Extracts from Westminster Hall debate on Russian Annexation of Crimea - Apr 24
Thursday, 25 April 2019 08:28
Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP):...I shall conclude,
because I see that time is pressing on. The Minister is sound on
the issue of Ukraine. Will he tell us what work is being undertaken
to free the Azov sailors who are being held illegally by the
Russian Federation? In addition to strengthening the sanctions,
which he is regularly asked to do, can we lead an international
effort to halt Nord Stream 2? It is one of the most dangerous
economic and political projects going on...Request free trial
Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South)
(SNP):...I shall conclude, because I see that time is
pressing on. The Minister is sound on the issue of Ukraine. Will he
tell us what work is being undertaken to free the Azov sailors who
are being held illegally by the Russian Federation? In addition to
strengthening the sanctions, which he is regularly asked to do, can
we lead an international effort to halt Nord Stream 2? It is one of the most dangerous
economic and political projects going on in Europe right now. In
response to questions that I have asked, the answers that have come
from the Minister suggest that the Government do not see it as
their issue. It is an issue for all of Europe and everyone who
believes in the stability of Europe...
Mr (Birmingham, Perry Barr)
(Lab):...What is happening in the Azov sea is very serious
issue, and we should look at addressing it through sanctions. That
is where the Nord
Stream 2 pipeline comes into play. We must look
not just at Russian participation in the Council of Europe, but at
how the Minister can work with Germany, given that a
significant trade deal involving gas supplies has
been done. There are underlying problems with Nord
Stream 2. The initial pipeline that was put in takes
money away from Ukraine as a way to punish it, so we must look at
how we can support Ukraine. We should use the pipeline as a
negotiating tool to try to push this issue forward. That is a
serious issue for us to deal with. My hon. Friend the Member for
Rhondda (Chris Bryant) made, I think, a reasonably good joke. He
made a comparison with Georgia. We must bear that in mind and
ensure we stop any further interventions...
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