Korean Peninsula

Lord Roberts of Llandudno Excerpts

Tuesday 5th September 2017 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what new initiatives they are taking to ease tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

[Baroness Goldie (Con)]

My Lords, the United Kingdom is seeking a peaceful resolution to the tensions on the Korean peninsula. We strongly condemn the nuclear test conducted by North Korea on 3 September. It poses an unacceptable threat to the international community. We will continue to work with our international partners to maximise pressure on North Korea’s leadership to change direction and stop its destabilising action.

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno (LD)]

I thank the Minister for those remarks but does she not agree that Britain’s contribution would be far more effective if it was part of a European contribution—from a European community—rather than trying to effect it as an offshore island?

[Baroness Goldie]

In response to the noble Lord, it is helpful to look at such evidence as we have. He will be aware that there has been a sequence of United Nations Security Council resolutions, most recently Resolution 2371, which was unanimously supported and adopted on 5 August. There has been a powerful global response to North Korea and these sanctions appear to be working, which is the important point. There is evidence that there is now a cutting-off of North Korean exports such as coal, iron and certain seafood.