Steel Import Restrictions
Lord Hussain Excerpts(1 week, 6 days ago)
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Lord Leong (Lab)
The noble Lord is absolutely right and I congratulate the former Government on starting the conversations on the India free trade deal and the CPTPP. However, the prize is closing the deal, which we have done in government. On the assessments and all that, look, we have absolutely no intention of undermining the benefits of the trade deal for any specific sector. That is why my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Business and Trade is in India having conversations with Minister Goyal to ensure that this free trade deal is implemented as soon as possible.
Lord Hussain (LD)
My Lords, as I understand it, our free trade agreement with India includes a special clause on the welfare of animals, which is quite good. Is a human rights clause also included? If not, do the British Government really think that human rights in India are less important than those of animals?
Lord Leong (Lab)
No, we do not. Human rights are important everywhere, whether in India or any other country, and we will abide by our obligations under the international conventions on human rights.
Violence against Women and Girls Strategy
Lord Hussain Excerpts(5 months, 4 weeks ago)
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Lord Hussain (LD)
My Lords, violence against women includes forced marriages, and while the statistics show that this problem is being reduced day by day, one such incident is one too many. According to government statistics, 283 cases were reported in 2023. What are the Government doing to eradicate this problem through education? It is mostly parents and elders who are involved in educating people to stop this practice.
Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)
The noble Lord raises an important issue, and it goes back to the point the noble Baroness made. I cannot give too much detail today, but the issue of forced marriage that that he raised, as well as the treatment of women and honour-based abuse, will be covered in the strategy. I am sorry that the 10 minutes allowed has run out, but I give the assurance, which I know the noble Baroness wished to have, that a fuller Statement will be repeated in the House early in the new year.