Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor: Citizenship

Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway Excerpts

Thursday 17th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Wood of Anfield (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for that. I am not sure whether he remembers the announcements made last week about taking extremely robust action: sanctions against the financing arm of Hezbollah, and further sanctions actions against Iran in the transport, energy and other sectors supporting its attempted nuclear programme, and on vessels that transport materials for it. In other states where there is terrorism and hostility to the UK and our allies, we are taking robust action in the hope that, in the future, democracy may take root.

[Baroness O’Grady of Upper Holloway (Lab)]

My Lords, last month, the union of Palestinian journalists documented 108 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers on journalists and media workers in the occupied West Bank. Those attacks included detention, beatings and seizure of media equipment. Will my noble friend the Minister support the Palestinian trade union of journalists in calling for all media workers to be able to work free from intimidation and violence and for those responsible to be held accountable?

[Lord Wood of Anfield (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for that. She is absolutely right that attacks on all journalists are a matter of grave concern. We are very concerned by the high death toll of journalists in Gaza. Reporters covering conflicts should be and must be afforded protection under international humanitarian law. Access to conflict zones is vital for the media to carry out their role effectively—a role that we all depend on.

Colombia: Bilateral Investment Treaty

Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway Excerpts

Monday 20th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

The noble Lord opposite is rather rushing his fences. Of course we would look at these things, should there be a formal request for a review or any change from the Government of Colombia, but, as of today, that is not the case. We regularly speak with our partners in Colombia—I was there myself in December—so we would be very happy to have any kind of dialogue that they wish. However, we have not had that request as of now.

[Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway (Lab)]

My Lords, does the Minister recognise that a fatal flaw of the ISDS secret court system is that it privileges big corporations over access and rights for citizens and workers? Can she update us on how the Government are pursuing a trade policy that can be a win-win in providing and protecting jobs and levering up labour standards, recognising that Colombia has a history of being one of the most dangerous countries in the world in which to be a trade unionist?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I recognise what my noble friend said. I have met with many civil society organisations, including Justice For Colombia, very recently. It is important that these agreements provide a win-win. The UK wants to be a responsible partner with all our trading partners, but—I think it is fair to say—especially with Colombia.