British Council Contractors: Afghanistan

Debate between Margaret Ferrier and Vicky Ford

Thursday 23rd June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Vicky Ford]

I will need to get back to the hon. Lady with the details.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Ind)]

Afghan contractors worked to protect British Government officials and to keep them safe. We have left those contractors behind and done too little to repay the favour. What work has been under way for the past 10 months across the various Departments involved to try to ensure the safety of all contractors?

[Vicky Ford]

As I think I have said a number of times, we have brought in some of the most vulnerable people during this period, from various different groups. We have also been leading some of the international work to try to get aid into the country to help all of the citizens of Afghanistan with the extremely challenging economic situation. That is why we have led the pledging conference and put funding in for others to try to stabilise the situation. We are prioritising the contractors, which is why we have opened this window for them to express their interest and let us know their exact circumstances, and so we can bring out those who are most at risk.

Shireen Abu Aqla

Debate between Margaret Ferrier and Vicky Ford

Monday 16th May 2022 Commons Chamber

[Vicky Ford]

We absolutely continue to call out attacks against journalists and media internationally. The hon. Gentleman is right to point out that attacks against journalists have happened in the United Kingdom in our history, and I remember that particular tragedy well. We are one of the leading countries in the world standing for media freedom. We founded the Media Freedom Coalition; it now has 52 members, and we should like to see more.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Ind)]

I send my condolences to the family and colleagues of Shireen Abu Aqla. Can the Minister confirm that, contrary to the statement of the Israeli military spokesperson, the fact that a journalist is armed with a camera does not make that journalist a target?

[Vicky Ford]

Journalists should never be targets.

Prime Minister’s Visit to India

Debate between Margaret Ferrier and Vicky Ford

Tuesday 26th April 2022 Commons Chamber

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Ind)]

During talks with Prime Minister Modi, did the Prime Minister discuss India’s relationship with China and how pressure from China could slow or hinder trade deals?

[Vicky Ford]

I have given a great deal of detail on what was discussed about trade and security; security in defence, including cyber-security; and climate change. I cannot go into further detail at this time.

Ukraine

Debate between Margaret Ferrier and Vicky Ford

Tuesday 7th December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Vicky Ford]

We stand with our NATO allies in steadfastly supporting the sovereignty of Ukraine, and I take this opportunity to wish them a very happy Christmas—lucky you, getting two Christmases.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Ind)]

Ukraine and NATO are concerned that Russia will seize the Suwalki corridor by pushing migrants into the area and stoking unrest. That would allow Russian forces to join Belarus. What assessment have the Government and allies made of the likelihood of that scenario, and what humanitarian support would be provided to migrants caught in the fold?

[Vicky Ford]

We have no doubt that there is Russian action in Ukraine and in other countries that attempts to destabilise Europe, NATO and our allies. We are absolutely clear in our integrated review that Russian actions pose an acute and direct threat to national security. As I said from the Dispatch Box last week, we are providing humanitarian aid to those caught up in the middle of the crisis.

Arrest of Sudanese Prime Minister

Debate between Margaret Ferrier and Vicky Ford

Monday 25th October 2021 Commons Chamber

[Vicky Ford]

I thank my right hon. Friend for his question. As I have stated, there is a communications black-out at the moment and therefore contact is intermittent. I note that General al-Burhan made a statement today, but I say back to him one more time —I do not think that one can say this enough—all parties should support the civilian-led Government, the constitutional declaration and the Juba peace agreement. The military leadership cannot claim to be committed to a democratic future while simultaneously acting unilaterally to dissolve transitional institutions and to arrest leading civilian politicians.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Ind)]

Will the UK call for a special session of the UN Human Rights Council concerning the situation in Sudan?

[Vicky Ford]

We are already actively calling for a briefing at the UN Security Council to ensure that the situation gets the attention that it deserves. We welcome the statement by the UN Secretary-General, condemning the actions of the military today.