Tag: Lord Hylton

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2015-12-14.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether the government of Turkey has placed a complete or partial embargo on supplies to, and exports from, the cantons of northern Syria; and whether they plan to make any representations to the government of Turkey based on that assessment.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

Turkey recognises the role that Syrian Kurds have to play in the fight against Daesh, and accepts that Syrian Kurds receive support from the Global Coalition to Counter Daesh. We have a close dialogue with the Government of Turkey about ensuring humanitarian and other supplies reach the communities of northern Syria.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2016-01-13.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their policy regarding presidents and others who perpetuate their power and authority in the Commonwealth; and whether the Commonwealth as a whole has a policy on that matter.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

The British Government expects all Commonwealth states to uphold the standards enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter; which makes clear that governments, political parties and civil society are responsible for upholding and promoting democratic culture and practices and are accountable to the public in this regard.

In supporting greater adherence to Commonwealth political values and principles, the Commonwealth Secretariat, under its Strategic Plan (2014/15), has engaged with the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the services of the Secretary General’s Good Offices. The Secretariat has also carried out election management and promoted the values of respect and understanding. This resulted in CMAG’s decision to restore Fiji to full Commonwealth membership and involved the deployment of election observation teams to 13 elections in 11 countries. All election missions reported credible results in accordance with Commonwealth norms.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2016-02-01.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of Turkey about the number of children killed by military and police action in Turkey since June 2015.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

As I said in my answer to Lord Patten’s question on 1 February (HL5288), the ongoing violence in south east Turkey is extremely concerning. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) continues to kill members of the Turkish police service and security forces in violent terrorist attacks. We believe Turkey has a legitimate right to defend itself against the PKK, whose attacks we condemn as we condemn all terrorism. Our thoughts are with the victims of these attacks, and the civilians, including children, who have been caught up in the violence.

We have been clear, in public and private, that PKK violence must end and we support a return to the peace process, in the interests of Turkey and the region. We stand ready to help in any way we can. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), and our Ambassador to Turkey have emphasised the need to respect human rights and the importance of avoiding civilian casualties to the Government of Turkey.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2016-02-10.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the remarks by Lord Bates on 9 February (HL Deb, col GC142), which British personnel or organisations are now search[ing] out the most vulnerable in the camps at Calais and Dunkirk”.”

Lord Bates

In line with the UK-France Joint Declaration of 20 August 2015, the UK and France have increased the frequency of joint communications campaigns which involve speaking to migrants in Calais and Dunkirk to inform them of their options and providing advice on their rights to claim asylum in France. This includes speaking to vulnerable people and those who claim a link to family members in the UK. But we are very clear that the primary responsibility for the welfare and treatment of migrants in Calais lies with the French authorities.

A leaflet detailing the Dublin III Regulations is provided to applicants who have claimed asylum in France and indicate that they have family members in the UK.

The UK is also funding a project to identify those in the camps who are especially vulnerable and at risk of trafficking and exploitation, and to provide them with appropriate support within the French system.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2016-03-01.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many persons were admitted to the UK in 2015 for exceptional or compassionate reasons, outside the normal Immigration Rules.

Lord Bates

The information requested is not available without incurring disproportionate cost.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2016-03-21.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the reply by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 17 March (HL Deb, col GC298), how much new employment has followed the expenditure of £349 million by the Department for International Development for Palestinian economic development between 2011 and 2015.

Baroness Verma

DFID’s support to the Occupied Palestinian Territories is delivering a range of results including enrolment of children in primary school, improvements to maternal health-care, humanitarian assistance and legal assistance to Palestinians at risk of eviction from their land. As part of this support, between 2011 and 2015, DFID provided over £3 million to the Facility for New Market Development Programme and Palestinian Market Development Programme, which has helped businesses expand into new markets and products, and supported the creation of over 2800 new jobs. DFID also provided £2 million to the UN Relief and Works Agency’s which supported the creation of over 45,000 short-term jobs for Palestinians in Gaza who have been affected by movement and access restrictions.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2016-04-18.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the closure of the Gaza power station in April, what assessment they have made of whether an electricity generating ship is still available as an alternative supplier to Gaza.

Baroness Verma

We are concerned by the electricity shortage in Gaza and the serious impact it is having on the humanitarian situation. We are in regular dialogue with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and other development actors, specifically the European Union and UN, on the extension of the 161 power line and conversion of the Gaza power station to gas. The UK believes these are the immediate steps necessary to improving the situation in Gaza, however a more comprehensive lifting of restrictions as part of a political agreement is the only long-term solution.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2016-05-19.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the recent reconstruction and reopening of the Ferhadija Mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

The Government warmly welcomes the reopening of the Ferhadija Mosque, which took place on 7 May. This is an unmistakable symbol of religious diversity and tolerance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The atmosphere during the reopening ceremony, which our Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina attended, was dignified and celebratory. The Ferhadija Mosque will serve as a powerful symbol of how communities can support each other on the long journey towards reconciliation.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2016-05-25.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will raise with the Palestinian Authority the recent reported increase in arbitrary arrest and allegations of torture and ill-treatment of their detainees.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

We are deeply concerned by these reports, and have raised our concerns around the conduct of the security forces with the Palestinian Authority. Through our Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, we are working with the Palestinian Authority to support reform of the Palestinian security sector, aiming to strengthen civilian oversight and accountability of the security forces.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2016-06-27.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of Turkey following the recent arrests of Erol Önderoğlu, Ahmet Nesin, and Sebnem Korur Fincancɪ on terrorism charges; and whether they plan to respond to the Joint Oral Statement of 22 June by PEN International, Article 19, International Federation of Journalists, European Federation of Journalists and International Press Institute.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

As a friend and ally we strongly encourage Turkey to continue work towards the full protection of all fundamental rights, including freedom of expression – and will continue to do so. The UK supported the EU statement at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Permanent Council on 23 June expressing concern over these arrests. We continue to monitor these cases closely.