AIDS
Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Lord Forsyth of Drumlean
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
We absolutely can commit to continuing to fund those organisations. I cannot give numbers at the moment—we are working through the specific allocations at the moment—but the noble Baroness makes a really strong case, which I hear. The fact that we are backing the Global Fund to the extent that we are shows the Government’s intentions on this issue.
Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Con)
My Lords, as a junior Minister back in the 1980s, responsible for health in Scotland, I was acutely aware of the wonderful work of the noble Lord, Lord Fowler, in leading the campaign. In those days, it was an absolute death sentence. One reason we need to think very carefully about the support provided now is that it is about not just drugs but education and tackling prejudice, particularly in those countries that are most vulnerable and most affected. So I join with him in urging the noble Baroness to continue that work in supporting those who are spreading education against prejudice and encouraging people to be made aware of the treatments that are possible for this dreadful disease, which still kills so many people in our world.
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
That was a point very well made and I thank the noble Lord for making it. I am told by my good friends at Terrence Higgins that the rollback of rights and the absence of education is as big a problem to them as many other issues that we face. Our network around the world works hard on this as well. On rights, I have never seen such pride in an ambassador’s face as when they tell me that they have conducted a same-sex wedding in their ambassador’s house in the capital city of a country where this is not permitted more generally. They are very proud of that. Things such as that speak to the UK’s unwavering support for this agenda, which I do not think will ever diminish.
Ukraine
Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Lord Forsyth of Drumlean(1 year, 3 months ago)
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Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
The United Kingdom Government have been steadfast in their support for Ukraine. We understand that, in order to defend itself, Ukraine has needed to strike inside Russian territory on occasions—we accept and support this. It is unrealistic to think that none of those weapons or their components could have originated here. The situation as regards the limitations placed on what weaponry is given to Ukraine and what it can do with that remains consistent with the position of the previous Government.
Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Con)
My Lords, further to the question from the noble and gallant Lord, Lord Stirrup, how can we expect the Ukrainians to fight with one hand tied behind their back? Will the Government allow them to use the weapons that we have supplied to the best of their ability to defeat this evil Putin regime?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
We are completely committed to supporting Ukraine to defend itself. I just point to our commitment to provide £3 billion per year every year until 2030-31, or for as long as is necessary.