Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle Excerpts

Thursday 9th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I am afraid that I know absolutely nothing about the committee that is being set up at the other end of the building.

[Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (GP)]

My Lords, I will follow on from the question of the noble Baroness, Lady Miller, about our diplomatic capabilities and technical capabilities, which we have always contributed strongly to this process. The FCDO is in some degree of institutional turmoil, seeing significant regular changes in leadership, and we know that it is expecting significant cuts. Can the Minister assure me that these essential capabilities will be maintained? More than that, do the Government understand that, yes, we have to think about security and our defence, but diplomacy is absolutely crucial to our future security?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I assure the noble Baroness that the FCDO is not in turmoil. The way I look at it is that defence, diplomacy and development work closely together. They are all needed in order to keep this country safe and to ensure stability. We have focus and diplomatic focus, despite the fact that we are making changes to the structure of the organisation, which were left incomplete following the merger of two large government departments. Our commitment to defence, diplomacy and development remains as true as it ever has been.