CHOGM, G7 and NATO Summits

Lord Bilimoria Excerpts

Monday 4th July 2022 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park (Con)]

Yes, we were very pleased to agree the accession of Togo and Gabon. I do not believe that Cameroon was mentioned, but if that was the case, I will happily refer back to the noble Viscount. As for agriculture, he is absolutely right: as well as the various additional funds I mentioned, we also announced £17.7 million of funding through the FCDO’s green growth centre of expertise to improve the effective use of fertilisers and increase food production in countries including Rwanda, Kenya and Ghana.

[Lord Bilimoria (CB)]

My Lords, would it be possible to speak? I was a latecomer as well.

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park (Con)]

Did the noble Lord hear any of the Statement?

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Bilimoria (CB)]

I was here when the noble Lord, Lord Newby, was speaking.

[Lord Ashton of Hyde (Con)]

No, sorry.

[Lord Bilimoria (CB)]

But everyone else who was late was allowed to speak.

[Lord Ashton of Hyde (Con)]

Some Members were late by a minute or five minutes, but the noble Lord missed the whole Statement and the remarks of the party leaders.

[Lord Bilimoria (CB)]

I did not miss their remarks.

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

The noble Lord missed the Front-Benchers.

[Lord Bilimoria (CB)]

I did not miss them; I heard the noble Lord, Lord Newby.

[Lord Ashton of Hyde (Con)]

I think that proves the point that the noble Lord was not here for the Leader of the Opposition.