0:00:00 > 0:00:00committee to be considered. Consideration what day?Wednesday
0:00:00 > 0:00:07the 20th of February at 4pm. Wednesday the 28th of February at
0:00:07 > 0:00:114pm. Questions to the Secretary of State for foreign and, love affairs.
0:00:11 > 0:00:19Question number one Mr Speaker.The Foreign Secretary has spoken to the
0:00:19 > 0:00:24Turkish Foreign Minister about the operation, we have called for
0:00:24 > 0:00:28de-escalation for the protection of civilians whilst recognising
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Turkey's legitimate interest in the security of its borders and it
0:00:31 > 0:00:34remains in our shared interest to achieve a political settlement in
0:00:34 > 0:00:41Syria.Thank you for that answer but does the Foreign Secretary
0:00:41 > 0:00:45recognised the Kurdish led administration in Afrin has built a
0:00:45 > 0:00:49secular democratic system that has worked collaboratively with the
0:00:49 > 0:00:55international community to defeat so-called Islamic State most
0:00:55 > 0:00:58recently in Raqqa and does he accept the international committee owes a
0:00:58 > 0:01:03debt of honour to the Kurds and wealthy step up the efforts to stop
0:01:03 > 0:01:09the bloodshed in and around Afrin. I understand what is being said but we
0:01:09 > 0:01:12must recognise the legitimate security interests of Syria and
0:01:12 > 0:01:16having launched operation olive branch in January it is in response
0:01:16 > 0:01:20to attacks from the Afrin area and they believe they are in compliance
0:01:20 > 0:01:22with Popper at UN standards.
0:01:24 > 0:01:31When we make representations to our Turkish Nato allies can we make
0:01:31 > 0:01:34representations on the half of the tens of finalists of journalists and
0:01:34 > 0:01:39others locked up by the Turkish government?I can assure my right
0:01:39 > 0:01:45honourable friend we do, and we do so in all the meetings we have at
0:01:45 > 0:01:49all levels with our Turkish counterparts.Does the government
0:01:49 > 0:01:55agreed the Democratic union party and the people's protection units
0:01:55 > 0:02:01should be included within the Geneva process to end Syria's war and
0:02:01 > 0:02:07discuss the country future?That is praise merrily a question on Syria
0:02:07 > 0:02:13but I would point out that of course the PKK is a prescribed organisation
0:02:13 > 0:02:16in the UK whereas the organisations she principally refers to are of
0:02:16 > 0:02:22course not and so can spoken to. Will the Minister make
0:02:22 > 0:02:25representations to the Turkish Foreign Minister to asked the
0:02:25 > 0:02:29Turkish navy to cease obstructing vessels seeking to extract
0:02:29 > 0:02:34hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean?I understand the
0:02:34 > 0:02:40issue to which my right honourable friend referrers which is the issue
0:02:40 > 0:02:44of drilling for oil and gas on the edge of Cyprus. We are assessing
0:02:44 > 0:02:49what has been reported over the last day or so about what exactly is
0:02:49 > 0:02:57happening in that area.Mr Speaker we on this side of the house
0:02:57 > 0:03:01unequivocally condemn Turkey for their disgraceful assault on Afrin
0:03:01 > 0:03:05and we are especially appalled they have enlisted in the Army the very
0:03:05 > 0:03:09jihadists demolishes the Kurdish forces have worked so hard to drive
0:03:09 > 0:03:14out of Northern Syria. If the Foreign Secretary is unable to join
0:03:14 > 0:03:17me in condemning Turkey today will be Minister of State at least
0:03:17 > 0:03:21explain why he believes and I quote, Turkey 's legitimate interest in
0:03:21 > 0:03:25securing its own border gives them the right to brutally attack the
0:03:25 > 0:03:31innocent Kurdish community in Afrin? I don't think it is exactly as the
0:03:31 > 0:03:40Right Honourable lady says. We need to recognise Turkey 's legitimate
0:03:40 > 0:03:42interests but condemn any kind of attack on civilians and we wish to
0:03:42 > 0:03:45see a de-escalation but the legitimate rights of Turkey should
0:03:45 > 0:03:50be recognised.The truth is that the Turkish assault as part of a broader
0:03:50 > 0:03:54pattern where too many foreign parties engaged in the Syrian civil
0:03:54 > 0:04:00war are now acting just like the Assad regime itself with out regard
0:04:00 > 0:04:10for international law. David Cameron guaranteed this house that it was
0:04:10 > 0:04:23exclusively, exclusively to combat the threat from Daesh. Can I ask
0:04:23 > 0:04:29when will he seek a mandate from this house?I find the right
0:04:29 > 0:04:32honourable ladies and analysis extremely bizarre particularly as
0:04:32 > 0:04:51the YPG have been looking to align with the Assad regime.What is the
0:04:51 > 0:04:55assessment of the Assad regime and the Kurds joining forces motility to
0:04:55 > 0:05:00resist the Turkish incursion?That is the issue to which I just
0:05:00 > 0:05:03referred, we are assessing it and I am sure there will be for the report
0:05:03 > 0:05:11but it's too early to say what may be happening.Question two.With
0:05:11 > 0:05:16permission Mr Speaker I will answer a question two and nine together.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20Girls education is a moral imperative, women and girls have the
0:05:20 > 0:05:25right to be educated equal and empowered and safe. This is one of
0:05:25 > 0:05:29the Foreign Secretary's top priorities and he has instructed his
0:05:29 > 0:05:35officials to put girls education at the heart of their work.Given the
0:05:35 > 0:05:39appalling revelations about some employees in Oxfam and the
0:05:39 > 0:05:42subsequent attempts to cover it up to the Minister assure us that any
0:05:42 > 0:05:45organisation which is asked to deliver education for girls
0:05:45 > 0:05:48programmes anywhere in the world by the British government is fit for
0:05:48 > 0:05:57purpose.I share the assessment that this is an utterly despicable
0:05:57 > 0:06:02example and I hope he agrees with me that my right honourable friend the
0:06:02 > 0:06:04Secretary of State for International Development has shown real
0:06:04 > 0:06:07leadership on this in terms of writing to all the organisations
0:06:07 > 0:06:15with which we contract to ensure safeguarding levels are raised and I
0:06:15 > 0:06:19believe she has been allowed by you Mr Speaker to make a statement on
0:06:19 > 0:06:24the subject later on this afternoon. During his recent trip what
0:06:24 > 0:06:29discussions did my right honourable friend have with Burma, Thailand and
0:06:29 > 0:06:36Bangladesh on the government policy of education of women and girls?My
0:06:36 > 0:06:39right honourable friend champions this issue at every opportunity
0:06:39 > 0:06:43including at the opportunity that my honourable friend mentions. He will
0:06:43 > 0:06:51be aware that not only has he shown tremendous leadership on this issue
0:06:51 > 0:06:55but he is appointed a special envoy for gender equality and has really
0:06:55 > 0:07:02put this work at the heart of the diplomatic network.Provides
0:07:02 > 0:07:06education and the Northeast Frontier province of Pakistan, incredibly
0:07:06 > 0:07:10dangerous environment for women and girls. The UK friends try to bring
0:07:10 > 0:07:14people to the UK to provide human rights support however at the Home
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Office often blocks them, what discussion has she had with the Home
0:07:17 > 0:07:24Office?She is right, highlighting Mr Speaker the important work a
0:07:24 > 0:07:30range of organisations do, often in partnership with us. Certainly if
0:07:30 > 0:07:33she has specific examples were she would like me to make
0:07:33 > 0:07:35representations to my right honourable friend the Home Secretary
0:07:35 > 0:07:42then I'd be to receive correspondence.Further to that
0:07:42 > 0:07:45previous question what discussions as the minister had with the
0:07:45 > 0:07:48government of Pakistan on the education of girls in that country
0:07:48 > 0:07:52and could she tell the house what proportion of UK aid to Pakistan
0:07:52 > 0:07:57goes towards the education of women and young girls?It's certainly very
0:07:57 > 0:08:05significant Mr Speaker, I had the pleasure last month to meet with two
0:08:05 > 0:08:10very impressive education ministers from different parts of Pakistan, as
0:08:10 > 0:08:14he will be aware it's quite devolved across parts of Pakistan, to do with
0:08:14 > 0:08:19the specific statistics he wishes me to provide I will follow up in a
0:08:19 > 0:08:25letter to him.Could I welcome the work my honourable friend is doing
0:08:25 > 0:08:28in this field but would she agree with me that in places like Africa
0:08:28 > 0:08:35there is a huge amount more work to be done.Well my honourable friend
0:08:35 > 0:08:40is absolutely right Mr Speaker, there is a huge amount to be done,
0:08:40 > 0:08:46something like 136 million girls around the world are not in
0:08:46 > 0:08:50education and of course it is as my right honourable friend the Foreign
0:08:50 > 0:08:54Secretary has said, it is truly the Swiss Army knife of development
0:08:54 > 0:08:58because not only, it works in so many different ways. It helps to
0:08:58 > 0:09:02resolve issues of conflict but also it's important to advance global
0:09:02 > 0:09:09prosperity.CNN recently reported the story of a 12-year-old from
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Yemen who wants to become a doctor but her father is being forced to
0:09:13 > 0:09:18make the choice to marry her off to make ends meet, he will receive
0:09:18 > 0:09:26£2000 for marrying of his daughter, what will she do to to prevent
0:09:26 > 0:09:30conflict in Yemen so that young women near campus of potential here?
0:09:30 > 0:09:34The honourable lady is right to highlight a particular example which
0:09:34 > 0:09:39illustrates the challenges faced by girls around the world. I think the
0:09:39 > 0:09:42UK Government has demonstrated a significant leadership position not
0:09:42 > 0:09:45only in terms of this issue as a way of progress in peace and on and
0:09:45 > 0:09:51around the world but also in terms of urging all parties to the
0:09:51 > 0:09:59conflict to make a political solution.Question number three.
0:09:59 > 0:10:05Secretary Boris Johnson.Mr Speaker the conclusion of the highly
0:10:05 > 0:10:12successful Anglo-French summit, it was a agreed that a committee of
0:10:12 > 0:10:19wise people should be established to look at reviving the great tradition
0:10:19 > 0:10:27of UK- France collaboration in such matters as security, defence, space,
0:10:27 > 0:10:33genomics, infrastructure and indeed infrastructure projects such as the
0:10:33 > 0:10:40idea of a new connection between our countries. An idea that I can tell
0:10:40 > 0:10:49was welcomed by my counterpart and by -- run himself.I noticed the
0:10:49 > 0:10:55Foreign Secretary did not say if you would be on this committee of" wise
0:10:55 > 0:11:00people". He will be aware of the warning that the travel ports face
0:11:00 > 0:11:03gridlock if a transitional arrangement for Brexit not urgently
0:11:03 > 0:11:06put in place so can I ask the Foreign Secretary what is the point
0:11:06 > 0:11:09of a 20 mile bridge if there will be a 20 mile queue to get onto it?
0:11:15 > 0:11:18I congratulate the honourable member for crow barring Brexit into that
0:11:18 > 0:11:26question. I think most people would appreciate that the Eurotunnel, the
0:11:26 > 0:11:30existing channel Tunnel, is likely at the present rate to be full
0:11:30 > 0:11:36within the next seven years. That's a very short time in the lifetime of
0:11:36 > 0:11:39a major construction project, and it's a curiosity that two of the
0:11:39 > 0:11:44most powerful economies in the world, separated by barely 21 miles
0:11:44 > 0:11:51of water, are connected by just one railway line. I think it's a matter
0:11:51 > 0:11:56for legitimate consideration by our two countries going forward.In
0:11:56 > 0:12:01terms of links across the Channel with France and many other European
0:12:01 > 0:12:05partners, yesterday the Brexit select committee saw Michel Barnier,
0:12:05 > 0:12:09Guy Verhofstadt and many others, and it's absolutely clear that the deep
0:12:09 > 0:12:13partnership are looking for with the European Union will be a unique and
0:12:13 > 0:12:16specific agreement that will benefit both sides of the channel
0:12:16 > 0:12:19enormously. Does the Foreign Secretary agree with me that this
0:12:19 > 0:12:25should be the outcome of the talks that we will start again shortly?
0:12:25 > 0:12:29Order, order, on the subject of crow barring and shoehorning, can I
0:12:29 > 0:12:33remind the honourable gentleman that the question is about a fixed link,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37it's not about Brexit, it's about a fixed link across the Channel.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41That's the purpose of the matter upon which the Right Honourable
0:12:41 > 0:12:46gentleman will focus. If I may say so, I think my right honourable
0:12:46 > 0:12:51friend hassit on a metaphorical fixed link, a great, swollen,
0:12:51 > 0:12:59throbbing, umbilicus of trade between us. Each side mutually
0:12:59 > 0:13:04nourishing the other, and I approve the note of optimism he strikes.Jay
0:13:04 > 0:13:12Simpson.I am generally in favour of building bridges instead of walls,
0:13:12 > 0:13:18but can I urge the Foreign Secretary, instead of indulging in
0:13:18 > 0:13:21fantasy engineering probe gets, to focus on the important work he
0:13:21 > 0:13:25mentioned on building metaphorical bridges with nations who share our
0:13:25 > 0:13:29values, like France, and in particular our other European
0:13:29 > 0:13:33neighbours to prevent Brexit Britain becoming isolated and increasingly
0:13:33 > 0:13:38reliant for trade and influence on regimes who have dubious human
0:13:38 > 0:13:41rights records.I think the honourable lady raises an important
0:13:41 > 0:13:48point, but she will recognise we are beefing up our diplomatic
0:13:48 > 0:13:53representation in the EU and seizing our opportunity to build new links
0:13:53 > 0:13:57and revival partnerships around the world. I don't think anyone could be
0:13:57 > 0:14:00more eloquent about our unconditional commitments to our
0:14:00 > 0:14:05friends and partners in the EU than the Prime Minister in Munich last
0:14:05 > 0:14:11week.In 1971, the French and their English counterparts started talking
0:14:11 > 0:14:17about the Channel Tunnel and they were mocked. Can we have more
0:14:17 > 0:14:20visionary and less mockery about ideas of how we can take forward
0:14:20 > 0:14:33future relationships?I would remind honourable members opposite during
0:14:33 > 0:14:37from a sedentary position great infrastructure projects, it's
0:14:37 > 0:14:40invariably Conservative administrations that come forward
0:14:40 > 0:14:46with it. The Conservatives revive the East End of London with Canary
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Wharf and it was Margaret Thatcher who reignited the first channel
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Tunnel.
0:14:53 > 0:15:00It's estimated that we can build the Foreign Secretary's Channel bridge
0:15:00 > 0:15:04at a cost of £120 billion. He wants to build bridges and at the same
0:15:04 > 0:15:08time is pushing for a hard Brexit to push us away from the European
0:15:08 > 0:15:13Union. Instead, does he think that money could be well spent for the
0:15:13 > 0:15:18next six and a half years, we could use the same money to give the
0:15:18 > 0:15:22national health service £350 million per week? Can I ask the Foreign
0:15:22 > 0:15:29Secretary what he would prefer.The honourable gentleman opposite is
0:15:29 > 0:15:33possibly too young to remember, but when the first Channel Tunnel was
0:15:33 > 0:15:36commissioned, it was the vision of the then Prime Minister Margaret
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Thatcher that it should be entirely privately financed. There is no
0:15:40 > 0:15:47reason why we should not have the same ambition this time. On his
0:15:47 > 0:15:53point about the Brexit dividend, as the Prime Minister herself has said,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56there will unquestionably be substantial sums of money available
0:15:56 > 0:16:00for spending in this country on the priorities of the British people,
0:16:00 > 0:16:04including the NHS. If the party opposite is opposed to that, let
0:16:04 > 0:16:10them stand up and say so now.I would if the Foreign Secretary can
0:16:10 > 0:16:14tell us of any economic analysis he has had done on the infrastructure
0:16:14 > 0:16:22that he is talking about. And where does it sit in terms of the
0:16:22 > 0:16:28government's mad Max dystopian barometer?I hope the honourable
0:16:28 > 0:16:32member will forgive me if I'd deferred the economic analysis to
0:16:32 > 0:16:40the committee of wise people. But I do think it is... The first Channel
0:16:40 > 0:16:44Tunnel will be full within the next few years, by the middle of the next
0:16:44 > 0:16:49decade. I think it's incumbent on us to be responsible enough to reflect
0:16:49 > 0:16:52on the future developer of our economies and I look forward to the
0:16:52 > 0:16:57findings of that committee.I would like to thank the Foreign Secretary
0:16:57 > 0:17:01for his response. In terms of the economic analysis he mentioned, does
0:17:01 > 0:17:05he agree with me on the importance of evidence from impartial civil
0:17:05 > 0:17:08servants? Does he agree with me that evidence in terms of the
0:17:08 > 0:17:12relationship with France and the rest of Europe is important. And in
0:17:12 > 0:17:15terms of a relationship with France and the rest of Europe, would he
0:17:15 > 0:17:17agree with the former first secretary of state that the problem
0:17:17 > 0:17:25of politicians who don't accept evidence?On the point about civil
0:17:25 > 0:17:28servants, I wish to assure the honourable gentleman I have nothing
0:17:28 > 0:17:33but admiration for the hard work and dedication of Whitehall civil
0:17:33 > 0:17:37servants who are preparing the Brexit negotiations, and believe me,
0:17:37 > 0:17:48they are doing a superb job. Question number four, Mr Speaker.Mr
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Speaker, with permission I will answer questions, four and 13
0:17:51 > 0:17:58together. The United Kingdom will host an ambitious high-level illegal
0:17:58 > 0:18:05trade conference in London in October of this year. And I believe
0:18:05 > 0:18:09it's the ambition of cracking down on illegal wildlife trade that is
0:18:09 > 0:18:19shared by the entire British people. At the conference in October of the
0:18:19 > 0:18:23IWT, will my right honourable friend ensure that Great Britain remains at
0:18:23 > 0:18:30the forefront of the efforts to stamp out the trade in ivory?We
0:18:30 > 0:18:33were coming to the conclusion of a consultation period about a total
0:18:33 > 0:18:39ban on ivory. I think many people in this house and in this country would
0:18:39 > 0:18:45agree a total ban is to be wished. We will see where we get to, but I
0:18:45 > 0:18:49think my honourable friend can count on us once again to be in the lead
0:18:49 > 0:18:55and we will have, I believe, some very substantive conclusions on
0:18:55 > 0:19:00saving elephants from that summit in October.What discussion listed my
0:19:00 > 0:19:05right honourable friend have on his recent trip to Southeast Asia with
0:19:05 > 0:19:08palm oil producing countries on the illegal wildlife trade and
0:19:08 > 0:19:15deforestation?I am acutely aware of the problems caused by palm oil
0:19:15 > 0:19:18cultivation, and we are in urgent dialogue with our partners to
0:19:18 > 0:19:26discourage them from deforestation and the consequent loss of species.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29We have come a long way in terms of the ivory trade discussions. What
0:19:29 > 0:19:38other discussions is the team having with Vietnam and some of the other
0:19:38 > 0:19:43countries in that region?I had discussions only the other day with
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Thailand, forum instance, and we absolutely appreciate the importance
0:19:45 > 0:19:51of not simply divert in the flow of ivory from China to other countries
0:19:51 > 0:19:57in south-east Asia.Will the Secretary of State assure the house
0:19:57 > 0:20:01and the people of the United Kingdom that an international approach is
0:20:01 > 0:20:05being taken to ensure nations across the developed globe take a similar
0:20:05 > 0:20:09position so we can ostracise and alienate those engaged in this sort
0:20:09 > 0:20:13of trade?The honourable gentleman is absolutely right. That's why we
0:20:13 > 0:20:17are hosting a global summit and participation rates are already very
0:20:17 > 0:20:24high indeed.Question five.With permission, I will answer questions
0:20:24 > 0:20:31five and 11 together. I was able to meet with both Prime Minister
0:20:31 > 0:20:35al-Abadi and the Kurdish Prime Minister in Munich at the weekend,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38when our behalf of the United Kingdom I encouraged continuing
0:20:38 > 0:20:42dialogue recently begun between them individually, which is essential to
0:20:42 > 0:20:46the long-term stability of Iraq. We have no current plans with observers
0:20:46 > 0:20:49from the UK to attend the elections in May but we are working with
0:20:49 > 0:21:00others to assure ensure effective monitoring.Will dish diplomats
0:21:00 > 0:21:05oversee the implementation of the Iraqi constitution? -- will British
0:21:05 > 0:21:13diplomats. Especially in regions where that autonomy is under threat?
0:21:13 > 0:21:16It is no doubt both sides see the opportunity under the constitution
0:21:16 > 0:21:20to ensure the relationships are strong and good between them. There
0:21:20 > 0:21:24has been a great deal of conciliation in an area that could
0:21:24 > 0:21:27be of much greater conflict and the United Kingdom is encouraging that
0:21:27 > 0:21:34dialogue in order to minimise the risk on matters my honourable friend
0:21:34 > 0:21:38raises.Will my honourable friend except the foreign affairs select
0:21:38 > 0:21:44committee's observation that many Kurds feel threatened in a country
0:21:44 > 0:21:48that is not fulfilling its commitments to them. And with Lee
0:21:48 > 0:21:54five month long blockade of flights from Kurdistan has been and needless
0:21:54 > 0:22:00outrage? Would he encourage Baghdad to lift the blockade?There is
0:22:00 > 0:22:04little doubt the issue of the airport is foremost between in the
0:22:04 > 0:22:10discussions between the respective prime ministers. There is a
0:22:10 > 0:22:12recognition that if arrangements can be made for the airport it would
0:22:12 > 0:22:17make a difference. In relation to that, the future of a Kurdish region
0:22:17 > 0:22:21in Iraq is essential that it's stable and secure and rights are
0:22:21 > 0:22:24honoured on both sides and the constitution is seen to be
0:22:24 > 0:22:33effective.I have just returned from Iraq myself. I monitored the
0:22:33 > 0:22:38first-ever elections in Iraq. While elections are important, I think the
0:22:38 > 0:22:45Iraqis particularly would like more assistance, technical assistance,
0:22:45 > 0:22:49advice. They are doing a good job there at the moment, but they do
0:22:49 > 0:22:55need more UK help in order to bring about reconciliation and progress
0:22:55 > 0:23:03between various factions.Can I thank the right honourable lady for
0:23:03 > 0:23:05her steadfast support on Iraq over many years. Indeed, she and
0:23:05 > 0:23:14colleagues from the IPU went over to Baghdad to talk about governance
0:23:14 > 0:23:16issues and the contribution she has made over many years has been
0:23:16 > 0:23:24invaluable. Assisting from the UK is part of our support and I will look
0:23:24 > 0:23:28into what mode in relation to the elections.I know the Minister to be
0:23:28 > 0:23:32a fair-minded man. When any of these negotiations take place, will he
0:23:32 > 0:23:39balance the loyalty as allies with the Kurdish people over many long
0:23:39 > 0:23:45years, and balance that with the track record of President the
0:23:45 > 0:23:54President Erdogan.In relation to the Turkish issue, right right
0:23:54 > 0:23:59honourable friend made reference to that earlier. There is the needs of
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Kurdish peoples, which are represented by a number of different
0:24:02 > 0:24:06parties, are recognised. The United Kingdom is always conscious of the
0:24:06 > 0:24:12relationship we have with those peoples and the people of Iraq.A
0:24:12 > 0:24:16noted expert on the region, it's a pleasure to see him representing Her
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Majesty'sgovernment in the Middle East. That he perhaps bring clarity
0:24:19 > 0:24:22that the Foreign Affairs Committee asked for on the difference between
0:24:22 > 0:24:28the white PG and the PKK. We received evidence at evidence that
0:24:28 > 0:24:37there is no real difference. -- the YPG. It appears we are supporting
0:24:37 > 0:24:40that we are only slightly supporting a group that is a proscribed
0:24:40 > 0:24:45organisation.Can I thank my honourable friend is not only for
0:24:45 > 0:24:48his question but the leadership of the Foreign Affairs Committee. We
0:24:48 > 0:24:53will study that report very carefully. I appreciate it was
0:24:53 > 0:24:57asking for clarity in some situations that are genuinely
0:24:57 > 0:25:00difficult to provide that clarity. There will be a full written
0:25:00 > 0:25:06response from the Foreign Office in due course. But we do recognise the
0:25:06 > 0:25:16PKK as a proscribed organisation. That is the situation at present. We
0:25:16 > 0:25:20are deeply concerned by recent reports of chemical weapons used in
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Syria. UK officials are in contact with the organisation for the
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Prohibition of chemical weapons which is investigating. We condemn
0:25:27 > 0:25:31all use of chemical weapons and are working with international partners
0:25:31 > 0:25:34to identify and hold to account those responsible.
0:25:38 > 0:25:45Anyone who seeks to draw a false equivalence between this gassing
0:25:45 > 0:25:49risks aiding and abetting this activity but the government's
0:25:49 > 0:25:53concern is not enough. Words are not enough. What is the UK actually
0:25:53 > 0:25:59going to do to take action to stop this what was supposed to be a red
0:25:59 > 0:26:01line for the international community which has been walked over time and
0:26:01 > 0:26:07again?The right honourable gentleman is correct to express
0:26:07 > 0:26:14concern and anger about not only the use of chemical weapons but the
0:26:14 > 0:26:16increasing use, we think there has been four occasions since the turn
0:26:16 > 0:26:22of this year and if chemical weapons come back into the norm of use in
0:26:22 > 0:26:29war it goes against the century of united response by the world against
0:26:29 > 0:26:35them. I took part in the recent conference in Paris led by the
0:26:35 > 0:26:39French Foreign Minister and the United States Secretary of State to
0:26:39 > 0:26:41counter activities in the UN where the joint investigative mechanism
0:26:41 > 0:26:45has been vetoed on three occasions to try to create some other
0:26:45 > 0:26:51mechanism but he is right, we will continue to work through the UN to
0:26:51 > 0:26:54ensure the International Convention on chemical weapons once again
0:26:54 > 0:27:02becomes properly effective.I thank the Minister for his responses, 2018
0:27:02 > 0:27:06has proven to be an absolutely brutal year so far for a Syrian
0:27:06 > 0:27:11civilians. What can we do, we can put in place monitoring and will the
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Minister say more about UK Government resources for monitoring
0:27:14 > 0:27:19and collecting evidence of these terrible crimes?Mr Speaker since
0:27:19 > 0:27:25the beginning of the conflict in Syria the UK has been working to
0:27:25 > 0:27:29equip civilians on the ground with the tools they need to collect
0:27:29 > 0:27:34evidence which could be used in future to ensure there was
0:27:34 > 0:27:36accountability and justice. We have been doing that for some years and
0:27:36 > 0:27:40will continue to do so but what she calls attention to is the increased
0:27:40 > 0:27:46use of chemical weapons in the past few weeks and that is an outrage.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50The world community is entitled to be outraged by it but must indeed
0:27:50 > 0:27:53ensure that through the UN it does something effective to bring the
0:27:53 > 0:27:55perpetrators to justice.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05Mr Speaker with permission may I answer this question and question 17
0:28:05 > 0:28:09together? The United Kingdom supports the concept of an
0:28:09 > 0:28:13international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace. The £3
0:28:13 > 0:28:16million people to people programme has similar aims and brings together
0:28:16 > 0:28:20individuals from both sides to support, to build support for a
0:28:20 > 0:28:23durable solution. We also remain concerned about the provision of
0:28:23 > 0:28:27health care in Gaza and are working to large all parties to take
0:28:27 > 0:28:33necessary to improve conditions.I thank the Minister for his response,
0:28:33 > 0:28:39with the UK's increased response, something many in the house have
0:28:39 > 0:28:43long supported, we have an opportunity to lead the way on a
0:28:43 > 0:28:46global stage, will the Minister therefore pledge the UK's diplomatic
0:28:46 > 0:28:49support to help create that international fund which will ensure
0:28:49 > 0:28:55our funding is matched by others as part of a sustainable international
0:28:55 > 0:28:59initiative to build peace in the Middle East which we all long for?
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Many of us over the years have worried that one of the worst aspect
0:29:02 > 0:29:08of the conflict is the separation of people. We are following the concept
0:29:08 > 0:29:12of the development of this fun and very carefully and I will continue
0:29:12 > 0:29:17to take a strong personal interest. The sentiment behind it is why we
0:29:17 > 0:29:20have the £3 million programme but we will be watching the development of
0:29:20 > 0:29:25that international fund and giving it support where we can.A couple of
0:29:25 > 0:29:28weeks ago I was humbled to meet a group of young Palestinians and
0:29:28 > 0:29:32listen to personal stories about restrictions on health care and now
0:29:32 > 0:29:35there is a report from the World Health Organisation is saying 54
0:29:35 > 0:29:40patients died in 2017 waiting on exit permits to get treatment
0:29:40 > 0:29:45outside Gaza. Will the Minister press is real to remove these
0:29:45 > 0:29:47restrictions to prevent more Palestinians dying waiting for
0:29:47 > 0:29:53medical treatment?The circumstances of Gaza remain dire in many ways but
0:29:53 > 0:29:58the free movement of patients and medical personnel is vital to the
0:29:58 > 0:30:02effectiveness of care. We regularly raise concerns about ambulance and
0:30:02 > 0:30:06permit delays with Israeli authorities and we will continue to
0:30:06 > 0:30:13do so.Since September 2015 some 58 Israelis, four foreign nationals,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists in more than 400 separate
0:30:17 > 0:30:22stabbing, shooting and car running incidents. The terrorists have been
0:30:22 > 0:30:25rewarded with honorary titles, monthly salaries and other
0:30:25 > 0:30:29opportunities. Can my right honourable friend make clear to the
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Palestinian Authority that until such time as glorification of
0:30:32 > 0:30:41terrorism ends there can be no peace in the Middle East.As my honourable
0:30:41 > 0:30:47friend is a way we continued to condemn these activities in the
0:30:47 > 0:30:51region at all times and some of the attacks he mentions are absolutely
0:30:51 > 0:30:56not conducive to peace and should not be celebrated. But the context
0:30:56 > 0:31:01of the situation means we must continue to work for an end to the
0:31:01 > 0:31:04conflict between Israel and the Palestinians because it's only when
0:31:04 > 0:31:16that happens that the seeds of conflict will be taken away. After
0:31:16 > 0:31:23the US half its funding president Trump explained the decision as
0:31:23 > 0:31:26follows.The Palestinians disrespected us by not allowing our
0:31:26 > 0:31:30great vice president to see them. That money is not going to them
0:31:30 > 0:31:34unless they sit down and negotiate peace. Can I ask the Minister to
0:31:34 > 0:31:38state under half of this house that extorting the Palestinian Authority
0:31:38 > 0:31:45to bend the knee to Mike Pence by removing essential health care and
0:31:45 > 0:31:47education from impoverished Palestinian families is nothing
0:31:47 > 0:31:54short of a disgrace.Well the actions of the United States
0:31:54 > 0:31:59government in this case have nothing to do with us, our review... Our
0:31:59 > 0:32:04view remains clear and I met with the director this morning at DFID.
0:32:04 > 0:32:11We will continue to and fund it and leave refugees in Lebanon and Syria,
0:32:11 > 0:32:17sorry, Lebanon and Jordan without support would be a disaster and it
0:32:17 > 0:32:19needs to continue to get the support and it will do from the United
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Kingdom.
0:32:25 > 0:32:32Number eight that Speaker.No cost to the public purse!Come off it!
0:32:32 > 0:32:36You must think we will or born yesterday, sorry, the honourable
0:32:36 > 0:32:42member must think we will all born yesterday. This was private party on
0:32:42 > 0:32:46government premises sanctioned by the Foreign Secretary. He has been
0:32:46 > 0:32:50trying to dress up a ten point bunch of ideological crackpots against the
0:32:50 > 0:32:59law and he's broken the ministerial code, he has been caught!Mr Speaker
0:32:59 > 0:33:04I am under the unhappy duty of contradiction the gentleman
0:33:04 > 0:33:12opposite, he is talking the most perfect tripe. Events took place, it
0:33:12 > 0:33:17was completely nonpartisan. Members of all parties were present.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22Including the Labour Party. There were EU and non-EU ambassadors
0:33:22 > 0:33:28represented. It was fully in line with FCO rules on hosting such
0:33:28 > 0:33:33events and I have a letter from the Cabinet Secretary to confirm that
0:33:33 > 0:33:42here. I will be happy to pass that to the honourable gentleman. And it
0:33:42 > 0:33:46was, I'm afraid to say, the Cabinet Secretary has been pestered with
0:33:46 > 0:33:50complaints from the Labour Party about this blameless event which
0:33:50 > 0:33:55finally Mr Speaker was there to support free trade and the
0:33:55 > 0:33:59encouragement of free trade which is a major objective of government
0:33:59 > 0:34:06policy and should be an objective of the gentleman opposite, or isn't it?
0:34:06 > 0:34:11Can I ask my right honourable friend if that excellent agreement, the
0:34:11 > 0:34:15continental free trade area agreement of the African union was
0:34:15 > 0:34:19discussed because that will bring great prosperity and if it was not
0:34:19 > 0:34:22discussed could it be discussed at the next meeting which I'm happy to
0:34:22 > 0:34:33pay for...They think it was a booze up?Mr Speaker I hesitate for an age
0:34:33 > 0:34:38before speaking you Mr Speaker but it was a serious discussion of the
0:34:38 > 0:34:44advancement of free-trade and the subject my honourable friend raises
0:34:44 > 0:34:50of free-trade in the African union is a very good one, the only advice
0:34:50 > 0:34:55I would give to the African union is not to acquire a parliament or a
0:34:55 > 0:35:00court or a single currency.I deferred to the Foreign Secretary 's
0:35:00 > 0:35:06knowledge of this important event. I don't know how long he was there. I
0:35:06 > 0:35:13cannot say I greatly care. Mary Robertson?At the last forest of his
0:35:13 > 0:35:18questions in January I explained the UK is leading by example on ocean
0:35:18 > 0:35:21conservation. The government is on track to meet its manifesto bluebell
0:35:21 > 0:35:25pledge which will deliver protection across almost 4 million square
0:35:25 > 0:35:29kilometres of the water around our overseas territories. This will
0:35:29 > 0:35:32happen by 2020 and we are working through the Commonwealth Marine
0:35:32 > 0:35:35economies programme to enable small island Commonwealth seats to
0:35:35 > 0:35:43conserve and use maritime space sustainably.I welcome the ban on
0:35:43 > 0:35:47beads and other measures taken by the UK Government to detect the
0:35:47 > 0:35:52marine environment but this needs a global approach. What diplomatic
0:35:52 > 0:35:55steps is my right honourable friend taking to engage with the United
0:35:55 > 0:36:03Nations and other countries to push the bluebell charter?I thank my
0:36:03 > 0:36:06honourable friend for recognising the stands on micro beads and my
0:36:06 > 0:36:11main point we are closely involved in developing a UN treaty on Marine
0:36:11 > 0:36:14biological diversity and areas beyond national jurisdictions and as
0:36:14 > 0:36:17chair of the Commonwealth for the next two years we will work with
0:36:17 > 0:36:21member states to create a Commonwealth blue charter. In the
0:36:21 > 0:36:24G-7 we are working closely with Canada during the presidency to
0:36:24 > 0:36:35deliver our shared an addition to tackle the threat facing our ocean.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40I welcome the significant contribution made by the British
0:36:40 > 0:36:48Council and regularly witness this. My officials and I are in regular
0:36:48 > 0:36:50contact and dialogue with British Council across the globe to discuss
0:36:50 > 0:36:56the scope of their important work, we will continue to work with them
0:36:56 > 0:36:59to establish compliance and place the British Council only secure
0:36:59 > 0:37:05feuding.I thank the Minister for his response and given the
0:37:05 > 0:37:08importance of the British Council when it comes to our soft power what
0:37:08 > 0:37:16are the implications of possible cuts in funding to the council 's
0:37:16 > 0:37:19work and how might these affect the government plans for a global
0:37:19 > 0:37:25Britain?May I thank my honourable friend for his question, the council
0:37:25 > 0:37:30has agreed to reduce the official, sorry, reduce the non-official
0:37:30 > 0:37:33development assistance grants from the Foreign Office to zero by the
0:37:33 > 0:37:37end of the spending review period in exchange for additional funding as
0:37:37 > 0:37:40part of the vision for a global Britain we want a properly funded
0:37:40 > 0:37:45and affected council which projects British values across the world. I
0:37:45 > 0:37:50believe the council will continue to deliver throughout the income
0:37:50 > 0:37:59generated from other sources such as its commercial income.Question 14
0:37:59 > 0:38:04Mr Speaker?With permission I will answer 14 and 22 together. We are
0:38:04 > 0:38:09speaking a special partnership with you, we have a strong foundation for
0:38:09 > 0:38:14vital continued cooperation on global challenges. We are working to
0:38:14 > 0:38:17strengthen, reinvigorate and reshape our bilateral relationships with our
0:38:17 > 0:38:24European partners focusing on shared values and interests.Mr Speaker the
0:38:24 > 0:38:28Foreign Secretary's 5000 word speech and Brexit last week was described
0:38:28 > 0:38:33by one of his own ministerial colleagues as follows, he is
0:38:33 > 0:38:37completely in denial about the complexity of the exit and the
0:38:37 > 0:38:41negative economic consequences. Can the Foreign Secretary clear this up,
0:38:41 > 0:38:47is he in denial or is he just wrong? LAUGHTER
0:38:47 > 0:38:53If I may respectfully resist the alternative is the honourable
0:38:53 > 0:39:00gentleman has laid before me, what I was trying to do last week was make
0:39:00 > 0:39:05the point that we now have a massive opportunity to come together, people
0:39:05 > 0:39:11who voted to remain, people who voted leave, to get a positive
0:39:11 > 0:39:14arrangement, positive Brexit done that I think will be a massive
0:39:14 > 0:39:17benefit to people in this country and in the hall of the European
0:39:17 > 0:39:22continent. If we are ambitious and positive I have no doubt we can pull
0:39:22 > 0:39:28it off.Mr Speaker the Foreign Secretary claimed last week it would
0:39:28 > 0:39:34be intolerable for the UK not to set its own regulations after Brexit.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39The next day the Harvard business school server UK imports and the
0:39:39 > 0:39:43said last thing we want is jewel regulatory burden with the UK and EU
0:39:43 > 0:39:49rules to comply with, can he tell us who is right?I think the Harvard
0:39:49 > 0:39:54business school survey is right, nobody wants to have two sets of
0:39:54 > 0:39:57regulations imposed on the UK economy which is why the Prime
0:39:57 > 0:40:01Minister was completely right wasn't she at Lancaster House and indeed at
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Florence and in sundry other places when she said Brexit means taking
0:40:05 > 0:40:10back control of our money, our borders and above all of our laws
0:40:10 > 0:40:16which is what were going to do.Will my right honourable friend take this
0:40:16 > 0:40:21opportunity of praising the work done by Her Majesty 's diplomatic
0:40:21 > 0:40:27service and is he contends that the embassies we have in 27 remaining EU
0:40:27 > 0:40:32countries are sufficiently resourced to represent the Night King them
0:40:32 > 0:40:40well after Brexit?I am pleased my honourable friend asked that
0:40:40 > 0:40:45question because we are not only upgrading seven ambassadorial posts
0:40:45 > 0:40:51in the 27 other EU countries we are also increasing staffing across the
0:40:51 > 0:40:56network in the EU by 50 and I can tell the house and again I am
0:40:56 > 0:41:02getting some negativity from a sedentary position opposite, in
0:41:02 > 0:41:07addition to beefing up our relations with our EU friends and partners we
0:41:07 > 0:41:12are delivering 15 embassies in Africa. At
0:41:15 > 0:41:23last week was 5000 words long but they did not once include the words
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Northern or the words Ireland.This is perhaps the biggest problem the
0:41:27 > 0:41:31government needs to answer and yet the Foreign Secretary did not even
0:41:31 > 0:41:35seek to mention it so could he belatedly take this opportunity to
0:41:35 > 0:41:39explain in simple terms how is it possible for the UK to diverge from
0:41:39 > 0:41:43the EU in terms of regulations tariffs and other aspects whilst
0:41:43 > 0:41:48retaining the current arrangements on the Irish land border? Could he
0:41:48 > 0:41:49enlighten us, what is the plan?
0:41:54 > 0:41:58Is the right honourable lady knows very well, there is no reason
0:41:58 > 0:42:04whatsoever why we should not be able to exit both the customs union and
0:42:04 > 0:42:09the single market whilst maintaining frictionless trade, not only north
0:42:09 > 0:42:13and south in Northern Ireland, but with the rest of continental Europe
0:42:13 > 0:42:21as well. And that is exactly what this government will be spelling out
0:42:21 > 0:42:26in the course of the coming negotiations.Question 15, Mr
0:42:26 > 0:42:41Speaker.The UK champions peacekeeping, financially and
0:42:41 > 0:42:47militarily. There are now more than 700 UK personnel deployed eight UN
0:42:47 > 0:42:53peacekeeping missions in seven countries.In light of ongoing
0:42:53 > 0:42:56reports of sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers, does the Minister
0:42:56 > 0:43:00agree that increasing the number of women peacekeepers is a vital part
0:43:00 > 0:43:05of addressing this crisis in the long term? Can she also tell us the
0:43:05 > 0:43:10proportion of peacekeepers from the UK who are women, and what plans she
0:43:10 > 0:43:15has to increase their representation on UN deployments.I appreciate the
0:43:15 > 0:43:19honourable lady's leadership on this issue and the work she does in all
0:43:19 > 0:43:26aspects. I think she will admire the leadership role the UK has played in
0:43:26 > 0:43:29terms of not only putting this on the United Nations agenda last year,
0:43:29 > 0:43:36but also with the Prime Minister of our country being appointed to the
0:43:36 > 0:43:40Secretary-General's circle of leadership. I can assure her we will
0:43:40 > 0:43:47continue to champion this agenda at every possible opportunity. It has
0:43:47 > 0:43:50to be something we will continue to do. And on the topic she raised
0:43:50 > 0:43:55about women from our own Armed Forces, she will know the impressive
0:43:55 > 0:43:59agenda the Armed Forces flexible working bill, and also the
0:43:59 > 0:44:05proportion we are aiming to increase from 11% to 15%.Topical questions,
0:44:05 > 0:44:11Henry Smith.Question number three, Mr Speaker.Mr Speaker, my immediate
0:44:11 > 0:44:15priority is to take forward Britain's response to the
0:44:15 > 0:44:20humanitarian crisis in Burma and Bangladesh. I was deeply moved by
0:44:20 > 0:44:23the plight of Rohingya refugees who I met in Coxes bazaar earlier this
0:44:23 > 0:44:29month. I went to Burma with the express purpose of raising this
0:44:29 > 0:44:35tragedy with State councillor Aung San Suu Kyi. The goal is to help
0:44:35 > 0:44:38create the conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of
0:44:38 > 0:44:42refugees to their homes. The house will also join me in welcoming the
0:44:42 > 0:44:46Gambia back to the Commonwealth, providing an excellent preludes to
0:44:46 > 0:44:51the Commonwealth summit in April. Can my right honourable friend say
0:44:51 > 0:44:55what discussions he has had with the government in Wellington with
0:44:55 > 0:45:00regards to UK and New Zealand trade and cooperation on Brexit?I have
0:45:00 > 0:45:06just returned from a sun-kissed New Zealand, where I had fruitful
0:45:06 > 0:45:12discussions... LAUGHTER Indoors in the name, I have to say.
0:45:12 > 0:45:19With a range of political figures, including my counterparts in the
0:45:19 > 0:45:28Foreign Ministry and trade select committee. We have the broadest and
0:45:28 > 0:45:39deepest friendship with New Zealand. The UK is joint guarantor with
0:45:39 > 0:45:48rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, yet we have seen book-sellers
0:45:48 > 0:45:50abducted, elected legislators barred, and student straight is
0:45:50 > 0:45:57imprisoned. In December, ten people were tried in a sports stadium
0:45:57 > 0:46:02before they were being executed. Why didn't the Prime Minister raise
0:46:02 > 0:46:08human rights in public in Beijing? Was it because she doesn't care? Or
0:46:08 > 0:46:14is it because she is so desperate to get a trade deal?Let me reassure
0:46:14 > 0:46:17the Shadow minister that the Prime Minister did raise these issues. But
0:46:17 > 0:46:21we do it through not through megaphone diplomacy but in private
0:46:21 > 0:46:25meetings. We relentlessly raise human rights issues, not least in
0:46:25 > 0:46:30Hong Kong. It is vital that those in Hong Kong have their rights and
0:46:30 > 0:46:37freedoms respected on the latest six-month report states the 's one
0:46:37 > 0:46:46state, two systems must continue to work well. What steps has the
0:46:46 > 0:46:49department taken to highlight concerns about North Koreans sent to
0:46:49 > 0:46:54other countries to work effectively as a slave labourers, and with what
0:46:54 > 0:46:59result?We fully supported the UN resolutions that have imposed
0:46:59 > 0:47:05increasing sanctions upon these DPRK's overseas labour. Many such
0:47:05 > 0:47:08workers operate in slavery like conditions while the DPRK regime
0:47:08 > 0:47:15takes a large slice of their wages. This includes the latest resolution
0:47:15 > 0:47:21which was adopted on the 22nd December last year.The Foreign
0:47:21 > 0:47:26Secretary mentioned earlier his visit to Bangladesh and to Burma.
0:47:26 > 0:47:31And his meetings with the Rohingya. We hold the pen at the UN on this
0:47:31 > 0:47:38issue. Will the British government bring forward a resolution referring
0:47:38 > 0:47:42Myanmar to the International criminal Court, given what happened?
0:47:42 > 0:47:46I appreciate the interest in this subject. The difficulties he knows
0:47:46 > 0:47:52is in the UN Security Council there will be those who would not support
0:47:52 > 0:47:56such a resolution at present. What we want to do, and I think the
0:47:56 > 0:48:00crucial thing is that everyone in the region and around the world
0:48:00 > 0:48:06makes it absolutely clear to the government that the only way forward
0:48:06 > 0:48:13now for Burma is to create conditions for a safe and dignified
0:48:13 > 0:48:19voluntary return. That must mean paying independent UN lead agency to
0:48:19 > 0:48:22oversee their repatriation. Otherwise those people are going to
0:48:22 > 0:48:25be too frightened to return. That's the priority on which we should
0:48:25 > 0:48:31focus.The people of the Democratic Republic of Congo have suffered far
0:48:31 > 0:48:37too long. 6 million people have died in the last 20 years, probably more.
0:48:37 > 0:48:404 million were internally displaced last year, more than any other
0:48:40 > 0:48:44country in the world. Good might honourable friend speaking for the
0:48:44 > 0:48:48government say what the British government is doing to ensure we do
0:48:48 > 0:48:55all we can to see this suffering is brought to an end?My honourable
0:48:55 > 0:48:57friend is absolutely right to raise this absolutely disastrous
0:48:57 > 0:49:04situation. He is also right to highlight the importance of the UK's
0:49:04 > 0:49:09role. He will be aware that it's an extremely dangerous place for the
0:49:09 > 0:49:14United Nations peacekeepers, some of whom were killed last year. The UK
0:49:14 > 0:49:19Government is calling on the president to respect the
0:49:19 > 0:49:24constitution, to fulfil the commitments that were made in the
0:49:24 > 0:49:29accord and to continue with the implantation past two elections this
0:49:29 > 0:49:34year.Since the Saudi led coalition began air strikes, over 10,000
0:49:34 > 0:49:40civilians have been killed in the Yemen. Norway and Germany recently
0:49:40 > 0:49:43suspended arms sales to Saudi Arabia. What will it take for the UK
0:49:43 > 0:49:50Government to do the same?We have one of the strictest arms-control
0:49:50 > 0:49:55regimes in the world. Governed both by this house and by the law. We
0:49:55 > 0:49:59will continue to abide by that. In the meantime, we do everything we
0:49:59 > 0:50:02can to encourage a diplomatic solution to end the conflict in
0:50:02 > 0:50:07Yemen, which is the only thing that will bring the suffering of the
0:50:07 > 0:50:14people of Yemen to an end.In the light of the recent vote 100
0:50:14 > 0:50:19submissions in this house and the launch of the equality party in
0:50:19 > 0:50:27Redditch, it can it be assured that international partners are also
0:50:27 > 0:50:30supporting women and girls?We are totally aligned with what is taking
0:50:30 > 0:50:36place in Redditch in the sense that, as my honourable friend was saying
0:50:36 > 0:50:41earlier to the house, the ambition of 12 years of quality education for
0:50:41 > 0:50:45every girl in the world, which I believe is the universal spanner
0:50:45 > 0:50:49that will help unlock so many other global problems is at the heart of
0:50:49 > 0:50:57our Commonwealth summit, the universal spanner.It's like the
0:50:57 > 0:51:02sonic screwdriver.The universal spanner, it's a device that will
0:51:02 > 0:51:09solve almost any problem. I truly believe that female education is at
0:51:09 > 0:51:15the heart of solving so many other problems. That's why we're putting
0:51:15 > 0:51:22out at the very centre of the Conroe summit in April, at the G-7 coming
0:51:22 > 0:51:25up, and across our network, female education is at the heart of
0:51:25 > 0:51:30everything we do.Some chortling in the chamber. We will have an update
0:51:30 > 0:51:34on the spanner situation for which we are indebted to the Foreign
0:51:34 > 0:51:36Secretary. Jim Shannon.That the Minister confirm what steps is
0:51:36 > 0:51:41Department are taking to provide training for freedom of religion for
0:51:41 > 0:51:45officials of his department?I thank the honourable gentleman for his
0:51:45 > 0:51:52question. He has this very much in his heart, as I am well aware. We
0:51:52 > 0:52:04liaise regularly on this issue with high commissions and embassies. I am
0:52:04 > 0:52:07very encouraged that the network takes this issue as seriously as I
0:52:07 > 0:52:12know the honourable gentleman does. If Britain is to assume a more
0:52:12 > 0:52:16ambitious global trading role as we leave the EU, we will surely need to
0:52:16 > 0:52:19expand the depth and reach of the high commissions and in disease in
0:52:19 > 0:52:21regions like North America. What assurances can my right honourable
0:52:21 > 0:52:24friend for the house that critical diplomatic missions are being
0:52:24 > 0:52:32expanded and not cutback in countries like Canada?I am
0:52:32 > 0:52:35delighted to tell my honourable friend that is to the best of my
0:52:35 > 0:52:41knowledge, we have just in the last 18 months opened three new trade
0:52:41 > 0:52:45missions in North America. I can't comment about Canada specifically
0:52:45 > 0:52:48but in the United States we are certainly beefing up our presence in
0:52:48 > 0:52:54advance of doing a great free-trade deal.The UN High Commissioner for
0:52:54 > 0:52:57human rights described what is happening to the Rohingya people as
0:52:57 > 0:53:00a military campaign in which you cannot rule out the possibility that
0:53:00 > 0:53:05acts of genocide have been committed. Having met the victims in
0:53:05 > 0:53:08Bangladesh and Myanmar, the Foreign Secretary has now said earlier to my
0:53:08 > 0:53:12honourable friend that a Security Council referral is too difficult.
0:53:12 > 0:53:18Can he show some leadership and work with our EU partners next week at
0:53:18 > 0:53:22the foreign affairs Council to try to build support for a referral,
0:53:22 > 0:53:26because the act of a referral will make a difference.As the honourable
0:53:26 > 0:53:35lady I'm sure knows, Myanmar is not signed up to the ICC. But there must
0:53:35 > 0:53:39be no doubt about the gravity of what has taken place. Anybody who
0:53:39 > 0:53:50flies over northern Rakhine as I did last week will see hundreds of
0:53:50 > 0:53:55villages that have been burned and destroyed. 600,000 people displaced.
0:53:55 > 0:54:00This is ethnic cleansing on an industrial scale and it may also be
0:54:00 > 0:54:05genocide. It's vitally important that the evidence is acquired to
0:54:05 > 0:54:11determine whether any prosecution can be mounted in the future.The
0:54:11 > 0:54:16increasing extension of the state of emergency, the arrest of the former
0:54:16 > 0:54:19president and two Supreme Court Justice has seen a tightening of the
0:54:19 > 0:54:24grip by the current president and further distinguishing of the
0:54:24 > 0:54:27democratic institutions there. Given the fact that at any one time there
0:54:27 > 0:54:31are literally thousands of British holiday-makers on those islands, and
0:54:31 > 0:54:36they were until recently a welcome member of the Commonwealth family,
0:54:36 > 0:54:39will the Secretary of State agreed to head up a mission there, or
0:54:39 > 0:54:44encourage the UN to do so, because it also has the potential to bring
0:54:44 > 0:54:50China and India into an unwelcome regional conflict.Like my writable
0:54:50 > 0:54:55thread, I am deeply troubled about the state of emergency in the
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Maldives on February five and the accompanying suspension of
0:54:58 > 0:55:01fundamental rights. I met with the former president in London in
0:55:01 > 0:55:05November one appears on time in office was turbulent but I discussed
0:55:05 > 0:55:07the deteriorating situation with him and we will take on board the
0:55:07 > 0:55:11suggestions made by my right honourable friend.Is the secretary
0:55:11 > 0:55:15of state concerned by weekend reports of human rights observers
0:55:15 > 0:55:21that citizens have been subject to chemical rights attacks by Turkish
0:55:21 > 0:55:24forces. Is this the conduct we should expect from a so-called Nato
0:55:24 > 0:55:25ally?
0:55:31 > 0:55:33As I mentioned earlier, any suggestion of the use of chemical
0:55:33 > 0:55:37weapons has got to be independently verified. The degree to which they
0:55:37 > 0:55:40have been more used in the Syrian conflict by a number of different
0:55:40 > 0:55:43sources is a matter of great concern, not least what the regime
0:55:43 > 0:55:47has been doing. But any suggestion must be properly identified and
0:55:47 > 0:55:51verified. The Good Friday Agreement has
0:55:51 > 0:55:55brought about peace for almost 20 years in Northern Ireland. Could the
0:55:55 > 0:56:01Foreign Secretary give an unequivocal assurance that Her
0:56:01 > 0:56:05Majesty's government will not do anything that undermines the
0:56:05 > 0:56:10agreement, including pursuing any policy that not only undermines the
0:56:10 > 0:56:14agreement, or in any way undermines the principles that led up to the
0:56:14 > 0:56:17creation of that Good Friday Agreement?
0:56:26 > 0:56:30Has the Secretary of State had the chance to speak to the Sri Lankan
0:56:30 > 0:56:38ambassador regarding his defence of -- attache and his behaviour on the
0:56:38 > 0:56:434th of February, when he made stoat slitting gestures to Tamil
0:56:43 > 0:56:46protesters? If somebody else incited hatred in this way on our streets,
0:56:46 > 0:56:49they would be interviewed by the police. Can you make arrangements
0:56:49 > 0:56:54for this person to be interviewed by the police about this crime?Can I
0:56:54 > 0:56:58reassure the honourable gentleman that the UK takes this incident very
0:56:58 > 0:57:03seriously. When I spoke recently to the Foreign Minister, he left me in
0:57:03 > 0:57:06no doubt the Sri Lankan government is treating it with the seriousness
0:57:06 > 0:57:10it deserves. The government has now informed us that they have ordered
0:57:10 > 0:57:14the defence attache to return to Colombo from London for immediate
0:57:14 > 0:57:20consultations while this event is thoroughly investigated. I hope the
0:57:20 > 0:57:22UK and Sri Lankan bilateral relationship will remain strong and
0:57:22 > 0:57:28cooperative.The Foreign Secretary shares my view that our leadership
0:57:28 > 0:57:31in Green conservation is a source of real national pride, but can I
0:57:31 > 0:57:35please urge him to use the Commonwealth heads of government
0:57:35 > 0:57:39meeting in April to press our Commonwealth allies, more than half
0:57:39 > 0:57:41of whom are island states, to make this a high priority and discussion
0:57:41 > 0:57:47of there?I thank my honourable friend and congratulate him on the
0:57:47 > 0:57:53pioneering role he has played in championing the Blue Belt
0:57:53 > 0:58:00initiative, which is a consecrated -- has consecrated, I believe,
0:58:00 > 0:58:04millions of square miles of ocean, protecting habitat and species
0:58:04 > 0:58:07around the world, and the UK Government, as he knows, has put a
0:58:07 > 0:58:11further 20 million into that scheme. It is our ambition at the
0:58:11 > 0:58:14Commonwealth summit, as he rightly foreshadows, to go further with
0:58:14 > 0:58:20those ambitions.The Foreign Secretary will be aware of the
0:58:20 > 0:58:24plight of my constituents Mr Mrs Westwood. They were first of all
0:58:24 > 0:58:28defrauded of Aaron Tyr possessions in Zimbabwe, and then forced to flee
0:58:28 > 0:58:35for their lives from armed gangs with links to the Mugabe regime. Can
0:58:35 > 0:58:38he explain why recently they X there were received a letter that said the
0:58:38 > 0:58:42Commonwealth office would no longer be willing to give them assistance?
0:58:42 > 0:58:46Would he be willing to meet with them and make to give them their
0:58:46 > 0:58:48assurance that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are not going to
0:58:48 > 0:58:53abandon them?I am happy to give the honourable gentleman that assurance.
0:58:53 > 0:58:59, cast my right honourable friend, what his view is on the position of
0:58:59 > 0:59:03the Ecuadorian Embassy in London? The situation that has been going on
0:59:03 > 0:59:08since the 19th of June, 2012, and in the first three years, estimated to
0:59:08 > 0:59:11cost the Metropolitan Police extra £11 million. When are we going to
0:59:11 > 0:59:17take some action?Julian Assange breached his bail conditions in
0:59:17 > 0:59:202012, and in upholding the arrest warrant on the 13th of February,
0:59:20 > 0:59:24judge Arbuthnot said, he appears to consider himself above the normal
0:59:24 > 0:59:28rules of the law and wants justice only if it goes in his favour. Our
0:59:28 > 0:59:32view, Mr Speaker, is that he is not a view of arbitrary detention. He is
0:59:32 > 0:59:37avoiding lawful arrest, he should step outside the door, face justice,
0:59:37 > 0:59:40and that would bring an end to the matter.
0:59:40 > 0:59:44Almost two years ago, a constituent of mine was murdered in Trinidad.
0:59:44 > 0:59:47Since then, his mother and I have been working with officials in both
0:59:47 > 0:59:50countries to secure justice, but progress has been grindingly slow.
0:59:50 > 0:59:55The case in Shannon and has now been 27 times. -- in Trinidad. Will the
0:59:55 > 1:00:00government ensure this is in Dallas on the agenda when the president of
1:00:00 > 1:00:03Trinidad lizards in April, and will they allow time during the official
1:00:03 > 1:00:07visit to meet with Sharon and I tell her secure justice?Can I commend
1:00:07 > 1:00:10the honourable gentleman for the manner in which he is defending the
1:00:10 > 1:00:13interests of his constituents. I am acutely aware of this case, where
1:00:13 > 1:00:19Adrian was murdered in Trinidad, and we can't interfere in the judicial
1:00:19 > 1:00:23process, but we are extending every possible support we can, and I can
1:00:23 > 1:00:27advise the house that we understand that a preliminary trial to
1:00:27 > 1:00:30determine if there is sufficient evidence to charge the accused with
1:00:30 > 1:00:33murder will be held on the 8th of March, and I hope this will mark
1:00:33 > 1:00:42some progress in what he is seeking. ... The seventh anniversary of the
1:00:42 > 1:00:47start of the Libyan uprising and the ousting of Colonel Gaddafi. The
1:00:47 > 1:00:51Prime Minister of nearly two years has seen painfully slow progress.
1:00:51 > 1:00:55Would my right honourable friend update the house on what his
1:00:55 > 1:00:57department are doing to help the government of national accord to
1:00:57 > 1:01:01bring about a prosperous and more importantly peaceful Libya?
1:01:01 > 1:01:06I'm very grateful to my honourable friend for his interest in a country
1:01:06 > 1:01:11that is still bedevilled by factional feuding between a very
1:01:11 > 1:01:16small number of men, who have it in their power to come together and
1:01:16 > 1:01:20build a better future for Libya. About half a dozen of them, have the
1:01:20 > 1:01:23maximum. And what we are trying to do is back the efforts of the UN
1:01:23 > 1:01:29special representative to bring the eastern and western parts of Libya
1:01:29 > 1:01:33together with a plan for the whole country, a new constitution, to be
1:01:33 > 1:01:36followed by election is.That's what we're working for.
1:01:36 > 1:01:39Can I ask the Middle East minister what representations have been made
1:01:39 > 1:01:47in the case of the president of the Bahrain Scent Of The Human Rights,
1:01:47 > 1:01:50who is facing another long prison sentence tomorrow simply by taking
1:01:50 > 1:01:53to social media to criticise in torture Bahrain's prisons and the
1:01:53 > 1:02:01Saudi led war in Yemen? There are a small number of those
1:02:01 > 1:02:05who have been arrested and had lengthy trial in Bahrain. The UK has
1:02:05 > 1:02:09made representations in a number of these cases, including the ones you
1:02:09 > 1:02:11mentioned, we continue to monitor the trials and processes very
1:02:11 > 1:02:17carefully. Estimates suggest that 12 million
1:02:17 > 1:02:21tonnes of plastic go to our oceans every year, causing immense damage
1:02:21 > 1:02:25to our ecosystems. Would my right honourable friend agree that not
1:02:25 > 1:02:29only do we need to get involved in this on the global stage to
1:02:29 > 1:02:33influence cleaning it up, but we need to lead by example in the UK,
1:02:33 > 1:02:37not least, it might only be a small thing, but in giving up plastic as
1:02:37 > 1:02:43far as we can for Lent, which many honourable members are doing?I
1:02:43 > 1:02:48think the honourable lady speaks for millions of people in this country
1:02:48 > 1:02:52who feel ashamed to see the state of our oceans and wish that they could
1:02:52 > 1:02:58be cleared up, and I think that this country is actually showing a lead,
1:02:58 > 1:03:02and cracking down on plastic waste will soon tell it surely be at the
1:03:02 > 1:03:05heart of the Commonwealth. I don't know how easily I can give up
1:03:05 > 1:03:11plastic for Lent. I see I have a plastic spiral in my right hand. I
1:03:11 > 1:03:14propose to take it out and dispose of it in a suitable manner, but