Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Swire and Jim Sheridan

Tuesday 2nd December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Swire]

I do not think it is for me to give a running commentary on the intelligence services of Colombia. We assist the Colombian Government in our mutual desire to stamp out the drugs trade—we co-operate closely with them on that. A lot of things need to be reformed in Colombia, not least the perception of impunity for the armed forces, but I say again that the big prize is, first, to secure the peace—then the dividend can be cashed in.

[Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab)]

The unlawful killings of innocent people in Colombia continue, as they did even last week. I am delighted that the Minister is arranging a meeting with the ambassador, but may I ask him whether he would invite along the Justice for Colombia all-party group, because the people on it are working at the sharp end and can tell us exactly what is happening in Colombia?

[Mr Swire]

My meeting really should be for Members of both Houses who wish to accompany me, many of whom are expert advocates for Justice for Colombia.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Swire and Jim Sheridan

Tuesday 29th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab)]

13. What recent discussions he has had with the Colombian Government regarding human rights and peace talks in that country.

[The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr Hugo Swire)]

The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and I met President Santos during his visit to London in June and discussed a range of subjects, including the peace process and its potential to improve respect for human rights. Officials from our embassy in Colombia regularly make representations to the Colombian Government on human rights cases.

[Jim Sheridan]

The Minister of State recently told the House he would make representations to the Colombian Government regarding the arrest of leading trade unionist Huber Ballesteros. Will the Minister update us on what progress has been made, including a possible visit to Mr Ballesteros in prison, and what does he think the future holds for trade unionists and others in terms of human rights in Colombia?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Swire and Jim Sheridan

Tuesday 18th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab)]

9. What recent assessment he has made of progress on human rights in Colombia.

[The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr Hugo Swire)]

Much progress has been made under the presidency of Juan Manuel Santos, notably the launch of peace talks. Clearly long-term challenges remain. We will continue to work closely with the Colombian Government to help to overcome them.

[Jim Sheridan]

Will the Minister join me in congratulating the non-governmental organisation Justice for Colombia on bringing together joint representatives from this House to meet the FARC representatives in the peace talks in Cuba? Can he tell us what human rights discussions took place between the Prime Minister and President Santos earlier this month in London?

[Mr Swire]

President Santos not only met the Prime Minister and discussed the peace process; he also met my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and me, and we discussed those issues as well. I will shortly go to Colombia. I offered a meeting on 2 July, before I go, to the hon. Gentleman’s hon. Friend, the Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Thomas Docherty). I hope to extend that invitation to his group, the parliamentary friends of Colombia, so that we can go through these things before I go to Bogota early next month.