Oral Answers to Questions

Nic Dakin Excerpts

Tuesday 29th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

3. What representations he has made to the Chinese Government following recent self-immolations in Tibet.

[The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr William Hague)]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), raised our concerns about the increasing number of self-immolations in Tibetan areas with the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister in Beijing earlier this month.

[Nic Dakin]

I advise the House of my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.

Recently, I met the Dalai Lama, who made clear his concern that all involved should work for a peaceful solution in line with the middle way. Does he share that approach?

[Mr Hague]

We are seriously concerned about recent reports that young monks and nuns in Tibetan areas of Szechuan province have immolated themselves. As I said, we have taken that up with the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, and with the Chinese embassy in London. We encourage, of course, the resolution of grievances that have led to that situation. We will continue to encourage the Chinese Government to take that constructive approach.