Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Windsor Framework on peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
The new approach, set out in the Windsor Framework, restores the balance needed to uphold the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its dimensions. It restores the smooth flow of trade within the UK; protects Northern Ireland's place in the Union; and addresses the democratic deficit. These changes ensure that Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom is fully respected. The Framework therefore provides a new basis for future stability and prosperity in Northern Ireland, as we look ahead to the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made representations to the Tunisian Government on the prosecution of members of the Tunisian Parliament which may carry the death penalty.
Answered by James Cleverly - Home Secretary
The UK is monitoring legal cases being brought against politicians from the parliament and previous governments, including allegations of irregularities in the 2019 elections. We regularly raise respect for human rights and due legal process with the Tunisian Government.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the (a) political, (b) economic and (c) social situation in Tunisia; what steps her Department is taking in response to the political roadmap of President Saied; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by James Cleverly - Home Secretary
The UK closely monitors the economic and political situation in Tunisia and will continue to do so as the new constitution is published on 30 June and the referendum takes place, scheduled for 25 July. The UK stands ready to play a constructive role as Tunisia addresses significant political and economic challenges. We also regularly emphasise the importance of accountability and inclusive political participation in the democratic process, most recently during the visit of Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister of State for North Africa, in June.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed new Tunisian Constitution on democratic accountability in Tunisia, in the context of the low rates of participation of potential voters in the preceding online consultation.
Answered by James Cleverly - Home Secretary
The UK closely monitors the economic and political situation in Tunisia and will continue to do so as the new constitution is published on 30 June and the referendum takes place, scheduled for 25 July. The UK stands ready to play a constructive role as Tunisia addresses significant political and economic challenges. We also regularly emphasise the importance of accountability and inclusive political participation in the democratic process, most recently during the visit of Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister of State for North Africa, in June.
Asked by: Jerome Mayhew (Conservative - Broadland)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the US Centre for Disease Control allow British seafarers to travel through US airspace.
Answered by Wendy Morton
The UK Government's position on welfare was reiterated to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) at the start of this crisis, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards for our seafarers. Officials continue to work closely with the Centre for Disease Control to allow the disembarkation of British crew from cruise ships across the United States.
Where vessel operators request assistance to repatriate their employees, we stand ready to work as quickly as possible to help those who may need rapid consular assistance. This includes regular contact at the highest levels with our US partners on our joint response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.