Ukraine: Forcible Removal of Children
Debate between Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
I am very mindful of what the noble Lord says. We have heard calls from across this House and in the other place encouraging us to move on this. The fundamental premise of this, which the Government support, is that whatever happens and however it is done, it is for the Russians to pay for the rebuilding and to repair that which they have had such a role in destroying.
Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)
As far as I can see from the press on what is happening in Geneva, and indeed from the States, no mention of children was made as one of the situations that should be regarded. Has the UK put this forward?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
I am reluctant to get into dissecting the 28-point plan and the things that have been put forward. The issue of children has absolutely been raised, and it is vital that those children are returned. That is the position that we and everybody else constantly make clear throughout any discussions.
Sudan: Protection of Civilians
Debate between Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
It is the people of Sudan who are paying the price for this. I can assure the noble Baroness that we use every lever we can to put pressure where it is needed. Anybody who has any influence over either side has a duty and responsibility to use it to bring about a negotiated solution.
Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)
I watch the news every day. Sudan is almost never on the news, particularly yesterday and the day before, despite what is happening in El Fasher. Would it do any use to try to get better publicity in this country?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
It very much would. This conflict needs to be much higher up the agenda, both here and internationally. There are several problems with bringing that about, one of which is the absence of sufficient numbers of journalists who can do their job. It would be enormously helpful if they could. I believe that there were some reports on Sky this morning, although I have not seen them yet. I absolutely agree that this issue has not had the profile that it needs and that we should try to get it at the forefront of the agenda.
Gibraltar
Debate between Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)
My Lords, I very much support what the noble Lord has just said. I am also a member of the Anglo-Gibraltar group, and I go very regularly to Gibraltar. I have visited Gibraltar ever since I was 18, so I know it extremely well. I also happen to know—as we do as Members—the Chief Minister very well. I am absolutely delighted that he is pleased with it. I share what the Minister and the noble Lord have said about the huge amount of work that he and other Ministers do. Quite simply, I congratulate the two Governments, Conservative and Labour, on the hard work they have put in and the successful result.
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
I have visited Gibraltar as well, and I echo everything the noble and learned Baroness had to say. This has been the work of many years and many Foreign Secretaries. It proves that sometimes, when we knuckle down and focus on the outcome that must be achieved for the people of Gibraltar, we can get there with relatively little fuss and drama.
British Indian Ocean Territory: Negotiations
Debate between Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness Chapman of Darlington(1 year, 1 month ago)
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Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
My Lords, the treaty will be published very soon, and we will have a chance to properly test it according to the things that are of concern to the noble Lord. I suggest that we wait for the treaty to be scrubbed and printed so that we can all satisfy ourselves about the precise nature of what has been agreed.
Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)
My Lords, it is very important that this House remembers that both major parties were seriously guilty of the most appalling behaviour towards the Chagossians. When I was a member of the Court of Appeal, under the then Conservative Government, we were not able to help the Chagossians, but we gave a judgment that absolutely excoriated them, quite correctly. But, equally, a Labour Government behaved in exactly the same way. But my question to the Minister is: are the Government satisfied that China is not a real danger?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
We are watchful; of course we are. But there is nothing in this treaty, however, that leads us to have the kind of concern that has been alluded to. As I have said, the treaty would prevent not just China but any other foreign nation from undertaking activities on the other islands other than Diego Garcia.