Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 5th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hague]

One important aspect of the Chequers summit was that the Pakistani security establishment was there, representing the leadership of the army and the Inter-Services Intelligence. Their clarity and their support for pursuing a peace process, and for working with Afghanistan and with us in order to do so, were abundantly clear. This is therefore now the context in which Pakistan is looking at the Taliban. It wants the Taliban to come into reconciliation and peace.

[Mr Speaker]

I think that the strength and knee muscles of the hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr Brazier) now deserve recognition.

[Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker; that is an interesting accolade.

I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on that extraordinary summit between two powers that were very unlikely to share a room together even a few months ago. I also congratulate our embassy in Kabul on the extraordinary work it is doing to promote the commercial side of Afghanistan, particularly the mining projects, which in the long run are the key to prosperity for the country.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Lidington]

I believe that there are many reforms that can be achieved within the current treaty framework and further reforms that, in due course, would be best settled within the framework of treaty amendments.

[Mr Speaker]

Last but not least, Mark Hendrick.

[Mark Hendrick (Preston) (Lab/Co-op)]

12. What discussions he has had with the Governments of Mali and France on protection of British civilian and military personnel in Mali.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Hague]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Preferably the answer will be shorter than the question.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am sorry to disappoint colleagues but even a two-hour session for Foreign Office questions would probably not be sufficient. We must move on.