Tag: Katy Clark

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Katy Clark on 2014-07-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will investigate whether any UK manufactured weapons or components have been used by Israeli military forces during Operation Protective Edge.

Mr Tobias Ellwood

We continue to monitor the situation in Gaza and Israel carefully to ensure that all our licensing decisions on weapons and components to Israel remain consistent with our human rights commitments and all applicable criteria. We currently have no plans to undertake a more comprehensive investigation into whether any UK manufactured weapons or components have been used by Israeli military forces during Operation Protective Edge.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Katy Clark on 2014-07-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the UK is taking to ensure that all Palestinian civilians made homeless during Operation Protective Edge will have their homes rebuilt as swiftly as possible.

Mr Desmond Swayne

This conflict has taken a terrible toll. Initial damage assessments point to destruction on an unprecedented scale, with more than 100,000 Gazans left homeless. Reconstruction will require a durable ceasefire, an agreed approach on security, predictable and sustained access for people and goods in and out of Gaza, and good governance arrangements. The UK continues to work with international partners to this end.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Katy Clark on 2014-06-27.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the performance of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency during the search for the Water Rail between 20 and 22 May 2014.

Stephen Hammond

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) performance in relation to the incident involving the Water Rail between 20 and 22 May 2014 was thorough and professional, and in line with established international protocols.

The operational activity of coastguards on duty at the Aberdeen Maritime and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) were supervised by an experienced Search Mission Coordinator.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Katy Clark on 2014-06-27.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether MRCC Aberdeen was staffed at below risk assessed levels on any shifts between 20 May and 22 May 2014.

Stephen Hammond

Aberdeen Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was fully staffed with five qualified officers during each of the day watches over the period 20 to 22 May 2014. On the night of 20 May, the watch was reduced to three qualified officers, and on the night of 21 May, four qualified officers. This had no impact on search and rescue operational capability for that period.

Aberdeen MRCC could also have called on further experienced and capable support from five other MRCCs, should this support have been required.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Katy Clark on 2014-06-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the government of Bahrain about the death of Abdulaziz al-Abbar.

Hugh Robertson

We are saddened to hear about the death of Abdulaziz Al- Abbar. We encourage the authorities to carry out a timely and thorough independent investigation.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Katy Clark on 2014-06-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many times the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Belfast was staffed at below risk-assessed levels in (a) April 2014 and (b) May 2014.

Stephen Hammond

Belfast Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed below risk assessed levels during:

a) April 2014 – 40 occasions out of 60 shifts

b) May 2014 – 22 occasions out of 62 shifts

Where there are specific issues at a MRCC Her Majesty’s Coastguard is using the current long established pairing arrangements between MRCCs. This enables each MRCC to be connected to at least one other MRCC which is available to provide mutual support.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Katy Clark on 2014-06-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many times the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Stornoway was staffed at below risk-assessed levels in (a) April 2014 and (b) May 2014.

Stephen Hammond

Stornoway Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed below risk assessed levels during:

a) April 2014 – 12 occasions out of 60 shifts

b) May 2014 – 14 occasions out of 62 shifts

Where there are specific issues at a MRCC Her Majesty’s Coastguard is using the current long established pairing arrangements between MRCCs. This enables each MRCC to be connected to at least one other MRCC which is available to provide mutual support.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Katy Clark on 2014-06-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many times the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Liverpool was staffed at below risk-assessed levels in (a) April 2014 and (b) May 2014.

Stephen Hammond

Liverpool Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed below risk assessed levels during:

a) April 2014 – 30 occasions out of 60 shifts

b) May 2014 – 6 occasions out of 62 shifts

Where there are specific issues at a MRCC Her Majesty’s Coastguard is using the current long established pairing arrangements between MRCCs. This enables each MRCC to be connected to at least one other MRCC which is available to provide mutual support.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Katy Clark on 2014-06-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the UK Embassy in Saudi Arabia provides support and protection to human rights activists in that country.

Hugh Robertson

Our policy on human rights defenders is guided by the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998) and the EU Guidelines. Embassy officials have regular contact with human rights defenders. It is, however, often the view of the defenders that involvement with foreign representatives and organisations can make their task of pressing for reform more difficult. Nevertheless, we work to align our priorities with theirs and continue to press for reform.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Katy Clark on 2014-06-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will raise the case of Fowzan al-Harbi with the Saudi Arabian government.

Hugh Robertson

We are aware of the case of Fowzan al-Harbi. We maintain a regular dialogue with the Saudi authorities on a range of human rights issues, including of human rights defenders.