Debates between Lord Singh of Wimbledon and Lord Bridges of Headley during the 2015-2017 Parliament

Civil Service Fast Stream

Debate between Lord Singh of Wimbledon and Lord Bridges of Headley
Monday 11th July 2016

(8 years, 5 months ago)

Lords Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lord Bridges of Headley Portrait Lord Bridges of Headley
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I entirely agree with the noble Lord. We have come a long way but there is always more to be done. I concur with him about language skills.

Lord Singh of Wimbledon Portrait Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB)
- Hansard - -

My Lords, does the Minister agree that, as well as having competence in language skills, it is important to know about religious literacy because of the different places to which people are posted?

Lord Bridges of Headley Portrait Lord Bridges of Headley
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

That is absolutely right and is key. As noble Lords said earlier, we need to ensure that diplomats have a grasp of culture, not just language.