argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Spencer Cleverly (Conservative, Centre-right): As I have said, the UK Government have supported the Palestinian Authority in putting in place the building blocks for a future Palestinian state, which we recognise. We have been very vocal that our preferred option is a safe, stable two-state solution, with a prosperous and peaceful Palestinian state neighbouring a prosperous and peaceful Israeli state.
Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Caroline Ansell (Conservative, Centre-right): The middle east is changing before our eyes and the significance of Israel’s peace agreements with the UAE and Bahrain cannot be overstated. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this new development between Israel and her Arab neighbours changes the narrative, creates a new dynamic in the region, and gives rise to new hope for a peace deal?
Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Spencer Cleverly (Conservative, Centre-right): The normalisation of relations represents a move towards peace in the region, and the UK strongly welcomes that. We encourage other states to choose the same path, but, ultimately, there is no substitute for direct talks between the Palestinians and Israel, which is the only way to reach a two-state solution and a lasting peace. We do hope that normalisation can encourage dialogue between the parties and the UK stands ready to support such efforts.
FCO/DFID Merger — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Nigel Adams (Conservative, Centre-right): The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law acting as a force for good in the world. The UK is one of the longest standing members of the Human Rights Council, and we are aiming to maintain that record at today’s election. Another good example is our recent activity at the UN on China, which shows our commitment to defending human rights in Xinjiang.
FCO/DFID Merger — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Nigel Adams (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. He is absolutely right to raise this matter. We believe that democracy, human rights and the rule of law are the absolute foundations on which open, stable and prosperous societies thrive. I am more than happy to commit on behalf of the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton), to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss this issue.
FCO/DFID Merger — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: Foreign Trade
Nigel Adams (Conservative, Centre-right): No, I do not accept that whatsoever. We have clearly set out our reasons for introducing the measures related to the Northern Ireland protocol. We need to create a legal safety net to protect the integrity of our internal market and ensure that we can deliver on our obligations. The UK Internal Market Bill is a defensive, precautionary and proportionate measure to safeguard the integrity of the United Kingdom.
Amazon Rain Forest — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): On 7 October, the Foreign Secretary held a strategic dialogue with his Brazilian counterpart which covered a number of topics of mutual interest, including trade, security and human rights. The Foreign Secretary raised the issue of climate change and the need to protect the Amazon from further deforestation. We run major programmes on sustainable agriculture and deforestation with various stakeholders in Brazil that totalled £259 million between 2012 and 2020. Climate change is one of the most important global issues, and international co-operation is vital to tackling it. As COP26 president, the UK will continue to work in partnership with Brazil on this important issue.
Amazon Rain Forest — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): As I said in my previous answer, the Foreign Secretary had a strategic dialogue with his Brazilian counterpart, and both countries have affirmed that they will work to ensure that the COP delivers substantial negotiated outcomes in the fight against climate change. We believe that climate change is one of the most important global issues, and will be working not just with Brazil but with other countries to tackle this important issue.
Iran: BBC Persian Journalists — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Spencer Cleverly (Conservative, Centre-right): The attacks against BBC Persian employees and their families, and threats to an entirely legitimate media organisation, are unacceptable. We raise this harassment regularly with the Iranian Government, as well as at the Human Rights Council. We will continue to defend BBC Persian’s editorial independence. We most recently raised our concerns about media freedom in Iran in an E3 Foreign Ministers’ letter to Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif on 22 September.
Iran: BBC Persian Journalists — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Fiona Claire Bruce (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the Minister for that reply and for sharing the concerns about this serious issue. Will he give us some information on what responses the Foreign Office has received from the Iranian authorities to such representations? The BBC journalists themselves get very little feedback on this issue.
Iran: BBC Persian Journalists — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Spencer Cleverly (Conservative, Centre-right): Sadly, the Iranian authorities have yet to provide any kind of justification for their actions that stand up to scrutiny. Their behaviour is indefensible, and we are confident that our Iranian contacts, including Foreign Minister Zarif, fully understand our concerns and our condemnation of such harassment.
Nagorno-Karabakh — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): We remain deeply concerned about the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, and call on all parties to take every measure possible to protect civilians. That is why, on 29 September, the UK called for discussion at the UN Security Council. The day before that, on 28 September, I spoke to both the Azerbaijani and the Armenian Foreign Ministers to urge a return to dialogue under the OSCE Minsk group to ensure a peaceful and sustainable settlement.
Nagorno-Karabakh — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): As I clearly indicated, we remain very concerned about this conflict, and the hon. Gentleman is right to raise it. That is why we are continuing to work to urge both parties back to the table to have dialogue, and to use the Minsk process to further that.
Nagorno-Karabakh — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): In terms of Turkey, the Defence Secretary discussed the conflict during a recent visit to Ankara and again agreed that de-escalation was the best option for all. I reiterate that, as the Foreign Secretary has said on previous occasions, we urge all external parties and friends of both states to redouble their efforts in support for an end to these hostilities and to refrain from taking actions that risk deepening the crisis. As co-chair of the Minsk group, Russia has a role in working to end the conflict too.
Nagorno-Karabakh — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady makes a very important point reinforcing the need for dialogue. The Foreign Secretary issued two statements with Canadian Foreign Minister Champagne, most recently on 6 October, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table under the auspices of the OSCE group. On 28 September, the Prime Minister spoke to President Erdoğan and discussed the recent escalation. On 2 October, I spoke to Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Önal to register concerns at the military escalation. We have been engaging with the co-chairs of the Minsk group—the French, the US and Russia. I will continue to reach out to my counterparts—both the Armenian and the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers—to reinforce the UK’s support for de-escalation and a return to dialogue.
UK Internal Market Bill: Diplomacy — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: Foreign Trade
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): No, I do not agree with that. The measures in the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill are a defensive, precautionary and proportionate, to safeguard the integrity of the UK. I was in Washington recently and had very constructive conversations on both sides of the aisle on the hill.
UK Internal Market Bill: Diplomacy — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): I am afraid I just do not accept the assertion, and I do not accept the equivalence. We have very clear understandings in relation to the positions we take in terms of consular access and upholding human rights. We engage with the Indian Government and other Governments right across the world. I have never had the pushback the hon. Member describes.
UK Internal Market Bill: Diplomacy — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the hon. Lady. As I have made clear, the Bill is a defensive, precautionary measure to safeguard the integrity of the UK. If the hon. Lady wants to know what people outside the United Kingdom and the EU say about the United Kingdom when it comes to upholding the international rule of law, perhaps she would like to listen to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the Belarusian opposition leader, who said on 5 October in an interview: "I am really grateful to the United Kingdom. For them to be so vocal, for them to be so brave, for them to be so strong in their position—it was all action. The United Kingdom has really shown itself as an example to the whole world." That is what they say about the United Kingdom outside the EU.
UK Internal Market Bill: Diplomacy — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Thomas Georg John Tugendhat (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is rightly addressing the rule of law in a particular negotiation. Will he recognise, however, that the negotiations we are conducting around the world, including with the Japanese Government and the beginning of the conversation with the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership will rely on the UK making deals that will endure the future? Those deals will only endure truly if the UK holds together and values all parts of this United Kingdom. Will he recognise, therefore, that his role is to promote the voices of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland together to make sure all those four nations achieve the best for the whole United Kingdom?
UK Internal Market Bill: Diplomacy — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: Foreign Trade
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have just signed a deal with Japan, and we have signed a continuity deal with South Korea. We are looking at a second one, and we have ambitions for scoping talks in relation to that, so that we can improve in areas such as data. We are making good progress on Vietnam. That is precisely the way in trade negotiations we will represent the businesses and consumers of all four nations of the United Kingdom, and that is the way we will continue.
Climate Change: International Co-operation — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Philip Duddridge (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government are fully committed to independent parliamentary scrutiny in this House. The Foreign Secretary has already announced our commitment to maintaining the Independent Commission for Aid Impact. He has also announced a departmental review to make ICAI even more effective, leveraging what works and producing more practical recommendations. This will make scrutiny stronger.
Climate Change: International Co-operation — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: Environment
James Philip Duddridge (Conservative, Centre-right): May I apologise to the House? In my enthusiasm sharing a joke with you, Mr Speaker, I had the wrong page on my briefing and so answered in advance the question tabled by the hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon (Layla Moran). I apologise to the House for my enthusiasm I thank my constituency near neighbour, my hon. Friend the Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock (Stephen Metcalfe), for his question. We are committed to COP 26 through the presidency of G7 next year. We will be urging Governments to be bold in what they are hoping to achieve. Indeed, we are co-hosting events with the UN on 12 December to mark the fifth anniversary of the climate agreement.
Climate Change: International Co-operation — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: Environment
Duncan Charles Baker (Conservative, Centre-right): I will not be thrown off course With the United Kingdom being the fastest country in the G7 to decarbonise, it is quite apparent that this Government are leading the world in tackling climate change, but our efforts will pale into insignificance if other nations around the world do not face up to their own responsibilities. What efforts is my hon. Friend making to ensure that everybody plays their part?
Climate Change: International Co-operation — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: Environment
James Philip Duddridge (Conservative, Centre-right): It is important that everybody plays their part and that there is collective action. My hon. Friend may be alluding, in part, to China. I warmly received China’s commitment—in particular, its intent to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.
Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): It remains our intention and our hope to reach an agreement with the EU, but as a responsible Government, we continue to make extensive preparations for a wide range of scenarios. The two Cabinet Committees focused on EU exit strategy and operations meet regularly to discuss the Government’s work, to ensure that the UK is prepared for the end of the transition period.
Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: Foreign Trade
Simon James Jupp (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the Minister for her response. The new Department will no doubt have a busy autumn, as it looks to seize the many opportunities that lay ahead. What discussions have been held with the Department for International Trade to ensure that the Government sing from the same hymn sheet in their future trade negotiations on food, animal welfare and environmental standards?
Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: Foreign Trade
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): I can assure my hon. Friend that FCDO Ministers are in regular contact with DIT colleagues on a range of trade-related issues. The UK Government have been consistently clear that we will never sign a trade deal that would compromise the UK’s high environmental protection, animal welfare and food safety standards. All existing food safety provisions will be retained.
Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Suzanne Webb (Conservative, Centre-right): Two thirds of my constituents in Stourbridge voted to leave the EU—"Roll on 31 December" is the message I hear loud and clear. Does the Minister agree that we must strongly back the Government’s negotiating position to deliver a trade deal that takes back control of our money, laws and borders, but that we should not be afraid to fall back on an Australian-style arrangement if necessary?
Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: Foreign Trade
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend asks an important question. We continue to work hard towards reaching an agreement with the EU. We want a deal with free trade provisions similar to those that the EU agreed with Canada, and if that is not possible, we will have a trading relationship similar to how Australia trades with the EU. Either way, we will be leaving the single market and the customs union.
Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Mark Simon Eastwood (Conservative, Centre-right): The United Kingdom has a proud history of defending human rights. Does the Minister agree that a key benefit of leaving the European Union for our foreign policy is the ability to put in place our own independent sanctions regime, allowing us to go further on human rights than the EU?
Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, the UK will indeed pursue an independent sanctions policy driven by our foreign policy objectives. We established a global human rights sanctions regime on 6 July, which gives us new powers to fight those involved in serious human rights abuses. The sanctions we recently imposed on individuals in Belarus are a good example. Sanctions are best delivered, though, through collective action, and we will continue to work with EU and other international partners.
Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Simon Robert Maurice Baynes (Conservative, Centre-right): Does the Minister agree that the end of the transition period will herald a global Britain with more freedom to follow our own path in the world, to the benefit of my constituents in Clwyd South?
Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes. At the end of this year, the process of transition will be complete, and we will recover our economic and political independence. That is why we did not extend the transition period. We need to be able to design our own rules in our best interests, without the constraints of following the EU.
Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Wendy Morton (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government’s integrated review, which is ongoing, will define the UK’s role in the world and the longer-term strategic aims for our national security and foreign policy following our departure from the European Union. We are committed to the UK being a force for good in the world, defending open societies, free trade, democracy and human rights.
South China Sea — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Nigel Adams (Conservative, Centre-right): On 3 September, I reiterated our concern about reports of militarisation, coercion and intimidation in the South China sea, and I called on all parties to refrain from activity likely to raise tensions. Given the importance we attach to the UN convention on the law of the sea, I also put our comprehensive legal position on the SCS on public record for the first time.
South China Sea — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Scott Leslie Mann (Conservative, Centre-right): China’s brazen human rights abuses and its increasingly assertive behaviour internationally are both deeply disturbing issues. In the light of this behaviour, what consideration has the Department given to the integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy to safeguard British friends and interests in south-east Asia?
South China Sea — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Nigel Adams (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this. I would remind him that, on 6 October, 39 countries joined in a statement at the UN Third Committee expressing deep concern at the human rights situation in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet. This growing caucus willing to speak out reflects the UK’s diplomatic leadership. The tilt to the Indo-Pacific is a key ambition for our integrated review. It will outline the UK’s intention to become a long-term partner to south Asian and Asia-Pacific countries. We are already working to develop closer partnerships with the region through our bid to achieve Association of Southeast Asian Nations dialogue partnership status. The Foreign Secretary visited Hanoi recently, and that was high on our agenda. We are also keen to pursue our accession to the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership.
President of Belarus — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): The UK does not accept the results of the rigged presidential election in Belarus. We have worked with our international partners to promote a peaceful resolution. We have condemned the actions of the Belarusian authorities, and we hold those responsible for human rights abuses to account.
President of Belarus — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Michael Louis David Fabricant (Conservative, Centre-right): Everybody’s favourite continental politician Guy Verhofstadt expressed his huge frustration with the European Union recently, surprisingly enough, when he said that unlike the United Kingdom and Canada, which have imposed sanctions on Belarus for the very reason that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has just said, the European Union has been unable to do so because of the unanimity rules. What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the EU foreign policy ability to impose things such as sanctions, and does he share my relief that the United Kingdom has now left the EU?
President of Belarus — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend. He makes a powerful point about the agility and the autonomy that we have with our new Magnitsky sanctions regime, and also some of the latitude we will have now we have left the EU. Equally, I co-ordinate closely with our European partners. He is right to say that the UK, with Canada, proceeded first, on 29 September, to impose targeted sanctions on Lukashenko’s son and six other senior Belarusian officials. I can, though, reassure my hon. Friend that the EU has followed our lead and, at the latest Foreign Affairs Council, announced that it will now follow that lead and impose sanctions on Lukashenko.
ASEAN Countries: UK Relations — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: International Affairs
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): I visited Vietnam last month, where we held the first UK-ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting, discussing collaboration on covid, the green economic recovery and the UK’s application for dialogue partner status with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
ASEAN Countries: UK Relations — House of Commons, 2020-10-13
Topic: Foreign Trade
Heather Kay Wheeler (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my right hon. Friend for his answer so far. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to support new growth markets in the ASEAN region, such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, to ensure that the UK economy and UK businesses, especially South Derbyshire firms, feel the full benefit of global Britain?