Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Thursday 22nd May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, I begin by joining others in acknowledging the scale of the humanitarian crisis that we are seeing in Gaza. Lives are being lost and people are suffering immensely. We on these Benches join with all noble Lords across the House, I am sure, in our hope that the conflict is brought to a conclusion as quickly as possible.

I appreciate that the UK’s position and influence in this matter is somewhat limited, and probably even more so now, but we must never forget that this conflict started when Hamas—a repulsive terrorist organisation—undertook a murderous and viscerally antisemitic attack on innocent people. That attack was not just limited to a single day; the attack on 7 October continues every single day that hostages remain in Hamas’s captivity. Israel has the right to defend itself against this ongoing attack, and returning the hostages to their families is a righteous objective. We must support it in this effort and use our diplomatic efforts to help to facilitate that.

I therefore ask the Minister what engagement the Government have had with key stakeholders in the region to help to secure the release of those people who remain in Hamas’s hands. Has the UK helped to develop an overall strategy for getting these sons, daughters, brothers and sisters returned to their families? The only way that we can resolve this conflict is by getting these hostages home, and the Government must be able to demonstrate that they are taking practical steps to facilitate this.

While the conflict is ongoing, getting aid to those who need it most is a key practical priority, I hope, for the Government. Noble Lords may recall our debate last week on the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The Government refused to consider this as an alternative measure to UNRWA, which is itself connected to the attacks on 7 October—the event that started this conflict in the first place. The Israeli Government are rightly extremely suspicious of UNRWA, given its record of working with Hamas and turning a blind eye to its facilities being abused for tunnel construction. The Government seemingly remain committed to supporting the current failing model. Can the Minister please update the House on what the Government are doing to help to get aid into Gaza? What discussions have they had with representatives from other countries to make sure that aid gets to those who need it and is not stolen by Hamas? Can he tell the House what steps the Government have taken to ensure that no UK aid gets into the hands of Hamas?

Finally, we are clear—and I know the Minister has said this a number of times—that Hamas will never be part of any future Government in Gaza. In the Prime Minister’s statement the other day, he threatened the Israeli Government with further “concrete” steps if they do not comply with his demands. Can the Minister give us an example of what these concrete steps will be, or will it be like King Lear to his daughters:

“I will do such things—


What they are yet I know not, but they shall be

The terrors of the Earth!”?

Finally, following on from the memorandum of understanding that was reached between the UK and the Palestinian Authority last month, can the Minister say what progress has been made in holding the Palestinian Authority to undertaking serious, measurable and tangible reforms on corruption, education, welfare policy and democracy to help to strengthen resilience against the threat of Hamas in the future? Will the Minister update the House on what work the Government are doing with the Palestinian Authority to advance progress in these areas? Can he assure us that these are discussed in talks with partners in the authority?

We all support a swift end to this conflict, which has cost far too many lives on all sides and has led to an incredible amount of suffering across the region. We need to recognise the practical steps that we in the UK can take to support this resolution and help those who are in need in the region. To that end, I hope that the Minister will be able to cover the questions that I have raised, showing what steps we are taking today to return the hostages, get aid in and, crucially, make sure that Hamas is finally eradicated.

[Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)]

My Lords, it would be utterly inconceivable for us to even imagine walking out of this Parliament building and witnessing every child in London being forcibly walked with their mother to Slough and back again three times, on foot, and offered no shelter or medicine, or sanitary products, if they are a girl, and now, with no food, literally facing dying of starvation. This apocalyptic view would be utterly inconceivable to us, but it is the reality in Gaza.

Now we see, as a result of choices being made at a political level by the political Administration in Israel, a secretive foundation set up as a Swiss Stiftung to finance profiteering mercenaries to weaponise food and medicine to children in an illegally occupied land, which plumbs new depths of moral bankruptcy in the provision of that assistance. Can the Minister first of all guarantee that not a penny of British money will be channelled through this route?

Among this utter horror, hostage families are still going through torture. Indeed, for those families I have seen and spoken to, speaking out against the Netanyahu Administration is extremely moving, because they are still in a situation where their loved ones are not home and they do not even know if many are alive.

I welcome the Government’s Statement and their intent, but I wish to press the Minister that it is time for the Government to go even further. Since the Statement in the Commons earlier this week, now even a British official, carrying out their diplomatic role in a territory that they have an absolute right under international law to access, has been under fire as a result of a so-called warning shot—which is euphemistic—in streets that I have literally walked and where British officials carry out their business. What action have the UK Government taken as a result of this shocking incident?

Since the Statement, Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed what other extremist Ministers have said, which is that his Government’s policy is now to illegally annex territory, which they have no international legal right to do. Given that this is now his Government's clear policy, it needs to be the UK Government’s policy to move on the recognition of Palestine as a state with urgency. I therefore urge the Minister to take up my noble friend Lady Northover’s Bill in this House and move ahead with the clearest possible intent to prevent illegal annexation and subjugation.

These Benches have regretted that there has been a lack of action since last February, when we called for the wider and expanded sanctioning of those Ministers in the Netanyahu Administration who had sought repression in the West Bank and had activated illegal outposts and settler violence. That, combined with what we now see—the collective punishment of civilians within Gaza—means that those responsible need to be sanctioned by the UK, and there should be no impunity for the tragedy that is being inflicted on civilians there. This means that our Government and our partners need to act.

On the security of the aid being provided, there is of course justification with regard to concerns that Hamas has sought to loot aid, to commercialise aid and to prevent it at the source. However, the time when we have seen the most effective delivery of aid has been when UNRWA has been provided with the ability to do so, with a Palestinian Authority police force, supported by British assistance, able to provide security and get the aid through. Will the Government offer urgent assistance to the Palestinian Authority police forces to ensure that aid, once over the border, can be provided securely?

I remind the House that there is over 100,000 tonnes of aid waiting to get into Gaza and it is being blocked unjustifiably. Will the Government make a clear statement that, until this is allowed through, Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Ministers are not welcome in the United Kingdom, as this would be not conducive to our public good?

Finally, can the Government press the International Court of Justice to accelerate its work to ensure that there is, as we all wish to see, an international standard that international humanitarian law is adhered to and those responsible for its breach are held to account?

Jimmy Lai

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Thursday 22nd May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I said in my opening comments that this Government are absolutely committed to pursuing this case and we will do so at all levels. Certainly, the Foreign Secretary has done so, but so has the Prime Minister in his meeting with President Xi. I know that Minister West has also met with Jimmy Lai’s son—I think he is present here—and we will continue to do so. It is really important that we highlight this case at every single opportunity.

The noble Lord mentioned normalisation of relationships. Of course, China is a big economic player globally, but we are absolutely taking a consistent, long-term strategic approach in managing our relationships, rooted in those interests. We will co-operate where we can and compete where we need to but, most importantly, challenge when we need to.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, I too send my best wishes to the right reverend Prelate on his retirement.

It is worth repeating that Jimmy Lai has now been detained in solitary confinement for 1,600 days. He is an elderly, ill British citizen. I too was privileged to meet his son Sebastien yesterday. His case is, of course, just another example of the tyrannous and repressive nature of the current Chinese Government. President Trump, to his credit, said that Jimmy’s case will be on the table during US-China trade talks. Can the Minister reassure the House that the case is equally important to the UK Government?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I repeat: it is absolutely important. Jimmy Lai is a British citizen, which the Chinese of course deny because he is a dual national. But we have absolutely remained committed to raising his case at every opportunity and we will continue to do so. I am grateful to the right reverend Prelate for raising this case today, because it is up to us all of us to constantly raise it to ensure that we never forget Jimmy Lai’s situation.

Sudan: Ceasefire Talks

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Tuesday 20th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I can confirm that. The noble and gallant Lord knows better than most that Russia’s actions, particularly in Sudan, have been to ensure the war continues. It has been actively engaged in both sides. He is absolutely right; we know what Russia is doing, and we are ensuring that we focus on those institutions through which we can develop a way forward that supports African-led and civilian-led Sudanese government. That is our priority.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, as my noble friend Lady Anelay reminded us, the violence in Sudan is exacting a massive toll on innocent civilians. The level of human suffering, as the Minister will be aware, is unconscionable. Millions of people need urgent humanitarian assistance, and the UK has a moral obligation to do all it can to end the fighting. In addition to sanctions, what steps can the Government take to put pressure on the leadership of the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to cease their violence?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

The Foreign Secretary convened the conference on 15 April precisely to do that: to bring all regional parties together to focus on ways for peace. The fact that we had co-sponsorship with the African Union was really important. Do not underestimate the impact of that conference. We are following through with the chair’s declarations from that conference. We are focused on trying to end this evil war.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Tuesday 13th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)]

My noble friend says that there is another scheme in place; I am not sure that there is. There are discussions about it, but I have seen no details. There cannot be any aid mechanism that does not have delivering humanitarian aid as its sole priority. It cannot deliver political or military objectives; it is there to help vulnerable civilians. That will be the priority. If there is not action almost immediately, more people will die. Women and children in Gaza face loss of life now. The figure that one in five people in Gaza faces starvation is horrendous. Yes, the hostages must be released, we must get aid into Gaza and that ceasefire must take place. Only then can we look at a longer timespan for peace in the region.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, one of the first things this Government did on coming into office was resume funding for UNRWA, which was suspended by the previous Government. This followed proven allegations that UNRWA employees were members of Hamas and participated in the 7 October massacre. Nobody disagrees with the idea that aid should get through to those who need it, but there are also proven allegations that Hamas has been stealing, diverting and hijacking that aid. Can the Minister assure the House that no British taxpayer’s aid has been diverted to Hamas?

[Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)]

My Lords, yes, we resumed funding to UNRWA for the very purpose of having people with knowledge and expertise on the ground to get aid in as quickly as possible to save lives. I said at the very beginning that, for all UK-funded aid, we look at every possible mechanism to ensure that it gets to where it is needed, which is to the most vulnerable. We will always do that, and we will do everything we can to ensure that.

Middle East Update

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Wednesday 7th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, the Middle East continues to face a wide range of challenges, as was made clear in the debate in the other place yesterday afternoon. Fighting and instability continue in many parts of the region, and state actors in the Middle East pose an increasing threat to the UK on the domestic stage.

I start with Syria. As noble Lords will be aware, representatives from several groups in Syria convened a national dialogue conference in March this year to discuss a new national constitution. Although there was agreement on a commitment to human rights and transitional justice, several groups from the Kurdish and Druze communities attacked the al-Sharaa Government for what they claim is a lack of representation. Kurdish groups have since claimed that they have secured agreement on a federal system of government, although this has been neither confirmed nor publicly announced by the incumbent Government. Will the Minister please update the House on the Government’s assessment of the involvement of Kurdish groups in the constitution-making process in Syria? Are the Government concerned that a lack of clarity in these discussions threatens the process?

Although I am sure the whole House celebrates the fall of Bashar al-Assad, we cannot lose sight of how important the next steps are in Syria. The way the Syrian state is reconstituted is vital to ensuring that a lasting peace can be maintained. The international community must do all it can to ensure that these debates are settled by negotiation and compromise, not through further violence. Syria is a fundamentally important player in the region, and it is vital for the sake of the wider international community that one destabilising Government is not replaced by yet another one. I therefore ask the Minister what discussions or support the Government are providing to Syrian authorities on how they can take proactive, balanced steps in the reconstruction process. What discussions are the Government having with other global partners, such as the US, on how the process in Syria can be supported?

Noble Lords will have heard in the Home Office Statement made in the other place yesterday that British counterterrorism police arrested several Iranian nationals on suspicion of intent to perform a terrorist act. The details we have make it clear that security services are investigating a state-level threat from Iran. My noble friend Lord Davies of Gower covered this in his earlier remarks, but the matter needs reiterating: Iran poses a very real, very direct threat to the UK domestically, as well as to the wider Middle East. It has recently backed an attack on Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international hub, and continues to support destabilising organisations across the entire Middle East. Iran continues to pose a great threat to the security of Israel and its allies. Iranian authorities this week claim to have created a new missile with a range of 1,200 kilometres and have warned that American military bases across the Middle East fall within its scope.

Given the scale of the threat that Iran poses to us in the UK, to our ally in Israel and to the US, does the Minister recognise that our continued support for Israel’s right to defend itself against such violence is even more essential? Will he update the House on what steps the Government are taking to continue to undermine Iran’s malign influence in the Middle East? Iran continues to destabilise, threaten and attack partners across the region, and its foreign and military policies are some of the most fundamental barriers to any efforts to gain peace in the Middle East. It is vital that the Government address the threat of Iran robustly, for our own security and that of our partners on the world stage.

Finally, I turn to Israel. We must remember that 59 innocent hostages continue to be held in cruel captivity by Hamas, and those who are still alive have no access to aid or communication with their families. These hostages have now been imprisoned for nearly 600 days. We can never forget that it was the kidnapping of these innocent people by Hamas, and the attacks, which contributed to the conflict we see today. I therefore ask the Minister what discussions the Government have had with partners in the US and Europe on how those remaining hostages can be freed and returned to their families. We are clear that Hamas, a terrorist organisation that has acted tirelessly to inflict pain, misery and suffering on communities in Israel and Gaza, cannot continue to remain in power: it has to be eradicated from the region if we are ever to see a lasting peace. Will the Minister please confirm whether the Government have a clear strategy on removing Hamas in Gaza?

In conclusion, the UK should support all efforts to secure peace, security and stability, which means standing up for our allies and our values in proactive engagement with partners across the Middle East. The Government have a duty to continue this work and I hope the Minister will be able to address these many points in his response.

[Baroness Northover (LD)]

My Lords, I shall address the Statement that was made in the Commons and that has just been, in effect, repeated in the Lords. It addresses the announcement made by the Israeli Prime Minister that the

“Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a plan to expand and intensify Israel’s military operations in Gaza”.—[Official Report, Commons, 6/5/25; col. 578.]

That will be my focus, because it was the focus of the Statement.

The Government have pointed out that Hamas will not be defeated by military means and have expressed “outrage” at actions of the Israeli Government. Israel has violated the deal with Hamas by imposing a siege and refusing to start phase 2 of the deal. That siege has lasted 65 days. UNRWA says that nearly 3,000 aid trucks have been prevented from entering Gaza. The World Food Programme has announced that its food stocks in Gaza have been completely depleted, and the Statement refers to those points. Does the Minister agree that Israel imposing a siege on Gaza and preventing humanitarian aid coming in constitutes collective punishment of a civilian population, which is illegal under international law? Israel’s Finance Minister has now said that Gaza will be “totally destroyed”. Does the Minister condemn that statement?

The Government in their Statement say that 52,000 people have already been killed, and others have estimated that it is higher. Around 90% of the population of Gaza has been displaced at least once; many have been displaced multiple times. Israel says that it plans to take over the distribution of humanitarian aid to Gaza at hubs controlled by its military. The UN has criticised this as a violation of global humanitarian principles, and its agencies will not participate. What action will the Government take here?

One hundred and five hostages, taken in violation of international law and in appalling violence, were released in November 2023 and 33 during the latest deal period. That is why the Israeli hostage families argue that negotiations have had far greater success in securing the release of hostages than military action. It is welcome that the Government say that Hamas will not be defeated by military means. That is surely right.

Following President Trump’s repeated comments, will the Minister confirm that Gaza is for the Palestinians, and that it must be rebuilt and liberated for the Palestinians? What actions are the Government taking to ensure that Israel adheres to international humanitarian law in Gaza and immediately ceases indiscriminate attacks on civilians, protected workers such as aid workers and journalists, and protected infrastructure such as schools and hospitals?

It is essential that we ensure that no UK weapons can be used to perpetrate human rights abuses in Gaza. With the resumption of Israeli strikes on Gaza, does the Minister agree that the UK must now move urgently to suspend all arms sales to Israel?

Israel is continuing its military invasion of West Bank cities. This included tanks in the city of Jenin for the first time in 20 years. According to the UN, it has displaced 40,000 Palestinians who, according to the Israeli Defence Minister, will not be allowed to return for at least a year.

The US, UK and other European Governments have condemned the continued expansion of illegal settlements, but over 250 illegal settlements have been built across the West Bank, now with over 700,000 settlers. Given Israel’s refusal to withdraw its illegal settlements in line with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, when will the Government take action to stop the continuation of these violations of international law? Can the Minister explain how massive Israeli settlement expansion is in any way aligned with the Government’s stated goal of a two-state solution?

The Minister will know that his colleague in the other place, although condemning what was happening, found that MPs were not satisfied with the level of action the Government were taking. Across the House, that concern was expressed. Therefore, does he not agree that the Government must now join almost 150 other states in recognising a Palestinian state? Surely some hope should be offered that they have rights that must be respected. We need to move forward: the two-state solution, living side by side in security for both states, and prosperity. I look forward to the Minister’s response.

India-Pakistan: Escalation

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Wednesday 7th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, the dramatic escalation of tensions that the Minister has referred to between India and Pakistan is, to put it mildly, cause for great concern. Since the terror attack in Kashmir last month, both countries have engaged in tit-for-tat measures against each other, including expelling diplomats, suspending visas and closing border crossings. However, the level of violence that we have now seen marks a significant shift in how the fallout from the attack is being conducted. Indian authorities have said that the sites that they targeted were “terrorist infrastructure” and places where Kashmir attacks were “planned and directed”. These Benches are clear that India should always hold the right to take reasonable and proportionate steps to defend itself from further terror attacks. The UK has long-standing security agreements with India, and we are in a position to support our partners in combating terrorist threats, which affect us all collectively.

I ask the Minister what assistance the Government are providing to Indian authorities to help protect against further terrorist attacks, and does he agree that the UK should act in partnership with India to prevent further terror attacks from being undertaken against its population? We discussed this matter in the aftermath of the Kashmir attacks last month. Noble Lords on all sides of the House implored the Government to urge restraint and to use their diplomatic leverage with both sides to prevent a further escalation of violence, which many feared could be on the horizon. Can the Minister please update the House on the talks that his Government had with both Indian and Pakistani authorities in the immediate aftermath of those Kashmir attacks? Does he believe that the Government should change the way that they approach these discussions, given the further violence that we have witnessed this week?

Finally, I will touch on how this escalation could affect diaspora communities here in the UK. There is, of course, a risk that the tensions that we are seeing played out on the world stage could affect communities from those respective countries in Britain. While working to encourage peace and de-escalation on the world stage, we have also to make sure that we secure it here at home. Please could the Minister outline the steps that the Government are taking to work with these respective communities here in the UK in order to prevent tensions from becoming more serious? Can he assure the House that the Government will work with partners in the police and security services to help to keep these communities safe?

Recent events have demonstrated that an information gap can inflame conspiracy theories and empower those who seek to spread false information at home, particularly on social media. I appreciate that this is, of course, a developing situation, but I hope that the Minister can appreciate the importance of keeping the House and the country updated on any further clarification that the Government receive on the details of these events to help dispel some of that misinformation. Can the Minister please commit to keeping the House updated on this matter as and when further information is forthcoming?

The escalation that we have seen is immensely serious, and both communities in the region and at home are deeply concerned about what further violence may hold. I urge the Government to redouble their efforts and to make every use of the diplomatic relations that we have with both India and Pakistan to encourage a non-violent resolution to this matter. Violence begets violence, and a peaceful resolution must be at the heart of the Government’s efforts to engage with both India and Pakistan. However, we also have a duty to support India in its efforts to prevent any further terror attacks from being committed against its own people. The Government also have a duty to make sure that these tensions are not imported into the UK, and I hope the Minister can provide reassurance to the House that this risk has been identified and is being managed.

[Baroness Northover (LD)]

My Lords, I also thank the Minister for repeating the Statement in the House. Reports of Indian military strikes against locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Pakistan, as well as shelling by Pakistan, are indeed very alarming. Particularly as we have here two nuclear powers, it becomes even more vital that India and Pakistan de-escalate the current crisis and avoid engaging in further action. Maintaining open lines of communication is clearly vital. Can the Minister spell out what further engagement the UK Government plan with these Governments and with other partners, including the UN, to help maintain an open dialogue between them and to support international attempts at mediation? Once again, violence is not the answer.

The murder of 26 people was indeed horrific, and every effort must be made to bring the gunmen to justice. Terrorists have an interest in destabilising both sides, and that is why it is vital to engage with the leaders on both sides, so I would like to know more about how the Government are working to support that open dialogue between India and Pakistan. I know that it has been very difficult over the years, but, specifically, how are the Government working alongside international partners to encourage New Delhi to reverse its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and how are the Government working with Islamabad to agree to reopen its airspace to Indian-owned airlines? What else can the international community do to help stabilise relations now? Can the Minister fill in more detail about what is being done to support British citizens in the area?

The Government also need to ensure that all those of Indian and Pakistani descent living in the United Kingdom are fully supported. For many, the latest escalations will be of grave concern to them and their families. How are the UK Government working to support these communities in the wake of recent escalation? As the noble Lord, Lord Callanan, just mentioned, there is a risk that social media disinformation may inflame matters here. How is that being monitored and addressed? Can the Minister spell out what the Government are doing?

We indeed face so many conflicts—Ukraine, the Middle East, which we have just discussed, and Sudan—so many global challenges; therefore, everything must be done to stop this escalating into yet another. I look forward to the Minister’s reply.

Kashmir: Increasing Tension

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Wednesday 30th April 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, I am sure that noble Lords on all sides of the House will want to express our deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in last week’s terror attack near Pahalgam. It is important that we work with partners in India and Pakistan to make sure that the fallout from this atrocious attack does not lead to a violent escalation and further unnecessary suffering. Can the Minister update the House on what steps the Government are taking, alongside relevant parties in the region, to try to reach a resolution?

I am sure the Minister is aware of the extremely concerning video that shows a Pakistani diplomat making a throat-slitting gesture towards Indian demonstrators outside the high commission in London last week. Particularly given the previous Urgent Question, this sort of threatening action is completely unacceptable on the streets of London, particularly from what appears to be an accredited diplomat. What actions are the Government going to take against this individual?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Lord Collins of Highbury) (Lab)]

I start by sharing the noble Lord’s comments in relation to this despicable act. We express our condolences to all those affected, loved ones and the people of India. The Prime Minister certainly expressed that when he called Prime Minister Modi on 24 April.

The noble Lord asked specific questions about what steps we are taking to ensure that the heightened tensions do not lead to the risk of escalation. We encourage all to commit to effective channels of engagement to safeguard stability in the region. Alongside international partners, the United Kingdom continues to engage in dialogue in pursuit of long-term regional stability. On Sunday, the Foreign Secretary spoke to both the Indian Foreign Minister and the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister. We encourage all parties to take a measured approach. The Foreign Secretary has spoken to Secretary Rubio of the United States and will speak to the French Foreign Minister shortly to discuss the situation. The United Kingdom, of course, supported the UN Security Council press statement at the weekend, which condemned the attack and reaffirmed that acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable.

On all actions that create or escalate the unsettling of communities in this country, we are working with all British-Pakistani and British-Indian communities to ensure that we stand with them at this difficult time on de-escalation and on building strong community cohesion. We condemn any instance of vandalism and call for any protesters to protest in a peaceful and law-abiding way. We look to all community and faith leaders to spread the message that now is a time for coming together across religious and ethnic differences.

Journalists and Media Workers: Safety and Security

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Thursday 24th April 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, journalists and media workers play a fundamental role, not only in our political systems but in safeguarding our democracies. Reporters hold Governments and powerful people to account. They work to ensure that, no matter what someone’s position is, any wrongdoing, abuse or misdemeanour is brought to light. The greatest enemy of autocracy is the free press.

As my noble friend Lord Ahmad reminded us, in 2019 the UK co-created the Media Freedom Coalition. Through this mechanism, we can raise violations of media freedom across the world, and the UK, alongside the MFC, has issued several statements condemning attacks on media freedom in countries including Myanmar, China and Russia. Of course we cannot directly control the laws passed in other countries, but standing alongside our allies in support of journalistic freedom sends a strong message to world leaders who would rather see this freedom repressed. Isolating those countries that do not respect a free media marks them out in stark contrast to those which do. It is important the Government continue this collaborative work with global partners as a means of holding those countries and leaders to account. Given this, I ask the Minister to outline the steps the Government are taking alongside global allies to try to influence countries in which media freedom and the security of journalists are under threat.

I have mentioned countries such as China and Myanmar. My noble and learned friend Lord Garnier was right to remind us once again to maintain the pressure on behalf of Jimmy Lai. However, these attacks on the press can often occur closer to home. Noble Lords will remember only last month the arrest and deportation of the BBC journalist Mark Lowen, who had been covering protests in Turkey. This was described by Emma Sinclair-Webb, the Turkey director of Human Rights Watch, as sending

“a message to the rest of the international media that ‘we will not tolerate you covering stories we don’t want the world to see’”.

The deportation of Mr Lowen came alongside the detention of other journalists in Turkey, including those from the French news agency and several Turkish reporters. These actions have a chilling effect and are designed not only to remove reporters but to prevent them coming in the first place. When countries and leaders act in this way, the role of the media in holding them to account becomes even more important.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Rule of Law

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd April 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

My Lords, the UK Government are clear that, despite no longer participating in EUFOR, we continue to see its role as vital to maintaining a safe and secure environment in Bosnia-Herzegovina. We are open to exploring enhanced co-operation with the EU, including its operations and missions, as we strengthen the UK-EU security and defence relationship. If we decide to co-operate with EU missions and operations more closely, including EUFOR, we will evaluate the potential for a UK contribution on a case-by-case basis and where it aligns with UK interests.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his response. We welcome the Government’s commitment to the Dayton agreement and, in particular, their statement of willingness to support all efforts by domestic actors to de-escalate the situation in the light of Dodik’s actions over the past few weeks. What discussions have the Government had with NATO allies to co-ordinate support for our partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Ukraine

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd April 2025 Grand Committee

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, I too pay tribute to the International Agreements Committee and its work examining this treaty. It is right that it has an impressive amount of detail, probably more detail than the treaty actually requires, but it is nevertheless important work and it was ably introduced by the noble Lord, Lord Fox, whom I thank for that.

The decision by the Government to enter into this partnership with Ukraine further demonstrates the strength of the relationship between our two countries. I understand the comments from many noble Lords about the nature of a 100-year partnership and the many examples that have been quoted. Who knows whether the borders will still stay the same in six months or 100 days never mind 100 years? I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Kerr, that it is a little bit pretentious and probably symbolic, but my view is that it is importantly symbolic. Ukraine stands for the shared principles that underpin our whole way of life—democracy, liberty and the rule of law—and it is right that we support our ally in the fight against Putin’s illegal invasion of its sovereign territory.

I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Purvis, about the capricious nature of the current US Administration. We hope only that there is a change either in the attitude of the current leadership or in new leadership to restore the US to the right side of the fence on this issue. I am proud that the UK’s world-leading support has made a material difference, which has been acknowledged by so many Ukrainian interlocutors, to Ukraine’s capacity to combat this invasion. I am proud of the work that the previous Government did, and I am also proud of and support the work that this Government are doing. The UK was the first to provide Ukraine with vital lethal aid, such as Challenger 2 battle tanks and Storm Shadow missiles, and this Government have, to their credit, remained committed to supporting Ukraine with arms, as reflected in the announcement to provide it with Altius drones in conjunction with many excellent British defence companies.

I also welcome the UK Government’s commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2027. It is right that in a world of increasing uncertainty Ukraine can continue to count on British support. That is a valuable feature of our democratic system, and all three main parties that have supported Ukraine deserve our thanks and our support.

I also support the commitment to reach 3% by the mid-2030s, in the light of what we all recognise are uniquely dangerous and challenging times on the world stage. I think it is perhaps too late, but I understand the financial pressures on the Government. I certainly hope that they will look towards accelerating to reach that 3% target by the end of this decade, although I know that that is challenging in current circumstances. Translating words into action should not be subject to delay. Will the Minister say what discussions the Government have had with regard to possibly meeting this commitment by the end of the 2020s? We can support our allies effectively only if we make spending decisions responsibly, and it is imperative that these spending commitments should be based on growing the economy and spending restraint in other areas.

In addition to marking the UK’s long-term support for Ukraine, this 100-year partnership agreement, as many noble Lords have pointed out, offers British firms the chance to contribute to the Ukrainian war effort. Can the Minister provide any update on the discussions the Government have had so far with UK defence companies regarding ways in which they can help to advance and enhance Ukraine’s manufacturing capabilities—helping them to help themselves? Can he elaborate on what specific advanced weapons capabilities the UK and Ukraine might work together to develop?

It is vital that the Euro-Atlantic community continues to be intensely robust in the face of this completely unjustified Russian aggression. The lesson that we have surely now learned over the past 20 years, to our cost, is clear: Putin only comes back for more. The Minsk agreements of 2015 failed to stop Russian aggression and ultimately did not return any of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Any peace must fully protect Ukraine’s sovereignty, and I very much suspect that it can be done only with military support. Can the Minister confirm that it is with this resolve and commitment that the Government engage with allies on the subject of the mooted ceasefire?

I know that noble Lords across the Committee will have noted the talks due to be held tomorrow with allies including the US, France, Germany and Ukraine itself. I hope the US proves to be an ally in this respect. Will the Minister be able to keep the House updated on the outcome and progress of those discussions? Finally, can he provide us with any updates on the assessment the Government have made about the ongoing reliability of US support and the steps that the UK and European partners are making to ensure that any change in US objectives does not undermine overall support for Ukraine?