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Proceeding contribution from Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) in the House of Lords on Monday, 10 July 2017. It occurred during Ministerial statement on G20.


G20

Would my noble friend accept that there is actually quite a lot to welcome in this Statement from the point of view of the United Kingdom and other countries? I was particularly pleased that the intention to reform the World Trade Organization was in the Statement—that is overdue—and our decision to help Italy face the enormous new wave of migrants and refugees, since very few other European countries seem prepared to lift a finger to help Italy at present. That is a very creditable move by the United Kingdom Government. But does she not wonder whether the USA is quite as isolated as several commentators have claimed? CO2 emissions in the United States are dropping faster than in almost any other country, admittedly from a very high level, whereas in Germany they are rising,

which needs to be taken into account before one enters into too much condemnation of President Trump on that.

Finally, neither my noble friend nor the Statement mentioned where America and Russia may just be getting to over safer zones in Syria. It looks as if there is some progress there at last, which should be welcomed. Would she also explain to the noble Lord the Leader of the Liberal Democrats that the EU-Japan trade deal is a great thing but is by no means settled yet, and that it is a bit early to start claiming triumph and glory for it?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
783 cc1111-2 
Session
2017-19
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Developing countries Women Employment Equality Finance International assistance Iraq Germany Iron and steel Economic growth Dumping Overseas trade New businesses Terrorism Refugees Trade Trade agreements Slavery USA Climate Change Convention Syria EU immigration G20 Islamic State Brexit
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on hansard.parliament.uk