argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): That is an important question, which is, in a way, linked to the previous statement we had from the Prime Minister. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that such incidents remind us and our EU friends of the importance of our ongoing diplomatic partnership and friendship with Europeans. In such an instance of human rights violations, it is easy for the country responsible to start picking off people who say things that it does not like. That is why standing side by side with others—not just Germany and France but, I am sure, in this case, the United States—is a very important tool to have in one’s diplomatic armoury.
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: Foreign Trade
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman is somewhat misrepresenting the Government’s position. In answer to an earlier question, I said that it was highly unlikely that any British official would be attending, and we are reviewing the position at the moment. We have already said that the Trade Secretary will not be going. If we are to have red lines, they have to be credible and they have to be based on evidence. We cannot make decisions when an investigation has not yet been completed. That is against due process, and it would not be the right thing to do. We have to allow the investigation to happen and the full facts to emerge before we take our decision.
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Kevin John Foster (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome the joint statement between ourselves, France and Germany, showing a united front on what could be an appalling crime. What further steps is the Foreign Secretary planning to take in the international community to ensure that we get the answers we need?
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): First, we have made it clear in our regular contact with the Saudi authorities that there has to be a proper independent investigation and a credible explanation from Saudi Arabia of what happened, and we do not believe that we have had that to date. Secondly, when the facts emerge and when they have been confirmed, we will make a judgment with our allies about the appropriate thing to do. We have had lots of suggestions today of things that we could do, and we will make a considered response. I think that we have been very clear that that response will be commensurate with the scale of what has happened.
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): If the hon. Gentleman were in my shoes, he would not be announcing the actions that the United Kingdom would be taking until the proper investigation had been completed. I read the same media reports as the hon. Gentleman does, and when I see the stories of a body double of Khashoggi walking around the streets of Istanbul even though his fiancée waited outside the consulate for 11 hours for him to come out, it suggests to me that the story we are getting from Saudi Arabia is not yet credible. If we are to continue this strategic partnership, we need a credible explanation for what happened and we need to see the results of that investigation. I could not have been clearer: we will take serious action if these stories turn out to be true.
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Philip Thomas Hollobone (Conservative, Centre-right): We need to encourage liberal internal reforms in Saudi Arabia, and we need Saudi Arabia as a bulwark against the spread of Iranian-backed terrorist proxies across the middle east, but how can we persuade an absolute monarchy that political assassination is not a legitimate tool of government?
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: Government Operations
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): That is a very thoughtful question, and I think the answer is that all absolute monarchs feel somewhat insecure about their position. The way to increase their sense of security is to go down the path of reform, because that is what creates social stability, which in the end makes countries and their populations more stable. That is what we need to encourage.
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander John Gervase Chalk (Conservative, Centre-right): First they said that Jamal Khashoggi had left the consulate alive. Then they said that he had died in a fight. While of course it is right to listen to the third explanation from the Saudi authorities, does my right hon. Friend agree that the credibility of those explanations has been seriously undermined by their decision to publish what is manifestly implausible?
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): I absolutely agree. Until we get to a place where the Saudi authorities are giving an explanation that they can corroborate and that is consistent with the evidence from other sources, people will continue to ask the questions that my hon. Friend is asking, and we will continue to not feel that we can have confidence that the Saudi authorities understand the gravity of what has happened and will truly make sure that it never happens again.
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman is making the point that many hon. Members have made, which is that the explanations we have had from Saudi Arabia about what happened lack credibility. It is vital that this changes. The world needs to know what is happening, and if the world is to have confidence that Saudi Arabia is reforming and that these kinds of things will never happen again, we need to see a different approach.
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Atta-Ur-Rehman Chishti (Conservative, Centre-right): I declare an interest, as per the Register of Members’ Financial Interests: from March 2016 to January 2018, I advised the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies, an independent think-tank and non-governmental organisation. All those involved in the callous, brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi have to be held accountable at every level. One way to do that would be for the United Kingdom to call for an independent investigation at the United Nations, as was done following the murder of Rafic Hariri, the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, and in the case of Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, with whom I worked for eight years before coming to this place What we have seen from the Government of Saudi Arabia is pathetic, inconsistent explanation after explanation. The Foreign Secretary talks about consequences, and I urge him to ensure that the consequences are firm and decisive at every level, otherwise we get into the concept of "might is right", which leads to anarchy and chaos. I welcome his statement.
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): We have had extensive discussions with the Turkish authorities about their investigation, and we are encouraged that they think it will only be a matter of a few days before the full results are announced. I would be happy to meet the International Federation of Journalists.
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sure that the university will consider doing exactly that if he is found responsible for the crimes that are being alleged, but obviously that would be a matter for the university. I take the hon. Gentleman’s point; he is saying what many hon. Members have said, which is that the accounts we have heard from Saudi Arabia as to why this happened do not seem to match the facts on the ground.
Death of Jamal Khashoggi — House of Commons, 2018-10-22
Topic: International Affairs
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): It is for the Home Office to make its assessment of the usefulness of the counter-terrorism intelligence-sharing relationship that we have with Saudi Arabia. All I can tell the hon. Gentleman is that the information I have had is that it is important. With respect to his other comments, I was telling the House what I have been informed of in my briefing notes by the Foreign Office, but I am happy to write to him to explain why I said what I said.
Yemen — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): Perhaps, Mr Speaker, on behalf of those who were in the Chamber a moment ago, you might convey to the Chaplain our thanks for her preface to her prayers today. Let us hope that that spirit goes with us during what could be quite a turbulent term. Her words were well chosen Some 20.2 million Yemenis are estimated to need humanitarian assistance, with 8.4 million facing extreme food shortages. Insecurity and bureaucratic constraints complicate the diplomatic response. We continue to work with partners to reach the most vulnerable, and we urge all parties to ensure unhindered access through Yemen. Only a political settlement can end the humanitarian crisis.
Yemen — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): The truth is that the Security Council has invested all its authority in the special envoy to seek the political negotiation that will end the conflict. We should all be fully behind that. When I was in New York for the recent General Assembly week, I hosted a special meeting on nutrition in Yemen. We continue to work to try to make the negotiations a success. That is where we have to put all our effort, because it is only with the end of the conflict that we can fully tackle the humanitarian crisis.
Yemen — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Stephen Charles Kerr (Conservative, Centre-right): Some 17.8 million Yemenis have no reliable access to food and, as the Minister just told us, 8.4 million of them face extreme food shortages. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that vital UK aid can reach Yemenis in distress?
Yemen — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): The £170 million that the United Kingdom is putting into Yemen in this financial year is currently feeding around 2.2 million people, including children. We continue to work on nutrition and sanitary issues, and on making sure that clean water is available. I repeat to the House that the most important thing is that the humanitarian support and efforts to gain access are only a sticking plaster for the wound; if the wound is to be fully closed, every effort must be made on the political track to end the conflict.
Yemen — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): The consensus in the Security Council is that the best thing we can do is support the envoy, because a new resolution would either not get through or not be relevant. We do not want to waste any time on efforts away from the special envoy. While we were in New York, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had a meeting with the relevant parties, and separately I met those in the coalition, as well as people representing those who have influence with the Houthis, because this is not a one-sided issue.
Yemen — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Kevin John Foster (Conservative, Centre-right): The biggest tragedy of Yemen is that ultimately it is a man-made disaster that is having this appalling impact on the local population. Will the Minister confirm how the UK Government will support efforts towards a political solution, which is the only solution to these issues?
Yemen — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): We were very supportive of the efforts of special envoy Martin Griffiths to bring the parties together in Geneva recently, and we were very disappointed and concerned that the Houthi component did not attend those negotiations. Until the negotiations are fully engaged with by all sides, we cannot proceed. All efforts must be made to support the special envoy and get the negotiations back on track.
Yemen — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): We have always been clear, first, that there is no military solution in Yemen, and secondly, that the port has to be kept open. There should not be action in relation to the port, either by those who might have mined the approaches to it or those who might seek to attack it, because humanitarian access remains crucial. Yemen is a tragedy of significant proportions, as the right hon. Gentleman knows. We are doing everything we can to find the political solution to end the conflict.
Yemen — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: Macroeconomics
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): Since July, the riyal has depreciated by some 20%. That, as the hon. Lady says, is putting up the prices of basic foodstuffs, which had already increased in recent years. Of course, in a war economy, people have made money: the Houthi have taxed goods and taken money from people instead of supplying goods. We are doing what we can to support the riyal, because some stability in the currency is essential. The UK is supporting that process, too.
Yemen — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has met and spoken regularly with the Minister in the United Arab Emirates responsible for coalition efforts to ensure humanitarian access. We have spoken to those who have access to the Houthi and the areas that they control to make sure there are no blockages there. It is a conflict, and it is a tragedy that access to humanitarian aid is used as a weapon in that conflict. Only a negotiated solution can end the conflict and enable the humanitarian efforts, and we are making every effort to ensure that.
Kerala: Summer Floods — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: Environment
Questions: What steps she is taking to ensure that people in Kerala have access to clean water, sanitation and shelter after the floods of summer 2018.
Harriett Mary Morison Baldwin (Conservative, Centre-right): We certainly welcome the report, and I hope the hon. Gentleman welcomes the Government’s commitment to contributing £5.8 billion between 2016 and 2020 to make a difference in this area. Since 2011, 47 million people have been helped to cope with the effects of climate change and 17 million have been helped to access clean energy, but there is more to do and we will do it.
Kerala: Summer Floods — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: Environment
Questions: What steps she is taking to ensure that people in Kerala have access to clean water, sanitation and shelter after the floods of summer 2018.
Michael Louis David Fabricant (Conservative, Centre-right): Anyone who has been to Kerala knows it is a beautiful state with beautiful people. Has my hon. Friend had a chance to discuss with UK water companies their charity, WaterAid, and what they can do to help?
Kerala: Summer Floods — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: Energy
Questions: What steps she is taking to ensure that people in Kerala have access to clean water, sanitation and shelter after the floods of summer 2018.
Harriett Mary Morison Baldwin (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sure that the hon. Gentleman welcomes the fact that that the UK is leading in terms of our commitment to end the use of coal. We are looking closely at the Powering Past Coal Alliance and leading an effort to get more countries to sign up to that alliance. The UK is showing strong leadership on that, and he should welcome it.
Freedom of Religion or Belief — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Harriett Mary Morison Baldwin (Conservative, Centre-right): Clearly the right hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. I am delighted to be able to tell him that we are working closely with colleagues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on a project that will generate exactly that evidence on the persecution of religious minorities. The project’s long-term objective is to generate data to better inform international policymakers to promote freedom of religion or belief more effectively.
Freedom of Religion or Belief — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Caroline Alice Spelman (Conservative, Centre-right): Religious literacy is crucial to understanding the way in which our policies affect developing countries. I am therefore glad that the FCO has relaunched its course on that, but it is only voluntary. What more can be done to encourage DFID staff to take up such courses?
Freedom of Religion or Belief — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Stephen Crabb (Conservative, Centre-right): Pakistan is one of the largest recipients of UK aid, so does the Minister agree that along with our aid should come an expectation that the recipient should do everything in their power to improve the protection of basic universal human rights?
Rohingya Women — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): The International Development Committee, which is led by the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen Twigg), questioned me about that just a few weeks ago. We have details on the counselling and support that is being provided. The tragedy is that this will need to go on for some time. It seems likely that those in the camps will not be able to return soon. What is essential—the hon. Lady’s question is helpful in relation to this—is that the eye of the world does not go off this matter. The funding for the support that is needed must not be lost and people must not forget the Rohingya who are in the camps.
Rohingya Women — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is correct: there is difficulty in gaining access to the Rakhine province. It has been possible for humanitarian agencies to get into only some of the province. We have sought to reshape our programme to make sure that more support is available to those who are still in Rakhine, and it should not be forgotten that they remain in a very vulnerable position.
Rohingya Women — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Mary Josephine Robinson (Conservative, Centre-right): These vulnerable Rohingya Muslims may be destined to spend many years as refugees in camps. In addition to the aid that has already been given, has there been any consideration of a diplomatic solution involving substantial up-front international support for refugees and for the wider region in Bangladesh to pump-prime economic and political stability?
Rohingya Women — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): We should always preface any remarks by expressing gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh for what they have been able to do for these most vulnerable people. Every effort is being given to the sort of diplomatic solution that will provide an answer, but it is clear from the actions of the Burma Government that this will take some time. My hon. Friend is right: we need to make sure that we keep caring for those in the camps for some period of time, because the very length of their stay will mean that they face new problems, rather than those from which they fled.
Rohingya Women — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: Social Welfare
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): The support that we have provided has included counselling and making available people who are able to deal with children who have been traumatised over time. It is quite clear from talking to the aid agencies on my visit that there has been an improvement in people’s condition, but of course the true horror of what they have experienced can never truly be removed until they return home.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Penelope Mary Mordaunt (Conservative, Centre-right): I hope the whole House will join me in sending our deepest condolences to those affected by the devastating situation in Indonesia. We have all seen the images of destruction and of people suffering, and the UK stands side by side with the people of Indonesia. As well as providing essential supplies and a team on the ground, the UK has now made up to £5 million available, including £2 million that will match funds raised by the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. I thank the British public for their generosity.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Penelope Mary Mordaunt (Conservative, Centre-right): If that sad event does occur, I have instructed my Department to ensure that our response in the overseas territories has a priority call on our DFID reserves—our non-ODA money. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence are also standing ready. We will deal with these situations as best we can, without having to make further demands on the public purse.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Does the Secretary of State share the concerns of the Minister for Europe and the Americas, the right hon. Member for Rutland and Melton (Sir Alan Duncan), about the situation in El Salvador with regard to abortion being a criminal offence, even in cases of rape? Does she agree that if we want to tell other parts of the world not to criminalise women seeking essential healthcare, we have a duty to lead by example by urgently reforming abortion law in Northern Ireland?; Thank you, Mr Speaker. I was pleased to read that my right hon. Friend had introduced a new test for UK aid—no longer just proving that UK aid is spent well, but that it could not be spent any better. Can she inform the House when that test will be implemented?
Penelope Mary Mordaunt (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is absolutely right that we are not just ensuring that the aid we provide is as effective as possible; we are introducing new tests to ensure that we are doing things that are also in the national interest. The chief economist has placed that in our aid allocation formula and we are also looking at ways of improving that.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-10-10
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: Does the Secretary of State share the concerns of the Minister for Europe and the Americas, the right hon. Member for Rutland and Melton (Sir Alan Duncan), about the situation in El Salvador with regard to abortion being a criminal offence, even in cases of rape? Does she agree that if we want to tell other parts of the world not to criminalise women seeking essential healthcare, we have a duty to lead by example by urgently reforming abortion law in Northern Ireland?; Thank you, Mr Speaker. I was pleased to read that my right hon. Friend had introduced a new test for UK aid—no longer just proving that UK aid is spent well, but that it could not be spent any better. Can she inform the House when that test will be implemented?
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): Nutrition remains at the heart of the concerns that we have for feeding the most vulnerable. I had meetings in New York with those responsible for looking ahead to the next replenishment. The United Kingdom has always been a leader in this matter and we will remain so.