"My Lords, I thank my noble friend Lord Grayling for enabling us to discuss this important subject. Nature-based solutions and the enhancement of our biodiversity are our greatest ally in tackling climate change and mitigating flood risk, yet we are in the midst of an ecological crisis both in the …..." Earl of Courtown - View Speech
"My Lords, I begin by congratulating the noble Baroness, Lady Carberry of Muswell Hill, on her excellent maiden speech, particularly her relevance to the subject and her background as coming from an Army family.
I also reiterate the statement from my noble friend Lady Goldie that we on these Benches …..." Earl of Courtown - View Speech
"My Lords, I thank the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Chelmsford for bringing forward this important and timely debate, and I join with other noble Lords in congratulating her on her speech, which was informative and personal in so many different ways.
"My Lords, I join the Minister in thanking my noble friend for bringing this important subject to the attention of the House. While I understand that His Majesty’s Government do not comment on the possible imposition of future sanctions, could the Minister say what criteria are used to determine election …..." Earl of Courtown - View Speech
"My Lords, in relation to this issue and, in particular, to the release of further hostages, can the Minister tell the House what actions the Government are utilising for humanitarian access to those still being held hostage? In addition, does the Minister have any plans to further investigate UNRWA, after …..." Earl of Courtown - View Speech
"My Lords, we have also seen reports this week concerning allegations of Russian interference in German politics. Can the Minister confirm whether the Prime Minister discussed the issue of Russian interference in international politics with our European partners during the meetings with EU leaders this week?..." Earl of Courtown - View Speech
"My Lords, it is great to see all the work being carried out and continued with civil society in Syria, but how are His Majesty’s Government working with regional partners to counter the influence of hostile state actors, such as Iran and Russia, in Syria?..." Earl of Courtown - View Speech
"My Lords, I welcome the announcement of the ceasefire, as I am sure noble Lords do. This is an extremely important moment for the Middle East. However, we must not overlook—I paraphrase the Minister from the earlier Question—the fragility of the current situation or the long and challenging road ahead. …..." Earl of Courtown - View Speech
"My Lords, notwithstanding what the Minister has said concerning His Majesty’s Government’s aims and ambitions in sub-Saharan Africa, how are they ensuring that their foreign aid there delivers measurable outcomes and aligns with the Government’s priorities, such as supporting good governance, supporting economic development and tackling corruption?..." Earl of Courtown - View Speech
"My Lords, I thank the Minister for producing the Statement for this House.
The previous Conservative Government had called for Assad to go over 10 years ago. There are moments in history when moral clarity is essential and, in refusing to re-engage with a dictator who has brought untold suffering …..." Earl of Courtown - View Speech