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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the efficiency of UK consular assistance in Bolivia.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the efficiency of UK consular assistance in Bolivia.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policies of protests in Bolivia which began in December 2022.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policies of protests in Bolivia which began in December 2022.
Protests began in Bolivia in December following the arrest of the governor of the region of Santa Cruz, Fernando Camacho. We have updated travel advice for British travellers in the region. As part of a regular dialogue with the Bolivian government, we have conversations in relation to security, justice and human rights, among other issues. We will continue to monitor this trend and engage where appropriate.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the policies of (1) Brazil, (2) France, (3) Denmark, and (4) Bolivia, towards reducing economic inequalities; and what steps they plan to take on the basis of such assessment.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the policies of (1) Brazil, (2) France, (3) Denmark, and (4) Bolivia, towards reducing economic inequalities; and what steps they plan to take on the basis of such assessment.
The UK monitors the economic situation in many countries around the world, including economic inequalities, and related policy measures.
Notwithstanding recent gains, Brazil has one of the world's most unequal income distributions as measured by the Gini index. Since its creation in 2003, Brazil's largest welfare cash-transfer programme, Bolsa Familia, has lifted 3.4 million people out of extreme poverty, and brought 3.2 million above the poverty line. During the pandemic, the Brazilian Government spent approximately 4% of GDP to reach almost 70 million vulnerable citizens with direct cash transfers. It now aims to reform and expand Bolsa Familia. A UK-World Bank project is assessing how emergency aid was provided, and how social protection responses can be improved.
The UK and France work closely across the G7, UN, and elsewhere, to reduce economic inequality around the world. In their bilateral meeting on 12 December, the Foreign Secretary agreed with French Foreign Minister Le Drian on the importance of deepening economic ties with allies, and working together to boost economic growth in low-] and middle-income countries. As likeminded partners, the UK and Denmark also regularly share best practice on issues of shared interest. The UK recognises Denmark's fiscal equalisation mechanism, which helps reduce economic inequalities between regions.
Bolivia has made significant gains on inequality in the past 20 years, with its Gini index dropping from 61.6 to 41.6. This was in large part due to a commodities boom, which allowed the Government fiscal space to initiate cash transfers to the poorest in society, and increase investment in public infrastructure. The middle class doubled between 2007 and 2017 (from 13.4% to 28.3% of the population), and the poverty rate fell from 64.5% to 39.3%. The UK continues to work with the Bolivian Government on a range of areas, including trade, investment, and tourism.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the reduction in Official Development Assistance spending on the UK's bilateral relationship with Bolivia.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the reduction in Official Development Assistance spending on the UK's bilateral relationship with Bolivia.
ODA allocation decisions have been taken by Ministers in line with the objectives set out in the Integrated Review. These took account of a full range of factors, including analysis of impacts on the beneficiaries of UK aid. Ministers considered the impact on people with protected characteristics, including any potential impact on equalities. The UK will continue to act as a global development actor, focused on supporting the world's poorest people, which is a key objective in the UK's diplomatic and development work. We remain committed to protecting human rights, and contributing to a fairer and more prosperous world. Provisional ODA spend for 2020 will be published in the autumn. The UK's ODA spend for 2021, including an activity level dataset, will be published in 2022.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Bolivian counterpart on the need for reconciliation following the recent election in that country.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Bolivian counterpart on the need for reconciliation following the recent election in that country.
Our Ambassador and Embassy Team in La Paz are in regular contact with representatives of the Government of Bolivia at all levels, including to discuss the issue of political reconciliation.
We also continue to work with international partners in Bolivia to raise shared concerns about political developments with the Government.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the new Government of Bolivia following the recent elections in that country.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the new Government of Bolivia following the recent elections in that country.
Our Ambassador in La Paz maintains regular contact with high-level representatives in the Movement for Socialism (MAS), the party of the new President of Bolivia, Luis Arce. This includes conversations since the 18 October elections regarding the new Administration's initial plans for government. The Ambassador also attended the Presidential inauguration on 8 November, and an audience for the international community with the Vice-President elect on 7 November. Further contact will take place once all government positions have been appointed.
Bolivia held elections on Sunday 18 October 2020. As well as electing a president and vice-president, the electorate also voted for members of both houses of Congress.
Bolivia held elections on Sunday 18 October 2020. As well as electing a president and vice-president, the electorate also voted for members of both houses of Congress.
That this House congratulates Luis Arce and the Movement Towards Socialism party on their victory in the Bolivian Presidential election on 18 October; notes that in his previous role as Economy Minister, Luis Arce oversaw a surge in growth, a sharp reduction in poverty and substantial investment in health and education and wider public services; further notes that these elections were the first held since a military-led coup ousted legitimate President Evo Morales, Bolivia’s first indigenous president, last November and forced him into exile abroad; condemns the wave of human rights abuses under the regime imposed by the military-led coup which especially targeted trade unionists, indigenous activists and Movement Towards Socialism activists; hopes that justice is done for all those whose rights were violated by the regime imposed by the military-led coup including those who lost their lives; regrets the response of the UK and US governments to the military-led coup in 2019; and calls on the Government to engage constructively with the new Bolivian government.
That this House congratulates Luis Arce and the Movement Towards Socialism party on their victory in the Bolivian Presidential election on 18 October; notes that in his previous role as Economy Minister, Luis Arce oversaw a surge in growth, a sharp reduction in poverty and substantial investment in health and...
My Right Honourable Friend, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Christopher Pincher), has made the following written Ministerial statement:
The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), Josep Borrell, chaired the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 20 January. The...
My Right Honourable Friend, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Christopher Pincher), has made the following written Ministerial statement:
The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), Josep Borrell, chaired the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 20 January. The...
The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), Josep Borrell, chaired the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 20 January. The United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the EU (Sir Tim Barrow) represented the United Kingdom.
Current Affairs
The HRVP and Foreign Ministers had an...
The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), Josep Borrell, chaired the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 20 January. The United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the EU (Sir Tim Barrow) represented the United Kingdom.
Current Affairs
The HRVP and Foreign Ministers had an...
My Right Honourable Friend, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Christopher Pincher), has made the following written Ministerial statement:
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), Josep Borrell, will chair the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 20 January.
The FAC...
My Right Honourable Friend, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Christopher Pincher), has made the following written Ministerial statement:
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), Josep Borrell, will chair the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 20 January.
The FAC...
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), Josep Borrell, will chair the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 20 January.
The FAC will discuss Current Affairs, the Sahel, Climate Diplomacy, and will be followed by an informal Ministerial lunch to discuss the Middle...
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), Josep Borrell, will chair the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 20 January.
The FAC will discuss Current Affairs, the Sahel, Climate Diplomacy, and will be followed by an informal Ministerial lunch to discuss the Middle...
My Right Honourable Friend, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Christopher Pincher), has made the following written Ministerial statement:
The 11 November and 9 December Foreign Affairs Councils (FACs) took place in Brussels whist Parliament was dissolved. Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign...
My Right Honourable Friend, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Christopher Pincher), has made the following written Ministerial statement:
The 11 November and 9 December Foreign Affairs Councils (FACs) took place in Brussels whist Parliament was dissolved. Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign...
The 11 November and 9 December Foreign Affairs Councils (FACs) took place in Brussels whist Parliament was dissolved. Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), chaired the November FAC with her replacement Josep Borrell chairing the December FAC. The United Kingdom’s...
The 11 November and 9 December Foreign Affairs Councils (FACs) took place in Brussels whist Parliament was dissolved. Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), chaired the November FAC with her replacement Josep Borrell chairing the December FAC. The United Kingdom’s...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what (a) representations he has made and (b) support his Department has provided to the Government of Bolivia after the spate of wildfires throughout that nation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what (a) representations he has made and (b) support his Department has provided to the Government of Bolivia after the spate of wildfires throughout that nation.
The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the wildfires in Bolivia and their impact on the climate and on Bolivia's unique biodiversity. Our Ambassador discussed this issue with the President of Bolivia on 2 September, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Through our embassy in Bolivia, the British Government financed the first deployment of international experts to assist the national co-ordination effort to tackle the fires. The United Kingdom stands ready to work with Bolivia and international partners in seeking long-term, sustainable measures to protect their forests.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he last met his counterpart in Bolivia; and what issues were discussed at that meeting.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he last met his counterpart in Bolivia; and what issues were discussed at that meeting.
I have not had the pleasure of meeting my Bolivian counterpart. I had been looking forward to meeting Foreign Minister Huanacuni on 24 October, but unfortunately his visit to the UK was cancelled.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their latest assessment of the human rights situation in Bolivia.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their latest assessment of the human rights situation in Bolivia.
We welcome the progress made by the Plurinational State of Bolivia in ratifying key international human rights treaties and recognise the continued emphasis given by the Government of Bolivia to addressing poverty, discrimination and inequality.
However, as the Government of Bolivia publicly acknowledges, there remains a need to improve access to justice and citizen security. We are also concerned that laws enacted to address violence against women should be fully implemented.
Our Embassy in La Paz is working with the government of Bolivia to help improve the human rights situation. The main focus of the Embassy’s work has been on the introduction of community policing, prison reform and work to support the rights of minority groups such as those with disabilities, as well as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the statement in April 2013 by the International Young Democrat Union on the political situation in Bolivia.[HL91]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the statement in April 2013 by the International Young Democrat Union on the political situation in Bolivia.[HL91]
We are aware of the statement made by the International Young Democrat Union about the political situation in Bolivia. We have not, however, seen the report mentioned in the statement.
The UK works with Bolivia on strengthening the rule of law and improving access to justice in the country. We urge Bolivia to ensure the autonomy of state institutions and to uphold international human rights standards during a period of political change, including by continued efforts to embed the new judicial system and reduce the time spent on remand for all prisoners. The UK will support Bolivia in this work, including through the EU, by helping to address socio-political conflict and improving human rights, rule of law and democracy and strengthening of the independence of the judicial system.
We work with UN representatives, including the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the UN Development Programme and the UN High Commission for Refugees to monitor Bolivia’s adherence to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process and implementation of UPR recommendations.
(2) if she will take into account (a) the right of Bolivia to make use of article 14 of the 1988 UN Convention on Drug Trafficking stating that signatories shall take due account of traditional licit uses, where there is historic evidence of such use and (b) Bolivia's need to...
(2) if she will take into account (a) the right of Bolivia to make use of article 14 of the 1988 UN Convention on Drug Trafficking stating that signatories shall take due account of traditional licit uses, where there is historic evidence of such use and (b) Bolivia's need to...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effect on the maintenance of the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of (a) Bolivia re-acceding to the Convention with a reservation on coca leaf and (b) Bolivia's re-accession being denied due...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effect on the maintenance of the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of (a) Bolivia re-acceding to the Convention with a reservation on coca leaf and (b) Bolivia's re-accession being denied due...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions the Government has had with the EU Horizontal Drugs Group on the potential re-accession of Bolivia to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions the Government has had with the EU Horizontal Drugs Group on the potential re-accession of Bolivia to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government is taking to encourage Bolivia to re-accede to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government is taking to encourage Bolivia to re-accede to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following their objection to the proposed Bolivian amendment to the 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, whether the obligation to prohibit the traditional practice of chewing coca leaf in paragraphs 1(c) and 2(e) of article 49 of the Convention takes account of the...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following their objection to the proposed Bolivian amendment to the 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, whether the obligation to prohibit the traditional practice of chewing coca leaf in paragraphs 1(c) and 2(e) of article 49 of the Convention takes account of the...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the statement on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's website that ““We are committed to protecting the human rights of indigenous people”” takes account of their support last month for the retention of paragraphs 1(c) and 2(e) of article 49 of the 1961 United Nations...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the statement on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's website that ““We are committed to protecting the human rights of indigenous people”” takes account of their support last month for the retention of paragraphs 1(c) and 2(e) of article 49 of the 1961 United Nations...
Copy of memorandum of understanding between the Government of United Kingdom with the Bolivian Government on the co-operation in the fight against illicit drug trafificking and related crimes. 3 p.
Copy of memorandum of understanding between the Government of United Kingdom with the Bolivian Government on the co-operation in the fight against illicit drug trafificking and related crimes. 3 p.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how the memorandum of understanding on counter-narcotics they have signed with Bolivia addresses the elimination of the processing of coca into cocaine; and whether they will place a copy of the memorandum in the Library of the House.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how the memorandum of understanding on counter-narcotics they have signed with Bolivia addresses the elimination of the processing of coca into cocaine; and whether they will place a copy of the memorandum in the Library of the House.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in relation to narcotics policy, they regard the chewing of coca leaves separately from the illegal processing of coca into cocaine.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in relation to narcotics policy, they regard the chewing of coca leaves separately from the illegal processing of coca into cocaine.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they propose to help Bolivia in its fight against the illegal cocaine trade.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they propose to help Bolivia in its fight against the illegal cocaine trade.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to publish the content of her formal objection to the Bolivian Government's proposal to amend the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs to remove the ban on coca leaf chewing.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to publish the content of her formal objection to the Bolivian Government's proposal to amend the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs to remove the ban on coca leaf chewing.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the Bolivian Government on their proposed amendment to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs to remove the ban on coca leaf chewing.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the Bolivian Government on their proposed amendment to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs to remove the ban on coca leaf chewing.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 26 January 2011, Official Report, column 344W, on Bolivia: drugs, whether the Bolivian Government's amendment to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs sought to remove the ban on coca leaf chewing rather than...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 26 January 2011, Official Report, column 344W, on Bolivia: drugs, whether the Bolivian Government's amendment to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs sought to remove the ban on coca leaf chewing rather than...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Neville-Jones on 25 January (WA 159–60), how many certificates of sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom were issued last year to nationals from (a) Bolivia, (b) Colombia, (c) Cuba, (d) Dominican Republic, (e) Ecuador, (f) Guyana, (g)...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Neville-Jones on 25 January (WA 159–60), how many certificates of sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom were issued last year to nationals from (a) Bolivia, (b) Colombia, (c) Cuba, (d) Dominican Republic, (e) Ecuador, (f) Guyana, (g)...
Table showing the number of 'Assigned' Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 for specified nationalities: Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Peru, Surinam, and Venezuela. 5 p.
Table showing the number of 'Assigned' Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 for specified nationalities: Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Peru, Surinam, and Venezuela. 5 p.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on the proposal by Bolivia to exempt traditional uses of coca from the provisions of the 1961 UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs; and if she will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on the proposal by Bolivia to exempt traditional uses of coca from the provisions of the 1961 UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs; and if she will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to lodge a formal objection to the request made by the Bolivian Government to amend the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs to remove the ban on coca leaf chewing.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to lodge a formal objection to the request made by the Bolivian Government to amend the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs to remove the ban on coca leaf chewing.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made a decision regarding the ceasing of aid to Bolivia.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made a decision regarding the ceasing of aid to Bolivia.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Verma on 28 June (WA 217), whether they will provide a detailed breakdown of the amount of aid given to Bolivia.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Verma on 28 June (WA 217), whether they will provide a detailed breakdown of the amount of aid given to Bolivia.
| Sector | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 |
| Economic | 724 | 1,159 | 80 | 460 |
| Government and State Building | 518 | 972 | 251 | 222 |
| Health | 121 | 139 | 96 | 96 |
| Humanitarian Assistance | 98 | |||
| Non-Sector Allocable* | 1,350 | 670 | 13 | -1 |
| Research | 300 | 433 | 2 | 454 |
| Social Services and Infrastructure | 90 | 138 | 45 | 53 |
| Grand Total | 3,103 | 3,610 | 487 | 1,283 |
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much aid was given to Bolivia in the past five years; and why such aid was given.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much aid was given to Bolivia in the past five years; and why such aid was given.
| Financial Year | Amount (£) |
| 2005-06 | 3,103,179 |
| 2006-07 | 3,610,375 |
| 2007-08 | 487.287 |
| 2008-09 | 1,283,367 |
My Lords, this has been a rich and deep debate. We have to thank the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, for initiating the debate, which he did quite excellently, and for giving us the opportunity to let our minds range over this increasingly important area of the planet. When listening to...
My Lords, this has been a rich and deep debate. We have to thank the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, for initiating the debate, which he did quite excellently, and for giving us the opportunity to let our minds range over this increasingly important area of the planet. When listening to...
As two noble Lords have withdrawn there are theoretically a few more minutes for me to sum up, but I do not propose to take many of them. Fortunately, the noble Lord, Lord Howell, has summarised everybody’s speeches succinctly, so I do not have to. We have this afternoon had...
As two noble Lords have withdrawn there are theoretically a few more minutes for me to sum up, but I do not propose to take many of them. Fortunately, the noble Lord, Lord Howell, has summarised everybody’s speeches succinctly, so I do not have to. We have this afternoon had...
My Lords, I join others who have expressed thanks to the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, for once again leading us in a debate on Latin America, a subject which has been seriously neglected over the past few years. I also join those who have congratulated the noble Lord, Lord Liddle,...
My Lords, I join others who have expressed thanks to the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, for once again leading us in a debate on Latin America, a subject which has been seriously neglected over the past few years. I also join those who have congratulated the noble Lord, Lord Liddle,...
My Lords, first, I add my words of warm welcome to my noble friend Lord Liddle. As many other noble Lords have said, he has enormous experience, knowledge and understanding, which he clearly showed in his very impressive speech today. I have known my noble friend for many years and...
My Lords, first, I add my words of warm welcome to my noble friend Lord Liddle. As many other noble Lords have said, he has enormous experience, knowledge and understanding, which he clearly showed in his very impressive speech today. I have known my noble friend for many years and...
Oh dear. I had hoped to talk in a little more detail about energy, education, the issue of visas and the need to review the work of the UK Borders Agency in this respect, and the role of students from Latin America in the UK. However, I shall wind up...
Oh dear. I had hoped to talk in a little more detail about energy, education, the issue of visas and the need to review the work of the UK Borders Agency in this respect, and the role of students from Latin America in the UK. However, I shall wind up...
My Lords, I am delighted that my noble friend—although he is sitting on other Benches he is still my friend—has brought this issue to our attention and given us this opportunity to debate it. When our newspapers this morning tell us that England must dispose of Argentina and Brazil if...
My Lords, I am delighted that my noble friend—although he is sitting on other Benches he is still my friend—has brought this issue to our attention and given us this opportunity to debate it. When our newspapers this morning tell us that England must dispose of Argentina and Brazil if...
My Lords, I, too, congratulate the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, on securing this debate at this particular time. It is now, as he said, a few years since we held a dedicated Latin America debate in your Lordships’ House, but the interest and contributions from your Lordships today underline the...
My Lords, I, too, congratulate the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, on securing this debate at this particular time. It is now, as he said, a few years since we held a dedicated Latin America debate in your Lordships’ House, but the interest and contributions from your Lordships today underline the...
My Lords, I begin by paying tribute to the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, not just for initiating this debate but for his life-long promotion of Latin America in your Lordships’ House. He is, as they would say over there, "un amigo leal y constante". All of a sudden Latin America...
My Lords, I begin by paying tribute to the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, not just for initiating this debate but for his life-long promotion of Latin America in your Lordships’ House. He is, as they would say over there, "un amigo leal y constante". All of a sudden Latin America...
My Lords, I thank the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery of Alamein, for instigating this debate. Unlike the noble Viscount and the noble Lord, Lord Garel-Jones, I do not have their in-depth knowledge of Latin America. However, like both the noble Viscount and the noble Lord, I have a great love...
My Lords, I thank the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery of Alamein, for instigating this debate. Unlike the noble Viscount and the noble Lord, Lord Garel-Jones, I do not have their in-depth knowledge of Latin America. However, like both the noble Viscount and the noble Lord, I have a great love...
My Lords, perhaps I may say how delighted I am to be the prelude to the maiden speech of the noble Lord, Lord Liddle, and how much we look forward to his contributions to the House and admire the alacrity with which he has engaged with the business of the...
My Lords, perhaps I may say how delighted I am to be the prelude to the maiden speech of the noble Lord, Lord Liddle, and how much we look forward to his contributions to the House and admire the alacrity with which he has engaged with the business of the...
My Lords, I join the queue of other noble Lords in congratulating the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, on instigating this debate and on all the work that he does to improve the relationship between the UK and Latin America. I especially congratulate my noble friend Lord Liddle on his wonderful...
My Lords, I join the queue of other noble Lords in congratulating the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, on instigating this debate and on all the work that he does to improve the relationship between the UK and Latin America. I especially congratulate my noble friend Lord Liddle on his wonderful...
My Lords, for many decades now, Britain has not been giving the priority that it should have done to its relations with the countries of Latin America. Diplomatic posts have been closed and thinned out, ministerial visits have been few and far between and at a junior level, and our...
My Lords, for many decades now, Britain has not been giving the priority that it should have done to its relations with the countries of Latin America. Diplomatic posts have been closed and thinned out, ministerial visits have been few and far between and at a junior level, and our...
Moved By To call attention to recent developments in Latin America; and to move for Papers.
Moved By To call attention to recent developments in Latin America; and to move for Papers.
My Lords, we now turn to more interesting and international affairs. My thanks are due to the Convenor, my noble friend Lady D’Souza, for allocating me time for this debate. It is four years since our previous debate on Latin America and a great deal has happened since then. Although...
My Lords, we now turn to more interesting and international affairs. My thanks are due to the Convenor, my noble friend Lady D’Souza, for allocating me time for this debate. It is four years since our previous debate on Latin America and a great deal has happened since then. Although...
My Lords, I, too, congratulate the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, on his determination and success in securing this debate. I also congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Liddle, on his impressive maiden speech. I will raise two issues: first, the contribution that some UK-based NGOs are making to human rights, anti-poverty...
My Lords, I, too, congratulate the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery, on his determination and success in securing this debate. I also congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Liddle, on his impressive maiden speech. I will raise two issues: first, the contribution that some UK-based NGOs are making to human rights, anti-poverty...
Lords debate on motion to call attention to recent developments in Latin America. Motion withdrawn.
Lords debate on motion to call attention to recent developments in Latin America. Motion withdrawn.
My Lords, I thank the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Liverpool for his kind remarks and I am delighted to deliver my maiden speech in this debate, which I believe the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery of Alamein, has pushed so hard to have. Before my introduction on Monday, I...
My Lords, I thank the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Liverpool for his kind remarks and I am delighted to deliver my maiden speech in this debate, which I believe the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery of Alamein, has pushed so hard to have. Before my introduction on Monday, I...
SI 2009/1229. Together with an explanatory memorandum and impact assessment from the Home Office. Coming into force in accordance with article 2. Supersedes SI 2009/1032.
SI 2009/1229. Together with an explanatory memorandum and impact assessment from the Home Office. Coming into force in accordance with article 2. Supersedes SI 2009/1032.
SI 2009/1032. Together with an explanatory memorandum and impact assessment from the Home Office. Coming into force in accordance with article 2. Superseded by SI 2009/1229.
SI 2009/1032. Together with an explanatory memorandum and impact assessment from the Home Office. Coming into force in accordance with article 2. Superseded by SI 2009/1229.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of imported soya was produced in Bolivia in the latest period for which information is available.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of imported soya was produced in Bolivia in the latest period for which information is available.
My honourable friend the Minister of State for Borders and Immigration (Phil Woolas) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. The Government are today announcing the dates of implementation of the visa regimes, announced in my right honourable friend the Home Secretary’s Written Statement to the House of 9 February...
My honourable friend the Minister of State for Borders and Immigration (Phil Woolas) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. The Government are today announcing the dates of implementation of the visa regimes, announced in my right honourable friend the Home Secretary’s Written Statement to the House of 9 February...
The Government are today announcing the dates of implementation of the visa regimes, announced in my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's written statement to the House of 9 February 2009, Official Report, column 51WS. These tough new visa requirements will further strengthen the UK Border, while ensuring the UK...
The Government are today announcing the dates of implementation of the visa regimes, announced in my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's written statement to the House of 9 February 2009, Official Report, column 51WS. These tough new visa requirements will further strengthen the UK Border, while ensuring the UK...
I congratulate the hon. Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) on securing this debate. He has long championed the cause of Parliament taking a greater interest than we tend to do in the affairs of this region. I share his regret that we rarely have the opportunity to debate a...
I congratulate the hon. Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) on securing this debate. He has long championed the cause of Parliament taking a greater interest than we tend to do in the affairs of this region. I share his regret that we rarely have the opportunity to debate a...
I am sorry, but I have to finish in order to give other speakers the chance to sum up for their parties. I believe that there is cause for optimism, as all Members have said, and I hope that it will not be long we revisit the issue.
I am sorry, but I have to finish in order to give other speakers the chance to sum up for their parties. I believe that there is cause for optimism, as all Members have said, and I hope that it will not be long we revisit the issue.
Will the hon. Lady give way?
Will the hon. Lady give way?
Indeed; the hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. The UN special rapporteur on the right to food called the growth in biofuels "a crime against humanity", which is pretty strong and stark language but certainly highlights the scale of the problem. There are many unintended consequences from the production...
Indeed; the hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. The UN special rapporteur on the right to food called the growth in biofuels "a crime against humanity", which is pretty strong and stark language but certainly highlights the scale of the problem. There are many unintended consequences from the production...
The hon. Lady may know that one of the problems is that the growth in maize-based ethanol has forced up the price of maize, and thus tortillas, which are the only sustainable form of food for many poor people, particularly in central America. Essentially, those people are starving to feed...
The hon. Lady may know that one of the problems is that the growth in maize-based ethanol has forced up the price of maize, and thus tortillas, which are the only sustainable form of food for many poor people, particularly in central America. Essentially, those people are starving to feed...
I, too, congratulate the hon. Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) on securing the debate. One and a half hours seems a short time in which to cover thoroughly the many issues affecting a huge continent, but it is good that in this short debate we have been able to...
I, too, congratulate the hon. Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) on securing the debate. One and a half hours seems a short time in which to cover thoroughly the many issues affecting a huge continent, but it is good that in this short debate we have been able to...
I will not respond to that. There are some other things that I need to put on the record. For ordinary Venezuelans, progress under Chavez has been quite impressive. More than 2.5 million people have been lifted out of poverty. Even though oil prices were high at the time, the...
I will not respond to that. There are some other things that I need to put on the record. For ordinary Venezuelans, progress under Chavez has been quite impressive. More than 2.5 million people have been lifted out of poverty. Even though oil prices were high at the time, the...
We never said a thing.
We never said a thing.
I am happy to draw my hon. Friend's comments to the attention of the Home Office, but there was considerable discussion of the visa waiver test. On Venezuela, many discussions were held on how we can ensure that countries fulfil their obligations and that we are satisfied that the right...
I am happy to draw my hon. Friend's comments to the attention of the Home Office, but there was considerable discussion of the visa waiver test. On Venezuela, many discussions were held on how we can ensure that countries fulfil their obligations and that we are satisfied that the right...
Of the 20 generally recognised Latin American countries, the UK runs a balance-of-trade deficit with 11. Does the Minister agree that the scope for greater trade with south America is huge? What extra efforts can the Government make in that respect?
Of the 20 generally recognised Latin American countries, the UK runs a balance-of-trade deficit with 11. Does the Minister agree that the scope for greater trade with south America is huge? What extra efforts can the Government make in that respect?
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) on securing today's debate, which provides hon. Members with a welcome opportunity to discuss the UK's relationship with Latin American countries and the importance of the region as a whole. In the short time available to me, I...
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) on securing today's debate, which provides hon. Members with a welcome opportunity to discuss the UK's relationship with Latin American countries and the importance of the region as a whole. In the short time available to me, I...
Before we leave the subject of Bolivia, will the Minister pass on to Home Office Ministers the concern that we heard in all quarters in Bolivia about the introduction of a visa regime for that country? There is a feeling that not enough consultation has been carried out, and there...
Before we leave the subject of Bolivia, will the Minister pass on to Home Office Ministers the concern that we heard in all quarters in Bolivia about the introduction of a visa regime for that country? There is a feeling that not enough consultation has been carried out, and there...
I would certainly agree. My visit to Brazil showed me those great opportunities to which hon. Members have referred. All our posts in the region have very clear business plans. Cross-Whitehall mechanisms exist, especially for our Brazil and Mexico strategies, but we can do more, and UK Trade & Investment...
I would certainly agree. My visit to Brazil showed me those great opportunities to which hon. Members have referred. All our posts in the region have very clear business plans. Cross-Whitehall mechanisms exist, especially for our Brazil and Mexico strategies, but we can do more, and UK Trade & Investment...
My hon. Friend makes a strong point, and I hope that if the Minister does not have time to reply in detail she will write to Members. I turn to the negotiations with central America and the Andean countries. Lady Ashton, the trade commissioner in Brussels, has said that she...
My hon. Friend makes a strong point, and I hope that if the Minister does not have time to reply in detail she will write to Members. I turn to the negotiations with central America and the Andean countries. Lady Ashton, the trade commissioner in Brussels, has said that she...
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving way, as he has so little time. Does he not agree that the EU-south American ministerial meeting in May this year in Prague will be an ideal opportunity to make progress on that front? Will he press the Minister to say...
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving way, as he has so little time. Does he not agree that the EU-south American ministerial meeting in May this year in Prague will be an ideal opportunity to make progress on that front? Will he press the Minister to say...
In Spanish.
In Spanish.
That is what I learned in Shropshire.
That is what I learned in Shropshire.
Which Government?
Which Government?
The British Government. I have just had a very useful conversation with our esteemed Minister, who deals with these matters, and I am sure that she will not mind me repeating it. She is to meet the delegation that went to Bolivia, and we will apprise her of all the...
The British Government. I have just had a very useful conversation with our esteemed Minister, who deals with these matters, and I am sure that she will not mind me repeating it. She is to meet the delegation that went to Bolivia, and we will apprise her of all the...
My hon. Friend may be aware that in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Latin American country profiles, Bolivia is restricted to about 10 or a dozen words, in contrast with other countries that are the subjects of detailed analyses. Does he believe that Bolivia's relatively weak economic status means that,...
My hon. Friend may be aware that in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Latin American country profiles, Bolivia is restricted to about 10 or a dozen words, in contrast with other countries that are the subjects of detailed analyses. Does he believe that Bolivia's relatively weak economic status means that,...
This will totally shock my hon. Friend, but I have good news to bring him on behalf of the Government.
This will totally shock my hon. Friend, but I have good news to bring him on behalf of the Government.
The hon. Gentleman did make those two separate points.
The hon. Gentleman did make those two separate points.
I made two separate points in response to a very gentle intervention from the hon. Gentleman, who is trying to divert this debate from its true purpose. I do not intend to be diverted. That is the sort of tactic they use in Adams' grammar school's debating society, so I...
I made two separate points in response to a very gentle intervention from the hon. Gentleman, who is trying to divert this debate from its true purpose. I do not intend to be diverted. That is the sort of tactic they use in Adams' grammar school's debating society, so I...
And Adams' grammar school is an excellent grammar school—and partly fee-paying, just for those people on the left of the hon. Gentleman's party to note. I am a little confused. A moment ago, the hon. Gentleman appeared to argue against the Government's position of resettling people in and asking people...
And Adams' grammar school is an excellent grammar school—and partly fee-paying, just for those people on the left of the hon. Gentleman's party to note. I am a little confused. A moment ago, the hon. Gentleman appeared to argue against the Government's position of resettling people in and asking people...
indicated dissent.
indicated dissent.
Sadly, the Minister declined to receive them. Even though they are written in English, I am sure that they are just as incomprehensible as if they were written in any other language, but I am confident that, at the end of the meeting, she will appreciate the importance of Bolivia...
Sadly, the Minister declined to receive them. Even though they are written in English, I am sure that they are just as incomprehensible as if they were written in any other language, but I am confident that, at the end of the meeting, she will appreciate the importance of Bolivia...
I have yet more good news for the Government. Does my hon. Friend agree that the delegation's visit, which, as far as I am concerned, was extremely successful, was significantly enhanced by the more-or-less constant presence of both our ambassador to Bolivia, Mr. Nigel Baker, and the Bolivian ambassador to...
I have yet more good news for the Government. Does my hon. Friend agree that the delegation's visit, which, as far as I am concerned, was extremely successful, was significantly enhanced by the more-or-less constant presence of both our ambassador to Bolivia, Mr. Nigel Baker, and the Bolivian ambassador to...
I agree that the only way to resolve the issues is to accept the need for justice, dialogue and democratic and accountable government. I did not detect any hostility to that concept by most of the politicians whom we met, but I detected a group of people in some parts...
I agree that the only way to resolve the issues is to accept the need for justice, dialogue and democratic and accountable government. I did not detect any hostility to that concept by most of the politicians whom we met, but I detected a group of people in some parts...
On the tension between different groups in Bolivian society, more dialogue is certainly necessary, as my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley, East and Mexborough (Jeff Ennis) said. Does my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) agree that particular groups should not believe that they have the...
On the tension between different groups in Bolivian society, more dialogue is certainly necessary, as my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley, East and Mexborough (Jeff Ennis) said. Does my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) agree that particular groups should not believe that they have the...
US strategy towards Latin America has changed for several reasons. Its economic problems, its obsession with the middle east, and the war in Iraq have taken its attention away from Latin America. The new President and his Administration have not made a high priority of relations with Latin America. This...
US strategy towards Latin America has changed for several reasons. Its economic problems, its obsession with the middle east, and the war in Iraq have taken its attention away from Latin America. The new President and his Administration have not made a high priority of relations with Latin America. This...
Does the hon. Gentleman think it right, while the British Prime Minister is in Washington talking to world leaders about avoiding protectionism, to call for protectionism in Latin America when almost all Latin Americans, whether in Bolivia or Venezuela, want free trade—albeit fair free trade—to improve their life chances?
Does the hon. Gentleman think it right, while the British Prime Minister is in Washington talking to world leaders about avoiding protectionism, to call for protectionism in Latin America when almost all Latin Americans, whether in Bolivia or Venezuela, want free trade—albeit fair free trade—to improve their life chances?
Yes. I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. As he says, we were accompanied throughout the visit by the ambassador, Nigel Baker, on behalf of the British embassy, and by Beatríz Souviron, the Bolivian ambassador to the UK, which meant that we had very good advice from them both...
Yes. I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. As he says, we were accompanied throughout the visit by the ambassador, Nigel Baker, on behalf of the British embassy, and by Beatríz Souviron, the Bolivian ambassador to the UK, which meant that we had very good advice from them both...
As my hon. Friend has noted, President Evo Morales is the first indigenous president of Bolivia, in a society in which, in living memory, indigenous people were second-class citizens who were not allowed into certain parts of La Paz and not even allowed to meet a person of European origin...
As my hon. Friend has noted, President Evo Morales is the first indigenous president of Bolivia, in a society in which, in living memory, indigenous people were second-class citizens who were not allowed into certain parts of La Paz and not even allowed to meet a person of European origin...
I agree with my hon. Friend. I first went to Latin America at the age of 19. I remember going to remote towns and villages in Bolivia where nobody spoke one word of Spanish, and they did not feel safe in going—and did not even feel the need to go—much...
I agree with my hon. Friend. I first went to Latin America at the age of 19. I remember going to remote towns and villages in Bolivia where nobody spoke one word of Spanish, and they did not feel safe in going—and did not even feel the need to go—much...
On that point, does my hon. Friend agree that there is still a tension between the national Government and the regions? To some extent, I compare that with the tension 10 or 15 years ago between the different regions of our country. That tension needs to be resolved through dialogue...
On that point, does my hon. Friend agree that there is still a tension between the national Government and the regions? To some extent, I compare that with the tension 10 or 15 years ago between the different regions of our country. That tension needs to be resolved through dialogue...
I will give way once more, but I think the hon. Gentleman may be preparing to make a speech.
I will give way once more, but I think the hon. Gentleman may be preparing to make a speech.
I do not remember calling at any time for protectionism in Latin America. I was talking about investment to ensure that hydrocarbon and other mineral resources are properly developed and that anti-poverty programmes strengthen the internal market and internal buying power of people in Bolivia, and about the development of...
I do not remember calling at any time for protectionism in Latin America. I was talking about investment to ensure that hydrocarbon and other mineral resources are properly developed and that anti-poverty programmes strengthen the internal market and internal buying power of people in Bolivia, and about the development of...
I understand why the hon. Gentleman has concentrated on Bolivia, but he has not said much about his old friend, President Chavez of Venezuela. Does he think that seizing assets by nationalisation, whether in Venezuela or Bolivia, will encourage investment in delivering mineral resources, which in turn benefit the people...
I understand why the hon. Gentleman has concentrated on Bolivia, but he has not said much about his old friend, President Chavez of Venezuela. Does he think that seizing assets by nationalisation, whether in Venezuela or Bolivia, will encourage investment in delivering mineral resources, which in turn benefit the people...