Governor of Xinjiang: UK Visit

Debate between Antony Higginbotham and Leo Docherty

Thursday 9th February 2023 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

I note the hon. Gentleman’s question and he makes a good point in drawing a comparison with Hong Kong. I will not comment from the Dispatch Box about future sanctions, but we note the content of that report.

[Antony Higginbotham (Burnley) (Con)]

I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith) on securing this urgent question. I hear what the Minister says about us taking a different approach, but what assessment is the FCDO making about whether that approach is working? Surely the fact that this individual is going to come to the United Kingdom, when we know they would not go to the United States, is evidence that the approach is not working and we need to rethink.

[Leo Docherty]

The Government’s approach is one of robust pragmatism, but we would always keep that under review and pay a great deal of attention to the actions of our allies.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Antony Higginbotham and Leo Docherty

Monday 21st February 2022 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

I agree with my hon. Friend that reserve officers seek to deploy in formed units, and we are in agreement with that. That is why it is in black and white in the future soldier programme. We should not deny the opportunity for individuals, whether they are officers or enlisted people, to deploy on operations or training to gain valuable experience.

[Antony Higginbotham (Burnley) (Con)]

19. What steps his Department is taking to support NATO allies in eastern Europe.