Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Mike Gapes Excerpts
Monday 25th March 2019

(5 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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We have been absolutely consistent that there must be complete denuclearisation, and while it is disappointing as to where talks have gone we must remain hopeful that pressure can be applied for North Korea to come back to the table in order to be able to reinvigorate these discussions going forward.

Mike Gapes Portrait Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Ind)
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Will the Government make it clear that North Korea cannot play games, as it has done for more than 20 years, just wanting to get sanctions lifted or get economic support from outside and then reverting to its old policies, and that there will be consequences internationally if it does that?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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The hon. Gentleman makes an important point, and I remember visiting South Korea with him back in, I think, 2010 or 2011 where we looked at this. It is vital that Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with our UN friends in terms of the imposition and enforcement of sanctions, which the Royal Navy has been leading on with our other UN partners.