(3 days, 5 hours ago)
Commons Chamber Stephen Doughty
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Stephen Doughty 
        
    
        
    
        It genuinely was an honour to meet the three young people my hon. Friend mentioned. As she said, not only were their stories shocking, but they were inspiring in their courage. I assure her that we continue to use every forum, including the United Nations, and all our discussions with partners and allies. I particularly commend the First Lady’s initiatives on this issue. We want to see those young people returned—it is one of the most heinous aspects of Russia’s illegal and barbarous war in Ukraine.
 Marie Goldman (Chelmsford) (LD)
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Marie Goldman (Chelmsford) (LD) 
        
    
        
    
        The British Council is in dire financial straits. If it disappears, so will the invaluable soft power that it wields. Will the Foreign Secretary commit to meeting the chief executive of the British Council to discuss that as soon as possible?