UK Relations: Saudi Arabia

Mike Gapes Excerpts
Wednesday 7th March 2018

(6 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alistair Burt Portrait Alistair Burt
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I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his observations. Although the circumstances in Yemen are indeed dire and call for a conclusion to the conflict, not to understand the origins of the conflict and how it was started—the call for help and assistance by the legitimate Government—would be to fail to understand how the conflict can properly be brought to a conclusion. That outside influences have been involved, causing great danger, and great fears and concerns, in the region is also extremely clear.

Mike Gapes Portrait Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op)
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The Minister mentioned the two holy places. Hundreds of thousands—probably millions—of British citizens aspire to go or will go on the Hajj. During these discussions, will he be raising the issues about their security, and the way in which they are treated? Will he also emphasise the importance of Saudi Arabia revitalising the Arab peace initiative for a middle east peace settlement?