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Symons of Vernham Dean, Baroness
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Symons of Vernham Dean, Baroness (42)
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My Lords, President Obama has decided to put American troops on the ground in order to protect American citizens and in particular the American embassy. Can the Minister tell us what steps the Foreign Secretary—or indeed the Prime Minister—is proposing to take in order to protect British citizens in Iraq and indeed our embassy?
My Lords, President Obama has decided to put American troops on the ground in order to protect American citizens and in particular the American embassy. Can the Minister tell us what steps the Foreign Secretary—or indeed the Prime Minister—is proposing to take in order to protect British citizens in Iraq and indeed our embassy?
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
17 June 2014
This is an incredibly important matter and it is something we keep under review. Our travel advice reflects the reviews as they take place. The noble Baroness will also be aware that whereas we have several hundred embassy staff in Iraq—our main embassy is in Baghdad and of course we have one in the Kurdistan Regional Government area—the US has thousands of staff in Iraq, including, of course, in Basra.
Subjects
Armed conflict; Iraq; Islamic State
Date
17 June 2014
Reference
754 c725
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, perhaps I may take that point a little further. I should like to ask the noble Lord what the Government’s view is on interfaith groups. Such groups manage to reach out to what are possibly the extremes of some faith groups. I am thinking particularly of the work of the noble and right reverend Lords, Lord Carey and Lord Harries of Pentregarth, that of the right reverend Prelates the Bishops of London and Coventry, as well as the wonderful work done by Canon Andrew White, of which the noble Lord will be well aware. Do the Government feel that these interfaith groups have an important role to play in trying to reach into those parts of faith communities in the Middle East that are perhaps operating in a way that many of us find repellent?
My Lords, perhaps I may take that point a little further. I should like to ask the noble Lord what the Government’s view is on interfaith groups. Such groups manage to reach out to what are possibly the extremes of some faith groups. I am thinking particularly of the work of the noble and right reverend Lords, Lord Carey and Lord Harries of Pentregarth, that of the right reverend Prelates the Bishops of London and Coventry, as well as the wonderful work done by Canon Andrew White, of which the noble Lord will be well aware. Do the Government feel that these interfaith groups have an important role to play in trying to reach into those parts of faith communities in the Middle East that are perhaps operating in a way that many of us find repellent?
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
4 November 2010
My Lords, I understand that Canon Andrew White has been in London and that Alistair Burt spoke to him yesterday. He is now returning to Baghdad. Of course we have to promote interfaith dialogue as actively as we can, but it is not always easy to get through to the more extreme groups. However, I trust that this is something with which many of us in this place and others outside are actively engaged.
Subjects
Crimes of violence; Churches; Iraq; Minority groups; Religious freedom; Christianity
Date
4 November 2010
Reference
721 c1738
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, does the Minister not agree that, irrespective of our legal obligations, we have an enduring obligation to the people in Camp Ashraf, as the noble Lord, Lord Waddington, indicated? After all, we do not hand anyone over to any sovereign power if we think that they would be tortured or in any other way mistreated. Does the Minister believe that there is any truth in the allegations that United States officials are not allowed into Camp Ashraf for inspections? I am pleased to hear that our officials have been allowed in, but will he assure us that they will continue to visit the camp? Is there any hope that in the future there will be UN inspectors in Camp Ashraf, as the noble Lord, Lord Waddington, rightly requested?
My Lords, does the Minister not agree that, irrespective of our legal obligations, we have an enduring obligation to the people in Camp Ashraf, as the noble Lord, Lord Waddington, indicated? After all, we do not hand anyone over to any sovereign power if we think that they would be tortured or in any other way mistreated. Does the Minister believe that there is any truth in the allegations that United States officials are not allowed into Camp Ashraf for inspections? I am pleased to hear that our officials have been allowed in, but will he assure us that they will continue to visit the camp? Is there any hope that in the future there will be UN inspectors in Camp Ashraf, as the noble Lord, Lord Waddington, rightly requested?
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
25 October 2010
I can give hopes and intentions rather than assurances because, as the noble Baroness knows well from her own experience, this is a difficult area. Obviously, we intend to continue having access and monitoring. We intend to continue pressing the UN, which appears to be ready to visit and maintain a close eye on the situation. The overall pattern, however, is governed by the fact that this is Iraqi sovereign territory and Iraq is a sovereign state, although the Iraqis will be watched carefully by the world and will be expected to police and manage this matter in a civilised way.
Subjects
Iraq; Refugees; Safety; Iran; Mujahedin-e Khalq
Date
25 October 2010
Reference
721 c1030
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, the Minister made a point about the expense involved in the issue of visas. Does he not also accept that, unless we get this right, the Exchequer will lose out considerably through loss of trade if we block or do not properly facilitate visas for business travellers?
My Lords, the Minister made a point about the expense involved in the issue of visas. Does he not also accept that, unless we get this right, the Exchequer will lose out considerably through loss of trade if we block or do not properly facilitate visas for business travellers?
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
19 January 2010
My Lords, the noble Baroness is absolutely right—I hoped that I had touched on this earlier—and that is why the situation is being reviewed in March. I agree that we need to open this up. We need to expand our links with Iraq because there are many opportunities there. As its oil comes online, it will have the money to implement these things and so it is in our interests to do that. However, there are issues of security and cost at the moment and that is why we are going to look at the situation again to try to advance it.
Subjects
Business; Iraq; Facilities; Visas
Date
19 January 2010
Reference
716 c873-4
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, is not one of the problems the fact that DSO no longer exists and the very specialised work that it undertook is now being undertaken by UKTI? What assessment is being done to look at whether UKTI is as effective as DSO used to be, with the support that it had from the Armed Forces, in promoting British defence companies in the sort of way that the noble Lord’s Question implies?
My Lords, is not one of the problems the fact that DSO no longer exists and the very specialised work that it undertook is now being undertaken by UKTI? What assessment is being done to look at whether UKTI is as effective as DSO used to be, with the support that it had from the Armed Forces, in promoting British defence companies in the sort of way that the noble Lord’s Question implies?
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
27 April 2009
My Lords, I do not think that there is any evidence to suggest that since the transfer of responsibilities and location for DSO there has been any diminution in its work rate or effectiveness. I think that it is actually quite desirable to extend and deepen the expertise of UKTI as a whole in both the defence and the security fields. However, if there is a concern, it is one that I will watch out for with a personal interest.
Subjects
Contracts; Armed forces; Arms trade; Defence equipment; Iraq; Procurement
Date
27 April 2009
Reference
710 c7
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, one major concern about the treatment of refugees and displaced people seems to be the lack of a co-ordinated approach from the United Nations, the operation coming partly out of Baghdad and partly out of Jordan. Is the United Kingdom in any position to help improve co-ordination of the humanitarian effort and, if so, what can we do?
My Lords, one major concern about the treatment of refugees and displaced people seems to be the lack of a co-ordinated approach from the United Nations, the operation coming partly out of Baghdad and partly out of Jordan. Is the United Kingdom in any position to help improve co-ordination of the humanitarian effort and, if so, what can we do?
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
21 January 2008
My Lords, I agree with my noble friend’s observation that poor co-ordination and fragmentation have been a real problem. We have therefore successfully secured the post of a new UN humanitarian co-ordinator, at least partly based in Baghdad. We welcome the arrival of David Shearer, who has experience in the region, as well as in humanitarian issues. He will be launching his first consolidated UN appeal, involving NGOs, in mid-February. We have also managed to secure a pledge for increased UN staff in-country. Therefore, we hope that the centre of gravity is moving from Iraq to Amman.
Subjects
Development aid; Iraq; Refugees; Internally displaced people
Date
21 January 2008
Reference
698 c4
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that response. Perhaps I may press him a little further on how the United States Department of Defense is engaging in the process. The Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, is widely regarded as the main architect of pretty much all US activity on the ground in Iraq, but he is not widely regarded as a big enthusiast for consultation even in his own Government. Can my noble friend assure the House that Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld is himself fully engaged in the exchanges taking place?
My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that response. Perhaps I may press him a little further on how the United States Department of Defense is engaging in the process. The Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, is widely regarded as the main architect of pretty much all US activity on the ground in Iraq, but he is not widely regarded as a big enthusiast for consultation even in his own Government. Can my noble friend assure the House that Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld is himself fully engaged in the exchanges taking place?
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
1 November 2006
My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for giving me an opportunity to give exactly that assurance to the House. We have excellent relations with the Pentagon at all levels. At the highest level, the Secretary of State has regular discussions with his opposite number; he met him most recently on 28 September at the NATO Defence Ministers summit, at which they discussed a number of issues. I think that it is clear that the United Kingdom has influenced and continues to influence US policy on Iraq. For example, we have had an effect on the conditions for transition in Iraq, which were drawn up by the joint committee, on the strategy for the multinational division in the south-east of the country, and on the negotiations on the renewal of UN Security Council resolutions. We focus on outcomes, and we can see the way in which the first of the provinces have achieved transition in Iraq as evidence—given that those were areas under the leadership of the United Kingdom—of our clear influence on the US Administration.
Subjects
Armed forces; Deployment; Iraq; Peacekeeping operations; USA
Date
1 November 2006
Reference
686 c249
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
What consultation has taken place with the Government of the United States about the strategy for the future deployment of British and American forces in Iraq.
What consultation has taken place with the Government of the United States about the strategy for the future deployment of British and American forces in Iraq.
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Drayson
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Procedure
Topical questions (HL)
For answer on
1 November 2006
Answered on
1 November 2006
My Lords, we have regular discussions with our US and other coalition partners on all aspects of our operations in Iraq, including the strategy for future deployment of British and American forces.
Subjects
Armed forces; Deployment; Iraq; Peacekeeping operations; USA
Date
1 November 2006
Reference
686 c248
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, can my noble friend assure the House that the Armed Forces in Iraq now have flushing lavatories available to them in their living and working accommodation?
My Lords, can my noble friend assure the House that the Armed Forces in Iraq now have flushing lavatories available to them in their living and working accommodation?
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
30 October 2006
Yes, my Lords, I am happy to answer my noble friend, having visited the accommodation in Iraq. I can confirm that our troops have such facilities.
Subjects
Armed forces; Housing; Iraq; Peacekeeping operations; Working conditions; Temperature; Air conditioning
Date
30 October 2006
Reference
686 c11
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, does my noble friend agree that any publication about any shortcomings must be consistent with the safety of our troops on the ground at the moment? The idea of publishing something that feeds a media frenzy rather than serving the real purposes of our troops serving on the ground in Iraq would, for many of us, be a tragedy.
My Lords, does my noble friend agree that any publication about any shortcomings must be consistent with the safety of our troops on the ground at the moment? The idea of publishing something that feeds a media frenzy rather than serving the real purposes of our troops serving on the ground in Iraq would, for many of us, be a tragedy.
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
11 October 2006
My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend. She is absolutely right; there is obviously a real limitation to the detail into which we can go. Having spoken to operational commanders and troops on the ground, I must say that they find it difficult that the emphasis is on the difficulties and that no real recognition is given to the progress that has been made. The feeling, which is shared by people in DfID, is that the progress that has been made on the reconstruction effort in very difficult circumstances is not properly reflected in the discussion.
Subjects
Armed conflict; Iraq; Peacekeeping operations; Iraq conflict
Date
11 October 2006
Reference
685 c253-4
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, I am sure that we all share the concerns expressed by the noble Lord, Lord Renton of Mount Harry, about the level of violence, particularly in Baghdad and Basra. Can the Minister tell us a little more about what is happening in the north of the country? At a recent meeting in London, women representatives from the north of the country, particularly Erbil and Kirkuk, said that they felt that there was less violence there and that there were more opportunities for trade and commercial activity. Can the Minister endorse that view, or does she take a contrary view?
My Lords, I am sure that we all share the concerns expressed by the noble Lord, Lord Renton of Mount Harry, about the level of violence, particularly in Baghdad and Basra. Can the Minister tell us a little more about what is happening in the north of the country? At a recent meeting in London, women representatives from the north of the country, particularly Erbil and Kirkuk, said that they felt that there was less violence there and that there were more opportunities for trade and commercial activity. Can the Minister endorse that view, or does she take a contrary view?
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
7 June 2006
My Lords, my noble friend is absolutely correct. I am pleased to say that security incidents in the north are generally less severe and are far fewer than in other parts of the country. That is not to say that those areas have been spared attacks; they have not. There are still attacks by those who are intent on undermining the country’s stability. The people of northern Iraq are clearly committed to the political process, as are all Iraqis, and the establishment of the government is a huge step forward, which will strengthen economic development. I am pleased to say that GDP growth in Iraq for 2006 is projected at over 10 per cent.
Subjects
Iraq; Peacekeeping operations; USA
Date
7 June 2006
Reference
682 c1254
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, does the Minister see any reason in this respect for going somewhat wider than the Gulf countries specified by the noble Lord, Lord Hannay of Chiswick, particularly in relation to Iraq, and perhaps embracing some sort of role for the Arab League?
My Lords, does the Minister see any reason in this respect for going somewhat wider than the Gulf countries specified by the noble Lord, Lord Hannay of Chiswick, particularly in relation to Iraq, and perhaps embracing some sort of role for the Arab League?
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
23 November 2005
My Lords, I believe that the Arab League met in Cairo earlier this week, but I have not yet received a full account of that meeting. It would certainly be positive if the Arab League were able to provide some cohesive support in the region—as long, of course, as that was acceptable to Iraq. That would be key.
Subjects
Iraq; International cooperation; Security; Iran; Gulf states; Gulf Cooperation Council
Date
23 November 2005
Reference
675 c1615-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, does my noble friend agree that sobering as the figures quoted by the noble Baroness, Lady Williams, are, and dreadful as we all acknowledge that loss of life to be, none the less, volunteers for the Iraqi security forces continue to be recruited? They are volunteers; the situation is not as it was in the days of Saddam Hussein. While those young men are willing to put their lives on the line for Iraq’s future they deserve our support.
My Lords, does my noble friend agree that sobering as the figures quoted by the noble Baroness, Lady Williams, are, and dreadful as we all acknowledge that loss of life to be, none the less, volunteers for the Iraqi security forces continue to be recruited? They are volunteers; the situation is not as it was in the days of Saddam Hussein. While those young men are willing to put their lives on the line for Iraq’s future they deserve our support.
Asked by
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
(Labour)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
26 October 2005
My Lords, I absolutely agree with my noble friend. The losses that the Iraqi security forces are taking are indeed tragic and of real concern. We are doing everything that we can to help them mitigate those losses and develop their capability.
We should pay tribute in this House to the bravery of those young men—and women in some cases—in the way in which they are working to develop control over their own security. We have 115 Iraqi security force battalions in place. There is a degree of capability that needs to develop. Training has some way to go, but we are determined to provide it.
Subjects
Iraq; Protection; Police; Recruitment; Peacekeeping operations; Security
Date
26 October 2005
Reference
674 c1164
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Lords statement on the legal advice concerning military action in Iraq.
Lords statement on the legal advice concerning military action in Iraq.
Lead member
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Ministerial statements
Legislation
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Subjects
Disclosure of information; Armed conflict; Civil servants; Attorney General; Freedom of information; Exemptions; Iraq; Legal opinion; International law; Resignations; UN resolutions; Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Iraq conflict; UN Security Council; Wilmshurst, Elizabeth
Date
24 March 2005
Reference
671 c386-99
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Lords statement on the elections held in Iraq on 30 January 2005.
Lords statement on the elections held in Iraq on 30 January 2005.
Lead member
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Ministerial statements
Subjects
Armed forces; Candidates; Accidents; Casualties; Elections; Iraq; Election observers; Ethnic groups; Peacekeeping operations; Politics and government; Minority groups; Polling stations; Military aircraft; Voting behaviour; Terrorism; Security; United Nations; UN resolutions; Kurds; Hercules aircraft
Date
31 January 2005
Reference
669 c23-37
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Lords statement on Ukraine and the Middle East. (Inc fact that copy of agreement with Iran on nuclear technologies in the library).
Lords statement on Ukraine and the Middle East. (Inc fact that copy of agreement with Iran on nuclear technologies in the library).
Lead member
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Ministerial statements
Subjects
Elections; Iraq; International Atomic Energy Agency; Nuclear weapons; Nuclear fuel reprocessing; Proliferation; Security; Israel; Palestine; Iran; Middle East; Ukraine; Peace negotiations; EU external relations; Presidents; Occupied territories
Date
29 November 2004
Reference
667 c281-94
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Lords debate on motion to take note of the situation concerning Iraq. Agreed to on question.
Lords debate on motion to take note of the situation concerning Iraq. Agreed to on question.
Lead member
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
Answering member
Lord Howell of Guildford
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Parliamentary proceedings
Subjects
Contracts; Armed conflict; Chemical weapons; Biological weapons; Elections; Intelligence services; Iraq; Economic situation; International law; Nuclear weapons; Peacekeeping operations; Politics and government; Terrorism; Security; WMD Intelligence Review Committee; Reconstruction; Iraq conflict; Military intelligence
Date
7 September 2004
Reference
664 c448-556
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Lords statement on political and diplomatic developments relating to Iraq. (Inc fact that text of letters from the Prime Minister of Iraq and the US Secretary of State Colin Powell to the UN Security Council in the library).
Lords statement on political and diplomatic developments relating to Iraq. (Inc fact that text of letters from the Prime Minister of Iraq and the US Secretary of State Colin Powell to the UN Security Council in the library).
Lead member
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Ministerial statements
Subjects
Armed forces; Deployment; Elections; Iraq; Peacekeeping operations; Politics and government; Security; UN resolutions; Reconstruction; UN Security Council; Coalition governments; Brahimi, Lakhdar; Al-Yawar, Ghazi; Allawi, Iyad
Date
7 June 2004
Reference
662 c72-83
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Lords statement on adjustments to Uk forces deployed in Iraq.
Lords statement on adjustments to Uk forces deployed in Iraq.
Lead member
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
Department
Ministry of Defence
Type
Ministerial statements
Subjects
Armed forces; Army; Armed conflict; Deployment; Iraq; Police; Peacekeeping operations; Military police; Training; Security; Marines
Date
27 May 2004
Reference
661 c1488-98
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Lords statement on the establishment of a WMD Intelligence Review Committee. (Inc terms of reference and membership). (Copy in the library of Dr David Kay's evidence to the US Congress (Dep 04/293)).
Lords statement on the establishment of a WMD Intelligence Review Committee. (Inc terms of reference and membership). (Copy in the library of Dr David Kay's evidence to the US Congress (Dep 04/293)).
Lead member
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Ministerial statements
Subjects
Armed conflict; Chemical weapons; Biological weapons; Inquiries; Intelligence services; Inspections; Iraq; International Atomic Energy Agency; Nuclear weapons; Weapons; USA; UN resolutions; WMD Intelligence Review Committee; Iraq conflict; Iraq Survey Group; Military intelligence; Butler of Brockwell, Lord; Mates, Michael; Inge, Lord; Taylor of Bolton, Baroness; Chilcot, John
Date
3 February 2004
Reference
657 c559-74
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords