Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to de-escalate tensions with Iran.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK remains in close contact with Iran and other international partners, including at Ministerial level, to find diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions and to encourage all actors present in the region to avoid taking provocative actions.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the UK’s participation in the Iran nuclear agreement following escalating tensions in the region.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We regard the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) as a crucial agreement that makes the world a safer place by neutralising the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. We are urging Iran not to take escalatory steps and to continue to meet its commitments under the deal. While Iran is in compliance, we remain fully committed to the JCPoA, a key achievement of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture, which is in our shared security interests.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) recent protests in Hong Kong, and (2) the impact of plans to allow extradition to China on the judicial independence of Hong Kong.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The significant protests in Hong Kong show the strength of feeling among the people of Hong Kong. We are pleased to see that, in the most part, the people of Hong Kong have peacefully exercised their rights to freedom of speech and assembly, as guaranteed in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. However all allegations of inappropriate use of force by the Hong Kong police should be fully investigated by the Hong Kong SAR Government.
We welcome the Chief Executive's statement that she would not proceed with the second reading of the bill, if the fears and anxieties of the people of Hong Kong were not addressed. It is vital that Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and the rights and freedoms set down in the Joint Declaration are respected in full.
The most recent 6 monthly report on Hong Kong published on 27 March, made clear our view that judicial independence in Hong Kong remains robust. The proposals themselves have no direct impact on judicial independence. However we are concerned that the proposals could risk leaving the extradition process open to political interference, and could, in future, undermine Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Joint Declaration.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of possible human rights violations in Hungary; and what steps they are taking to work with EU member states to address any such problem.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK plays a leading role in the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law around the world. Our Embassy in Budapest works closely with a wide range of partners in Hungary on this agenda, including with civil society organisations. Whilst the UK remains a Member of the EU, it will continue to take part in discussion of such issues within the EU. When the UK leaves the EU, it expects to maintain its dialogue with its European partners and allies bilaterally on all matters of interest to the UK, including on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent escalating diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We are concerned by the risk of unintended escalation between the United States and Iran. That is why we are speaking to all parties and specifically advising Iran – using our diplomatic relationship – that escalation is not in their interest. We are also concerned by the potential of further tension as a result of the failure of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. We are clear that maintaining this deal is important to our national security interests; the UK Government is working with our European partners to ensure it is upheld as long as Iran continues to meet its nuclear commitments in full.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking following comments by the Prime Minister of New Zealand calling for a global response to tackle racism.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The shocking attack by a terrorist, who targeted Muslims in Christchurch while they were praying, underscores the need for us all to continue our work to tackle hatred head on. As the Prime Minister has said, there can be no place in our societies for the vile ideology that drives and incites hatred and fear. The events in New Zealand must strengthen our resolve on this issue.
On racism, the Government is committed, both domestically and internationally, to eliminating any form of racial discrimination. At home, our focus is on creating a fair society where all people, regardless of ethnic origin or background, are valued and able to participate fully and realise their own potential. Internationally, we believe that one of the most effective ways to tackle injustices and advocate for respect amongst different ethnic groups is to encourage countries to uphold their human rights obligations, including by working with international institutions, such as the United Nations. For example, the UK strongly supports the work of UN special procedure mandate holders, including the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and we encourage other States to also support their work. The UK continues to engage on resolutions which consider racism, and work with member states at a ministerial and official level.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure human rights standards are upheld in all post-Brexit international agreements; and what steps they are taking to ensure the UK meets its international obligations on human rights after Brexit.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government is committed to fulfilling its obligations as reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and set out in international human rights treaties to which the UK is a party. The UK has a longstanding tradition of protecting and promoting human rights. Leaving the European Union will not change this
The Government is in the process of responding to the 17th Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR), examining 'Human Rights Protections in International Agreements'. The UK protects and promotes human rights in accordance with the subject-matter and context of each international agreement, taking a balanced and proportionate approach.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan. We have unequivocally condemned the appalling terrorist attack in Pulwama that sparked the situation. We welcome the fact that both countries have stated publicly they do not want to escalate tensions. We are also working hard with both governments and our international partners to encourage de-escalation and to ensure regional stability. During her phone call with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on 3 March, the Prime Minister welcomed the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to India. She also emphasised the importance of Pakistan taking action against all terrorist groups, in support of global efforts to combat terrorism.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent escalating tensions between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia regarding the latter's proposed name change; and whether they would support a membership application from Macedonia to join the EU.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK strongly supports the Prespa Agreement between Greece and Macedonia to resolve their long-standing dispute over the latter's name. I welcome the completion of the parliamentary process in Macedonia which amends the constitution in line with the Agreement. I also welcome Greek parliamentary ratification of the Agreement. Implementation of the deal will improve stability and prosperity in the region. It is long-standing UK Government policy to support those countries committed to the European Union accession process to make the reforms required to meet the accession criteria.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to increase co-operation with the United States in (1) the banking sector, and (2) the information and technologies sector after Brexit.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK has a deep and enduring relationship with the United States which we will continue and deepen after we leave the EU. The UK-US Financial Regulatory Working Group lays the foundation for greater co-operation in the banking sector. We will also continue to work with the US under the Science and Technology Agreement signed in September 2017, to develop programmes that broaden our bilateral relationship and keep us at the forefront of international research and innovation.