North Korea

Lord Campbell of Pittenweem Excerpts

Tuesday 28th February 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anelay of St Johns]

The right reverend Prelate raises an important issue on which we are at variance with the Chinese. They believe that those who flee the DPRK to save their own lives are in fact economic migrants and are therefore subject to return. I can assure the right reverend Prelate that we did indeed raise the issue of forced repatriation of refugees on numerous occasions with China, most recently at the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in October, and we will continue to do so, including in international fora. We have also discussed the UN Commission of Inquiry report with senior Chinese officials in Beijing. It is important that we keep up pressure on this matter.

[Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (LD)]

The imposition of sanctions is all the more significant having regard to the previous ambivalence of the Chinese Government towards North Korea. Should not these sanctions be warmly welcomed, not only here but in the White House, so that, whatever their differences, China and the United States can make common cause in the containment of North Korea?

[Baroness Anelay of St Johns]

The noble Lord is absolutely right. As the new Trump Administration have taken office, it is important that they and China find accord on this matter.