Oral Answers to Questions

David Ruffley Excerpts

Tuesday 18th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hague]

The United Nations has an absolutely central role, and the hon. Gentleman can be assured that we believe in that and that we always make that case. Austria gave particular reasons, including recent trouble on the Golan heights, for its intended withdrawal, but we want to see that force continue there and be fully staffed and supported.

[Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con)]

Aside from airing the possibility that western countries might arm the Syrian opposition, will the Foreign Secretary tell us what steps Secretary Kerry would like to take to bring Syria, and perhaps even Iran, to the negotiating table?

[Mr Hague]

Secretary Kerry has been instrumental in trying to launch the “Geneva II”, as we might call it—a process of negotiation to come in Geneva between regime and opposition in Syria, supported by all of us. Work on that continues, and one thing the Prime Minister is discussing with other G8 leaders is our unity and determination together to bring about a transition in Syria through a conference in Geneva. I pay tribute again to Secretary Kerry’s efforts on this.

Oral Answers to Questions

David Ruffley Excerpts

Tuesday 29th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hague]

Cohesive and peaceful are two very important words. I met two separate groupings of the Syrian opposition last week: the Syrian National Council and the national co-ordinating body—a different grouping of the opposition. I encouraged them to find a common and cohesive platform together—at this extreme moment in their nation’s history, it is important for them to work together—and to maintain non-violent resistance to the Assad regime, to maintain their support around the world.

[Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con)]

2. What recent representations he has received on the implications for his Department’s policies of economic conditions in the EU.

[The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)]

I have had a number of recent meetings with representatives of British business who have emphasised the immediate need for eurozone countries to act to restore stability to their currency and the need for the entire European Union to adopt policies to encourage growth and job creation through open markets and less-costly regulation.

[Mr Ruffley]

Under the treaty on the functioning of the European Union, the financial transaction tax would have to go to the Council of Ministers, which requires unanimity. Will the Minister confirm that Her Majesty’s Government will veto the new Franco-German euro tax that will only damage the City of London?

[Mr Lidington]

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made it quite clear at the most recent ECOFIN meeting that we would reject an EU financial transfer tax, and he was supported in his opposition by 11 other member states.

Oral Answers to Questions

David Ruffley Excerpts

Tuesday 15th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Lidington]

The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point. There are real problems on the Greco-Turkish border that affect migration into the whole of the EU. This is a matter to which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and my hon. Friend the Minister for Immigration are giving a high priority in their conversations with their European counterparts.

[Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con)]

8. What recent discussions he has had in the General Affairs Council on economic prospects for the EU; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)]

I regularly take part in such discussions and emphasise our view that growth and global competitiveness should be the EU’s first priority.

[Mr Ruffley]

Will the Minister confirm that if the UK was ever to be pressured to join the European stability bail-out mechanism, it would require a treaty change, and that therefore a referendum would be given to the British people on that subject?

[Mr Lidington]

Membership of the proposed permanent European stability mechanism is open only to those countries that are members of the euro and have that as their currency. For the UK to join the euro, which would be necessary to take part in the ESM, there would have to be a referendum, provided that the European Union Bill becomes law.