1-20 of 5,545 results for answeredby:"David Miliband"
Librarians' tools
- Search time
- 0.554 seconds
- Solr query time
- 0.01 seconds
- Search query
- answeredby:"David Miliband"
- We searched for
- answeringMember_ses:302398 OR answeringDept_ses:302398 OR askedToReplyAuthor_ses:302398
Type
+
Members' contributions (1,338)
-
Oral answers to questions (1,041)
+
Oral questions (297)
-
Topical questions (111)
+
Parliamentary proceedings (38)
+
Debates (37)
-
Adjournment debates (28)
-
Estimates days (1)
+
Monarch's speech debates (1)
-
Queen's speech debates (1)
-
Opposition days (5)
-
Urgent questions (1)
+
Parliamentary questions (4,467)
+
Oral questions (297)
-
Topical questions (111)
-
Urgent questions (1)
-
Written questions (4,169)
House
Session
Year
Department
More
Member
More
Primary member
More
Answering member
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
More
Publisher
Debate on a motion that this House has considered the matter of European affairs.
Debate on a motion that this House has considered the matter of European affairs.
Lead member
Lord Hague of Richmond
Answering member
David Miliband
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Debates
Subjects
Detainees; Contributions; Climate change; EU countries; EU law; EU enlargement; European Union; EU action; EU budget; Foreign relations; Treaties; Regulation; UK membership of EU; Israel; Iran; Gaza
Date
3 June 2010
Reference
510 c600-87
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Queens speech debate (second day) on foreign affairs and defence.
Queens speech debate (second day) on foreign affairs and defence.
Lead member
Lord Hague of Richmond
Answering member
David Miliband
Department
Ministry of Defence; Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Queen's speech debates
Procedure
Addresses to the Crown
Subjects
Armed forces; Defence; Armed conflict; Deployment; Casualties; China; Africa; Human rights; EU enlargement; Iraq; EU action; Foreign policy; Nuclear weapons; Politics and government; Pakistan; Proliferation; Travel restrictions; UK membership of EU; Afghanistan; Israel; Sri Lanka; Palestine; Iran; Middle East; Peace negotiations; Cuba; Gaza
Date
26 May 2010
Reference
510 c174-276
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to the letter of 21 January 2010 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton regarding Mr. H. Zadron.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to the letter of 21 January 2010 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton regarding Mr. H. Zadron.
Asked by
Gerald Kaufman
(Labour)
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 March 2010
For answer on
16 March 2010
Answered on
6 April 2010
I replied to my right hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Gorton on 26 March.
Subjects
Correspondence; Members
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c1237W; 322724
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton of 21 January 2010 with regard to Mr H. H. Zadron, transferred from the Home Office.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton of 21 January 2010 with regard to Mr H. H. Zadron, transferred from the Home Office.
Asked by
Gerald Kaufman
(Labour)
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 March 2010
For answer on
29 March 2010
Answered on
6 April 2010
I replied to my right hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Gorton on 26 March.
Subjects
Correspondence; Members
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c1237W; 325126
House
House of Commons
Agreement on such things is, indeed, indispensible, but verbal agreement is, of course, only one step in the process. I am absolutely confident that since the London conference there has been renewed unity not only between Britain and the United States but across the international coalition about the military and civilian strategy that is needed and the political settlement that can be generated. In respect of the Afghan Government, as I said in Kabul in November, words must be turned into deeds. That is the case both now and in the run-up to the Kabul conference, which is the moment when the international effort generated in London and the Afghan effort mobilised locally by a new Government—whose Cabinet has not yet been fully appointed, which points to some of the problems that exist—will need to be joined. That will be a very important moment to judge progress and how much confidence we should have. It would be unwise at this stage to say anything other than that we must continue to press very strongly on the agenda that President Karzai set out in November and that we have committed to—and we want to see it matched.
Finally, if you will allow me, Mr. Speaker—I apologise for talking at such length, but the Afghan issue is so important—the right hon. Gentleman has referred to comments made at the weekend. It is very important that we say very clearly that any suggestion that Britain, or any other country, has irregularly interfered in the election processes of Afghanistan is completely without foundation. Our troops were there guaranteeing the safety of people seeking to go and vote. I am sure that it is a unified position across this House to have absolutely no truck with such malign suggestions, especially about our troops, but actually about our whole country.
Agreement on such things is, indeed, indispensible, but verbal agreement is, of course, only one step in the process. I am absolutely confident that since the London conference there has been renewed unity not only between Britain and the United States but across the international coalition about the military and civilian strategy that is needed and the political settlement that can be generated. In respect of the Afghan Government, as I said in Kabul in November, words must be turned into deeds. That is the case both now and in the run-up to the Kabul conference, which is the moment when the international effort generated in London and the Afghan effort mobilised locally by a new Government—whose Cabinet has not yet been fully appointed, which points to some of the problems that exist—will need to be joined. That will be a very important moment to judge progress and how much confidence we should have. It would be unwise at this stage to say anything other than that we must continue to press very strongly on the agenda that President Karzai set out in November and that we have committed to—and we want to see it matched.
Finally, if you will allow me, Mr. Speaker—I apologise for talking at such length, but the Afghan issue is so important—the right hon. Gentleman has referred to comments made at the weekend. It is very important that we say very clearly that any suggestion that Britain, or any other country, has irregularly interfered in the election processes of Afghanistan is completely without foundation. Our troops were there guaranteeing the safety of people seeking to go and vote. I am sure that it is a unified position across this House to have absolutely no truck with such malign suggestions, especially about our troops, but actually about our whole country.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Hague of Richmond
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
In light of all that, should we not all accept how alarming it is to those who support the efforts of British forces in Afghanistan to read so many reports in recent days of apparent division between President Karzai and western nations? Given that steps to reduce corruption and to improve local government are vital for the counter-insurgency effort, is the Foreign Secretary absolutely confident that relations between this country and the US on the one hand and President Karzai on the other hand are as they should be, and that there is a clear enough mutual understanding of the approach needed to handle the situation in Kandahar, to conduct the elections well in September and to make progress on the integration and reconciliation process? Is he happy that all that is as it should be? Is not agreement on such things indispensable to our success in Afghanistan?
Subjects
Politics and government; Afghanistan
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c798-9
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. The greatest resource for international forces and for the Afghan Government is that less than 10 per cent. of the Afghan people want the Taliban back. There is widespread hatred for the brutality that they represent. However, a political settlement for Afghanistan is something that this Government have been advancing for some time, saying clearly that the purpose of military and civilian effort is to create the conditions for a political settlement. The peace jirga is the first chance to take that forward. It is not about negotiations, but about preparing the ground. We want it to be as wide as possible—1,200 to 1,500 participants have been mentioned. I welcome that. It is also important to say that all the tribes of Afghanistan must have a say in that future political settlement. It is not a matter of including former insurgents, only to find that northerners then leave the political settlement. It is important that all the ethnic tribes are balanced in a political settlement that can endure.
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. The greatest resource for international forces and for the Afghan Government is that less than 10 per cent. of the Afghan people want the Taliban back. There is widespread hatred for the brutality that they represent. However, a political settlement for Afghanistan is something that this Government have been advancing for some time, saying clearly that the purpose of military and civilian effort is to create the conditions for a political settlement. The peace jirga is the first chance to take that forward. It is not about negotiations, but about preparing the ground. We want it to be as wide as possible—1,200 to 1,500 participants have been mentioned. I welcome that. It is also important to say that all the tribes of Afghanistan must have a say in that future political settlement. It is not a matter of including former insurgents, only to find that northerners then leave the political settlement. It is important that all the ethnic tribes are balanced in a political settlement that can endure.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Hugh Bayley
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
Afghanistan needs a politics of national unity to defeat the Taliban and corruption, and to create conditions that will allow British troops to leave. What is my right hon. Friend doing to try and ensure that when the Loya Jirga is held later this month, it ends up creating a more inclusive politics for Afghanistan?
Subjects
Politics and government; Afghanistan
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c811
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
... Indeed; I am grateful for the help from the Opposition Front Bench. The forthcoming peace jirga will be the Government of Afghanistan's opportunity to secure the support of the Afghan people for their reintegration and reconciliation proposals. To deliver this support, we encourage the Government of Afghanistan to make this event as inclusive as possible.
... Indeed; I am grateful for the help from the Opposition Front Bench. The forthcoming peace jirga will be the Government of Afghanistan's opportunity to secure the support of the Afghan people for their reintegration and reconciliation proposals. To deliver this support, we encourage the Government of Afghanistan to make this event as inclusive as possible.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Politics and government; Afghanistan
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c811
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Since the London conference, the Government of Afghanistan have made progress on some of their commitments, including the Afghan Cabinet's decision to approve the sub-national governance strategy and President Karzai's recent decree boosting the high office of oversight's powers to tackle and investigate corruption. In other areas, progress is slow—too slow. We continue to work with the Afghan authorities to encourage similar progress to be made in those other areas.
Since the London conference, the Government of Afghanistan have made progress on some of their commitments, including the Afghan Cabinet's decision to approve the sub-national governance strategy and President Karzai's recent decree boosting the high office of oversight's powers to tackle and investigate corruption. In other areas, progress is slow—too slow. We continue to work with the Afghan authorities to encourage similar progress to be made in those other areas.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Andrew Selous
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
What assessment he has made of developments in Afghanistan since the London conference of January 2010.
Subjects
Politics and government; Afghanistan
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c797
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
We regularly assess the progress that we are making in Afghanistan to secure our goal of an Afghanistan that can no longer be a haven for international terrorism. Key indicators include the development of the Afghan national security forces, the delivery of public services and the development of the economy. The London conference reiterated the unity and coherence in the international effort, aligning this behind a clear Afghan plan.
We regularly assess the progress that we are making in Afghanistan to secure our goal of an Afghanistan that can no longer be a haven for international terrorism. Key indicators include the development of the Afghan national security forces, the delivery of public services and the development of the economy. The London conference reiterated the unity and coherence in the international effort, aligning this behind a clear Afghan plan.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Linda Gilroy
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the coalition in achieving the UK's foreign policy objectives in Afghanistan.
Subjects
Peacekeeping operations; Afghanistan
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c803-4
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
On 1 April I announced that I had instructed the British Indian Ocean Territory Commissioner to declare a marine protected area in the territory, which will include a no-take marine reserve. By establishing this marine protected area, the UK has created one of the world's largest marine protected areas and has doubled the global coverage of the world's oceans benefiting from protection. I wish to emphasise that the creation of the MPA will not change the UK's commitment to cede the territory to Mauritius when it is no longer needed for defence purposes. It is also without prejudice to the outcome of the current pending proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights. The BIOT administration has been tasked with taking the establishment of an MPA forward in order that this is achieved in a realistic, sustainable and affordable way.
Finally, on a separate topic—[Hon. Members: "This is a different question."] No. On a separate matter, Mr. Speaker, I hope you will allow me to say, I am sure on behalf of the whole House, that we utterly condemn yesterday's attack on the US consulate in Peshawar and the earlier suicide attack in Lower Dir. There can be no justification for these bloody acts.
On 1 April I announced that I had instructed the British Indian Ocean Territory Commissioner to declare a marine protected area in the territory, which will include a no-take marine reserve. By establishing this marine protected area, the UK has created one of the world's largest marine protected areas and has doubled the global coverage of the world's oceans benefiting from protection. I wish to emphasise that the creation of the MPA will not change the UK's commitment to cede the territory to Mauritius when it is no longer needed for defence purposes. It is also without prejudice to the outcome of the current pending proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights. The BIOT administration has been tasked with taking the establishment of an MPA forward in order that this is achieved in a realistic, sustainable and affordable way.
Finally, on a separate topic—[Hon. Members: "This is a different question."] No. On a separate matter, Mr. Speaker, I hope you will allow me to say, I am sure on behalf of the whole House, that we utterly condemn yesterday's attack on the US consulate in Peshawar and the earlier suicide attack in Lower Dir. There can be no justification for these bloody acts.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Eric Illsley
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c811-2
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I refer the hon. Gentleman to my written statement of 10 February, in which I made it clear that I have agreed a package of measures with the Treasury to offset the foreign exchange pressures on the FCO budget in the year ahead and allow us to continue to deliver a world-class and comprehensive diplomatic service.
I refer the hon. Gentleman to my written statement of 10 February, in which I made it clear that I have agreed a package of measures with the Treasury to offset the foreign exchange pressures on the FCO budget in the year ahead and allow us to continue to deliver a world-class and comprehensive diplomatic service.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Boswell of Aynho
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
What recent assessment he has made of the financing of his Department's overseas operations; and if he will make a statement.
Subjects
Public expenditure; Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c810-1
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The 7 March election was evidence of Iraq's progress towards full democracy, a particularly important development in the middle east. It is important that the result is respected by Iraq's political leaders.
It is also the case that Iraq's neighbours have a key role in supporting Iraq's democratic future. A democratic Iraq can play an increasing part in maintaining a stable and secure middle east.
The 7 March election was evidence of Iraq's progress towards full democracy, a particularly important development in the middle east. It is important that the result is respected by Iraq's political leaders.
It is also the case that Iraq's neighbours have a key role in supporting Iraq's democratic future. A democratic Iraq can play an increasing part in maintaining a stable and secure middle east.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Meg Munn
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
What assessment he has made of the implications of the outcome of the recent elections in Iraq for UK policy in the region.
Subjects
Elections; Iraq
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c806
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I think that on reflection the hon. Gentleman, who I know follows these matters carefully, will understand that that would not be a very sensible course. Any Government after the general election will have to set a framework for public spending for all Departments, and it is quite right that the Foreign Office has negotiated a special bilateral agreement for this year. That is very important, but it is also important that we then take a long-term look at the funding of the Foreign Office and other Departments. The ability to do so on a three-year or even longer-term basis is a good thing, and that is the right way to proceed.
I think that on reflection the hon. Gentleman, who I know follows these matters carefully, will understand that that would not be a very sensible course. Any Government after the general election will have to set a framework for public spending for all Departments, and it is quite right that the Foreign Office has negotiated a special bilateral agreement for this year. That is very important, but it is also important that we then take a long-term look at the funding of the Foreign Office and other Departments. The ability to do so on a three-year or even longer-term basis is a good thing, and that is the right way to proceed.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Tony Baldry
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does not the Secretary of State agree with the Foreign Affairs Committee that the current exchange rate pricing mechanism for the Foreign Office is simply unsustainable? The extra £75 million is welcome, but it is a one-off, and this is not an issue that can wait for a comprehensive spending review. Does not the Secretary of State think that he should negotiate a new bilateral deal with the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
Subjects
Public expenditure; Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c814
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I hope that all UK citizens will be supporting the English team, and I am sorry if the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson) wants to distinguish between English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish fans in respect of the World cup. Obviously, we talked about the issue when we met the South African President and South African Foreign Minister during the state visit last month. They are taking the issues of security and wider provision for fans extremely seriously. The bilateral engagement between our two countries is of a very high order on this important issue.
I hope that all UK citizens will be supporting the English team, and I am sorry if the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson) wants to distinguish between English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish fans in respect of the World cup. Obviously, we talked about the issue when we met the South African President and South African Foreign Minister during the state visit last month. They are taking the issues of security and wider provision for fans extremely seriously. The bilateral engagement between our two countries is of a very high order on this important issue.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Shailesh Vara
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
Following the recent worrying events in South Africa, what discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with his overseas counterpart to ensure the safety and security of British football fans who will be travelling to South Africa later in the year to the World cup finals?
Subjects
Football; South Africa
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c814-5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I certainly did not say anything other than that the efficiency savings that we are making are important. The hon. Gentleman is very welcome to check Hansard in the leisure time that he has over the next three or four weeks. However, the fact is that we run a comprehensive service, with 261 posts throughout the world. It is widely recognised for its influence both in bilateral and multilateral relations, and long may that continue.
I certainly did not say anything other than that the efficiency savings that we are making are important. The hon. Gentleman is very welcome to check Hansard in the leisure time that he has over the next three or four weeks. However, the fact is that we run a comprehensive service, with 261 posts throughout the world. It is widely recognised for its influence both in bilateral and multilateral relations, and long may that continue.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Harper
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
I cannot believe that the Foreign Secretary tried to suggest with a straight face that scrapping the overseas pricing mechanism was a good idea, or that he defended it. How can he seriously suggest that subjecting to the mercies of the foreign exchange market the budget of his Department and our ability to project our influence overseas is a good idea? Did he really sign up for it?
Subjects
Public expenditure; Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c813
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
No, I certainly have never taken a Labour fundraiser to a meeting with a foreign Government, and I look forward to the day when the shadow Foreign Secretary can give me a straight answer to the question whether Lord Ashcroft has ever been taken to meetings with foreign Governments in places where Lord Ashcroft has business interests. I have written to the right hon. Gentleman three times about that; I know that the postal service has its problems, but we have never had a reply.
No, I certainly have never taken a Labour fundraiser to a meeting with a foreign Government, and I look forward to the day when the shadow Foreign Secretary can give me a straight answer to the question whether Lord Ashcroft has ever been taken to meetings with foreign Governments in places where Lord Ashcroft has business interests. I have written to the right hon. Gentleman three times about that; I know that the postal service has its problems, but we have never had a reply.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Barry Sheerman
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
In the nearly three years during which my right hon. Friend has been Foreign Secretary, has he ever taken a Labour fundraiser with him when meeting the leader of a foreign country?
Subjects
Ashcroft, Lord
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c814
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Although my right hon. Friend is not retiring, I think the whole House owes her a huge debt of gratitude for the way in which she has conducted her work as the Prime Minister's special representative on human rights in Iraq. She has stood up for the rights of people in Iraq in a remarkable way, and although there was deep division in the House on the Iraq war, I hope that there is unity around the commitments that she has reported and made in respect of human rights, an independent press and a free and independent judiciary.
Although my right hon. Friend is not retiring, I think the whole House owes her a huge debt of gratitude for the way in which she has conducted her work as the Prime Minister's special representative on human rights in Iraq. She has stood up for the rights of people in Iraq in a remarkable way, and although there was deep division in the House on the Iraq war, I hope that there is unity around the commitments that she has reported and made in respect of human rights, an independent press and a free and independent judiciary.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Ann Clwyd
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
I hope we continue to assist Iraq by all means possible, particularly in rebuilding the rule of law. I want to place on record an e-mail that I received a few days ago from the very brave judge who sentenced Saddam Hussein to death:""I am…former chief investigative judge in the Iraqi High Tribunal…I am writing today after a long time to say thank you very much for your help"—"
which means this country's help—""to restore the Iraqi justice and rule of law. Without your support we could not have done what we did.""
Subjects
Elections; Iraq
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c806-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Certainly, I have no information to suggest that there was any support from the United Kingdom in that respect. Of course, as the hon. Gentleman knows, on that occasion the result did not work out in favour of the Government in the Iraqi election.
Certainly, I have no information to suggest that there was any support from the United Kingdom in that respect. Of course, as the hon. Gentleman knows, on that occasion the result did not work out in favour of the Government in the Iraqi election.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Crispin Blunt
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
In the parliamentary elections five years ago, the then Prime Minister sent people out from the policy unit here to assist then Prime Minister Allawi with his election campaign, which actually looked like fairly discreditable interference in the affairs of Iraq. Can the Foreign Secretary confirm that Mr. Allawi succeeded this time without the assistance of anyone from the United Kingdom?
Subjects
Elections; Iraq
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c806
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I have spoken to the hon. Gentleman on many occasions and have come to know his wisdom and his commitment to the House and to our political system. I hope that he will not be too embarrassed if I pay tribute to him from this side of the House and thank him for his very many years of outstanding service, not just to his constituents but to the House. I know that we have tried to remove him at successive general elections, but without much success.
In respect of the Foreign Office's 261 posts around the world, we keep all our posts under very close review but there are no plans at the moment to close any embassies.
I have spoken to the hon. Gentleman on many occasions and have come to know his wisdom and his commitment to the House and to our political system. I hope that he will not be too embarrassed if I pay tribute to him from this side of the House and thank him for his very many years of outstanding service, not just to his constituents but to the House. I know that we have tried to remove him at successive general elections, but without much success.
In respect of the Foreign Office's 261 posts around the world, we keep all our posts under very close review but there are no plans at the moment to close any embassies.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Cormack
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
As one who believes that our country is extremely well served and represented by our diplomatic service, may I ask the Foreign Secretary to assure the House that there are no plans to close or amalgamate any of our embassies?
Subjects
Public expenditure; Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c815-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Yes.
Yes.
Answered by
David Miliband
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Boswell of Aynho
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
At this stage of my political career, may I drop any ritual references to the Government's overall difficulties with economic management or their shedding of the overseas pricing mechanism, which has given rise to these difficulties? Let us concentrate on the main point. Does the Foreign Secretary accept that Members on both sides of the House want this country to have a first-class foreign service representation and will not tolerate any deviation from that?
Subjects
Public expenditure; Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c811
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons