(Fylde) (Con): My
right hon. Friend talks about drawing on British expertise, but
among that there is a considerable amount of Scottish talent.
Indeed, many of our embassies, high commissions and international
development teams are staffed, and often headed, by incredibly
talented Scots. Perhaps he should recognise the talent and depth
of talent in the diplomatic community that emanates from
Scotland.
The Minister for Europe and the Americas (Sir Alan
Duncan): I most certainly do. My hon. Friend was my
Parliamentary Private Secretary when I was an International
Development Minister. When I was briefed in DFID, around many a
table were people with Scottish voices. Their knowledge is
amazing and their contribution is special, and I always valued
the advice I got from such officials.
In passing, I congratulate my hon. Friend on his appointment as
trade envoy to Argentina. I am proud of the progress we are
making with Argentina. The joint communiqué in 2016 began to
build friendship 30 years after the conflict in the Falklands. We
are now making very good progress, and I am delighted that, as
the Prime Minister was flying to the G20 only last week, we were
able to announce that we have further flights going to the
Falklands as a result of the good relations that are now being
built between the UK and Argentina.
Dr (Sleaford and North
Hykeham) (Con): Earlier this year, I was fortunate
enough to go to the Falkland Islands with the armed forces
parliamentary scheme. The Minister has spoken so much tonight
about foreign policy and South America. While I was in the
Falkland Islands, I met constituents of mine from Lincolnshire
and also constituents from Scotland working at RAF Lossiemouth.
Can the Minister update us on the new air bridge between the
Falkland Islands and Argentina?
Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Lindsay Hoyle): Let us at
least try to address the issue. If Members do not have a question
that links to it, they should not bother.
Sir : I could, but my
negotiating skills are such that I did not negotiate a route
taking it from Brazil to Argentina via Scotland. Mr Deputy
Speaker, we will of course speak directly to the topic at hand,
and we respect your judgment that we should continue to talk
about Scotland’s foreign policy footprint.
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