Members in the House of Commons debated on the issues of rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, food security in developing countries and strengthening NATO unity
We condemn the Taliban’s decision to restrict the rights of women and girls. We are working with international partners to urge the Taliban to reverse its decisions
Ruth Cadbury (Labour) What steps he is taking to support the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
Mr Andrew Mitchell (The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) We condemn the Taliban’s decision to restrict the rights of women and girls. We are working with international partners to urge the Taliban to reverse its decisions to ban women from working for the United Nations and non-governmental organisations, and to deny girls access to education.
Ruth Cadbury I thank the Minister for his answer. As he said, in Afghanistan, households led by women are effectively banned from leaving the home and are, therefore, wholly dependent on female Afghan aid workers. … What is the impact assessment of the Taliban’s policy on the distribution of essential aid and what are the Government doing about it?
Mr Mitchell The impact assessment is truly horrific. The effect of the Taliban’s decision is absolutely appalling … On the specific point the hon. Lady makes, we are doing everything, along with our likeminded allies and others with greater influence on the Taliban, to try to rectify that.
Food Security: Developing Countries Ian Levy (Conservatives) What steps he has taken to help improve food security in developing countries.
Mr Andrew Mitchell (The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) We committed in the integrated review refresh, published in March, to lead an 18-month campaign to improve global food security and nutrition, and to mitigate the risk of famine.
Ian Levy The devastating war in Ukraine and the destruction of its agricultural sector has sadly meant that, at the start of 2023, roughly one in three Ukrainian families were classified as food insecure. … Will my right hon. Friend assure me his department is doing all it can to ensure that Ukrainian families are getting the vital support they need, despite what is happening in their country?
Mr. Mitchell I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. In November, Britain will host a major event in London focused on preventing children from starving to death, and on preventing malnutrition and food insecurity.
Patrick Grady (SNP) It is all good and well that the UK is hosting events, but the reality is that the amount of money it has to invest in food security is declining…. If the Home Office really wants people not to come here on small boats, perhaps it would be better to spend that money on famine relief and food security so that people do not flee their countries in the first place.
Mr. Mitchell The hon. Gentleman is right to point to the importance of international development in tackling these problems upstream. …and he will also have noticed that I announced that we will spend £1 billion on humanitarian relief next year.
Strengthening NATO Unity Chris Clarkson (Con) What diplomatic steps he has taken to help strengthen NATO unity.
Leo Docherty (The parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs) My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary engages regularly with NATO allies, and did so most recently at the NATO leaders’ summit in Vilnius last week, where allies were united on the delivery of a strong package of support for Ukraine that will bring it closer to NATO.
Chris Clarkson The Prime Minister has made it very clear that the UK’s position is that Ukraine belongs in the NATO family. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to help our other NATO allies to reach the same conclusion?
Leo Docherty At the historic summit in Vilnius, NATO leaders agreed that Ukraine would become a member of NATO at a time when allies agree and “conditions are met…
Andrew Bridgen (Reclaim) Will the Minister inform the House whether the Government will be supporting or opposing Ursula von der Leyen’s bid to become the next Secretary-General of NATO? Given her lamentable performance as Germany’s Defence Minister, I would urge the latter, but it is clear that she has preferment, and despite all her failures she has always failed upwards. Leo Docherty No.
