Situation in the Red Sea
Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Earl of Minto(2 months, 1 week ago)
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The Earl of Minto (Con)
The noble Lord makes a very good point—one brought out earlier by the involvement of Saudi Arabia. It is very difficult to answer. We must take action to deter the disruption going through the Suez Canal because we believe so passionately in global trade. One would hope that there comes a point when diplomatic efforts and other activity in the region may bring a halt to this very unfortunate situation.
Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Con)
My Lords, Maersk, which I understand is the largest container company in the world, and Hapag-Lloyd, based in Germany, have taken the decision for commercial reasons not to risk going through the Red Sea but to take the long way around. Does my noble friend agree that this is possibly one reason why Germany and other European countries have not committed their forces against the Houthis at this time, as is the increased threat seen to Denmark’s home security and the fear of repercussions at home were it to do so?
The Earl of Minto (Con)
My noble friend makes a good point. These enormous shipping operations have clearly taken some commercial decisions, which are almost certainly the right thing to do for them and their customers. One can see why there may be some reticence for sovereign states to get involved in more direct action, thereby threatening some of those countries’ commercial assets.
Post Office Executives: Bonuses
Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Earl of Minto(12 months ago)
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The Earl of Minto (Con)
My noble friend makes a very interesting point. Lawyers act for their clients. Their clients instruct them in so doing. The speed through the legal system in every country in the world is not as fast as one would like.
Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Con)
What due diligence are the Government doing with regard to Fujitsu being a preferred bidder for government contracts on an ongoing basis, given its history with the Horizon project?
The Earl of Minto (Con)
My noble friend makes a very good point. I am not aware of the exact situation. I will find out and write to her.