UKPOL.CO.UK

Category: Foreign Affairs

  • Hywel Williams – 2021 Speech on Global Britain

    Hywel Williams – 2021 Speech on Global Britain

    The speech made by Hywel Williams, the Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon, in the House of Commons on 11 January 2021.

    Global Britain reimagines the past, ignores the present and, in its naivety, diminishes the future. It is a product of the exceptionalism that diminished the UK’s relationship with the EU. Global Britain captures the arrogance of the Westminster Government towards the non-England UK.

    The Foreign Secretary said that global Britain will be

    “the best possible allies, partners and friends with our European neighbours”.

    Those neighbours are bound together by a European vision of peace, protected by political, economic and social interaction. This was rejected by this Government. Delusion and nostalgia trump political reality, trump global interdependence and even trump geography itself. The delusion is obvious to all, save for the deluded. My party advocates a policy for Wales of proximity to Europe. We recognise our shared values, our diversity, our political and economic interests and the sheer fact of geography that draws us to our mainland.

    The Foreign Secretary said the UK will be an

    “energetic champion of free and open trade”—[Official Report, 3 February 2020; Vol. 671, c. 26.]

    having just struck the first trade deal ever that put up barriers to trade. Most distasteful is the claim that the UK will be a “stronger force for good”—this coming from a Government who have cut international aid, have supplied arms to autocrats and have lavished praise on demagogues like Donald Trump, and that is going well, is it not?

    This year, the Republic of Ireland has again taken its seat on the United Nations Security Council. This achievement for a small nation is an emphatic rebuttal of the Unionist contention that nations like Wales and Scotland are too small and too poor to be independent and successful. These past four years of failure have proved that one London-shaped national interest does not serve our four unique and diverging sets of interests. We have our own international priorities. For now, we must have equal powers to approve future trade deals. That is imperative.

    Global Britain’s withdrawal from Erasmus is a disgrace: curtailing the life opportunities of our best, and with no reciprocal arrangements for students from our neighbours. But not to worry, we will have, I am sure, a “world-beating” alternative, no doubt destined to join all the other world-beating triumphs of this Government. Finally, there is the Government’s stupidest self-damaging spasm: the little England denial of visas for performers, rejecting a reasonable and mutually beneficial EU offer of 90-day visas both ways.

    Wales can achieve great things as an independent sovereign nation, free to make a positive and honest contribution to address the global challenges of our times. Global Britain comes nowhere near that aspiration.

  • Andrew Mitchell – 2021 Speech on Global Britain

    Andrew Mitchell – 2021 Speech on Global Britain

    The speech made by Andrew Mitchell, the Conservative MP for Sutton Coldfield, in the House of Commons on 11 January 2021.

    I draw the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. It is right that we should be debating global Britain this week, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, and the House of Commons will want to mark with sadness the passing of Sir Brian Urquhart, one of the principal architects of the UN and a fine British civil servant. As my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) said, the power of a passionate, compelling vision for global Britain has the ability to unite the United Kingdom, all four parts of it, in one vision, at a time when that Union is under great pressure.

    I want to make two specific comments about global Britain. The first is about the what. As my right hon. Friend said, we await the report, because we have had the money but not yet the report of what global Britain is going to stand for, but it seems to me very important that global Britain should represent values, rather than geographers. This enables us from time to time to agree with China but to disagree with Donald Trump. The UK has been a very bright light in many difficult parts of the world, standing up for the rule of law and human rights against Islamic terror, standing against meddling Russians and Chinese human rights abuse, and standing in favour of women’s rights and the fight against starvation.

    When it comes to the how, I think that the international rules-based system is the key. The UK has real leverage on this: our seat in the United Nations; as a leading member of the Commonwealth, that important north-south organisation, which embraces so much of the world; our principled position in NATO; the fact that we are a European power, in or out of the European Union; our relationship with the United States; and, of course, the British language, which, in terms of commerce, trade and law, gives Britain such a pre-eminent position, quite apart from the City of London as an international centre. And as others have mentioned, we have development. Over the past two decades, Britain has become a development superpower—the ideas of British universities, the actions on the ground of Britain’s international non-governmental organisations and the policy formation of the thinktanks—which is why I ask the Government to think again on breaking the 0.7% promise, on which every single Member of this House of Commons was elected just one year ago. Remember that the 0.7% has already been reduced.

    Daniel Kawczynski

    Will my right hon. Friend give way?

    Mr Mitchell

    I am afraid that I cannot give way as I have so little time.

    Daniel Kawczynski

    He will get an extra minute.

    Mr Mitchell

    I give way to my hon. Friend.

    Daniel Kawczynski

    I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend. He is a champion for DFID spending, but does he agree that, now we are outside the European Union, our intention to lower tariffs for third world countries will, in the long term, result in much more support for them than just the DFID money?

    Mr Mitchell

    I am very grateful to my hon. Friend. Of course, he is right that trade is the key, but in order to get to a point where countries can trade, you need many of the very important services that DFID has been providing in some of the poorest parts of the world. Remember that the 0.7% has already been reduced, because it is connected with our gross national income, by nearly £3 billion. If this cut goes ahead, the development budget will be reduced by nearly 50%. That is the worst thing we could do in a pandemic, which we know will never be defeated here until it is defeated everywhere. It is the most terrible timing—when we approach the chair of the G7, when this year we will chair the United Nations Security Council and when we have the most important COP in Glasgow in November. It would be a terrible mistake. I urge the Treasury Bench to think again about this £4 billion reduction—just 1% of the borrowing this year. It should not be carried out in this way and it should not be carried out at this time.

  • Lindsay Hoyle – 2021 Statement about Trump Supporters Attacking the Capitol Building

    Lindsay Hoyle – 2021 Statement about Trump Supporters Attacking the Capitol Building

    The statement made by Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, on 11 January 2021.

    Before I call the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I have a short statement to make about the events at the Capitol in Washington DC last Wednesday and Thursday. Like many hon. Members, I was shocked and dismayed by the events that took place. I wrote a personal letter to Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to offer my solidarity—not least at the trashing and occupation of her office. Since I wrote the letter, we have learned of the very sad death of Officer Brian D. Sicknick. Elected representatives in the House and the Senate, and the staff who support them, showed great courage in ensuring that the democratic process was delayed but not stalled. I am sure I speak for all hon. Members in passing on our best wishes to them all and our condolences to the family and colleagues of Officer Sicknick.

  • Michael Gove – 2021 Comments on Border Traffic

    Michael Gove – 2021 Comments on Border Traffic

    The comments made by Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, on 9 January 2021.

    I’d like to thank hauliers, traders and our key industry partners for the hard work they have been putting in to make sure that they are compliant with the new rules.

    The preparations they have made have paid dividends and disruption has been minimal so far, but the real challenge and potential for significant disruption starts next week when we expect that the number of lorries heading to the border may return to normal levels.

    We have always been clear there would be changes now that we are out of the customs union and single market, so full compliance with the new rules is vital to avoid disruption, and the best way to ensure readiness is to follow the guidance on gov.uk and use the ‘Check an HGV’ service.

    We stand ready to help keep goods flowing smoothly as we adjust to our new relationship with the EU and ensure we take advantage of the opportunities it brings.

  • Dominic Raab – 2021 Joint Statement on Hong Kong

    Dominic Raab – 2021 Joint Statement on Hong Kong

    The joint statement made by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, with other foreign secretaries on 9 January 2021.

    We, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the United States Secretary of State, underscore our serious concern at the mass arrests of 55 politicians and activists in Hong Kong for subversion under the National Security Law.

    The National Security Law is a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and undermines the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework. It has curtailed the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views.

    We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention. It is crucial that the postponed Legislative Council elections in September proceed in a fair way that includes candidates representing a range of political opinions.

  • James Cleverly – 2021 Speech on Peace and Security

    James Cleverly – 2021 Speech on Peace and Security

    The speech made by James Cleverly, the Minister for Middle East and North Africa, on 8 January 2021.

    Mr President, thank you for convening this timely debate. My thanks also to Secretary-General Guterres, Mr Faki and Mrs Johnson Sirleaf for clearly outlining the challenge.

    We see, all too often, the devastating impact of conflict on a country and its neighbours. As the war in Syria rages on, over 9 million of its people cannot afford basic food supplies.

    More than 6 million – including 2½ million children – are refugees far from home. On either side of the border, COVID-19 has only made their situation more precarious.

    This fragility is a key challenge to the peace and security we all desire. By 2030, 80% of the world’s extreme poor will live in fragile states and regions.

    While our attention is still on the health impact of COVID-19, we know its social and economic effects will magnify that trend.

    We also know that sustainable development and economic growth are just not possible without peace.

    Mr President, I want to highlight three key elements to maintain international peace and security: inclusion, partnership and an integrated approach to fragility and security.

    To my first point: peace processes are often the domain of a small number of well-connected men. But we know that peace will not last, if half the population aren’t represented at the negotiating table.

    Women and community leaders must have a seat from the start. Their meaningful participation can prevent conflict, support conflict resolution and maintain peace.

    We need to protect and clear the path for women who speak up for their rights, their communities and their futures.

    The UK has supported the International Civil Society Action Network to develop the Protection Framework for women peacebuilders.

    As the Council’s penholder on the Women, Peace and Security agenda, we urge all member states to commit to its recommendations.

    To my second point, the UN and African Union are stronger together as partners for peacebuilding.

    The collaboration that delivered the Central African Republic peace agreement, and AU mediation in Sudan are just two examples of how our partnership promotes peace.

    I commend the progress made by the African Union on Silencing the Guns, bolstering the African Peace and Security Architecture, the Panel of the Wise and FemWise.

    Through the UN, the UK is helping train African peacekeepers, and we recently deployed 300 military personnel to MINUSMA.

    I also welcome the recent extraordinary meeting of IGAD heads of state to discuss regional security concerns. However, resolution will come not only with discussion, but with difficult choices and action.

    Thirdly, I want to state the importance of an integrated approach to prevent conflict. The recent Twin Resolutions on Sustaining Peace show the international community’s determination to address the causes before the guns start firing.

    We have mechanisms to help us, like the African Union’s Continental Early Warning System, which the UK supports.

    Effective interventions need to span humanitarian, development and peacebuilding operations. The UK worked with the OECD to develop the Recommendation on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus, which will guide future interventions.

    It is also important that the UN and International Financial Institutions continue developing their working partnership. We welcome the cooperation between the UN, World Bank, EU and Government of Burkina Faso that helped unlock $700 million of World Bank funding.

    To sum up, the challenges to maintaining peace continue to grow and the costs of excluding women and failing to think holistically become ever more apparent.

    But there is light. The UN has taken positive steps in its ability to maintain peace in fragile settings, including the Secretary-General’s reform agenda.

    The UN’s capacity to prevent and respond to conflict has been bolstered through the Peacebuilding Fund, the Multi-year Appeal and the Peace and Development Advisors.

    The Peacebuilding Commission is now a critical forum for international cooperation on fragile states and regions.

    Crucially, we better understand the importance of inclusive peace-making and peacebuilding. We know we are more effective when we work with regional partners on complex challenges. And we know the value of tackling the drivers of conflict before a shot is fired.

    In an evolving world, as we continue to adapt, our partnerships are our strength, inclusion is our security, and the prize is peace.

  • Nicola Sturgeon – 2021 Comments on Trump Supporters Attacking the Capitol Building

    Nicola Sturgeon – 2021 Comments on Trump Supporters Attacking the Capitol Building

    The comments made by Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, on 6 January 2021.

    The scenes from the Capitol are utterly horrifying. Solidarity with those in the United States on the side of democracy and the peaceful and constitutional transfer of power. Shame on those who have incited this attack on democracy.

  • John Swinney – 2021 Comments on Trump Supporters Attacking the Capitol Building

    John Swinney – 2021 Comments on Trump Supporters Attacking the Capitol Building

    The comments made by John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister of Scotland, on 7 January 2021.

    The events in the United States are a terrifying warning of the fragility of democracy. The conduct of Trump in inciting this violence is despicable. Vital that Democrats and Republicans stand together to certify the election of Joe Biden and show that democracy always prevails.

  • Andrew Adonis – 2021 Comments on Donald Trump

    Andrew Adonis – 2021 Comments on Donald Trump

    The comments made by Andrew Adonis on 7 January 2021.

    Every British politician and journalist who has praised or associated with Trump, beyond official business, should be ashamed.

  • Simon Hoare – 2021 Comments on Trump Supporters Attacking the Capitol Building

    Simon Hoare – 2021 Comments on Trump Supporters Attacking the Capitol Building

    The comments made by Simon Hoare, the Conservative MP for North Dorset, on 7 January 2021.

    Yesterday proved Trump is a cult (yes, I’ve checked spelling). He’s tried to drag America’s reputation to below the sewers. He’s created domestic terrorists to mount a coup d’etat. He and his disciples should be treated as such by Homeland Security. GOP must deal with these rogues.