All 3 Debates between Andrew Mitchell and Bob Russell

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Mitchell and Bob Russell
Wednesday 23rd May 2012

(12 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Mitchell Portrait Mr Mitchell
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I do not have any current plans to meet the Foreign Minister from Israel, although I met a series of Israeli Foreign Ministers when I was there just before Christmas. I will ensure that the hon. Gentleman’s comments are passed on to the Foreign Secretary.

Bob Russell Portrait Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD)
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I also visited the west bank and East Jerusalem last year and I saw the consequences of ethnic cleansing and apartheid. Will the Secretary of State assure us that Church groups will be urged to get the Government of Israel to follow the parable of the Good Samaritan?

Andrew Mitchell Portrait Mr Mitchell
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I raised the issue of religious tolerance when I visited the west bank and Israel at the end of last year. The hon. Gentleman’s comments will have been heard by the Foreign Office, which I have no doubt will pursue them.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Mitchell and Bob Russell
Wednesday 7th December 2011

(12 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Bob Russell Portrait Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD)
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1. What progress his Department has made on the proposals for an airport on St Helena.

Andrew Mitchell Portrait The Secretary of State for International Development (Mr Andrew Mitchell)
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A contract has now been signed for the design, construction and operation of the new airport in St Helena. We expect it to open towards the end of 2015, in time for the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s exile to the island.

Bob Russell Portrait Bob Russell
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I thank my right hon. Friend for that excellent news. I also thank my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes North (Mark Lancaster), whose visit to the island helped to pave the way. Does the Secretary of State agree that the islanders will rejoice at this decision by the coalition Government, which contrasts with the failure of the last Labour Government who, at the last moment, cancelled the contract?

Andrew Mitchell Portrait Mr Mitchell
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My hon. Friend is right to say that this is the right decision. It underlines our commitment to the overseas territories—they are British. He is also right to tease the Opposition about the fact that they dilly-dallied over this decision for nearly 13 years.

Aid Reviews

Debate between Andrew Mitchell and Bob Russell
Tuesday 1st March 2011

(13 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Mitchell Portrait Mr Mitchell
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If the hon. Gentleman downloads the reviews, he will be able to see the precise figures. The proportion used to be about 50:50, but it will be slightly different in the future. I stand to be corrected but, as I recall it, the multilateral element increases slightly, principally because of the very strong support for the World Bank. I will write to him on this matter.

Bob Russell Portrait Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD)
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I thank my right hon. Friend for his commitment to an ongoing aid relationship with the island of St Helena, whose citizens are, of course, British citizens. Can he confirm that proposals for the airfield on the island are still firmly on track?

Andrew Mitchell Portrait Mr Mitchell
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My hon. Friend is right to identify St Helena as an important dependent territory which rightly has our support. He will know that negotiations are ongoing on three key areas which, when they are the subject of agreement, will form the basis of a contract. I hope to be able to give the House more information in due course.