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25 Jun 2009 : Column 1070W—continued
European Commission
Mr. Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in which international bodies the European Commission has representational rights greater than those of the UK. [277085]
Chris Bryant: In order to answer this question we would require an assessment of the division of competence between the Community and the member states in respect of all international agreements to which the Community and the member states are parties. This would involve a disproportionate cost.
Georgia: International Assistance
Sir Malcolm Rifkind: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has taken to ensure the continuation of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's mission to Georgia. [282163]
Chris Bryant: We lobbied Russia several times before the first suspension of negotiations over the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Georgia in December 2008. In response to the Greek Chairmanship's proposal to revive negotiations, the UK accepted in principle a compromise text that met many of Russia's key concerns. Despite the efforts of the Greek chairmanship, Russia decided to block the renewal of the mandate. Russia's counter-proposals were unacceptable to the other participating states in the OSCE.
The UK has begun discussions with our partners at the OSCE to ensure a continued OSCE presence in Georgia and the separatist regions, building on the work previously done by the monitoring mission. We remain keen for the OSCE's expertise in human rights and democratisation to be used towards peace and stability in Georgia. Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on 18 June 2009 that it did not want to see the OSCE leave the region definitively. We will urge Russia to stick to this assertion and participate constructively in talks.
Sir Malcolm Rifkind: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had in the Council of Ministers of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the continuation of the OSCE mission in Georgia after 30 June 2009; and if he will make a statement. [281963]
Chris Bryant: Despite the admirable efforts of the Greek chairmanship to reach a compromise, we deeply regret Russia’s decision to block the renewal of the mandate for the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Georgia, which is now due to close on 30 June 2009.
Russia refused to agree to terms which were acceptable to all 55 of the other OSCE participating states, and insisted that OSCE monitors could not have full freedom of movement. This development, together with Russia’s decision on 16 June 2009 to veto a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia, undermines our continuing efforts to find a peaceful
political resolution to the conflict in Georgia and to support the humanitarian needs of those affected by conflict.
We, together with our OSCE partners, will look for alternative ways for the OSCE to engage in Georgia and the separatist regions which continue to respect Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity. We urge Russia to respond constructively.
Indonesia
Lembit Öpik: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Indonesian government on reported attacks on civilians in the Puncak Jaya region of West Papua; and if he will make a statement. [281990]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: My hon. Friend, the Member for Harlow (Bill Rammell) the then Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised continuing UK concern at the human rights situation in Papua with Indonesian Foreign Minister Wirajuda when they met in Jakarta on 10 February 2009, and again at the Asia Europe Meeting in Hanoi on 25 May 2009. The UK continues to advocate meaningful devolution, appropriate security measures and greater transparency in Papua.
The Indonesian Government has made progress on human rights over the last decade. During the recent elections, we were aware of reports of tensions in Papua with regard to the actions of the security forces. Officials from our embassy in Jakarta last visited Papua on 17, 18 and 19 June 2009. They held meetings with officials, academics and non-governmental organisations in the region. Although recognising that problems remain, they report a general consensus that there has been a more sensitive and tempered response to some incidents of unrest, including in the Puncak Jaya area, by the law enforcement agencies.
Iran: Internet
Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations at EU level for a prohibition on the supply to Iran of technology to inspect, monitor and filter internet content; and if he will make a statement. [282196]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: We are deeply concerned by the restrictions that the Iranian authorities have placed on communications networks in Iran and have made clear that we support the right of the Iranian people to communicate and express their views freely. We and our EU partners have set this out in recent statements. We will continue to monitor the situation.
Middle East: Armed Conflict
Mr. Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the preconditions necessary for the establishment of a lasting two-state solution with regard to Israel and Palestine. [281492]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The UK welcomes the Israeli Prime Minister's support for a two-state solution. His speech on 14 June 2009 was a positive step towards making further progress on the peace process. However, more is needed from Israel on the issue of settlements: a complete freeze in settlement construction, in line with Israel's Roadmap commitments. We also emphasis that the Palestinians should continue to be prepared to engage in negotiations with Israel towards achieving a two-state solution.
Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the types of weapon used by Israeli forces in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead. [281832]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: We have seen unconfirmed reports from journalists, non-governmental organisations and other international observers about weapons and types of ammunition used by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) during Operation Cast Lead.
Of specific concern was the UN Board of Inquiry's findings on the use of white phosphorus. The Israeli authorities carried out an investigation and concluded that the IDF's use of white phosphorus did not breach its obligations under international law. Nevertheless, more generally, IDF investigations have stated that there were a very small number of incidents in which intelligence or operational errors took place during the fighting.
It is important that Israel continue to ensure that credible allegations are fully investigated. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary reiterated this in his statement at the UN Security Council debate on 11 May 2009.
Nuclear Weapons
Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what international security conditions the Government would participate in the multilateral nuclear disarmament process. [281899]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have set out the UK's vision for a world free from nuclear weapons, and the Government are at the forefront of efforts to create the conditions to bring this about. The Foreign Secretary set out these conditions in detail in the paper “Lifting the Nuclear Shadow” published in February 2009. As soon as it becomes useful for our arsenal to be included in a broader negotiation, we stand ready to participate and act.
Nuclear Weapons: Arms Control
Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his Department's evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee's inquiry into Global Security: Non Proliferation, HC 222, EV 118, under what circumstances the UK will include Trident warheads in a negotiation to reduce warhead numbers; and if he will make a statement. [282049]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Government are at the forefront of international efforts to create the conditions for a world free from nuclear weapons. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 17 March 2009 that as soon as it becomes useful for our minimum deterrent, currently represented by the Trident system, to be included in a broader disarmament negotiation, we stand ready to participate and act. However, to reach that point would require a much more secure and predictable global political and security environment. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary set out in detail the conditions needed for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the steps that could be taken towards achieving them in the paper “Lifting the Nuclear Shadow” published in February 2009.
Pakistan: Politics and Government
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been made of the security situation in (a) the province of Sindh and (b) Karachi following violence in early June; and if he will make a statement. [281932]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: Ethnic tension and political rivalry leading to violence is not uncommon in Karachi. However, increased violence in Karachi and Sindh over the last six weeks is a cause for concern, particularly given the apparent targeting of political activists. We understand 17 people affiliated to local political parties have been arrested. We continue to closely monitor the situation and urge all parties to refrain from violence.
Sri Lanka
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions has he had with the Sri Lankan government on the return of all internally-displaced people from the former conflict zones in the north of the country to their homes by the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement. [281977]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised this issue with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Bogollagama when they met on 5 June 2009. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to resettle the majority of internally displaced persons before the end of the year. We will continue to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to make progress on this commitment and we stand ready to offer practical assistance through the Department for International Development’s humanitarian funding programme.
Sudan: Elections
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his Department has to monitor the presidential elections in Sudan in 2010. [281965]
Mr. Ivan Lewis:
We would like the 2010 presidential elections in Sudan to be observed by competent and experienced bodies and organisations, including for example the EU. The EU received an invitation from the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Elections
Commission in February 2009 to join a group of other countries and regional bodies to supply electoral observers. The UK will offer any assistance we can to the observer mission, including personnel.
Tamils
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received reports of Tamil fighters aiding Taliban forces in Afghanistan. [281708]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: We have received no reports of Tamil fighters aiding the Taliban forces in Afghanistan.
USA
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the shooting at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC on 10 June; and if he will make a statement. [280991]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: We were shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of a security guard following the shooting incident at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC on 10 June 2009.
I have received no formal reports of this incident.
Transport
Satellite Navigation Devices
11. Jo Swinson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the merits of regulating satellite navigation devices. [282108]
Paul Clark: The Department for Transport has been reviewing route guidance system issues—including regulation—and believes that national regulation is not the most effective mechanism to address many of the concerns often associated with use of satellite navigation devices.
Rail Network: Capacity
12. Ann Winterton: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the capacity of the rail network. [282109]
14. Mr. Lancaster: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent discussions the Secretary of State has had on overcrowding on the rail network. [282112]
Chris Mole: The Secretary of State has regular meetings with the train operating companies to discuss progress on delivery of our commitments to increase capacity as set out in the Rail White Paper, “Delivering a Sustainable Railway”. 543 new vehicles have already been ordered to provide additional capacity in our busiest cities. This forms part of the £10 billion that we have committed to spend on enhancing rail capacity by 2014.
Heathrow Airport
13. Mr. Evennett: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent discussions the Secretary of State has had on the implications for air quality and road traffic congestion of a third runway at Heathrow airport. [282110]
Paul Clark: Ministers have had no such discussions since the Heathrow decisions were announced to Parliament on 15 January by my right hon. Friend, the then Secretary of State for Transport. It is now for BAA to decide how to take matters forward in the context of a planning application.
Speed Limits
15. Richard Ottaway: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent discussions the Secretary of State has had on speed limits on single-carriageway roads. [282113]
Paul Clark: In the current consultation entitled “A Safer Way”, we propose a targeted approach in which local traffic authorities are encouraged to consider lower speed limits on those single carriageway roads where there are particular casualty problems. As part of the consultation the Department’s officials are conducting discussions with a number of interested parties.
Uninsured Drivers
16. Paul Holmes: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what steps the Secretary of State is taking to reduce the number of uninsured drivers. [282114]
Paul Clark: We have already enabled the police to have data on uninsured vehicles for use with their automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) equipment, and to seize and destroy vehicles being driven uninsured.
We introduced a new offence in August 2008 of “causing death by driving while unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured”, which carries a custodial sentence of up to two years.
The Road Safety Act 2006 introduced a new offence of being a registered keeper of a vehicle for which there is no valid motor insurance, to be enforced from the record by a procedure of Continuous Insurance Enforcement. We intend to bring in further regulations to bring these provisions into force. It is planned to commence the Continuous Insurance Enforcement scheme in 2010-11 starting with an initial publicity campaign to raise public awareness.
Concessionary Travel: Jobseekers
17. Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent discussions the Secretary of State has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the provision of concessionary travel for jobseekers attending interviews. [282115]
Mr. Khan:
There have not been specific discussions on this issue with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Jobcentre plus already offers a number of
schemes to help jobseekers with the cost of travel, including their Travel to Interview Scheme and help with train fares for those on the New Deal programme.
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