Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure human rights standards are upheld in all post-Brexit international agreements; and what steps they are taking to ensure the UK meets its international obligations on human rights after Brexit.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The Government is committed to fulfilling its obligations as reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and set out in international human rights treaties to which the UK is a party. The UK has a longstanding tradition of protecting and promoting human rights. Leaving the European Union will not change this
The Government is in the process of responding to the 17th Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR), examining 'Human Rights Protections in International Agreements'. The UK protects and promotes human rights in accordance with the subject-matter and context of each international agreement, taking a balanced and proportionate approach.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The UK is deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan. We have unequivocally condemned the appalling terrorist attack in Pulwama that sparked the situation. We welcome the fact that both countries have stated publicly they do not want to escalate tensions. We are also working hard with both governments and our international partners to encourage de-escalation and to ensure regional stability. During her phone call with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on 3 March, the Prime Minister welcomed the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to India. She also emphasised the importance of Pakistan taking action against all terrorist groups, in support of global efforts to combat terrorism.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent escalating tensions between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia regarding the latter's proposed name change; and whether they would support a membership application from Macedonia to join the EU.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The UK strongly supports the Prespa Agreement between Greece and Macedonia to resolve their long-standing dispute over the latter's name. I welcome the completion of the parliamentary process in Macedonia which amends the constitution in line with the Agreement. I also welcome Greek parliamentary ratification of the Agreement. Implementation of the deal will improve stability and prosperity in the region. It is long-standing UK Government policy to support those countries committed to the European Union accession process to make the reforms required to meet the accession criteria.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to increase co-operation with the United States in (1) the banking sector, and (2) the information and technologies sector after Brexit.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The UK has a deep and enduring relationship with the United States which we will continue and deepen after we leave the EU. The UK-US Financial Regulatory Working Group lays the foundation for greater co-operation in the banking sector. We will also continue to work with the US under the Science and Technology Agreement signed in September 2017, to develop programmes that broaden our bilateral relationship and keep us at the forefront of international research and innovation.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of diplomatic tensions between Kosovo and Serbia; and whether they would support a membership application from Kosovo to join the EU.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
We are concerned by the tensions between Kosovo and Serbia and are urging both countries to avoid any escalation and re-commit to the EU-facilitated Dialogue. Normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo is crucial for the security, stability and prosperity of both countries and the wider region. We support the EU-facilitated Dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo with a view to a comprehensive and sustainable solution that enjoys popular support in both countries.
We continue to support all countries committed to the EU accession process in meeting the necessary requirements.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of a Spanish navy warship sailing near Gibraltar’s waters; and what action they are taking in response.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
There was an incursion by a Spanish navy warship on 4 December into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW). As with all incursions, the Royal Navy challenged the vessel. When challenged, the Spanish navy vessel left BGTW. We have made a formal diplomatic protest to Spain regarding this incident, as we do with all such incursions into BGTW.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made on the Gibraltar dispute between the UK and the government of Spain since June 2016; and what assessment they have made of whether Gibraltar will be included in any transition period after the UK leaves the EU in March 2019.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Since June 2016, the British Government has engaged constructively with the Government of Gibraltar and our European partners, including Spain, to address the practical implications for Gibraltar arising from EU exit. As the Prime Minister reiterated in the House of Commons on 5 September, the Government is clear that Gibraltar is covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the report by the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, Diversity and Inclusion in the UK Intelligence Community, published on 18 July, what plans they have to address the lack of gender and ethnic diversity of those in senior positions in security and intelligence agencies.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
I refer the noble Lord to the Prime Minister's statement of 18 July. The Government will give full consideration to the conclusions and recommendations of this important report, and will respond formally within 60 days of the report's publication.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how they will encourage further cooperation between Commonwealth nations.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The UK is the Commonwealth Chair in Office for a two-year period until the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2020. As Chair in Office, the UK will play an active role in working with member states, the Commonwealth Secretariat and other Commonwealth organisations in implementing the policy commitments made at the London Heads of Government Meeting on 19-20 April.
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether relations with the Commonwealth are an element of the Global Britain initiative; and if so, how significant an element.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The Commonwealth is an important element of Global Britain, as evidenced by the recent announcement of 9 new diplomatic posts in Commonwealth countries.