Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Lord Redwood
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
We are completely committed to this treaty, as are our partners and allies. Consensus was not achieved, which is regrettable—it is always better if you can have that—but the principles and the purpose of this treaty remain supported. It is essential that that remains the case, and we shall do whatever we need to do diplomatically, as my noble friend encourages us to do, to make sure that that is the case.
Lord Redwood (Con)
What diplomatic exchanges have the Government had with Mauritius over the nuclear capabilities of Diego Garcia, in the light of their wish to give the freehold away?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
We had extensive discussion and advice on this issue while we were debating the relevant legislation. We are confident that obligations under the relevant treaties on non-proliferation and under the Pelindaba treaty can be met as a result of that decision and that legislation.
International Marine Protected Area: Sargasso Sea
Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Lord Redwood
Lord Redwood (Con)
I urge Ministers to look again at the giving away of the Chagos. There is no legal need to do so, and my noble friend Lord Cameron, as Foreign Secretary, realised that, did not do so, and had the full support of many of us.
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
The noble Lord, Lord Cameron, will confirm if you ask him that yes, he did pause the negotiations, but he restarted them because he could see that this was a necessary process.
Diego Garcia and British Indian Ocean Territory
Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Lord Redwood
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
The noble Baroness will forgive me for not wanting to disclose in this forum the very detailed nature of the conversations we are having with the United States, but it is not for any of us here to tell each other what the best thing to do for the United States would be; it is up to them to talk to us privately at this stage about how we should be proceeding to secure the base.
Lord Redwood (Con)
Why do the Government think the international courts can make us give Diego Garcia away to Mauritius when there are very clear defence opt-outs from their jurisdictions in the relevant treaties?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
It is good to see the noble Lord here in his place—he has not been part of the discussions we have had up to now. If he had been, he might have found some useful exchanges across this Chamber on that very topic. We think there is a legal basis for the decisions we have made. Although noble Lords opposite may disagree with that, there is at least consistency in our position. I am genuinely fascinated by what the previous Government thought they were doing, negotiating around a dozen times, if, as they maintain now, they thought there was no legal jeopardy around the future of the base.