Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Debate between Chris Elmore and Julian Lewis

Tuesday 10th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)]

Does the Minister think that an apology for the slave trade issued by a Government who have absolutely no responsibility for it having happened, on behalf of a country in which there is no one alive who has any responsibility for what happened 300 and more years ago, will make the people who are seeking reparations more likely or less likely to intensify their demands?

[Chris Elmore]

I can say to the right hon. Gentleman that the response of international partners has been nothing but positive, and progress has been made on the constructive dialogue. We will not agree on this, I am sure, but the adult approach—the UK approach—is to respect and understand our past and move forward.

[Sir Julian Lewis]

It is not our past.

[Chris Elmore]

I am afraid it is indeed our past; the right hon. Gentleman might want to read a history book if he does not think it is the United Kingdom’s past. We will do this with an open mind and work towards a constructive solution over the coming year or so.

Cuba: Humanitarian Situation

Debate between Chris Elmore and Julian Lewis

Monday 8th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Chris Elmore]

We continue to have the dialogue I have mentioned in previous answers, and we continue to be of the very strong view that diplomatic courses of action are the best way forward. We also continue to respect the UN charter and the wider multilateral system, including the international rule of law. We would expect, as a member of the UN Security Council and the General Assembly, all countries to follow that position.

[Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)]

I entirely agree with the Minister when he says that the future of Cuba should be decided by the Cuban people. What assessment have the Government made of the likelihood of the Cuban Government ever allowing the Cuban people to take those decisions?

[Chris Elmore]

The right hon. Gentleman makes a fair point. Work goes on constantly to try to work through how there can be a move towards the decisions of Cuba being for the Cuban people. I would point out that our bilateral relationship has been in existence for more than 100 years. I say that not just for the sake of it; we have been able to have those frank and difficult conversations because we have kept the relationship open. We will continue to have those difficult conversations, whether with the ambassador or with Ministers in the Cuban system, because we want to do the very best we can for the Cuban people.