My hon. Friend might like also to pray in aid the evidence that the then Policing Minister, now the Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform, my right hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. McNulty), gave to my Committee, when he made it absolutely clear that, as far as...

My hon. Friend might like also to pray in aid the evidence that the then Policing Minister, now the Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform, my right hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. McNulty), gave to my Committee, when he made it absolutely clear that, as far as...

I said that we need to give assistance—to help. In fact, paragraph 77 of the Committee's report states:"““We conclude that the European Union can and must do more to help the United States in bringing about the overdue closure of the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay.””" It is a US...

I said that we need to give assistance—to help. In fact, paragraph 77 of the Committee's report states:"““We conclude that the European Union can and must do more to help the United States in bringing about the overdue closure of the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay.””" It is a US...

That is true; there is a public interest in that. There is also a Government commitment, through the Green Paper from 2002. Nearly seven years on, where is the legislation? We need to move on that. There are some wider issues that I shall not go into in detail. We...

That is true; there is a public interest in that. There is also a Government commitment, through the Green Paper from 2002. Nearly seven years on, where is the legislation? We need to move on that. There are some wider issues that I shall not go into in detail. We...

I am delighted to be here before you today, Mr. Key, and I wish you and all the staff of the House a merry Christmas. Let me start by drawing attention to the report that the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs published in July and the Government response that was...

I am delighted to be here before you today, Mr. Key, and I wish you and all the staff of the House a merry Christmas. Let me start by drawing attention to the report that the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs published in July and the Government response that was...

I just want to respond briefly to two things mentioned during the debate. First, I assure the Minister and her officials that the Foreign Affairs Committee has already decided to write in response to a number of detailed points in the Government's response to the Committee's human rights report. We...

I just want to respond briefly to two things mentioned during the debate. First, I assure the Minister and her officials that the Foreign Affairs Committee has already decided to write in response to a number of detailed points in the Government's response to the Committee's human rights report. We...

The hon. Gentleman is well aware of the current difficulties in the Security Council. Our priority, rightly, is to work for the people of Zimbabwe. The debate has raised several matters of immense concern to us which have required us to engage with the international community to respond to the...

The hon. Gentleman is well aware of the current difficulties in the Security Council. Our priority, rightly, is to work for the people of Zimbabwe. The debate has raised several matters of immense concern to us which have required us to engage with the international community to respond to the...

Have the Government tried to secure such a resolution?

Have the Government tried to secure such a resolution?

I can certainly assure my hon. Friend that we will make a statement as soon as possible afterwards. Of course, the UK delegation has been active in proposing more positive language and making clear our objections to what we have deemed unacceptable at the preparatory committee. As I said, we...

I can certainly assure my hon. Friend that we will make a statement as soon as possible afterwards. Of course, the UK delegation has been active in proposing more positive language and making clear our objections to what we have deemed unacceptable at the preparatory committee. As I said, we...

I think that it would probably be appropriate to say that the use of torture and what is defined as torture continues to be a matter of important debate between the US and the UK. I can assure my hon. Friend that that will not change. The Guardian articles referring...

I think that it would probably be appropriate to say that the use of torture and what is defined as torture continues to be a matter of important debate between the US and the UK. I can assure my hon. Friend that that will not change. The Guardian articles referring...

I am grateful for the Minister's assurances. May we take it that soon after the review meeting in January, the Government will make a clear statement one way or the other about the conference, and that if the red lines are not met, we will withdraw from it?

I am grateful for the Minister's assurances. May we take it that soon after the review meeting in January, the Government will make a clear statement one way or the other about the conference, and that if the red lines are not met, we will withdraw from it?

Thank you, Mr. Key. This has been an important and welcome debate. I am happy to take part in it no matter what day, or time of day, it is. Perhaps it is appropriate if, first, I join with others in wishing you, Mr. Key, the staff of the House...

Thank you, Mr. Key. This has been an important and welcome debate. I am happy to take part in it no matter what day, or time of day, it is. Perhaps it is appropriate if, first, I join with others in wishing you, Mr. Key, the staff of the House...

I am grateful to the Minister for making it clear that we have a different view from the United States, but will she go a step further and say that we therefore do not accept the assurances that the United States does not use torture?

I am grateful to the Minister for making it clear that we have a different view from the United States, but will she go a step further and say that we therefore do not accept the assurances that the United States does not use torture?

First, I want to compliment the Foreign Affairs Committee, in particular its Chairman, the hon. Member for Ilford, South (Mike Gapes), on the very comprehensive and challenging report that it has presented. In the spirit of Christmas, I also express thanks to the Government for a voluminous human rights report,...

First, I want to compliment the Foreign Affairs Committee, in particular its Chairman, the hon. Member for Ilford, South (Mike Gapes), on the very comprehensive and challenging report that it has presented. In the spirit of Christmas, I also express thanks to the Government for a voluminous human rights report,...

I congratulate the Committee on its examination of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office report, and I commend the FCO for its work in producing that report. It creates a valuable context for our debates here. I would also like to mention the people who work in organisations such as Amnesty...

I congratulate the Committee on its examination of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office report, and I commend the FCO for its work in producing that report. It creates a valuable context for our debates here. I would also like to mention the people who work in organisations such as Amnesty...

I accept that our Committee did not cover the Congo. We tend to comment on the FCO's report. We look at the areas that it deals with and then mention other areas that it did not cover for future consideration. I hope that the Congo will be pushed up the...

I accept that our Committee did not cover the Congo. We tend to comment on the FCO's report. We look at the areas that it deals with and then mention other areas that it did not cover for future consideration. I hope that the Congo will be pushed up the...

Will my hon. Friend's Committee be able to deal in some depth with the situation in the Congo in next year's report, particularly as two of the themes appear to be the treatment of women and the treatment of children, both of which are of massive importance, particularly in eastern...

Will my hon. Friend's Committee be able to deal in some depth with the situation in the Congo in next year's report, particularly as two of the themes appear to be the treatment of women and the treatment of children, both of which are of massive importance, particularly in eastern...

The right hon. Gentleman said that when he spoke about the matter last year, the case against Mugabe was not at the level of a crime against humanity. Does he agree that the powerful case that he is now advancing suggests that it has reached that level? It has been...

The right hon. Gentleman said that when he spoke about the matter last year, the case against Mugabe was not at the level of a crime against humanity. Does he agree that the powerful case that he is now advancing suggests that it has reached that level? It has been...

I warmly endorse the final point made by the Chairman of the Committee, the hon. Member for Ilford, South (Mike Gapes). I entirely agree with him and share his concern that the deep fundamental principle of the universality of human rights is being threatened in many parts of the world....

I warmly endorse the final point made by the Chairman of the Committee, the hon. Member for Ilford, South (Mike Gapes). I entirely agree with him and share his concern that the deep fundamental principle of the universality of human rights is being threatened in many parts of the world....

I understand what the right hon. Gentleman is saying, and I agree with him. Is he not concerned also about the situation in Colombia, where there is the largest killing of trade unionists anywhere in the world? That is a serious violation of human rights, and the report draws attention...

I understand what the right hon. Gentleman is saying, and I agree with him. Is he not concerned also about the situation in Colombia, where there is the largest killing of trade unionists anywhere in the world? That is a serious violation of human rights, and the report draws attention...

I am not aware of any age cut-off for criminal proceedings by the International Criminal Court. As I said last year, there is a serious requirement to consider the ambit of international criminal law. The situation in Zimbabwe has worsened hugely since our previous debate, just over a year ago....

I am not aware of any age cut-off for criminal proceedings by the International Criminal Court. As I said last year, there is a serious requirement to consider the ambit of international criminal law. The situation in Zimbabwe has worsened hugely since our previous debate, just over a year ago....

It is a bit of a busman's holiday for me to speak in this debate, as I am Chairman of the Joint Committee on Human Rights. We obviously concentrate on human rights in the United Kingdom, but it can sometimes be frustrating for the Committee to see so many problems...

It is a bit of a busman's holiday for me to speak in this debate, as I am Chairman of the Joint Committee on Human Rights. We obviously concentrate on human rights in the United Kingdom, but it can sometimes be frustrating for the Committee to see so many problems...

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for mentioning that. Yes, it is a deplorable feature of what is going on in Colombia. Again, I am sure that the Government will focus on that when it comes to this year's report on human rights. Finally, I want to say this...

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for mentioning that. Yes, it is a deplorable feature of what is going on in Colombia. Again, I am sure that the Government will focus on that when it comes to this year's report on human rights. Finally, I want to say this...

Will my hon. Friend say anything about Cypriot missing persons since the invasion in 1974 who were apparently imprisoned in Turkey? The fate of a substantial number of them remains unknown.

Will my hon. Friend say anything about Cypriot missing persons since the invasion in 1974 who were apparently imprisoned in Turkey? The fate of a substantial number of them remains unknown.

I do not wish to criticise your ruling, Mr. Key, but I refer you to paragraph 80 of the human rights annual report, which refers to Council of Europe matters. It does not deal specifically with Cyprus, but with some Council of Europe rulings on such matters. The European Court...

I do not wish to criticise your ruling, Mr. Key, but I refer you to paragraph 80 of the human rights annual report, which refers to Council of Europe matters. It does not deal specifically with Cyprus, but with some Council of Europe rulings on such matters. The European Court...

No, I am not. Perhaps the Minister could respond to that question when she winds up. I have mentioned the Government's statement on Iraq. We raised concerns about the people who were employees of the British Government in Iraq and who at present are required to become refugees outside Iraq...

No, I am not. Perhaps the Minister could respond to that question when she winds up. I have mentioned the Government's statement on Iraq. We raised concerns about the people who were employees of the British Government in Iraq and who at present are required to become refugees outside Iraq...

On that point, is the hon. Gentleman aware of any concessions that the British Government have secured from the Chinese Government for the change in their position?

On that point, is the hon. Gentleman aware of any concessions that the British Government have secured from the Chinese Government for the change in their position?

Why is Britain not a signatory to the international convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families? Does he agree that that should be a priority for the Government?

Why is Britain not a signatory to the international convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families? Does he agree that that should be a priority for the Government?

I bow to that wisdom, and I am happy to take part in the debate, as I am sure all other hon. Members are. I wish you a happy Christmas, Mr. Key, if that helps. The principle of the debate is very important. Clearly, the work that Robin Cook did...

I bow to that wisdom, and I am happy to take part in the debate, as I am sure all other hon. Members are. I wish you a happy Christmas, Mr. Key, if that helps. The principle of the debate is very important. Clearly, the work that Robin Cook did...

May I help my hon. Friend? I do not think that it is anybody's fault. There were two slots for a debate in Westminster Hall, and the Foreign Affairs Committee will be away on the second. Therefore, our only alternatives were no debate, or a debate today. I am sure...

May I help my hon. Friend? I do not think that it is anybody's fault. There were two slots for a debate in Westminster Hall, and the Foreign Affairs Committee will be away on the second. Therefore, our only alternatives were no debate, or a debate today. I am sure...

I am very pleased to be taking part in the debate, although I am slightly surprised at the timing—it is a Thursday afternoon, immediately before the Christmas recess. I know that you are not responsible for these decisions, Mr. Key, and I do not know who is, but it possibly...

I am very pleased to be taking part in the debate, although I am slightly surprised at the timing—it is a Thursday afternoon, immediately before the Christmas recess. I know that you are not responsible for these decisions, Mr. Key, and I do not know who is, but it possibly...

I was not aware of that, but the hon. Gentleman has made a very important and valid point. Let me turn to the reports from international non-governmental organisations. A few weeks ago, Amnesty said that the Sri Lankan Government must end their policy of blocking the humanitarian aid that is...

I was not aware of that, but the hon. Gentleman has made a very important and valid point. Let me turn to the reports from international non-governmental organisations. A few weeks ago, Amnesty said that the Sri Lankan Government must end their policy of blocking the humanitarian aid that is...

I agree with many of the hon. Gentleman's remarks on the situation in Sri Lanka. Is he aware of the allegations that the Sri Lankan army has been using cluster munitions in some of its attacks against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, thus endangering yet more civilians?

I agree with many of the hon. Gentleman's remarks on the situation in Sri Lanka. Is he aware of the allegations that the Sri Lankan army has been using cluster munitions in some of its attacks against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, thus endangering yet more civilians?

The Committee's report refers to the Government's report, which has been endorsed. In that context, I hope that you will allow me, Mr. Key, to refer to some of those ECHR cases. I shall refer more generally to those points, because those cases raise important issues, in relation to property...

The Committee's report refers to the Government's report, which has been endorsed. In that context, I hope that you will allow me, Mr. Key, to refer to some of those ECHR cases. I shall refer more generally to those points, because those cases raise important issues, in relation to property...

I agree absolutely. Last year, I was a rapporteur of a joint conference of the International Labour Organisation and the Human Rights Council in Geneva which made the point that all countries should be signatories of exactly that convention. I endorse the hon. Gentleman's point and believe that Britain should...

I agree absolutely. Last year, I was a rapporteur of a joint conference of the International Labour Organisation and the Human Rights Council in Geneva which made the point that all countries should be signatories of exactly that convention. I endorse the hon. Gentleman's point and believe that Britain should...

Surely it is not Europe's responsibility to close down Guantanamo Bay, but solely a decision that the United States must take. The people in Guantanamo Bay could not face trial under any European standard, simply because any evidence that they offered would have been completely contaminated by the length of...

Surely it is not Europe's responsibility to close down Guantanamo Bay, but solely a decision that the United States must take. The people in Guantanamo Bay could not face trial under any European standard, simply because any evidence that they offered would have been completely contaminated by the length of...

I am grateful for that support. Our Committee has shown a close interest in those matters, and, in assessing the changes that might be needed to the Geneva conventions, we have also tried to indicate that this is not a simple question, because people who are caught up in a...

I am grateful for that support. Our Committee has shown a close interest in those matters, and, in assessing the changes that might be needed to the Geneva conventions, we have also tried to indicate that this is not a simple question, because people who are caught up in a...

On that point, the hon. Gentleman may not be aware of this, but one of my constituents was detained at Guantanamo Bay for four-and-a-half years, and, on my trips to Washington, in meetings at the State Department and the Pentagon amid efforts to try to secure his release, it was...

On that point, the hon. Gentleman may not be aware of this, but one of my constituents was detained at Guantanamo Bay for four-and-a-half years, and, on my trips to Washington, in meetings at the State Department and the Pentagon amid efforts to try to secure his release, it was...

May I add to the hon. Gentleman's powerful point by saying that the UK taxpayer has spent nearly £250 million on private military and security companies in Iraq and Afghanistan to date? The need for greater transparency and regulation is therefore even greater.

May I add to the hon. Gentleman's powerful point by saying that the UK taxpayer has spent nearly £250 million on private military and security companies in Iraq and Afghanistan to date? The need for greater transparency and regulation is therefore even greater.

I accept that various Ministers have said that water-boarding is torture, and the logical corollary is, therefore, that the United States practises a form of torture. If it does, assurances that it does not are questionable, at least, and, as we have said, probably ““cannot be relied upon””. That is...

I accept that various Ministers have said that water-boarding is torture, and the logical corollary is, therefore, that the United States practises a form of torture. If it does, assurances that it does not are questionable, at least, and, as we have said, probably ““cannot be relied upon””. That is...

Westminster Hall debate on a motion for the adjournment on human rights (Relevant documents: Foreign Affairs Select Committee ninth report of session 2007-08, HC 533, and the Government response, Cm. 7463.)

Westminster Hall debate on a motion for the adjournment on human rights (Relevant documents: Foreign Affairs Select Committee ninth report of session 2007-08, HC 533, and the Government response, Cm. 7463.)

(2) what meetings he has had with officials of the US administration in the last 12 months.

(2) what meetings he has had with officials of the US administration in the last 12 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) with reference to the answer of 13 November 2008, Official Report, column 1321W, on the USA, how many meetings he has had with members of the incoming US administration;

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) with reference to the answer of 13 November 2008, Official Report, column 1321W, on the USA, how many meetings he has had with members of the incoming US administration;

To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to further their focus on improving the long-term health of Gulf War veterans, following their initial response to the report of the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, mandated by the United States Congress and published on 17 November.

To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to further their focus on improving the long-term health of Gulf War veterans, following their initial response to the report of the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, mandated by the United States Congress and published on 17 November.

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to respond in detail to the findings of the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, mandated by the United States Congress and published on 17 November, with particular reference to new policy for research and redress for United Kingdom veterans...

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to respond in detail to the findings of the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, mandated by the United States Congress and published on 17 November, with particular reference to new policy for research and redress for United Kingdom veterans...

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to respond to the scientific findings and recommendations of the United States Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, published in November 2008; and, if so, when.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to respond to the scientific findings and recommendations of the United States Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, published in November 2008; and, if so, when.

Queen's speech debate (fourth day) on foreign affairs and defence.

Queen's speech debate (fourth day) on foreign affairs and defence.

Yes; my hon. Friend raises an important point, not least in the light of the Biden-Lugar Bill, sponsored by the now Vice President-elect in his previous capacity as a Senator, which proposed a tripling of American aid to Pakistan. We all know that it is not just spending aid money,...

Yes; my hon. Friend raises an important point, not least in the light of the Biden-Lugar Bill, sponsored by the now Vice President-elect in his previous capacity as a Senator, which proposed a tripling of American aid to Pakistan. We all know that it is not just spending aid money,...

I am very grateful to the Foreign Secretary for giving way again. It is undoubtedly the case that some innocent people would die if there were an oil and electricity embargo, but that argument would have much more force if there were not already tens of thousands of people dying,...

I am very grateful to the Foreign Secretary for giving way again. It is undoubtedly the case that some innocent people would die if there were an oil and electricity embargo, but that argument would have much more force if there were not already tens of thousands of people dying,...

I take seriously the experience with which the right hon. and learned Gentleman speaks. What I say to him is that we could not get a majority for sanctions on individual members of the regime—[Interruption.] I assure hon. Members that it remains pretty difficult to do so. We could not...

I take seriously the experience with which the right hon. and learned Gentleman speaks. What I say to him is that we could not get a majority for sanctions on individual members of the regime—[Interruption.] I assure hon. Members that it remains pretty difficult to do so. We could not...

I pay tribute in return to my hon. Friend, who has done extraordinary work on this issue over a long period. I hope it was not felt that in my answer to the right hon. and learned Gentleman there was any sense of disregarding or denunciating the suggestion, because it...

I pay tribute in return to my hon. Friend, who has done extraordinary work on this issue over a long period. I hope it was not felt that in my answer to the right hon. and learned Gentleman there was any sense of disregarding or denunciating the suggestion, because it...