Korean Peninsula

Mark Francois Excerpts

Tuesday 5th September 2017 Commons Chamber

[Boris Johnson]

We need to enforce the existing sanctions, as well as put new pressure on North Korea. There is currently an investigation into exactly how the country has managed to make this leap in technological ability. We are looking at the possible role that may have been played, inadvertently or otherwise, by some current and former nuclear states.

[Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)]

It is clear that the House hopes overwhelmingly for a diplomatic solution to the crisis, but as the Foreign Secretary said that we stand by our allies, have we received any requests for potential military support from South Korea, Japan or, indeed, the United States? If so, what has been our response?

[Boris Johnson]

We have received no such requests so far, and our intention is to try to avoid the circumstances in which they could be made.

Treaty on Stability, Co-ordination and Governance

Mark Francois Excerpts

Wednesday 29th February 2012 Commons Chamber

[Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab)]

No one can beat the Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee for diligence. However, I will not be staying to take part in this debate for one reason: I am disappointed at his timing. The Committee has yet to hear from the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, we have not yet finished our evidence sessions and we have not yet presented our report. I know that the Government are desperate for something to fill the gap in this debating hall, which has frankly turned into a disappointing—

[The Vice-Chamberlain of Her Majesty's Household (Mr Mark Francois)]

Do you think we put him up to it?

[Michael Connarty]

I am not immune to the value of the Whips, but I honestly believe that they have got themselves into such a situation that they have allowed even this debate because they are desperate to fill the Order Paper.