Oral Answers to Questions

John Whittingdale Excerpts
Tuesday 25th October 2011

(13 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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As I said, if Ukraine wants to make progress with its declared objective of closer integration with the EU, it must realise that that involves a clear and permanent commitment to political reform to establish modern democratic institutions.

John Whittingdale Portrait Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con)
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The Government are right to make clear their deep concern about the legitimacy of the trial and conviction of Mrs Tymoshenko, but does my right hon. Friend agree that it is in the interests of both our countries that we continue to press Ukraine, and that we negotiate for it to join the association agreement and to sign the deep and comprehensive free trade agreement? Does he also agree that although we should register a protest, it would be a grave mistake to break off those talks?