Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gerald Jones and Nigel Adams

Tuesday 17th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab)]

14. What recent steps he has taken to strengthen the protection of human rights throughout the world.

[The Minister for Asia (Nigel Adams)]

The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. We are one of the longest standing members of the Human Rights Council, and we are committed to maintaining that record when we stand for re-election this year. The UK’s autonomous global human rights Magnitsky-style sanctions regime is due to come into force in the coming months. That will allow us to impose sanctions in response to serious human rights violations or abuses around the world.

[Gerald Jones]

Since June 2019, when the UK became co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition to defend LGBT communities around the world, no additional Commonwealth countries have joined. Even now, there are no Commonwealth members from Africa, Asia or the Caribbean. What can the Minister do to improve that dire situation?

[Nigel Adams]

We must tackle all human rights issues through multilateral organisations wherever possible. The UK Government will continue to make that case through our networks and ministerial team, and the hon. Gentleman raises a serious point.