Debates between Tobias Ellwood and Virendra Sharma during the 2015-2017 Parliament

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Debate between Tobias Ellwood and Virendra Sharma
Thursday 8th September 2016

(8 years, 1 month ago)

Westminster Hall
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Tobias Ellwood Portrait Mr Ellwood
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I should be more than delighted. The hon. Gentleman’s comments are slightly disingenuous, as I was not trying simply to outsource work. I am going to go to Nigeria myself to see what I can do. I like to think that given my close relationship with my DFID counterpart I can again focus on this issue, which the United States is also keen to look at.

Virendra Sharma Portrait Mr Virendra Sharma
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I hope that at this important time, with the visit next week, the Minister will be able to visit the group to show his solidarity and commitment.

Tobias Ellwood Portrait Mr Ellwood
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I have actually made that request already. We will already have fed that in and said that it is important that I get to meet the group, as the Committee did.

As for a statement, I shall look at the best timing. Rather than simply providing an update, which I think I have done, we need to confirm that there are new steps being taken. I have spoken about our desire to do something, and when that is articulated and formed a statement can be made to update the entire House. I agree that that would be a useful move.

I am grateful to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby for obtaining the debate, and to all those who have supported it and made contributions. I have outlined our commitment to continuing to support Nigeria in its quest to defeat extremism.