argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Cyprus — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): Will my right hon. Friend agree that third-country guarantees should have no place in a new settlement for Cyprus, because Cypriots should be able to determine their own future without the threat of external military intervention?
Cyprus — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): It is up to the two sides to decide what future security arrangements they want for a united Cyprus that will enable both communities to feel secure. As a guarantor power, the UK is playing a supportive role and is open to any arrangement that is acceptable to the two communities.
Cyprus — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): I think the example of Northern Ireland is an example to the whole world, and it has been of benefit in the likes of Nepal and Colombia. The issue of Cyprus is slightly different, but I hope that the lessons from Northern Ireland can be taken into account and that they can help inform the progress we would like to see in Cyprus.
Cyprus — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
David John Barrington Burrowes (Conservative, Centre-right): Does the Minister agree with the view of the all-party parliamentary group, which visited Cyprus last week, that the best hope for a solution is the dedication and courage of both Cypriot leaders, freely negotiating, and a realisation in the communities that the status quo of a divided Cyprus is untenable? Does he agree that we need to ensure that Turkey gets that when it comes to security and guarantees?
Cyprus — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I think we all applaud the good faith and dedication of the two leaders, who are working tirelessly towards a solution. There are other ingredients that are necessary, such as the co-operation of the two main countries next door, Greece and Turkey, and—this is very important—successful referendums in each community.
Cyprus — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): We have a very close association with the UN special representative, Mr Espen Eide. I am confident that he will have thought of this possible intrusion into the successful negotiations, and I hope that those safeguards are properly in place.
Global Britain Campaign — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): Global Britain is a programme to help to explain to the world, but also to the people of this country, what I think they do not often suspect, which is the full range of Britain’s military, cultural, commercial and diplomatic influence in the world. It is important to do that now, particularly as we make our Brexit—or Bre-entry into the world, as we should perhaps call it—to help people to understand that a more global Britain will be a more prosperous Britain.
Global Britain Campaign — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: Education
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I quite agree. Perhaps I can just give Members one stunning fact, which should seldom be off their lips when selling UK universities, for instance, to the world: of the Kings, Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers in the world today, one in seven was educated in this country, and London has more international students than any other city in the world.
Global Britain Campaign — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I do not think that anybody could seriously say that the former Prime Minister has been insulted by any remarks I made last week. What I was trying to get over was my strong feeling that the debate was had last year and everybody understands that we are going forward with a new approach for this country— a global approach. It will be a clean Brexit and, I think, a highly successful Brexit, as the Prime Minister has said.
Global Britain Campaign — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sure the hon. Gentleman is aware that the UK is one of the only countries in the world to contribute 0.7% of GNI to overseas development. We have a fantastic record not just in Sudan but across Africa. He is right to draw attention to the approaching famine in South Sudan. We have sent 400 troops to help deal with that emergency.
British-Iranian Citizens — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): We remain deeply concerned about the UK consular cases in Iran and continue to raise them with the Iranian Government at every opportunity, including when I visited Tehran last month and when the Foreign Secretary met his counterpart, Javad Zarif, in the margins of the Munich security conference.
British-Iranian Citizens — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Oliver James Dowden (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend for his answer. He is familiar with the case of Mr Foroughi, a 77-year-old father and grandfather to constituents of mine who has been detained in Iran’s notorious Evin prison for almost six years. Does my hon. Friend agree that at a time when Iran and the west’s relationships are under increasing scrutiny, the exercise of clemency in this case, and others like it, would demonstrate Iran’s commitment to constructive engagement with the international community?
British-Iranian Citizens — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend. I am grateful for the work that he has done in liaison with the family. I was able to meet Kamran Foroughi, the son, on 25 January. I spoke to Ambassador Baeidinejad about the case this morning and when I visited Tehran last month. I am pleased to see that Mr Foroughi is now going to receive the health test that he has been requesting, but my hon. Friend is absolutely right that there is a case for clemency there that I hope will be answered.
British-Iranian Citizens — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): I think we should be careful in the language we use. The Iranians, like those in many countries, do not recognise dual nationality, and therefore we have to conduct these matters with diplomacy. Our avenue with the Iranians, which was not there a couple of years ago, is through the Iranian Foreign Ministry and our interlocutors there. We have had communications from our Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, as I said, and now me, with our embassy opening as well.
EU: Science and Technology — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: Technology
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): The Prime Minister made clear on 17 January the high priority this Government place on their science relationship with Europe. The Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, my hon. Friend the Member for Orpington (Joseph Johnson), is in regular contact on this issue with his European counterparts, including the European commissioner.
EU: Science and Technology — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: Technology
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government aim to secure the best possible outcome for UK science and research as we leave the European Union. The EU and the UK have publicly emphasised the importance of continuing to work together to produce high-quality research, so both at home and abroad we will remain at the forefront of science and research.
Commonwealth — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government are committed to strengthening our Commonwealth engagement, in continuing the theme of global Britain, and we look forward to hosting the Commonwealth Trade Ministers meeting in March and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in 2018.
Commonwealth — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: Foreign Trade
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): We should not forget that the network of 52 states is very important to Great Britain. It has a combined population of 2.2 billion people, including 1 billion people under the age of 25. In the post-Brexit environment, we are looking for trade deals. When we travel across Africa, and indeed the Commonwealth in general, the first question that is asked is, "What are the opportunities for Britain, now that you are liberated from doing business through Brussels?" The ministerial meeting that is coming up is a great opportunity for us to embark on looking towards the trade deals that we need for the future.
Commonwealth — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: Foreign Trade
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point. We are contained until article 50 has gone through, but Canada is another example—along with the United States, of which the Foreign Secretary made mention—of where we can push forward trade deals to the benefit of the United Kingdom.
Commonwealth — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
James Philip Duddridge (Conservative, Centre-right): I congratulate the Minister, who has responsibility for Africa, on visiting nine countries on the continent along with three other Ministers over the recess. May I encourage him not just to look at the existing Commonwealth and at bringing in old players such as Gambia, but to get Zimbabwe back and, off the back of Mozambique and Rwanda, perhaps to look at inviting the Ivory Coast?
Commonwealth — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. These are countries with which we have a history and a relationship. We are trusted, and through organisations such as the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the British Council and our embassies, consulates and high commissions we can certainly do that work. We hope to embark on such projects with Bangladesh and other countries across the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: Foreign Trade
James Jacob Gilchrist Berry (Conservative, Centre-right): With the Commonwealth encompassing 52 members and a third of the world’s population, is it not vital that we set out our stall for Britain by saying that we want a free trade deal with Commonwealth countries, and that the Government put forward a plan for achieving that—not least in tomorrow’s Westminster Hall debate on this subject, which I have secured?
Commonwealth — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: Foreign Trade
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sure, after that advertisement, that Westminster Hall will be packed tomorrow. My hon. Friend is right: Commonwealth trade will surpass $1 trillion by 2020, and trade across the Commonwealth is estimated to be actually 20% cheaper because of common legal systems and language and, indeed, trust. Those are exactly the areas to which we need to aspire, given our leadership role in the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: Foreign Trade
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman makes a very powerful point. I will be visiting Tanzania soon, and I will certainly take that message with me. It is important to understand that, in the trade advances we are making across Africa, we do not miss the opportunity to raise delicate matters such as this, so that 21st-century standards can be met.
Japan — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
James Michael Ellwood Berry (Conservative, Centre-right): Does my hon. Friend agree that North Korea’s recent ballistic missile test, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, shows how important it is that we maintain strong military and security relationships with our friends in Japan and South Korea, as well as strong trade relationships?
Japan — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): The actions of North Korea are a direct violation of multiple Security Council resolutions and a threat to international peace and security, not least to our friends in Japan and South Korea. Last week, as the House will know, the North Korean ambassador was summoned to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where we made clear the UK’s concerns. Japan is of course our closest security partner in Asia, but we also enjoy close co-operation with South Korea, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies.
Japan — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: Foreign Trade
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): As I have said, we of course enjoy very close trade relations with Japan. When I was in Japan last year, I met Japanese companies. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the biggest ever acquisition in the UK out of Asia was the acquisition of ARM Holdings by SoftBank for £24 billion.
Japan — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): We of course maintain close links with Japan—and, in fact, with all our allies—on matters related to security, and we continue to have dialogues across a range of issues, including those that my hon. Friend has raised.
Japan — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: Foreign Trade
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): Along with ministerial colleagues, I talk regularly to Japanese businesses to hear their views. May I just say that, since the date of the referendum, a huge amount of investment from Japan into the UK has been confirmed? I have referred to the ARM Holdings deal, but, as the hon. Lady will know, Nissan has reaffirmed the super-plant in Sunderland. If that is not a vote of confidence in the UK, I do not know what is.
Israeli Settlements — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Whether he made representations on Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Israel to the UK.
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, indeed. I met Prime Minister Netanyahu and repeated the historic UK position, which is that we believe the settlements on the west bank are illegal and constitute a barrier to a peaceful settlement in the region.
Israeli Settlements — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Whether he made representations on Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Israel to the UK.; Were the representations on settlements set in the context of Hamas fully restoring its military strength to levels before 2014—an illustration that peace does not entirely depend on this one issue?
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): We are aware of the preparations being made by Hamas in Gaza and we remain very concerned about the situation. It underscores the reality that while Israel is of course at fault for the expansion of settlements in the west bank—we have made that absolutely clear—on the other hand nobody should underestimate the very real security threat facing Israel. We are firmly on the side of the Israelis as they face that threat.
Israeli Settlements — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Whether he made representations on Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Israel to the UK.; Were the representations on settlements set in the context of Hamas fully restoring its military strength to levels before 2014—an illustration that peace does not entirely depend on this one issue?
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government’s policy is unchanged. We regard settlements as illegal insofar as they are in occupied Palestinian territories. Members will be absolutely clear that sooner or later—I hope sooner rather than later—there will be a deal and an understanding that involves land swaps. As my right hon. Friend rightly says, we will have to show some sense when it comes to doing that deal.
Israeli Settlements — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Whether he made representations on Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Israel to the UK.; Were the representations on settlements set in the context of Hamas fully restoring its military strength to levels before 2014—an illustration that peace does not entirely depend on this one issue?; I am going to give the Foreign Secretary another opportunity to answer the question from the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Richard Burden). The Israeli civilian administration personnel and police arrived at Khan al-Ahmar and served 39 stop- work orders, including to a school. An entire community is about to be forcefully displaced. What representation has he made to his Israeli counterpart on this matter?
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave a moment ago. My hon. Friend the Minister will be going to Israel very shortly. When we have got to the bottom of the exact complaint she is making, I am sure he will raise it.
Israeli Settlements — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Whether he made representations on Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Israel to the UK.; Were the representations on settlements set in the context of Hamas fully restoring its military strength to levels before 2014—an illustration that peace does not entirely depend on this one issue?; I am going to give the Foreign Secretary another opportunity to answer the question from the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Richard Burden). The Israeli civilian administration personnel and police arrived at Khan al-Ahmar and served 39 stop- work orders, including to a school. An entire community is about to be forcefully displaced. What representation has he made to his Israeli counterpart on this matter?
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is completely right. What he says underscores the need for a regional solution that brings together all the states surrounding Israel to do a deal that brings the Palestinians, finally, to the table, and brings concessions from the Israelis.
Israeli Settlements — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Whether he made representations on Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Israel to the UK.; Were the representations on settlements set in the context of Hamas fully restoring its military strength to levels before 2014—an illustration that peace does not entirely depend on this one issue?; I am going to give the Foreign Secretary another opportunity to answer the question from the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Richard Burden). The Israeli civilian administration personnel and police arrived at Khan al-Ahmar and served 39 stop- work orders, including to a school. An entire community is about to be forcefully displaced. What representation has he made to his Israeli counterpart on this matter?
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): Every Israeli Prime Minister in the last 20 years has supported a two-state solution, and that is the right way forward. It is the policy of the UK Government and remains the policy of the US Government. The difficulty will be to get a deal that not only allows the creation of the Palestinian state that I think everybody wants to achieve, but protects the security of the state of Israel.
Israeli Settlements — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Whether he made representations on Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Israel to the UK.; Were the representations on settlements set in the context of Hamas fully restoring its military strength to levels before 2014—an illustration that peace does not entirely depend on this one issue?; I am going to give the Foreign Secretary another opportunity to answer the question from the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Richard Burden). The Israeli civilian administration personnel and police arrived at Khan al-Ahmar and served 39 stop- work orders, including to a school. An entire community is about to be forcefully displaced. What representation has he made to his Israeli counterpart on this matter?
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): Let us be absolutely clear. As both the President and Prime Minister Netanyahu, and indeed the Palestinians, have said, there needs to be dialogue, but at the moment I do not think that the Palestinians are committing to dialogue in the way they could and should be. It takes two to negotiate. We have seen no progress over the last eight years. Let us not rule out the possibility of progress today.
Myanmar — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): Burma has made welcome progress towards democracy since embarking on reforms in 2011. It has lifted media censorship and released political prisoners, and held legitimate elections in 2015. The military remains powerful, however, and under the constitution is granted 25% of the seats in Parliament. Clearly, we want to see a transition to full democracy.
Myanmar — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alok Kumar Sharma (Conservative, Centre-right): Human rights are vital, of course, and we always ask any Government to make sure that they are observed. More broadly, the issues right now are stopping the violations, securing humanitarian access and delivering accountability in parts of Burma where it is lacking, and those are precisely the points my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary pressed the Burmese Government and the military on when he visited Burma last month.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): By the next time I answer questions in the House, the Government will have invoked article 50. My priority for the rest of the year therefore will be to ensure the smoothest and cleanest possible departure from the EU consistent with maintaining close co-operation with our European friends. I shall also strive—the Opposition can never achieve this—to work alongside the new US Administration as we deal with common challenges posed by Russia and the crises in the middle east.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2017-02-21
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Bath has a great local charity called GlobalARRK, which helps women who are stuck overseas, often facing domestic violence. What is my right hon. Friend doing to help stuck parents who are unable to return to their home country with their children?
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend will know that we have a programme to support the return of children whose parents are stuck in the wrong country. We do it through our—oh, what is it? We do it through our proper processes in making use of all our consular services.