Today @CommonsForeign is hearing evidence from @DominicRaab
Our first topic is #coronavirus
FCO hotline in Malaga answered 28,000 phone calls just yesterday. Many embassies reported as closed are in fact working from home to minimise spread & due to host country restriction 1/
Our first topic is #coronavirus
FCO hotline in Malaga answered 28,000 phone calls just yesterday. Many embassies reported as closed are in fact working from home to minimise spread & due to host country restriction 1/
I asked whether Foreign Sec is confident our consular staff abroad are receiving the support & protections they need, and queried whether any countries are making it more difficult for them.
I also put on record my thanks to all the crisis & consular staff working tirelessly 2/
I also put on record my thanks to all the crisis & consular staff working tirelessly 2/
We then discussed #COP26 challenging whether it can feasibly go ahead given the current Coronavirus outbreak, pushing on China’s need to contribute meaningfully, and the possibilities of remote planning and working for it 4/
Now we’re onto the Integrated Review on Foreign, Security and Intelligence.
I challenged whether hybrid warfare is sufficiently at the heart of the review, specifically investing in our defensive and offensive hybrid capabilities, and not just simply cyber 5/
I challenged whether hybrid warfare is sufficiently at the heart of the review, specifically investing in our defensive and offensive hybrid capabilities, and not just simply cyber 5/
I then challenged on whether the Foreign Office is effectively balancing its focus on hostile states between Russia and China, where the approach feels far more advanced for Russia, than China despite threats from both. FS assured not a choice & eye is on the ball for both 6/
.@IoWBobSeely challenging on Huawei as a extension of the Chinese Government, & @TomTugendhat on China’s desire to undermine existing int’l structures which world relies on.
The FS agrees China is trying to re-shape those structures they feel are against their interests 7/
The FS agrees China is trying to re-shape those structures they feel are against their interests 7/
.@TomTugendhat right to raise that China seeks to create and exploit fissures between traditional partners such as Five Eyes, in order to secure its international interests. 8/
We’re now asking about progress on Brexit and whether Coronavirus has derailed the process 9/
I also asked whether it’s true that no-deal planning helped us respond more effectively to #Coronavirus. FS confirmed that the work of no-deal “battle-proofed” us as it required a great deal of work into our supply-chains etc which is helpful to help us respond to Coronavirus 10/
Foreign Secretary describes how he has complete confidence that the Foreign Office is approaching Brexit with excitement and enthusiasm 11/
.@AndrewRosindell asks whether DFID and FCO merger is now extremely likely. The FS replied that this will be considered in the Integrated Review, and that it’s also about considering holistic response with Trade and beyond as well 12/
Absolutely delighted to hear @DominicRaab commit to standing by our Overseas Territories thanks to a fantastic question asking for a holistic approach between DFID and FCO 13/
I asked about what we’re doing to tackle diplomats posted to the UK from other countries committing crimes here. The FS was very strong that we won’t accept crimes by our people & would strip diplomatic immunity from our own, sounds like hopeful other countries same /15
I raised the case of Harry Dunn specifically and the FS was clear that the FCO did not acquiesce to Anne Sacoolas leaving the UK and couldn’t have lawfully stopped her leaving the country @RaddSeiger /14
I raised the benefit of creating some sort of central resource in the Foreign Office to focus on early intervention to help moderate atrocities such as those taking place. We should identify tangible programmes & efforts that experts can help country teams adopt & adapt /15
