Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Bradshaw and Mark Simmonds

Tuesday 17th June 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mark Simmonds]

My hon. Friend is assiduous in his commitment to the Chagossians in his constituency, but we need to be careful that we do not prejudice the outcome of the independent study, which has the full involvement of the Chagossians. I can assure my hon. Friend that the US is being kept informed, but the challenges to resettling these low-lying islands, which lack basic facilities and infrastructure, are very clear, as I saw myself in March. We will look at the report, however, and we will consider the range of factors—value for the UK taxpayer, long-term contingent liabilities and the defence requirements of DG to the UK and our allies.

[Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab)]

11. What his policy is on trade with illegal settlements in the west bank.