Extract from Lords repeat
of Commons statement on the newly formed FCDO
(Con): My Lords, I declare my interests as stated in the
register.
The Statement concludes that the new FCDO will project the UK as
an ever-stronger force for good in the world. “Good” would mean
supporting our US allies in extending the arms embargo on the
terror-sponsoring Iranian regime. “Good” would mean not only
wholeheartedly and unconditionally welcoming the
UAE-Israel agreement but also helping to build
on it. “Good” would also mean consistently voting in the right
camp at the United Nations, and ensuring that our generous aid to
the Palestinians is rechannelled directly to the Palestinian
people, because we know that so much of it is being misused and
misappropriated. Can I therefore ask the Minister whether the new
department will acknowledge where mistakes have been made and
correct them? Then, we can indeed project the UK as an even
stronger force for good in the world.
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Office () (Con): My Lords, I agree with my noble
friend, that it is important that we talk about our role as a
force for good. As Minister for Human Rights, I believe that the
merger of the Foreign Commonwealth Office with the Department of
International Development allows us to directly align our values
agenda with the important support we give to the most vulnerable
communities around the world. The noble Lord mentioned, in
particular, the recent agreement reached between the UAE and
Israel. He knows that I welcome that, and I know
the UK Government have welcomed that, as forward progress in
reaching out and ensuring that we see lasting peace in the Middle
East. It is an important step forward. On the issue of the UN and
the United Kingdom’s consistency of statements, as he will be
aware, we have, for example, strengthened our position on the
Human Rights Council. I agree with my noble friend: not only the
Palestinian people but any recipient of aid, anywhere in the
world, must be the direct beneficiary. Where there are
shortcomings, and things need to improve, we will do just that.
Extract from
International Trade questions
(Manchester, Gorton) (Lab) [V]: As we speak, Palestinian
communities remain at risk of forcible transfer as a result of
Israeli annexation. The UK prohibited all trade
from Crimea after Russia’s illegal occupation and annexation in
2014, and we should follow that precedent when it comes to
illegal settlements. Has the International Trade Secretary had
discussions with her Israeli counterpart over
the illegal annexation, and will she reconsider UK trade deals
with settlement territories? [905404]
The Secretary of State for International Trade (): My
right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was recently in
Israel talking about our close relationship with
that important ally.
