran's destabilising
0:19:06 > 0:19:16activities?We... I have never personally clear to the Iranian
0:19:16 > 0:19:20leadership at all levels the big concern we have in this country
0:19:20 > 0:19:24about the very issues that the right honourable lady raises. In
0:19:24 > 0:19:35particular the supply, the alleged supply of weaponry to the group, the
0:19:35 > 0:19:42breaches of their obligations under two to 31. We are blazing this not
0:19:42 > 0:19:46just with the Iranians but with our partners in order to put pressure on
0:19:46 > 0:19:53Iran to desist from those activities.My constituent is still
0:19:53 > 0:20:00in prison in Iran after 20 months. Despite a lot of attention on her
0:20:00 > 0:20:03case before the festive period, her husband, Richard, still spend
0:20:03 > 0:20:10Christmas without his wife. When I'm out of the Foreign Secretary he said
0:20:10 > 0:20:14he would leave no stone unturned to secure her release, but I would ask
0:20:14 > 0:20:19what steps he has taken to fulfil that promise.She and I have
0:20:19 > 0:20:23discussed this case on several occasions. The best thing I can tell
0:20:23 > 0:20:31the house is that work continues assiduously at all levels on all our
0:20:31 > 0:20:37consular cases in Iran. It is not a particularly helpful to secure the
0:20:37 > 0:20:45result that we both want to get into detailed commentary at this stage of
0:20:45 > 0:20:49about hi we are doing.More than a year since we re-establish
0:20:49 > 0:20:54diplomatic ties of the union government, run continues to
0:20:54 > 0:20:58continue its weapon programme, continues to fund regional terrorist
0:20:58 > 0:21:02groups. What positive fruit can we expect this year from Arcos retires
0:21:02 > 0:21:07with the Arabian regime?My right honourable friend makes an excellent
0:21:07 > 0:21:14point. I would simply remind the house of the virtues of our
0:21:14 > 0:21:18approach, which is on the one hand to be extremely tough with the
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Iranians for what they are doing wrong and as I say they remain are
0:21:21 > 0:21:28highly disruptive and destabilising force, but also to do what we can
0:21:28 > 0:21:33have the same time not just to confront but to engage with the
0:21:33 > 0:21:37forces of reform in Iran that do exist and that need encouragement
0:21:37 > 0:21:42and that could be imperilled. That is one of the reasons why we
0:21:42 > 0:21:47believe, and I know this is shared by many in the house, that we
0:21:47 > 0:21:52believe the JCP away, the Iran nuclear deal, is valid, is something
0:21:52 > 0:21:55that represents a considerable diplomatic achievement and should be
0:21:55 > 0:22:03safeguarded.What steps is the Foreign Secretary taking to combat
0:22:03 > 0:22:08the growing influence of Iran in both Syria and Lebanon with weapons
0:22:08 > 0:22:16focused on Israel, a state that which is TMI alert?Again, I think
0:22:16 > 0:22:24the right honourable lady is absolutely right to protect the
0:22:24 > 0:22:26disruptive hand, the destabilising agency of Iran in the region and
0:22:26 > 0:22:35certainly in the supply of arms to Hezbollah, weapons to other groups.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40What Iran is up to is well chronicled and together with our
0:22:40 > 0:22:44friends and partners we are working out the UN and elsewhere to bring
0:22:44 > 0:22:47the maximum pressure on the Iranians for them to cease and desist their
0:22:47 > 0:22:56activities.Maybe correct a new doctrine, that we have learnt the
0:22:56 > 0:23:00lessons of military interventions in Iraq, Libya and Syria and never
0:23:00 > 0:23:05again will we temp two use military force to remove unpleasant per Terry
0:23:05 > 0:23:12and regimes and placed them with disastrous totalitarian movements?I
0:23:12 > 0:23:16think my right honourable friend makes an excellent point and the
0:23:16 > 0:23:23house must bear in mind that of course the must push back on a
0:23:23 > 0:23:26disruptive behaviour, and this government will continue to do that,
0:23:26 > 0:23:29but we must be intellectually honest and recognise that collectively over
0:23:29 > 0:23:34the last 20 years or so Western Front policy has helped to create
0:23:34 > 0:23:41the conditions allow us in which every main influence has been
0:23:41 > 0:23:50capable of expanding.Mr Speaker, let's be clear, no peaceful protest
0:23:50 > 0:23:55should ever be met with violence and no peaceful protesters should ever
0:23:55 > 0:24:01be locked up and charged with crimes, some of them capital crimes.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Can the Foreign Secretary also made clear today that the Arabian
0:24:04 > 0:24:08regime's actions over the last fortnight cannot and must not be
0:24:08 > 0:24:14used as an excuse by the White House to introduce, reintroduce sanctions
0:24:14 > 0:24:19following method's deadline and jeopardise the Iran nuclear deal?I
0:24:19 > 0:24:25agree very much with the sentiments with which the honourable gentleman
0:24:25 > 0:24:31began and I think it is vital that the people of Iran and the
0:24:31 > 0:24:35government of Iran should understand that we in this country support the
0:24:35 > 0:24:40right to peaceful demonstration within the law. That is a message we
0:24:40 > 0:24:45communicated very clearly. I also believe that it is important that
0:24:45 > 0:24:51the JCP over a should continue and that that agreement, which prevents
0:24:51 > 0:24:54the Iranians from acquiring nuclear weapons in exchange for greater
0:24:54 > 0:24:59economic partnership with the West world, that agreement remains just
0:24:59 > 0:25:04four, remains valid and we continue to urge friends in the White House
0:25:04 > 0:25:09not to throw it away.Does the Foreign Secretary Sea, as I do, some
0:25:09 > 0:25:13parallels and similarities between the situation in Iran now and the
0:25:13 > 0:25:17situation in the former Soviet Union in its declining years and would he
0:25:17 > 0:25:23therefore agreed that the combination of deterrence,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27containment and constant pressure over human rights issues is the
0:25:27 > 0:25:31right combination to achieve hopefully our similar outcome less
0:25:31 > 0:25:39Chamakh I do agree with my right honourable friend.Our approach must
0:25:39 > 0:25:45be extremely circumspect and guarded and tough, but we should also be in
0:25:45 > 0:25:50the business where we see reformers, where we see progressives in around,
0:25:50 > 0:25:57as there were with Mikhail Gorbachev and others, expressed the hopes of
0:25:57 > 0:26:02many people in their country in a different way, whether reformers in
0:26:02 > 0:26:06around capable of taking that company board in a different
0:26:06 > 0:26:08direction, then they deserve encouragement.Question number
0:26:08 > 0:26:22seven.I will take questions number seven, ten and 11 together. My
0:26:22 > 0:26:29apologies. These issues on human rights arrays directly by all
0:26:29 > 0:26:33ministers in all interactions with counterparts. I have raised them
0:26:33 > 0:26:38nine times in the last four months. It also support civil society
0:26:38 > 0:26:41organisations on the ground and ensure that we support through
0:26:41 > 0:26:51multilateral and international organisations human rights.
0:26:51 > 0:26:57In Egypt, the treatment of the LGBT community continues to deteriorate.
0:26:57 > 0:27:03They are now considering a Bill to punish same-sex relationships with a
0:27:03 > 0:27:09maximum ten year prison sentence. What recommendations would you make
0:27:09 > 0:27:14in these developments?These are alarming developments and indeed the
0:27:14 > 0:27:17transition from what was believed to be an Islamist Government to a
0:27:17 > 0:27:21nationalist Government appears to have coincided with a crackdown on
0:27:21 > 0:27:25these issues. The Foreign Secretary has raised it directly with them and
0:27:25 > 0:27:29we will continue to do so with every interaction with the Egyptian
0:27:29 > 0:27:35Government.We saw again the perils of the sea crossing from Libya to
0:27:35 > 0:27:41Europe. Amnesty are saying that 20,000 people are being held in
0:27:41 > 0:27:46detention centres, subject to torture, and unlawful killings. What
0:27:46 > 0:27:51is the Government doing to put pressure on the authorities to allow
0:27:51 > 0:27:54rescue ships access to Libyan waters and ensure that people are not
0:27:54 > 0:27:59trapped in their country and refugees are able to exercise their
0:27:59 > 0:28:05right to asylum?This is an issue we are very focused on and aware of. A
0:28:05 > 0:28:09lot of are focused at the moment is on the detention centres which he
0:28:09 > 0:28:17reads. We are working to improve those conditions.From experience, I
0:28:17 > 0:28:22know that the Foreign Secretary at welcomes opposition even if his
0:28:22 > 0:28:28minders haven't always, but on two recent allegations I heard of this
0:28:28 > 0:28:35centre facing difficulties. The other of child D10 ease in Israel
0:28:35 > 0:28:40and Bangladesh sometimes being disappeared. Is it not time to place
0:28:40 > 0:28:44greater emphasis on human rights with these key allies or do arms
0:28:44 > 0:28:52sales proceeds away our ability to be a critical friend?Ministers are
0:28:52 > 0:28:58very aware of both these issues. These are raised continually in our
0:28:58 > 0:29:02interactions with those governments. We try to do it sensitively bovine
0:29:02 > 0:29:07material level and a diplomatic level and we believe we can make
0:29:07 > 0:29:13progress on both issues.Can I ask my honourable friend whether the
0:29:13 > 0:29:18issue of religious freedom is raised at every opportunity? Particularly
0:29:18 > 0:29:20in countries where people are persecuted for their faith or indeed
0:29:20 > 0:29:29lack of it?Absolutely. Religious freedom is critical in a world where
0:29:29 > 0:29:35religious and sectarian violence appears to be increasingly dominant.
0:29:35 > 0:29:42We do so through support through civil society organisations.There
0:29:42 > 0:29:45are many countries where appalling human rights abuse takes place,
0:29:45 > 0:29:50whether that be persecution of minorities or destruction of
0:29:50 > 0:29:55settlements. Should we make support conditional in terms of direct
0:29:55 > 0:29:56support for
0:29:56 > 0:30:00conditional in terms of direct support for, the use all their
0:30:00 > 0:30:06effort to tackle this?This is a very important question. Our belief
0:30:06 > 0:30:12is that we need to do the things simultaneously. We need to use our
0:30:12 > 0:30:15political relationships actively in order to drive human rights
0:30:15 > 0:30:20improvement and change, but at the same time, we have an obligation to
0:30:20 > 0:30:25marginalise people in these countries and we need to continue to
0:30:25 > 0:30:32provide support to them.Since May, at least 21 questions have been
0:30:32 > 0:30:39given long prison sentences in Iran for practising their faith. Does the
0:30:39 > 0:30:45Minister raise the issue of human rights and freedom?He certainly
0:30:45 > 0:30:56did.Mr Speaker, happy New Year. Can I welcome the Foreign Secretary back
0:30:56 > 0:31:00to his place I hope the Prime Minister today recognises how
0:31:00 > 0:31:04important it is today that he continues to have the support of his
0:31:04 > 0:31:06talented French bench team in ensuring that his work is done
0:31:06 > 0:31:16properly. -- front bench team. On Boxing Day, the Saudis launched two
0:31:16 > 0:31:20separate areas strikes killing a total of 68 civilians and at least
0:31:20 > 0:31:32eight children. The UN humanitarian coordinator showbiz showed they are
0:31:32 > 0:31:36taking out attacks on civilians. Does the Foreign Secretary and the
0:31:36 > 0:31:42Minister agree with this judgment against both sides?We continue to
0:31:42 > 0:31:51press very strongly as the secretary is aware. We have made some progress
0:31:51 > 0:31:55although it is too early to be complacent, but it remained a very
0:31:55 > 0:32:00difficult situation and we need to continue pushing and happy New Year
0:32:00 > 0:32:03to be Shadow Foreign Secretary commented.I thank the Minister for
0:32:03 > 0:32:10that answer, but surely when the Saudis are allies and create a
0:32:10 > 0:32:15restrictive indiscriminate, they are just as indefensible. Mayor asking
0:32:15 > 0:32:19me wider question about this, which is how we are going to end the
0:32:19 > 0:32:24conflict? We have a proposal from the former Minister for the Middle
0:32:24 > 0:32:31East and he wrote in the Sunday Telegraph this weekend urging a more
0:32:31 > 0:32:38interventionist UK role. He said we must be "Less risk averse, wanted by
0:32:38 > 0:32:45experience in Iraq and Afghanistan." He said it is, and I quote," calling
0:32:45 > 0:32:51out to be stabilised by a third party." Does he agree with his
0:32:51 > 0:32:59colleague's proposal and who does he propose that third party should be?
0:32:59 > 0:33:03At the moment, we don't believe that it should be a third party. We made
0:33:03 > 0:33:11a lot of progress. Some of her colleagues have made a lot of
0:33:11 > 0:33:13progress in a recent visit and we will watch closely over the next 30
0:33:13 > 0:33:18days. We absolutely agree that these errors strikes must be investigated
0:33:18 > 0:33:26objectively.Is seeking to speed up progress, I look to Sir Desmond with
0:33:26 > 0:33:34enormous confidence.This will deliver a marine protection across
0:33:34 > 0:33:38nearly 4 million square colour matters of the Earth's oceans and
0:33:38 > 0:33:43seas around our overseas territories by 2020. We are also working to the
0:33:43 > 0:33:48economies programme to enable small island states to conserve and to use
0:33:48 > 0:33:54their maritime resources only sustainable manner.How will it be
0:33:54 > 0:33:59enforced? LAUGHTER
0:33:59 > 0:34:06A very succinct. This is a wholly good news story. I think the BBC
0:34:06 > 0:34:10blue planet series has inspired millions of viewers and we are
0:34:10 > 0:34:14getting this into practical effect. I can make it very clear to my Right
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Honourable Friend that we are working with our overseas
0:34:18 > 0:34:22territories to insure that each of our marine protected areas is backed
0:34:22 > 0:34:28by a robust legislation, effective monitoring, and the very strong
0:34:28 > 0:34:35enforcement my Right Honourable Friend would wish to see.When it
0:34:35 > 0:34:38comes to improving global conservation, it is third world
0:34:38 > 0:34:44countries who want to be affected but don't have the resources. What
0:34:44 > 0:34:47resources are made available to those countries to carry out the
0:34:47 > 0:34:53drop as well?I am not entirely clear, but there are international
0:34:53 > 0:34:55treaties and international treaty obligation and I hope collectively
0:34:55 > 0:35:00the world can get together to make sure the objectives we all have
0:35:00 > 0:35:10insure our properly put into effect. Number nine, please, Mr Speaker. The
0:35:10 > 0:35:13honourable friend will recognise that the UK strive to protect
0:35:13 > 0:35:17cultural helmeted and religious rights when they are threatened by
0:35:17 > 0:35:22conflict which that the data will regularly are. As recently as
0:35:22 > 0:35:28September, the United Kingdom was instrumental in adopting an
0:35:28 > 0:35:32investigative team to collect evidence of crimes committed by
0:35:32 > 0:35:39diet. More recently still, in December, the UK ratified the Hague
0:35:39 > 0:35:46Convention for the collection of intellectual property.We read the
0:35:46 > 0:35:48focus much attention on the persecution of Christians in the
0:35:48 > 0:35:56Middle East. Canny minister assures that he will raise with his
0:35:56 > 0:36:01counterpart in African nations such as Nigeria and can you be
0:36:01 > 0:36:03persecution of Christians in those countries which is on an even larger
0:36:03 > 0:36:13scale?The honourable gentleman will recognise that I replica
0:36:13 > 0:36:18recognise... These are issues prevalent in those areas. Beasley
0:36:18 > 0:36:25part of the world that I represent, I do my best at every opportunity to
0:36:25 > 0:36:28represent the interests of questions. I wrote a letter to all
0:36:28 > 0:36:30of High Commissioners and ambassadors prudently asking for
0:36:30 > 0:36:36their own plans for how they were going to insure minorities in places
0:36:36 > 0:36:41from Nepal to India and elsewhere are going to be properly dealt with.
0:36:41 > 0:36:50The crackdown by the Miami my military continues to have
0:36:50 > 0:36:56consequences. It is positive that the General Assembly has taken a
0:36:56 > 0:37:00strong stands, but dissent from China, Russia and other countries is
0:37:00 > 0:37:04preventing an international approach. What influence can be used
0:37:04 > 0:37:10to convince China in particular of the need for action in this crisis?
0:37:10 > 0:37:15That is the hub of the matter. We cannot get one through because it
0:37:15 > 0:37:20would be blocked by China and Russia. We are doing our best
0:37:20 > 0:37:22constantly to have compositions with our Chinese and Russian
0:37:22 > 0:37:32counterparts. A repeat of the greatest issue both the Birmingham
0:37:32 > 0:37:37defence minister and the Minister for the officer of the State when I
0:37:37 > 0:37:43was attending the assembly in Asia and European foreign ministers
0:37:43 > 0:37:52conference. -- Bernie 's defence minister.How is he addressing the
0:37:52 > 0:37:57very serious issue of the Bangladesh and Myanmar authorities pushing for
0:37:57 > 0:38:02plans to repatriate the raw hinder population despite the evidence that
0:38:02 > 0:38:10most will hinder have concerns of further persecution. What is the
0:38:10 > 0:38:18Government's position on the repatriating of the raw ... There
0:38:18 > 0:38:24can be no question at the moment of being a safe and dignified return
0:38:24 > 0:38:32from Bangladesh to Burma. I was in Thailand last week and I spoke with
0:38:32 > 0:38:39the chairman of the new standing committee that will oversee the
0:38:39 > 0:38:43understanding between those two countries in order to look at this
0:38:43 > 0:38:48whole issue of returns. The reality is that we want to see people being
0:38:48 > 0:38:53able to return. The fact is that at the moment that isn't going to be
0:38:53 > 0:38:58possible, but we do want the pressure on both sides as a result.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. As the Minister has acknowledged, the
0:39:02 > 0:39:08terrible human rights abuses of the Rohingya refugees are continuing. He
0:39:08 > 0:39:14knows that the Miami my Government has banned the special and that the
0:39:14 > 0:39:19fact-finding mission is impossible. He has said previously that any
0:39:19 > 0:39:23return of refugees must be safe, voluntary and dignified. Does he
0:39:23 > 0:39:29think there is any action that the British Government can take to
0:39:29 > 0:39:33prevent the return of these refugees until those conditions are
0:39:33 > 0:39:40fulfilled?There is very little that can be done other than with
0:39:40 > 0:39:46cooperation at international level. We are part of the committee trying
0:39:46 > 0:39:51to oversee the Sunday have had meetings in Myanmar Twohig at
0:39:51 > 0:39:57practical steps that can be taken to try and use this path. The reality
0:39:57 > 0:40:00is, these are massive national international problems. We have
0:40:00 > 0:40:05tried to do as much as we can through the United Nations, but the
0:40:05 > 0:40:11realities of the situation is... Well, the Right Honourable Lady
0:40:11 > 0:40:15talks about introducing sanctions. I think all those with the benefit of
0:40:15 > 0:40:24high site can say that the sanctions were lifted to early. We need to get
0:40:24 > 0:40:28this through the United Nations and the reality is, almost certainly
0:40:28 > 0:40:33they would be vetoed. We are trying. We are constantly having a
0:40:33 > 0:40:36conversation with our Chinese and Russian counterparts about these
0:40:36 > 0:40:47matters.Ministers are not helped if ministry frontbenchers chunter on a
0:40:47 > 0:40:54protected places. We need to try to speed up. Alan Brown.Thank you, Mr
0:40:54 > 0:41:00Speaker. I will answer this question and question 17 together. We remain
0:41:00 > 0:41:09seriously concerned with the seizing of Palestinian property by the
0:41:09 > 0:41:15Israelis. Is real's treatment of Honourable Palestinian minors held
0:41:15 > 0:41:20in detention remains a human rights priority. We raised our concerns
0:41:20 > 0:41:23with the Israeli authorities in our last visit and will continue to do
0:41:23 > 0:41:30some.Following on from those concerns, the reality is that the
0:41:30 > 0:41:36Israeli Prime Minister has voted for... New laws must consider the
0:41:36 > 0:41:44possibility of application to try occupied territories. When with the
0:41:44 > 0:41:51UK's approach change and join other EU countries in calling for
0:41:51 > 0:41:52compensation for AIDS and stop trading with illegal settlements?
0:41:58 > 0:42:01The whole issue around settlements brings into question the whole point
0:42:01 > 0:42:05of pursuing a two state solution because none of these issues will be
0:42:05 > 0:42:11dealt with unless we make progress in relation to that. In the
0:42:11 > 0:42:15meantime, we continue to support those who are concerned about
0:42:15 > 0:42:18demolitions and settlements. We continue to make the case there is
0:42:18 > 0:42:23real but these are barriers to peace. Unless there is a conclusive
0:42:23 > 0:42:35settlement soon, then these issues will get worse.Question number 17.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39I want to ask the Minister if he shares my outrage at the continued
0:42:39 > 0:42:47detention of 16-year-old ahead to meet me in Israel. It is an
0:42:47 > 0:42:51violation of Article 76 of the fourth Geneva Convention. Will he
0:42:51 > 0:42:55raise our concerns about this issue with the Israeli government?I know
0:42:55 > 0:43:05the family. It is a very unhappy incident rounds and when you look at
0:43:05 > 0:43:09the incident, the truth is the soldiers shouldn't be there and the
0:43:09 > 0:43:13young woman shouldn't have needed to do what she did. It is sad that the
0:43:13 > 0:43:17young people who ought to be friends are caught up in a situation which
0:43:17 > 0:43:21because of that they to deal comprehensibility with what is
0:43:21 > 0:43:26happening on the West Bank and Israel, we can come to a settlement.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29We have indeed made representations. It is important that Israel follows
0:43:29 > 0:43:34through the law, but the whole issue when you see it on the video tells
0:43:34 > 0:43:38you shouldn't be happening and we should be working hard to a
0:43:38 > 0:43:41settlement for this issue to these young people don't have to continue
0:43:41 > 0:43:48to do what they are doing.The biggest current obstacles to the
0:43:48 > 0:43:52advancement of the Middle East peace process is the long-standing issue
0:43:52 > 0:43:58of Palestinian incitement. What steps is he taking to assist the
0:43:58 > 0:44:03Palestinian leadership in becoming a viable partner or peace with Israel?
0:44:03 > 0:44:08There are many obstacles on the way to peace. One of them remains
0:44:08 > 0:44:12incitement and monks some in the Palestinian community. Efforts are
0:44:12 > 0:44:16being made for reconciliation between Fatah and Kamaz have to
0:44:16 > 0:44:21conclude with a process that has led to acceptance of Quartet principles
0:44:21 > 0:44:26and that will provide a further step forward, we hope.Does he agree with
0:44:26 > 0:44:31me that the only way to resolve the issue of land borders is through the
0:44:31 > 0:44:38resumption of direct peace talks without preconditions?Yes, Mr
0:44:38 > 0:44:41Speaker, and effort are continually being made to move forward in
0:44:41 > 0:44:46relation to the peace process. We wait to see proposals put forward by
0:44:46 > 0:44:49the US envoys very soon but sooner or later the Palestinians and
0:44:49 > 0:44:52Israelis have to sit down together because only they can come to the
0:44:52 > 0:45:00answer that they need. Number 13, Mr Speaker. Thank you. Our
0:45:00 > 0:45:05long-standing policy in support of a two state solution is clear. We
0:45:05 > 0:45:08support a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel
0:45:08 > 0:45:13living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state based in
0:45:13 > 0:45:171967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the share capital of
0:45:17 > 0:45:23both states and the just, fair and realistic settlement for refugees.I
0:45:23 > 0:45:26am pleased my right honourable friend agrees that the two state
0:45:26 > 0:45:31solution is the best way forward but the Israeli Justice Minister is on
0:45:31 > 0:45:37record saying that there is not and never will be a Palestine state, so
0:45:37 > 0:45:41would my right honourable friend is therefore join me in expressing
0:45:41 > 0:45:45concern at the impact these comments have on the prospects of peace and
0:45:45 > 0:45:48outline how the UK can lead on engagement with those who have this
0:45:48 > 0:45:56view?There are many statements made about whether or not there will be a
0:45:56 > 0:46:00resolution to issues between the Palestinians and Israelis on both
0:46:00 > 0:46:04sides and the United Kingdom is not responsible for those. What I could
0:46:04 > 0:46:09say is that all the polling done in both Israel and Palestine suggests
0:46:09 > 0:46:14that people want to see a two state solution, as I indicated before. We
0:46:14 > 0:46:18will continue to work but that can be hoped that those in the
0:46:18 > 0:46:22Palestinian areas and in Israel will also continue to work with a just
0:46:22 > 0:46:29peace.The Minister must surely acknowledge that comments like this
0:46:29 > 0:46:32by the Israeli government do not give the impression that they are
0:46:32 > 0:46:36serious about peace. Does he agree that the calls for how Mass for acts
0:46:36 > 0:46:40of violence and bridge against Israeli people in the wake of the
0:46:40 > 0:46:44relocation of the US embassy was wholly contemptible and should be
0:46:44 > 0:46:49thoroughly condemned by everyone in this House?The danger and the
0:46:49 > 0:46:52difficulty of making statements which are seen to be provocative has
0:46:52 > 0:46:56been seen in the responses in recent weeks. The United Kingdom is right
0:46:56 > 0:47:01in calling on all sides to refrain both from those provocations to use
0:47:01 > 0:47:06renewed interest in the issues between Israel and the Palestinians
0:47:06 > 0:47:10as they pressure to push the peace because that is the only thing that
0:47:10 > 0:47:18will deal with these issues in the future.Question 14.Our relations
0:47:18 > 0:47:22with India remain excellent. The UK shares are long-standing and the
0:47:22 > 0:47:25adventure but India covering economic and commercial ties,
0:47:25 > 0:47:29defence and security and the living bridge in the people to people
0:47:29 > 0:47:33links, which I saw recently on their visit to India only three months
0:47:33 > 0:47:41ago.This April the Prime Minister will be here once again. The last
0:47:41 > 0:47:45visit had an opportunity for a joint address to both Houses of Parliament
0:47:45 > 0:47:51and an opportunity to interact with the Indian Dyas for in this country.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54Plans are therefore similar arrangements to use this opportunity
0:47:54 > 0:48:02once again?I very much agree with my honourable friend. There is no
0:48:02 > 0:48:08doubt that India will play a vital role in mid April. We are working
0:48:08 > 0:48:11closely with the Indian colleagues to develop a full agenda for areas
0:48:11 > 0:48:17of mutual interest but they hope that we are able to do something
0:48:17 > 0:48:21here in parliament, but figured as a matter for you Mr Speaker, but also
0:48:21 > 0:48:25elsewhere within the community in London and beyond weather are a
0:48:25 > 0:48:29significant number of Indian Kasparov.Given that the republic of
0:48:29 > 0:48:35India is a Commonwealth member has now held by constituent from
0:48:35 > 0:48:38Dumbarton in custody without charge for two months, can the Minister
0:48:38 > 0:48:43tell the host of their government's partnership approach to large
0:48:43 > 0:48:47Commonwealth states is nothing short of a Faustian pact in which we
0:48:47 > 0:48:52sacrifice our defence of due process to arbitrate tension on the altar of
0:48:52 > 0:49:00free marketeer is?I really don't think that is the case at all. He
0:49:00 > 0:49:09has been a steadfast constituency MP on this matter. We have met in the
0:49:09 > 0:49:12House of Commons and I very much respect the way in which he has
0:49:12 > 0:49:23worked very hard on the half of the family. I recognise this is a very
0:49:23 > 0:49:27difficult and distressing time for the family. Conjurer staff have
0:49:27 > 0:49:31visited him in a number of occasions, and I can confirm there
0:49:31 > 0:49:35will be a further visit this Thursday. I will continue to meet
0:49:35 > 0:49:44the family and we are keeping them informed at every stage.Topical
0:49:44 > 0:49:54questions.Number one topical, sir. My priorities for the New Year are
0:49:54 > 0:49:59to take forward but's response of the crisis in Yemen, where we
0:49:59 > 0:50:03support Saudi Arabia's right to defend the security while insisting
0:50:03 > 0:50:07millions receive the aid that they desperately need. In April,
0:50:07 > 0:50:09Commonwealth leaders will gather in London from one of the biggest
0:50:09 > 0:50:13summit this country has ever posted, demonstrating the unrivalled
0:50:13 > 0:50:16networks of friendships of the global Britain and later in the year
0:50:16 > 0:50:22we will co-host the summit on tackling illegal wildlife trade.
0:50:22 > 0:50:29Happy New Year to you. I recently met ministers from Madagascar, among
0:50:29 > 0:50:38them the president, who voiced a request for them to become a member
0:50:38 > 0:50:40of the Commonwealth. Commonwealth countries in Africa seemed to be
0:50:40 > 0:50:44doing much better politically and financially than others. What
0:50:44 > 0:50:53measures is he taking for Madagascar to the close relationships with the
0:50:53 > 0:50:57Commonwealth after Brexit?I am delighted to hear the news from
0:50:57 > 0:51:05Madagascar. I hope that if he is correct that Madagascar will proceed
0:51:05 > 0:51:10that, but procedures must be followed with the Commonwealth
0:51:10 > 0:51:14secretary, as he would expect. I gather that there are several
0:51:14 > 0:51:23countries in Africa now queueing up to join the Commonwealth.President
0:51:23 > 0:51:29Hollande's biographer has said that the President was by goalie interest
0:51:29 > 0:51:33in the state visit is the opportunity to, and pickled, trump
0:51:33 > 0:51:50the Queen. Trumpalise the Queen. Can he save Her Majesty from whatever
0:51:50 > 0:51:55that is, Trumpalise the Queen, and cancel the visit?I think Her
0:51:55 > 0:52:01Majesty the Queen is well capable of taking this American president or
0:52:01 > 0:52:06any American president in her stride, as she has done over six
0:52:06 > 0:52:10remarkable decades. She has seen them come and she has seen them go.
0:52:10 > 0:52:19If she seeks advice on whether or not to invite the President of the
0:52:19 > 0:52:26United States to visit this country, might I invite her to ask the person
0:52:26 > 0:52:31next door to her who said only last year I think we have to welcome the
0:52:31 > 0:52:36American president to Britain, we have to work with him. Those were
0:52:36 > 0:52:42the words quite rightly of the right honourable lady.The fire and fury
0:52:42 > 0:52:47took about the trump presidency has reheated some to bunt claims about
0:52:47 > 0:52:52the role of British intelligence. Although the ordinary stance of the
0:52:52 > 0:52:56British Government is neither to confirm nor deny, but, right
0:52:56 > 0:53:02honourable friend take this opportunity, as the intelligence
0:53:02 > 0:53:06chiefs have, to slay these myths?As my honourable friend rightly says we
0:53:06 > 0:53:13do not normally comment on these matters, but in this particular case
0:53:13 > 0:53:17GCHQ made clear that these allegations were nonsense, utterly
0:53:17 > 0:53:22ridiculous and should be ignored.UK humanitarian workers have told us
0:53:22 > 0:53:25that ten hospitals and Syria have been directly targeted by Russian
0:53:25 > 0:53:30and Syrian forces over the last few weeks. These attacks are against the
0:53:30 > 0:53:35can -- the Geneva Convention and have left hundreds of children
0:53:35 > 0:53:39needing humanitarian help. Can he indicated he will follow through on
0:53:39 > 0:53:43his previous pledge to donate British groups to UN peacekeeping
0:53:43 > 0:53:47forces? Can he asked President Putin to desist from doing these? Can he
0:53:47 > 0:53:53ensure that the Geneva processes reenergised?The attacks of the
0:53:53 > 0:53:57Christmas period were deeply distressing. I spoke to some of the
0:53:57 > 0:54:01medical agencies involved in getting those with medical issues out of
0:54:01 > 0:54:05eastern foot in order to seek treatment and the overwhelming need
0:54:05 > 0:54:09is for proper humanitarian access to the area. The Geneva process, which
0:54:09 > 0:54:17is underway, being driven forward, breaches its next by date of this
0:54:17 > 0:54:21month, it must keep going to try and CNN to this conflict which is the
0:54:21 > 0:54:25only thing that will relieve the suffering. The United Kingdom is
0:54:25 > 0:54:28right behind that.Can he update the house as to what will the Foreign
0:54:28 > 0:54:37Office played in ensuring the opening of the Yemeni seaport?
0:54:37 > 0:54:41Following my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for
0:54:41 > 0:54:46International Development's visit to Djibouti and Riyadh in December, the
0:54:46 > 0:54:50Saudi authorities announced that the coalition would open the port for 30
0:54:50 > 0:54:57days from the 20th of December. Over nine ships have docked, fuel, food
0:54:57 > 0:55:01and call. That process is continuing with more ships having been cleared.
0:55:01 > 0:55:08We have been able to make sure that the board remains open after that
0:55:08 > 0:55:12time and we are working with others to ensure that is the case.It has
0:55:12 > 0:55:16been nine months since Kirsty Maxwell tragically fell to her death
0:55:16 > 0:55:19from a balcony in Benidorm and still the family do not know what happened
0:55:19 > 0:55:22to the close on her body when she died or the circumstances of her
0:55:22 > 0:55:27death. The Minister has been very helpful in trying to assist but we
0:55:27 > 0:55:31are no further forward. Will he put more pressure on the Spanish
0:55:31 > 0:55:35authorities and to a full-scale review of what support families to
0:55:35 > 0:55:40have lost loved ones abroad?We have been working very close on this
0:55:40 > 0:55:46tragic cultural issue. I am happy to offer her a further meeting and
0:55:46 > 0:55:49proceed every possible step we can take to go into the details are more
0:55:49 > 0:56:01depth.Chris Green. He has gone. Andrew Berry. The Foreign Secretary
0:56:01 > 0:56:08has commented on the immeasurable contribution by the RAF in battling
0:56:08 > 0:56:14terrorism in the Middle East. Never again should Britain with all we can
0:56:14 > 0:56:18offer be reduced to standing on the sidelines while extremists and
0:56:18 > 0:56:24despots kill hundreds of thousands with impunity.I think that they
0:56:24 > 0:56:30honourable friend speaks for many in this House who now regret what
0:56:30 > 0:56:39happened in 2013 and our failure to stand by the red lines... Many more
0:56:39 > 0:56:44deaths have subsequently in Sudan have otherwise taken place.William
0:56:44 > 0:56:49Hague describe the UN human rights Council periodic review as a
0:56:49 > 0:56:52valuable mechanism for holding countries accountable for their
0:56:52 > 0:56:56human rights record. Will the Foreign Secretary agree with me that
0:56:56 > 0:57:00the periodic review meeting on the 23rd of January provides an
0:57:00 > 0:57:03opportunity to hold Israel to account for its treatment of
0:57:03 > 0:57:07Palestinian children held in Israeli military custody -- custody and will
0:57:07 > 0:57:13he do so?
0:57:13 > 0:57:19The questions are simply too long. If we had brief questions and brief
0:57:19 > 0:57:25answers, far more colleagues would get in.The council will indeed be
0:57:25 > 0:57:30used by the United Kingdom to offer a statement to Israel and I know the
0:57:30 > 0:57:34issues he raises are covered in a number of different ways in terms of
0:57:34 > 0:57:40our representation to Israel. Violence in Iran has escalated. Does
0:57:40 > 0:57:46the Minister share my concern that many Iranians may have been arrested
0:57:46 > 0:57:51for taking to the streets to protest a regime that brutalises women and
0:57:51 > 0:57:58other minorities.We believe that the of the people of Iran to
0:57:58 > 0:58:01demonstrate peacefully in accordance with the line that is the point I
0:58:01 > 0:58:03will continue to continue to make to my Iranian counterparts later this
0:58:03 > 0:58:09week.Following ministerial appointments in the general
0:58:09 > 0:58:11election, canny Minister provides assurance to the house that the
0:58:11 > 0:58:15Department for it international element hasn't become a part of the
0:58:15 > 0:58:23Foreign Office and that giving aid and will be the primary focus.Many
0:58:23 > 0:58:27people will say it as light of this Government reforms and activities as
0:58:27 > 0:58:36one Government and that is what we are doing.The uranium people pride
0:58:36 > 0:58:40themselves on their educational attainment. How has banning teaching
0:58:40 > 0:58:46English language in these schools help future generations? Nott it
0:58:46 > 0:58:49does nothing to help future generations of Iranians to ban the
0:58:49 > 0:58:59teaching of English. It is something we deeply discouraged. Research
0:58:59 > 0:59:02conducted by the international State crime and should have found examples
0:59:02 > 0:59:07of format of the six stages of genocide being carried out in the
0:59:07 > 0:59:12Rohingya state against the Rohingya people. What has the Foreign
0:59:12 > 0:59:18Minister done for the extermination of the other two stages?Iwobi
0:59:18 > 0:59:24honourable lady will be assured that we are keeping abreast of the issue
0:59:24 > 0:59:30about genocide any sort of apparel to the ICC. It is obviously
0:59:30 > 0:59:33difficult, because Burma is currently not a Member. We are
0:59:33 > 0:59:37working with other countries to ensure that the very real concerns
0:59:37 > 0:59:43she expresses are put into place. Head of a Emmanuel Macron first
0:59:43 > 0:59:51visit here as president next week, will my honourable friend continued
0:59:51 > 0:59:53the importance of the relationship between the UK and France and does
0:59:53 > 0:59:58he agree that this relationship should get stronger not weaker after
0:59:58 > 1:00:02Brexit?My honourable friend is absolutely right, the relationship
1:00:02 > 1:00:06between Britain and France is of huge and historic importance and has
1:00:06 > 1:00:11been intensifying over recent years, particularly in defence and security
1:00:11 > 1:00:16cooperation. I hope you will be pleased by some of the developments
1:00:16 > 1:00:24and announcements being made.Will he update the house on what
1:00:24 > 1:00:31discussions he has had with the Government of Mauritius if any?
1:00:31 > 1:00:37Referring to the question of decolonisation of islands.As I am
1:00:37 > 1:00:40sure you know, we believe this case to be without merit and we will
1:00:40 > 1:00:47continue to contest it.With my honourable friend and his colleagues
1:00:47 > 1:00:52continue the very important support to the political process and support
1:00:52 > 1:01:03to be democratic of Congo in 2018? We certainly shall.Why is the
1:01:03 > 1:01:06Government taking legal advice on suing the European Union for
1:01:06 > 1:01:12appearing to treat Britain as a third country from March 2019 and
1:01:12 > 1:01:17that is the express intention of UK Government policy?I am sure the
1:01:17 > 1:01:21honourable gentleman and his constituents would want, we intend
1:01:21 > 1:01:27to get a superb new relationship, a deep and special partnership with
1:01:27 > 1:01:31our friends and partners in the EU and that is the objective of the
1:01:31 > 1:01:38negotiations now.Canny Foreign Secretary confirmed that the United
1:01:38 > 1:01:42States remains our closest ally and that the special relationship rests
1:01:42 > 1:01:49on more than we do wanted, close military alliances and a shirt view
1:01:49 > 1:01:55of the world? Book-mac I could not have that have that it better
1:01:55 > 1:02:04myself.-- I could not have that it better myself. It was the right
1:02:04 > 1:02:10thing to invite the president of the United States to this country.
1:02:10 > 1:02:17Steady on. On that point, President Trump, who is apparently, like,
1:02:17 > 1:02:24really smart, and a stable genius to boot, what does President Trump have
1:02:24 > 1:02:28to say or tweaked for any invitation to the UK for any wedding or
1:02:28 > 1:02:37otherwise to be withdrawn?I think that... If I understood the
1:02:37 > 1:02:42honourable gentleman's question correctly, he wishes to present the
1:02:42 > 1:02:45invitation to the President of the United States? I don't believe that
1:02:45 > 1:02:50is sensible. The United States is our closest, most important security
1:02:50 > 1:02:58and indeed begin on partner and will continue to be so.Given events in
1:02:58 > 1:03:06Iran, is it not time that their assets were frozen worldwide.I
1:03:06 > 1:03:11appreciate the sentiment the honourable gentleman expresses and
1:03:11 > 1:03:14they clearly do not represent the forces of progress to which I was
1:03:14 > 1:03:21alluding earlier on in Iran. We are keeping them under continuous
1:03:21 > 1:03:30review.The situation in Kashmir is a human outrage on a regular basis.
1:03:30 > 1:03:36Tension between Pakistan and India is threatening world peace. Can we
1:03:36 > 1:03:43bring Pakistan and India together and move the peace process forward?
1:03:43 > 1:03:48I hope that provide that opportunity. Both India and Pakistan
1:03:48 > 1:03:57are a long-standing friends to the UK. And the issue of Kashmir, we do
1:03:57 > 1:04:02not intervene because it is an issue for those two countries to
1:04:02 > 1:04:05determine.The plight of the Rohingya people continues to shock.
1:04:05 > 1:04:10So many of them are unaccompanied children. That has the Foreign
1:04:10 > 1:04:13Secretary what discussions he has had with his counterparts in
1:04:13 > 1:04:20Bangladesh to enjoy these vulnerable children are protected?We have
1:04:20 > 1:04:24regular competitions. I am seeing the Bangladesh High Commissioner for
1:04:24 > 1:04:27the UK in May office this afternoon and this will be literally the first
1:04:27 > 1:04:35thing on our agenda.The number of UK nationals who have been deported
1:04:35 > 1:04:44back to the UK on suspicion of terrorism.I am very happy to do
1:04:44 > 1:04:50that.I am sorry, we are very short time. I wouldn't want the honourable
1:04:50 > 1:04:59gentleman to feel excluded.The Muslim Brotherhood is a
1:04:59 > 1:05:01well-financed organisation. Before Christmas, the Foreign Secretary
1:05:01 > 1:05:05made a similar long delays that he would scrutinise their visa
1:05:05 > 1:05:08applications into the United Kingdom. What actions have happened
1:05:08 > 1:05:15as a result of that?Act until the honourable gentleman that in
1:05:15 > 1:05:19addition to looking harder at their visa applications, we are also
1:05:19 > 1:05:22looking hard at the engagement of the Muslim Brotherhood and its
1:05:22 > 1:05:29associate in charities in this country, but I'd be very happy to
1:05:29 > 1:05:34supply further details of what we are doing in respect of the Muslim
1:05:34 > 1:05:40Brotherhood visas to the honourable gentleman.Order. If it appertains
1:05:40 > 1:05:43to the exchanges, because I think I heard the honourable lady
1:05:43 > 1:05:48corruptible but at ago, I think that would be if their characterisation.
1:05:48 > 1:05:52If she wishes to erupt on her feet rather than from her seat, that
1:05:52 > 1:06:02would be good. Emily Thornberry.I need to correct the record to say
1:06:02 > 1:06:06that I've never thought it was a good idea to invite the president of
1:06:06 > 1:06:10the United States to the United Kingdom. I got the invitation was
1:06:10 > 1:06:13issued in undue haste and once it had been issued, it's very difficult
1:06:13 > 1:06:21to withdraw it.The Foreign Secretary is beetling into the box.
1:06:21 > 1:06:26If the right honourable gentleman wishes to stand up at the box, we
1:06:26 > 1:06:35are happy to hear it.I am not sure in order. I must redirect the Right
1:06:35 > 1:06:39Honourable Lady to her words on the 14th of May 2017 on the Andrew Marr
1:06:39 > 1:06:44programme in which you said, "I think we have to welcome the
1:06:44 > 1:06:54American president to Britain. We have to welcome him."Order. I think
1:06:54 > 1:06:58honour is served. The Shadow Foreign Secretary has offered us hope and
1:06:58 > 1:07:03the Foreign Secretary with some alacrity has Beatles back to the box
1:07:03 > 1:07:05in order to respond and I think