Ratification of the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict

Lord Dobbs Excerpts

Monday 12th May 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

I am afraid that really is rather above my pay grade. I understand entirely what the noble Lord is saying. We would ideally like this to be put on the statute book but we are not in a position to do that at the moment. What is important in practical terms is that our Armed Forces are very conscious of the protocol and the convention, which is why they adhere to what is intended. I have some very interesting details on what we have been undertaking in Afghanistan, for instance, where we very much adhere to the requirements of the convention.

[Lord Dobbs (Con)]

Would my noble friend accept that one of the prime casualties of any armed conflict is the truth, and that we set up the Chilcot inquiry to establish the truth into that tragic war in Iraq? That report has now taken longer to write than World War 1 took to fight, and there is a rumour abroad that it is being held up by the intransigence of one very wealthy man. Would he not accept that the nation’s interests, and the interests of truth, far outweigh the interests of any one man and can he tell us when that report will be published?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

I thank my noble friend but all these reports take their course and take their time. However, it is obviously very important that we have this report and have it in the proper time.