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 diplomatic tensions between Kosovo and Serbia; and whether they would support a membership application from Kosovo to join the EU.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We are concerned by the tensions between Kosovo and Serbia and are urging both countries to avoid any escalation and re-commit to the EU-facilitated Dialogue. Normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo is crucial for the security, stability and prosperity of both countries and the wider region. We support the EU-facilitated Dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo with a view to a comprehensive and sustainable solution that enjoys popular support in both countries.
We continue to support all countries committed to the EU accession process in meeting the necessary requirements.
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 reports of a Spanish navy warship sailing near Gibraltar’s waters; and what action they are taking in response.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
There was an incursion by a Spanish navy warship on 4 December into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW). As with all incursions, the Royal Navy challenged the vessel. When challenged, the Spanish navy vessel left BGTW. We have made a formal diplomatic protest to Spain regarding this incident, as we do with all such incursions into BGTW.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made on the Gibraltar dispute between the UK and the government of Spain since June 2016; and what assessment they have made of whether Gibraltar will be included in any transition period after the UK leaves the EU in March 2019.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Since June 2016, the British Government has engaged constructively with the Government of Gibraltar and our European partners, including Spain, to address the practical implications for Gibraltar arising from EU exit. As the Prime Minister reiterated in the House of Commons on 5 September, the Government is clear that Gibraltar is covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the report by the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, Diversity and Inclusion in the UK Intelligence Community, published on 18 July, what plans they have to address the lack of gender and ethnic diversity of those in senior positions in security and intelligence agencies.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the noble Lord to the Prime Minister's statement of 18 July. The Government will give full consideration to the conclusions and recommendations of this important report, and will respond formally within 60 days of the report's publication.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how they will encourage further cooperation between Commonwealth nations.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is the Commonwealth Chair in Office for a two-year period until the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2020. As Chair in Office, the UK will play an active role in working with member states, the Commonwealth Secretariat and other Commonwealth organisations in implementing the policy commitments made at the London Heads of Government Meeting on 19-20 April.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether relations with the Commonwealth are an element of the Global Britain initiative; and if so, how significant an element.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Commonwealth is an important element of Global Britain, as evidenced by the recent announcement of 9 new diplomatic posts in Commonwealth countries.
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 the issue of the future Head of the Commonwealth; and what considerations underpin their position on this.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
At their Meeting on 20 April, Commonwealth Heads of Government agreed that the next Head of the Commonwealth would be His Royal Highness Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of whether the geographical distance between the UK and the nations of the Commonwealth will have an impact on their intention to collaborate more closely with them.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We do not believe the geographical distance between the UK and other Commonwealth countries will prevent deeper collaboration on the important issues Commonwealth Heads of Government addressed at their meeting in London on 19-20 April. Forty-six Heads of Government travelled to London for the meeting. This demonstrates the importance member states attach to the Commonwealth and their desire to play a full and substantive role in it.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their definition of Global Britain; and what that concept entails in relation to Government policy.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Global Britain is an ambition and vision that will help secure our national security, prosperity and influence. It is how we adjust positively to a changing world, demonstrating our resolve to remain a big and influential player. It is also how we show that our global engagement and leadership are fundamentally in the security and prosperity interests of the British people.
The UK's influence is based on an array of factors, including: the strength of our economy; our alliances and partnerships; UK military, diplomatic and development capabilities; our permanent membership of the UN Security Council; and, our broad soft-power assets. We will use these in a co-ordinated way to deliver the vision of Global Britain: upholding the essential rules of a peaceful world, working in partnership with old friends and new allies, projecting our values and advancing UK interests.
We are investing in the capabilities we need to drive forward this agenda. Our overseas network underpins our influence and we have recently announced a network expansion of around 10 sovereign missions, and at least 250 diplomats.
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 that the UK maintains its influence on the global stage.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Global Britain is an ambition and vision that will help secure our national security, prosperity and influence. It is how we adjust positively to a changing world, demonstrating our resolve to remain a big and influential player. It is also how we show that our global engagement and leadership are fundamentally in the security and prosperity interests of the British people.
The UK's influence is based on an array of factors, including: the strength of our economy; our alliances and partnerships; UK military, diplomatic and development capabilities; our permanent membership of the UN Security Council; and, our broad soft-power assets. We will use these in a co-ordinated way to deliver the vision of Global Britain: upholding the essential rules of a peaceful world, working in partnership with old friends and new allies, projecting our values and advancing UK interests.
We are investing in the capabilities we need to drive forward this agenda. Our overseas network underpins our influence and we have recently announced a network expansion of around 10 sovereign missions, and at least 250 diplomats.