Oral Answers to Questions

Richard Graham Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd May 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I gently say to the Foreign Secretary that this is topical questions and we are meant to get through them. Colleagues really want to get a question in and I want to hear them. I call Richard Graham.

[Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con)]

Mr Speaker, thank you. The Philippines is the third largest English-speaking country in the world and a growing trade partner, and we will welcome President Marcos to the coronation later this week. However, the Philippines continues to suffer from maritime incursions by the People’s Republic of China and the arbitration award under the United Nations convention on the law of the sea, or UNCLOS, in 2016 has never been implemented because China, like the United States, does not recognise its arbitration awards.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the Minister.

[Richard Graham]

What can we do to help avoid unnecessary—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Mr Graham, I just said to the Foreign Secretary that these are topical questions and we need short answers and short questions. I need speed. If you do not want a colleague to get in, please pick which one.