Britain’s Place in the World

Lord Swire Excerpts

Tuesday 15th October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Alok Sharma]

No, I do not believe that is the case. Of course, we will continue to co-operate with our friends around the world, and of course we will continue to play a leading part in NATO.

[Sir Hugo Swire (East Devon) (Con)]

I am pleased to hear what my right hon. Friend says he is doing for women and girls around the world. Can he confirm that the Government will also be looking at spending more and raising the profile of female genital mutilation, both here and abroad, and also of female education, particularly at primary level?

[Alok Sharma]

I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend, who did such good work during his time at the Foreign Office tackling precisely these issues. Of course we will continue to work on supporting initiatives in these areas.

--- Later in debate ---

[Alok Sharma]

Perhaps—

[Sir Hugo Swire]

And sexist, by definition!

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I did not hear the word, but if the word used was that which has just been put to me, it was tasteless. [Interruption.] I know that the right hon. Member for East Devon (Sir Hugo Swire) means well, but I am not sure that I regard him as a great arbiter on these important matters, although he may be starting to negotiate the learning curve. I am sure he is well intentioned and trying his best.