South China Sea: Royal Navy Deployment

Debate between Lord Collins of Highbury and Lord West of Spithead

Thursday 1st November 2018 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

My Lords, the key issue is of course the protection of international shipping lines, which noble Lords have referred to. In fact, the last time my noble friend mentioned the value of trade, the Minister said it was worth $4 trillion, so I do not know what has happened.

[Lord West of Spithead]

It is $4 trillion; I got it wrong.

[Lord Collins of Highbury]

So I have been able to correct my noble friend. When the noble Earl, Lord Howe, responded to this issue when it was last raised, he said that ultimately, our actions will be judged by our allies. Obviously, the balance that needs to be struck involves our trading partners throughout the Pacific Rim. What are we doing to ensure that concerted action takes place to defend international shipping rights?