Middle East: Security Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Middle East: Security

Harriett Baldwin Excerpts
Tuesday 7th January 2020

(4 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ben Wallace Portrait Mr Wallace
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My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is visiting the United States later this week, when our determination will be to try to seek a diplomatic way out. In that, he will no doubt have discussions with his counterparts, and we will see where we can get to. The United States does not share its visa decisions on a live wire with us. However, we saw earlier reports, as I think many Members here have done. We will find out and get to the bottom of it. Certainly, my urging from the Dispatch Box on behalf of the Government is that we think allowing Mr Zarif to go to the UN would of course be a sensible thing to do.

Harriett Baldwin Portrait Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)
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The Defence Secretary has mentioned on numerous occasions during his statement the importance of our diplomatic network in de-escalating this crisis. Does he agree with me that the position of the UK ambassador to Washington has now been vacant for far too long, and will he encourage the Foreign Secretary to make that appointment?

Ben Wallace Portrait Mr Wallace
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My hon. Friend had an excellent record as a Foreign Office Minister. I will ask the Prime Minister at the NSC next.