Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD) [V]: My Lords, the Minister
reiterates the Government’s commitment to co-operation with the
European Union, but now that we no longer have a seat at the table,
what mechanisms is the FCDO putting in place to ensure that we have
regular contact with our bilateral partners in the EU 27 and
individual member states? The Minister of State, Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Office (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon)
(Con): My Lords, as I have already alluded to in my...Request free trial
(LD)
[V]: My Lords, the Minister reiterates the Government’s commitment
to co-operation with the European Union, but now that we no longer
have a seat at the table, what mechanisms is the FCDO putting in
place to ensure that we have regular contact with our bilateral
partners in the EU 27 and individual member states?
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
()
(Con): My Lords, as I have already alluded to in my original
Answer, formality of mechanisms is not a necessity for having close
alliances, not least as demonstrated by our alliances with the
United States, Canada and Australia in our meetings through the
Five Eyes. We will continue to co-operate with our EU colleagues,
as we have done on important statements on the JCPOA and on support for human rights
issues around the world, including a recent statement in relation
to Xinjiang.
(Lab): My Lords, the Minister
mentioned the JCPOA and, of course, with the
new US Administration, there is renewed optimism that it could be
revived. The Government have been working recently with France and
Germany in relation to Iran’s non-compliance. Could this E3 format
be extended to other areas of mutual interest and
concern?
(Con): My Lords, the noble Lord makes a practical
suggestion. I am sure that in time, as we see the strength of E3
co-operation and with the new Administration in the United States,
there will be areas of further co-operation in this respect. We
look forward to forging alliances with the E3 and with other
European states, both bilaterally and within the context of the
European Union, as well as with the new US Administration when it
takes charge after President-elect Biden’s inauguration.
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