Stuart Anderson debates involving the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office during the 2024 Parliament

British Indian Ocean Territory: Negotiations

Stuart Anderson Excerpts
Monday 7th October 2024

(1 day, 7 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
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As I have already said, this is not a Chinese ally; it is one of two countries that have not participated in China’s belt and road in the continent of Africa, for a reason. It is an ally of India, not a Chinese ally, and it is hard to take the hon. Gentleman seriously if he cannot even get his facts right.

Stuart Anderson Portrait Stuart Anderson (South Shropshire) (Con)
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We have heard with great interest all these other countries that the Foreign Secretary is looking to please. I am interested in our country. I am interested in what goes on in this House. Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that we will have a vote, and the mechanism by which that vote will come to this House, so that we can have a say on our sovereignty and what we own?

David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
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The hon. Gentleman is not new to this House. We will follow the usual processes, as he would expect.

Oral Answers to Questions

Stuart Anderson Excerpts
Tuesday 30th July 2024

(2 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
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It was absolutely right that at the NATO summit we were able to set out that irreversible pathway to membership for Ukraine, and that NATO was able to come together and speak with one voice.

Stuart Anderson Portrait Stuart Anderson (South Shropshire) (Con)
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I am proud to have served on NATO operations in both Bosnia and Kosovo. The 2.5% of GDP commitment will strengthen our ties within NATO. Will the Foreign Secretary commit to a timeline at the earliest opportunity to ensure that we do not have to cancel any defence projects and that we have the 2.5% of GDP on defence spending as soon as possible?

David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
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I thank the hon. Gentleman and my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth Moor View (Fred Thomas) for their service. I gently remind the hon. Gentleman that the last Government to get to 2.5% of GDP spending on defence was a Labour Government. We intend to get back there and those plans will be announced at a fiscal event in the future.