Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeremy Hunt and James Cleverly

Tuesday 2nd April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

I am very happy to look into the case in detail for the hon. Gentleman. Turkey may be a NATO ally and an important friend of the United Kingdom, but that does not prevent us from raising important human rights issues.

[James Cleverly (Braintree) (Con)]

T2.   What assessment has the Department made of the validity or otherwise of accusations of vote rigging in the recent Nigerian elections? Further to that, what support will be given to ensure the integrity and independence of the judiciary in Nigeria and the upholding of the rule of law?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeremy Hunt and James Cleverly

Tuesday 22nd January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

If we have not, we should.

[James Cleverly (Braintree) (Con)]

I am pleased that the United Kingdom has regained its No. 1 spot in the Portland soft power top 30, particularly because we overtook France in order to do so. Although not every element of our soft power is under my right hon. Friend’s Department’s control, will he ensure that organisations such as the British Council and the BBC World Service are well funded and able to project our soft power globally as we leave the European Union?

[Mr Hunt]

My hon. Friend is right to mention those organisations; they do a very important job. I actually think that the role of the BBC in providing impartial news across the world is very underestimated; that is an area in which we could do much better.