Jonathan Edwards
Main Page: Jonathan Edwards (Independent - Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)Department Debates - View all Jonathan Edwards's debates with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
(11 years, 7 months ago)
Commons Chamber Mr Hague
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Mr Hague 
        
    
        
    
        Several proposals have been made during the questions on my statement, and I have not ruled out any of the options. Economic and financial options are open to us, depending on consultations with other countries and depending on the course of events over the next few days.
 Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (PC)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (PC) 
        
    
        
    
        If the UK Government were serious about putting pressure on Russia, they would be considering economic sanctions, including restricting the flow of money and assets from Russia to the City of London. The United States is considering such a course of action, but it would be largely ineffective without a similar European response. Does not the ruling out of such action mean that the interests of the square mile are driving UK foreign policy, and that the international response will be hindered?
 Mr Hague
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Mr Hague 
        
    
        
    
        I think that the hon. Gentleman has been here for the last hour and a quarter, but he did not show much sign of that in asking his question. I have not ruled out any of those options. No measure proposed by any of our allies has so far been blocked by the United Kingdom. I have explained that actions that we take—in regard to which we have not ruled out any options—will be taken with our allies, with careful consideration, and depending on the course of events over the next few days.