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Category: Foreign Affairs

  • Catherine West – 2023 Speech on Saudi Arabia’s Execution of Hussein Abo al-Kheir

    Catherine West – 2023 Speech on Saudi Arabia’s Execution of Hussein Abo al-Kheir

    The speech made by Catherine West, the Shadow Foreign Office Minister, in the House of Commons on 16 March 2023.

    I thank the right hon. Member for Haltemprice and Howden (Mr Davis) for his characteristic defence of these principles in the House and for securing this urgent question.

    On behalf of the Labour party, I extend my condolence to the family of Hussein Abo al-Kheir, a Jordanian national who leaves behind eight children. Labour stands unequivocally against the death penalty wherever it is used in the world. The taking of human life as punishment, regardless of the crime, is a gross breach of a person’s human rights.

    Mr al-Kheir was arrested in 2014 for alleged drug smuggling; however, because there was no proper trial with a proper defence and he had no legal advice, it is very difficult to know the exact detail of the case. He consistently denied the charges. While he was in custody, he was allegedly so severely beaten and tortured that he lost his eyesight. Moreover, he was denied basic due process and was unable to instruct a lawyer throughout his time in custody. Despite interventions from the Government and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, his execution went ahead on Sunday.

    I reiterate the point made earlier: has the UK become less robust on the question of human rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 2015? Saudi Arabia is a founding member of the Arab League, which is bound by the Arab charter of human rights; what urgent actions are the Government taking to ensure that our partners comply with the Arab League and its human rights charter?

    In the run-up to Ramadan, what extra measures are the Government taking to open dialogue with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, so that we can avoid a repeat of last year’s execution of 100 people? In the strategic dialogue with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will the Minister press for the value of the sanctity of human life, a principle that we in this House all agree on?

    Leo Docherty

    I join the hon. Lady in vocally opposing the death penalty. That is at the core of all our diplomatic work so we entirely share that view. As she said, we do not know the exact details of this case, so it is not useful to speculate, but we can be sure that we continue to engage through our mission in Riyadh and other multilateral channels.

    To answer the hon. Lady’s question directly, we are certainly no less robust than we were previously in our absolute determination to oppose the death penalty around the world, and at bilateral fora as well as multilateral fora. She mentioned the Arab League and the advent of Ramadan; that gives us even more urgency in the representations we make. We will continue to press and engage at the multilateral and bilateral level to oppose this practice.

  • David Davis – 2023 Speech on Saudi Arabia’s Execution of Hussein Abo al-Kheir

    David Davis – 2023 Speech on Saudi Arabia’s Execution of Hussein Abo al-Kheir

    The speech made by David Davis, the Conservative MP for Haltemprice and Howden, in the House of Commons on 16 March 2023.

    Hussein Abo al-Kheir had been on death row since 2015. He had been tortured into a false confession and always maintained his innocence. When I was told this weekend that his execution was imminent, I urgently wrote to the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, the junior Minister, Lord Ahmad, the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the Saudi ambassador to the UK, calling for intervention to prevent Hussein’s execution—I received no formal reply, although I understand that a letter has arrived in my office since I have been in the Chamber. Hussein was subsequently executed. A response given on Tuesday to questions from the Father of the House appeared to suggest that, despite my representations, only low-level attempts were made to talk to the Saudis over the weekend. In 2015, the Foreign Secretary’s predecessor, Philip Hammond, intervened himself, successfully, to prevent the execution of a Saudi youth activist, and he prevented many more executions by so doing; that intervention saved Ali’s life. I firmly believe that a stronger intervention over the weekend could have saved Hussein’s life and perhaps more to come.

    Saudi Arabia continues to be one of the most prolific users of the death penalty, killing more than 130 individuals in 2022. Since 1 March this year, the Kingdom has executed 11 people, including for non-violent drug offences. That goes against Saudi Arabia’s informal moratorium on the use of the death penalty for drug-related offences. Being soft with totalitarian states comes back to bite us, as we know from the Russian example. We must make it clear to our ally that it must abide by international standards of civilised behaviour; doing so might just save the lives of those who remain on death row.

    Leo Docherty

    I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for describing the number of letters he has sent and pointing out that a response has been had. I am pleased that that is the case. I assure him that a range of interventions were made, as I described, at the most senior level by Lord Ahmad. That describes the energy with which he has made these representations, so we can be confident that a great deal of energy was expended in that effort. Of course, we cannot speculate as to the particulars of the case. My right hon. Friend mentioned the apparent spike in cases. Again, it might not be useful to speculate, but it might be that a pre-Ramadan surge of cases is adding to the apparent uptick. I understand that the moratorium relates to drug use rather than drug smuggling, and this case pertained to an allegation of and conviction for smuggling rather than use, which I think is relevant. It is not useful to speculate further on the particulars of this case, but we do make clear our continued opposition to the use of the death penalty, and our close working relationship with the Saudi authorities allows us to do just that in a way that allows us to appeal for clemency.

  • Leo Docherty – 2023 Statement on Saudi Arabia’s Execution of Hussein Abo al-Kheir

    Leo Docherty – 2023 Statement on Saudi Arabia’s Execution of Hussein Abo al-Kheir

    The statement made by Leo Docherty, the Foreign Office Minister, in the House of Commons on 16 March 2023.

    Saudi Arabia, of course, remains a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office human rights priority country, in part because of the continued use of the death penalty. It is long-standing UK policy to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances, in all countries, as a matter of principle. The Saudi Government are well aware of the UK’s opposition to the use of the death penalty. The UK Government have consistently raised the issue of the death penalty, including the case of Jordanian national Mr Hussein Abo al-Kheir, with the Saudi authorities. The Minister for the middle east and north Africa and for human rights, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, has actively raised concerns about the death penalty and the specific case of Mr al-Kheir with the Saudi authorities on multiple occasions, including doing so with the president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission in December 2022 and when he visited the kingdom in February 2023. Lord Ahmad also raised the case with the Saudi ambassador to the UK, including in November 2022 and in January of this year.

    On learning about the imminency of the execution, which took place on Saturday 11 March, Lord Ahmad again spoke to the president of the Saudi HRC, the Saudi vice-Foreign Minister and the Saudi ambassador. Saudi Arabia is committed to an ambitious programme of economic and social reform, through “Vision 2030”, which has already delivered significant change, including increased freedoms and economic opportunity for women. However, the human rights situation is likely to remain a key issue in our engagement for the foreseeable future. We will continue to discuss human rights and the death penalty, including individual cases of concern, with the Saudi authorities.

  • Rishi Sunak – 2023 Statement at AUKUS Trilateral Press Conference

    Rishi Sunak – 2023 Statement at AUKUS Trilateral Press Conference

    The statement made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, in San Diego on 13 March 2023.

    Sixty years ago, here in San Diego, President Kennedy spoke of: “A higher purpose – the maintenance of freedom, peace and…security”.

    Today, we stand together, united by that same purpose.

    And recognising that to fulfil it we must forge new kinds of relationships to meet new kinds of challenge – just as we have always done.

    In the last 18 months, the challenges we face have only grown.

    Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine…

    China’s growing assertiveness…

    The destabilising behaviour of Iran and North Korea…

    …all threaten to create a world defined by danger, disorder, and division.

    Faced with this new reality, it is more important than ever that we strengthen the resilience of our own countries.

    That’s why the UK is today announcing a significant uplift in our defence budget.

    We’re providing an extra £5bn over the next two years, immediately increasing our defence budget to around 2.25% of GDP.

    This will allow us to replenish our war stocks.

    And modernise our nuclear enterprise, delivering AUKUS and strengthening our deterrent.

    Our highest priority is to continue providing military aid to Ukraine, because their security is our security.

    And we will go further to strengthen our resilience.

    For the first time, the United Kingdom will move away from our baseline commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence to a new ambition of 2.5%.

    Putting beyond doubt that the United Kingdom is – and will remain – one of the world’s leading defence powers.

    But ultimately, the defence of our values depends, as it always has…

    …on the quality of our relationships with others.

    Those alliances will be strengthened through AUKUS…

    …the most significant multilateral defence partnership in generations.

    AUKUS matches our enduring commitment to freedom and democracy…

    …with the most advanced military, scientific, and technological capability.

    Nowhere is that clearer than in the plans we’re unveiling today for the new Aukus submarine…

    …one of the most advanced nuclear-powered subs the world has ever known.

    Those plans could not happen without cutting-edge American technology and expertise…

    …so I pay tribute to you, Mr President, for your leadership.

    And to you, Prime Minister, for your vision of what Aukus can achieve.

    For our part, the UK comes to this with over sixty years’ experience of running our own fleet.

    We’ll provide the world-leading design, and build the first of these new boats…

    …creating thousands of good, well-paid jobs in places like Barrow and Derby.

    And we will share our knowledge and experience with Australian engineers so they can build their own fleet.

    Our partnership is significant not just because we are building these submarines together…

    …they will also be truly interoperable.

    The Royal Navy will operate the same submarines as the Australian Navy.

    We will both share components and parts with the US Navy.

    Our submarine crews will train together, patrol together, and maintain their boats together.

    They will communicate using the same terminology and the same equipment.

    And through AUKUS, we will raise our standards of nuclear non-proliferation.

    This is a powerful partnership.

    For the first time ever, it will mean three fleets of submarines working together across both the Atlantic and Pacific…

    …keeping our oceans free, open, and prosperous for decades to come.

    Joe, Anthony –

    We represent three allies who have stood shoulder to shoulder together for more than a century.

    Three peoples who have shed blood together in defence of our shared values.

    And three democracies that are coming together again…

    …to fulfil that higher purpose of maintaining freedom, peace, and security…

    …now and for generations to come.

  • Rishi Sunak – 2023 Press Conference in Paris

    Rishi Sunak – 2023 Press Conference in Paris

    The speech made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, at a press conference in Paris on 10 March 2023.

    Emmanuel, thank you for hosting us here today.

    Now, if we’re honest, the relationship between our two countries has had its challenges in recent years…

    …and I’m not just referring to you knocking England out of the World Cup.

    But I believe today’s meeting does mark a new beginning – our entente renewed.

    We’re looking to the future.

    A future that builds on all that we share – our history, our geography, our values.

    And a future that is far more ambitious about how we work together to improve the lives of the people we serve.

    We’ve discussed every aspect of our crucial alliance today.

    And made important progress in three areas in particular: illegal migration, energy, and security.

    Emmanuel and I share the same belief: criminal gangs should not get to decide who comes to our countries.

    Within weeks of my coming into office, we agreed our largest ever small boats deal.

    And today, we’ve taken our co-operation to an unprecedented level to tackle this shared challenge.

    We’re announcing a new detention centre in Northern France…

    …a new command centre bringing our enforcement teams together in one place for the first time…

    …and an extra 500 new officers patrolling French beaches.

    All underpinned by more drones and other surveillance technologies that will help ramp up the interception rate.

    And the legislation the UK has introduced this week supports this…

    …because it’s designed to break the business model of the criminal gangs and remove the pull factors bringing them to the Channel coast.

    Now, we will always comply with our international treaty obligations…

    …but I am convinced that within them we can do what is necessary to solve this shared problem – and stop the boats.

    Second, the UK and France are working together so that never again can the likes of Putin weaponise our energy security.

    You are helping us to secure our supply of nuclear power thanks to EDF’s incredible work at Sizewell C.

    And through our ports and interconnectors, we can be Europe’s gateway for non-Russian gas.

    Today we’re going further, with an ambitious new Energy Partnership.

    We have:

    Signed a new deal on civil nuclear cooperation…

    Agreed that France will examine the case for new energy interconnectors…

    And committed to work together on low carbon energy.

    Together, I believe we’re creating a future where every watt of energy

    powering our homes and industry will come from secure, sustainable, and reliable sources.

    Third, the UK and France share a special bond and a special responsibility.

    When the security of our continent is threatened, we will always be at the forefront of its defence.

    And today we’re going even further to strengthen our security and defence co-operation.

    We’ve agreed:

    To train Ukrainian marines, helping to give Ukraine a decisive advantage on the battlefield and for Ukraine win this war.

    To increase the inter-operability of our forces, harnessing the full potential of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force.

    To promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, coordinating our carrier deployments.

    And we will jointly explore the development of complex weapons like air defence, combat air, and long-range weapons.

    Now, for decades we’ve been two of the world’s biggest defence powers, and leading contributors to NATO.

    And we will continue to stand together for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

    Finally, today there has also been a celebration of the richness of our cultures…

    …all that we give to each other, and all that we learn from each other.

    And so we’ve agreed to make it easier for our children to go on school exchanges…

    …and our museum curators, writers and artists to create and collaborate together.

    And that brings me to my concluding thought.

    For all the agreements we’ve reached today – in the end, it’s about people.

    The bonds of family, friendship, and solidarity that we share.

    And there’s no greater example of that human connection than the sympathy of the French people on the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.

    And I want to thank you personally, Emmanuel, for the graciousness of your words.

    They said everything about you as a leader and as a friend of Britain.

    You know, I’ve learnt very quickly in this job that there are some things you can control and some things you can’t.

    And one thing you can’t control is who you get as an international counterpart.

    I feel fortunate to be serving alongside you.

    And incredibly excited about the future we can build together.

    Merci, mon ami.

  • James Cleverly – 2023 Statement on Japan-South Korea Relations

    James Cleverly – 2023 Statement on Japan-South Korea Relations

    The statement made by James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, on 6 March 2023.

    The UK welcomes the statements today from South Korea and Japan as they seek to resolve sensitive historic issues. We support both our partners in their efforts to form closer ties. Our world can only be stronger and safer when we work together in support of our shared interests and values.

  • James Cleverly – 2023 Speech on the Nigerian Presidential Elections

    James Cleverly – 2023 Speech on the Nigerian Presidential Elections

    The speech made by James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, on 1 March 2023.

    The United Kingdom commends Nigerian voters for their participation in the Presidential and National Assembly elections and for their patience and resilience in exercising their democratic rights. We congratulate the President Elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    We note the position of opposition parties on the election outcome and the concerns expressed by observer missions and civil society about the organisation of the process, including delays and technical challenges. We encourage the authorities to examine all concerns carefully, take action to resolve outstanding issues and focus on delivering the will of the Nigerian people.

  • Grant Shapps – 2023 Speech at Norwegian Royal Plenary Session

    Grant Shapps – 2023 Speech at Norwegian Royal Plenary Session

    The speech made by Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, in London on 1 March 2023.

    A little over 80 years ago, just before midnight, on Tuesday February 16th, 1943…

    A small team of Norwegian commandos, trained by the British Special Operations Executive in Scotland….. parachuted from an RAF plane onto a freezing mountain plateau in Telemark.

    Against overwhelming odds…..

    They managed to blow up part of the hydroelectric power plant at Vemork that had been taken over by the Nazis.

    Our Norwegian friends here will know, that it was the largest plant of its type in the world at the time – and a symbol of Norway’s status as an energy superpower.

    Not only was it the most audacious act of sabotage in modern military history..

    But because Vemork was mass producing heavy water used in the nuclear fission process…

    These heroes ended Hitler’s dream of building a nuclear bomb.

    Eight decades on, Britain and Norway still share the same special bond that made this extraordinary attack possible.

    Critical allies in standing up to aggression, most recently Putin’s evil war in Ukraine…..

    And we’re still committed to making the world a more secure place.

    Our bonds stretch back centuries; indeed, many British names and traditions bare the mark of the Norsemen and women who settled here many hundreds of years ago.

    Even our royal families are related – and it is a pleasure and honour to welcome His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Haakon to London today and – actually – back to London. After all, His Royal Highness studied here in London.

    I know that these ties will help us to continue working together as we speed up our transition to net zero…

    And build a green and prosperous future for all.

    Norway and Russia

    We are also hugely grateful for what you are doing today.

    Norwegian gas has been critically important in providing energy resilience to Europe this critical winter.

    Including for Britain – where it accounts for about a third of our current gas consumption.

    As we reflect on this year’s barbaric war in Ukraine, we have all been taught a valuable lesson.

    Never again must we allow our country to be held to ransom on energy as Putin has done.

    We must join together and utilise our flourishing renewables industries to defeat energy tyranny.

    Renewables

    Like Norway, we want to be smart about the way we think about our energy.

    And smart with the way we use our extraordinary renewable resources and green tech leadership.

    And as the UK works towards my goal of delivering the cheapest wholesale electricity prices in Europe by the middle of the next decade..

    …we can start to think about how best to nuture our energy industries for the long term.

    And like your fantastically successful sovereign wealth fund, we want to think about how we ensure the benefits of renewables are fed back into the economy – for the good of all.

    From offshore wind to carbon capture, utilisation and storage and to hydrogen..

    We will support these vital technologies, ensuring that they work seamlessly across borders.

    For example, our two countries need to work out the best use of the vast carbon storage capacity in the North Sea.

    And we need to ask how best we can work with other countries to increase CO2 trading across boundaries……. as well as working together on hydrogen.

    Indeed, I look forward signing after the speeches the expanded Memorandum of Understanding with Norway on Carbon capture and storage which will include closer collaboration on hydrogen.

    Conclusion

    Eighty years after that audacious Telemark raid we must join together and join forces once again…

    I know that our shared vision and our shared history will help us meet our big 21st century challenges:

    Energy security,

    Sustainability

    And affordability.

    These three goals need to become a mantra engrained onto our collective psyche so we can make the rest of this century a success for both our countries, and for the rest of the world.

  • Leo Docherty – 2023 Speech at the Pledging Conference on the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen

    Leo Docherty – 2023 Speech at the Pledging Conference on the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen

    The speech made by Leo Docherty, the Minister for Europe, on 27 February 2023.

    Friends and colleagues,

    As we have heard, the humanitarian situation in Yemen is dire.

    Millions of people continue to suffer the consequences of years of conflict,

    And this suffering is made worse by the deteriorating economy, and damaged public services.

    I would like to thank the UN, Switzerland, and Sweden for hosting this conference, and all of those generously pledging today.

    Your contributions will save lives and alleviate suffering, and the United Kingdom will continue to play its part. This includes resolving the immediate threats posed by the Safer oil tanker. We have a chance to get Safer done if donors and the UN are bold and brave in the next few months.

    We have provided more than one billion pounds in aid to Yemen since the start of the conflict.

    Over the next financial year, the UK hopes to match last year’s budget and will pledge up to 88 million pounds.

    This will feed at least 100,000 Yemeni people every month,

    provide lifesaving health care and nutrition services through 400 health care facilities,

    and treat 22,000 severely malnourished children this year.

    In addition to funding, we must also ensure that aid is delivered as effectively as possible.

    The recommendations from the 2022 Inter-Agency Humanitarian Evaluation must be implemented to improve the quality of the response.

    But humanitarian teams working on the ground are facing increasing challenges right now.

    Bureaucratic restrictions are hampering aid delivery,

    And mahram, requiring women to be accompanied by a male guardian, is preventing female aid workers from working. Without them, the response cannot meet the needs of women and girls.

    It is vital that the authorities authorise independent assessments and monitoring to ensure aid goes where it is needed most.

    We must also listen to the voices and views of ordinary people in Yemen.

    This will enable the international response to be accountable to the people we are trying to help.

    A return to full-scale conflict has been avoided in Yemen, which is indeed good news.

    Now, is the time to build a better future for the Yemeni people.

    Parties to the conflict must seize this opportunity for peace, which is the only way to end this humanitarian crisis for good.

  • James Cleverly – 2023 Speech at the UN Human Rights Council

    James Cleverly – 2023 Speech at the UN Human Rights Council

    The speech made by James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, on 27 February 2023.

    Mr President, 75 years ago, Eleanor Roosevelt dubbed our newly adopted Universal Declaration of Human Rights ‘an international Magna Carta’. She was referring, of course, to that Great Charter’s role in laying the first of the many foundation stones on which the concept of human rights has been built.

    In 1215, it established that sovereign power is limited by legal constraint. That States are answerable to their citizens. And that justice requires due process. Inspired by Magna Carta, generations of lawyers and statesmen in the United Kingdom and around the world created what we now call the rule of law.

    But for centuries, the rule of law stopped at national borders. Until 1948, our predecessors took a gigantic step forward for humankind and made the rule of law universal.

    I’m proud of my country’s long role in the struggle for human rights. A struggle that continues today across the world.

    Russia and Ukraine

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and illegal so-called annexations are a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

    The Commission of Inquiry, which this Council established last year, has concluded that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine. Abuses and violations of human rights have been committed by Russian forces on a systematic scale: torture and killing of civilians, rape and sexual violence, forced deportation.

    The Human Rights Council must condemn Russia’s actions. We cannot allow this behaviour to go unanswered. These barbaric acts must never be repeated. The Ukrainian people must have justice.

    That is why this session must renew the Commission of Inquiry’s mandate.

    We remind Russia of the international human rights obligations, which it has freely undertaken. And of its obligations under the UN Charter.

    We call upon Russia to:

    • enable humanitarian access into Ukraine and safe passage for civilians
    • restore human rights, within its own borders and outside, and
    • to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine

    Russia

    But the Ukrainians are not Putin’s only victims.

    We call for the release of all those detained in Russia on political grounds, including Alexei Navalny. And for those imprisoned for their opposition to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, like Vladimir Kara Murza, to be freed.

    Together with our international partners, the UK has invoked the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism which evidenced Russia’s repression of its own people.

    We will support the UN Special Rapporteur’s work on human rights in Russia. We will attend the trials of human rights defenders in Russia. And we will use sanctions to hold human rights violators to account.

    China

    Last year, the High Commissioner for Human Rights published a report that found evidence of arbitrary detention, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, forced sterilisation, and the destruction of religious sites taking place in Xinjiang. And it found these abuses may amount to crimes against humanity.

    Surely, such serious and well-evidenced findings merit further and proper discussion by this Council. But instead China has consistently sought to deny these findings and obstruct discussion.

    I now urge China to engage with the Council and uphold the international obligations into which it has freely entered.

    Hong Kong

    Last year, the Human Rights Committee published its report on the implementation of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights in Hong Kong.

    Under the National Security Law, independent media outlets have been closed down. The right to freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed in Hong Kong’s Basic Law has been eroded. Those who speak out, including journalists or businessmen like Jimmy Lai, have been arrested.

    We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to uphold the Sino-British Joint Declaration and urge them to implement the recommendations of the HRC Report.

    Afghanistan

    In Afghanistan, curtailment of women’s human rights, including the ban on women going to university, is unacceptable. We will continue to press the Taliban on these issues.

    Iran

    In Iran, the killing of Mahsa Amini last September was yet another shocking reminder of the regime’s callous disregard for the lives of its own citizens. Since October, we’ve introduced 5 separate sanctions packages targeting those individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations.

    We reaffirm our commitment to support the fact-finding mission established by this Council in November. We must ensure that the voice of the Iranian people continues to be heard.

    Conclusion

    Mr President, the United Kingdom will always ensure that human rights are upheld around the world and that we hold to account those who systematically violate them.

    To achieve this, we want this Council to succeed. We will work with our international partners to ensure that it does. And we will back up our words with actions.

    Thank you.