Vol. 738 Friday No. 34 13 July 2012

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) HOUSE OF LORDS OFFICIAL REPORT

ORDER OF BUSINESS

House of Lords (Cessation of Membership) Bill [HL] Order of Commitment Discharged Middle East: Recent Developments Motion to Take Note Written Statements Written Answers For column numbers see back page

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supporting conscientious objectors during the First House of Lords World War, for supporting the suffragettes, or the Irish Friday, 13 July 2012. who were imprisoned under the Coercion Acts.

10 am Lord Elton: Will the noble Lord give way? Prayers—read by the Lord Bishop of Chester. Lord Davies of Stamford: I will give way in a House of Lords (Cessation of moment, because I shall be extremely brief. That would Membership) Bill [HL] also have dealt with the anomaly that, under the Bill, even if someone had a series of convictions for up to Order of Commitment Discharged 12 months, we would not be able to exclude them. 10.06 am However, it has been put to me very persuasively that if I were to pursue my amendment it might risk the Moved by Lord Steel of Aikwood Bill getting through, with its important provisions on That the order of commitment be discharged. retirement and exclusion for chronic absence. I therefore decided to withdraw my amendment and the noble Lord Steel of Aikwood: My Lords, I understand Lord, Lord Steel, has generously undertaken that my that no amendments have been set down to this Bill point will be debated when the Bill comes before the and that no noble Lord has indicated a wish to move a House of Commons. As there was a real risk of losing manuscript amendment or to speak in Committee. this important Bill, I decided to withdraw the amendment. Therefore, unless any noble Lord objects, I beg to move that the order of commitment to be discharged. Lord Steel of Aikwood: My Lords, first, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Davies, and other noble Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: My Lords, I hasten to Lords who had intended to table amendments, because assure the noble Lord, Lord Steel, who I am delighted by having no amendments now, provided that the is here today to take the Bill through to its later stages, House agrees to the Motion, we can hope to get a that I do not rise to object. However, I do want to ask Third Reading before the Summer Recess and the Bill him whether he has had recent talks with the Government, will therefore pass to the Commons, where it might and are they still giving him a fair wind? provide a lifeline in September—but that is not for me I ask that because I watched the speech of Mr Harper, to say. his honourable friend in the other place, winding up the two-day debate on Lords reform. I was rather Tempted though I am by the noble Lord, Lord surprised by the tone of Mr Harper. I did not see Hunt, I shall not comment on what Mr Harper said in much search for consensus. I was hurt for the noble the other place. It was not very helpful. Instead, I Lord, Lord Steel, that almost the final comments of prefer the words of my colleague, the Deputy Leader Mr Harper, who of course brings great intellectual of the House of Commons, David Heath, who wound coherence to these debates, seemed to be rather critical up the debate on the first day. He referred to the Bill as of the Bill. It would be good to know from the noble containing small and valuable proposals. They are Lord whether he has been given any encouragement. small, they are valuable, but they are a start. Seeing that the noble Lord, Lord Wallace, is on the Motion agreed. Front Bench, this is also a good opportunity for the Government to say where they are on reform of your Lordships’ House. Obviously, we have read with great Arrangement of Business interest that Mr Cameron is apparently proposing to Announcement Mr Clegg the bonkers idea that you elect, say, 50 people in 2015, suck it and see and then perhaps, a few years later, you elect a few more. Is not this House entitled to 10.11 am be told where we are going on Lords reform? I am sure Lord Wallace of Saltaire: My Lords, we have come that we would all gladly give the Floor to the noble here today to discuss the extremely important question Lord, Lord Wallace, to tell us exactly where we are of the Middle East but I know that many noble Lords going. will need to get away for the weekend. If noble Lords keep their speeches down to 10 minutes or less, we Lord Davies of Stamford: My Lords, the last thing I shall be able to rise relatively early in the afternoon want to do is to prevent the noble Lord, Lord Wallace, and certainly no later than 3 pm. from responding to that important question but, as your Lordships will know, I had tabled an amendment for the Committee stage today. It would have withdrawn Middle East: Recent Developments the automaticity in the Bill on exclusion of Members. Motion to Take Note It would have meant that if anyone had any criminal conviction, the House might by resolution decide to exclude them but that that would not be automatic. 10.11 am That would have dealt with the double problem, which Moved by Lord Howell of Guildford is that over the past 100 to 150 years, there have been many cases when we would not have wanted to exclude That this House takes note of recent developments someone who had been convicted—for example, for in the Middle East. 1345 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1346

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Syria; that it would be made up of representatives of Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): My Lords, I thank the present Syrian Government, the Opposition and the House for giving me the opportunity to update other groups; and that it should be formed on the your Lordships on the truly momentous events in the basis of mutual consent. It is our clear understanding Middle East and north Africa since our last debate on that this would preclude President Assad, from whose these and related issues in March. I say straightaway circles we note that certain defections have taken that, viewing the whole scene in the Middle East and place. However, one has to recognise that the hard north Africa, we see progress and of course we see core around him remains for the moment. setbacks. It must be viewed as a mixture of cautious The third Friends of Syria meeting on 6 July in hopes and serious concerns. Paris, where over 100 nations and international In a region with its full share of dangerous and organisations came together, endorsed that plan. It grim events—only this morning, we have news of a recognised that the international community must hold further horrific massacre—let me at least start my all parties, starting with the Syrian Government, comments with something a bit more positive. I do so responsible for complying with the action group plan. by quoting from a report that came to my hand only The Friends of Syria meeting resolved to support a this week from our embassy in Tripoli. That is the Chapter VII resolution in the UN Security Council. Tripoli in Libya, as opposed to the other Tripoli. It We are working with the Security Council to impose said: tighter sanctions on those who are responsible for the “Joyful and moving scenes at polling stations as Libyans vote obscene violations of human rights that we have seen, for the first time in 47 years. A small number of violent incidents heard and read about. disrupt polling in the East, but the Election Commission and ordinary people do all they can to ensure voting can continue. Given the very grave and deteriorating situation in Initial assessments from domestic observer groups find the elections Syria, we are now urging all our partners to do more well organised, transparent and fair. Turnout projected at 62%, than to respond to the humanitarian plight of innocent including large numbers of women”. Syrian civilians. I suppose one has to ask whether we These are people who, a year ago, were fighting each can get the Russians to move more onside, too, in this other and fighting against a brutal tyrant. Despite all task. They are making certain moves, reported in the the many other problems, this at least indicates that newspapers today, about shipping movements and use there can be and is progress in some regions. of the port of Tartus. We will have to see how that works out but, for our part, on 5 July my right honourable I will come back to that good story in Libya in a friend the Development Secretary announced a doubling moment in more detail, but I turn straight away from of our humanitarian aid to £17.5 million. That additional it to a much worse story: the Syrian tragedy, which is £9 million will deliver emergency food assistance to a vortex of killing and atrocities. When I updated the 80,000 people a month, shelter to 9,000 and support House in March, it had been a year since the protest for 4,000 more refugees outside Syria. began. It is now 17 months and as many as 17,000 people may have been slaughtered. Hundreds more are dying I began with a mention of the situation in Libya. every week, predominantly at the hands of the regime, This was an historic step and Libyans rightly should which is perpetrating horrifying violence against its be proud of the achievement that they have secured so own people. The independent UN commission of inquiry far. Frankly, the United Kingdom has a right to be has recorded widespread and shocking human rights proud as well to have supported the electoral preparations. violations committed by the Syrian authorities, including We were the largest donor to the UN election funds; arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, sexual assault we funded training for domestic observers; UK police and rape. The commission also reported on the increasing officers have helped to provide training on the levels of opposition violence. We of course urge all co-ordination of election security; and we have provided parties to end the violence. That is what we must do, significant support to empower women and youth to but there can be little surprise that 600,000 people participate in the political process. We, the United have fled their homes, with 500,000 of them remaining Kingdom, stood shoulder to shoulder with the Libyan in Syria and nearly 100,000 now being refugees across people as they sought to protect themselves and fight Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. for basic freedoms. Since liberation was declared nine months ago, tangible progress has been made. The The Joint UN and Arab League special envoy for election story that I began with highlights that. We Syria, Kofi Annan, whom I had the opportunity to look forward to the swift formation of the national meet the other evening, set out on 16 March a six-point congress and the appointment of a Government to plan to end the violence and to start a political process. take forward these issues swiftly. We will, of course, He has made it clear that the primary responsibility maintain our support for Libyans as they continue on for implementation must lie with the Syrian regime, their path towards a peaceful, stable, prosperous and but we see little progress on the ground. Violence has democratic country. intensified over the last few weeks. Nevertheless, the plan as put forward by Kofi Annan remains the best I turn for a moment to Egypt, which has taken framework and hope of achieving a ceasefire and momentous steps in the transition process. My right political transition. This is why my right honourable honourable friend the Prime Minister wrote to the friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, William newly elected President Morsi to congratulate him and Hague, travelled to Geneva at the end of last month my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary praised for the first meeting of the Syria Action Group. This the Egyptian people for their commitment to the meeting, which included Russia and China, agreed: democratic process. We have made clear the importance that there should be a transitional governing body in of sustained progress towards a legitimate, inclusive 1347 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1348 and accountable Government, underpinned by strong differences. We will continue to encourage a political and responsible institutions—including the Parliament— process that aids Iraq’s democratic and economic and a new constitution which represents the interests development. We also note, and commend, the efforts of all Egyptians. As of now, we are obviously seeing a of the United Nations to broker a peaceful and durable clash of wills between the Muslim Brotherhood and solution to the situation at Camp Ashraf, which has the military authorities. Perhaps one might observe been a matter of great concern. that this was an inevitable part of the transition process. Then there is Iran, which continues to be a source Our hope, and indeed our efforts, must be in support of deep unease throughout the region and indeed the of seeing that it is resolved calmly and judiciously, not world. We remain committed to a diplomatic solution by violence. to the Iranian nuclear issue. In three rounds of talks The success of the Muslim Brotherhood in the with Iran since April—in Istanbul, Baghdad and recent Egyptian elections and the successes of other Moscow—the permanent five members of the UN parties inspired by Islam in the region have undoubtedly Security Council plus Germany, which are leading the created some nervousness about the implications for negotiations with Iran on behalf of the international the development of democracy and respect for human community, have put a set of proposals to the Iranian rights in the region. In particular, some are concerned Government about how they could start to build that the Arab spring and its consequences have endangered confidence in their nuclear activities. The proposals the security of minorities, including Christians, in the focus on Iran’s enrichment activity, which at present is Middle East. That, no doubt, is a matter that your on a scale that can have no plausible civilian justification. Lordships will want to raise during today’s debate. We believe that Iran now needs to reflect on these In Egypt, we have been supportive of interfaith proposals and start taking concrete steps to reassure dialogue through a project that creates partnerships the international community.Until Iran acts, the pressure between Muslim and Christian groups to train mixed on it will only grow. The EU oil embargo on Iran came teams in conflict resolution skills. We welcome the into force a fortnight ago on 1 July and will now work of Al-Azhar University in promoting interfaith be strengthened, and over the coming weeks we will be dialogue against sectarianism. Of course we recognise working closely with our partners to increase pressure that there are problems but we are determined to help much further. resolve them. In Bahrain, progress over the past four months has, Tunisia, where the present phase of protest and frankly, been minimal. We await the implementation empowerment began, has made considerable progress of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent in its transition, including on free expression and Commission of Inquiry and continue to call for progress political pluralism. We now expect the Constituent to be made. Waiting, though, is not enough. The Assembly to produce a final version of a new constitution Government there must go further and implement by 23 October and elections will be held in March next meaningful political reforms as well. That message is year. not only for our own consumption; it is one that I and This all needs to be reinforced by economic my fellow Ministers in the FCO have delivered to the development; obviously, these things go together. The Bahraini Foreign Minister, the Minister of the Interior whole Maghreb region is not very well integrated—in and the Minister of Justice, all of whom have visited fact, some say that it is the least economically integrated the UK over the past month. Some have criticised us region in the world. However, Tunisia has shown for this engagement and we may hear more criticism, admirable support for intra-Maghreb co-operation in but we believe that dialogue is essential if the reforms the five-nation Arab Maghreb Union and will host the that we all want are to take place. next Arab Maghreb summit in October, the first for In Yemen, we welcome President Hadi’s leadership 16 years. my honourable friend Alastair Burt, the of the political transition, particularly the progress Minister for the Middle East region, has just presided made on a national dialogue and the reorganisation of over and addressed an excellent conference at Wilton military figures. He has achieved notable successes in Park, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office support the fight against violent extremism, pushing al-Qaeda entity at Wiston House, dealing with Maghreb unification out of the towns since 2011, which is a definite move and development, a highly successful event. forward. The trouble with Yemen is that the economy Elsewhere in the region, in many areas change has remains infirm and the humanitarian situation, been very frustrating. In Iraq the political process is particularly in the south, is growing ever more serious. deadlocked, with attempts to bring a vote of no confidence We have led efforts at the UN to secure UNSC Resolution in Prime Minister Maliki. The continued internal 2051, adopted unanimously on 12 June, to support wrangling is detracting from Iraq’s progress on key Yemen’s transition, and we co-chaired, with Saudi political and economic developments. The issues between Arabia and Yemen, a Friends of Yemen meeting on Kurdistan and Baghdad remain to be resolved. However, 23 May in Riyadh to agree how the international I have to note that, despite the difficult politics, Iraq’s community can best support Yemen. That is the progress towards its oil production target is on track. scene there. Indeed, some say that it will achieve production of Then, of course, we come to a matter of continuing 5 million barrels a day and very high exports by the and rightful interest to your Lordships, the Arab-Israeli end of this year, so there is some light in that situation. conflict, which continues to remain urgent and is still It is vital for Iraq’s democracy and its continued very far from resolution. We welcome the recent efforts economic progress that all parties find a way to engage by the Palestinian and Israeli leaderships to renew constructively, within the constitution, to resolve their direct contacts, but we are concerned about escalations 1349 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1350

[LORD HOWELL OF GUILDFORD] What do we do when people vilify Britain? I am of violence in Gaza again, particularly attacks targeting sure that all noble Lords have experienced this, particularly civilians. We have urged both sides to focus on dialogue, when travelling in less friendly countries, responding to avoid steps that could undermine the prospects for to blogs or debating. We correct facts. We try to peace and to work towards the resumption of direct explain the realities of power politics in a democracy negotiations. and how not every British citizen approves of what the Despite the undoubted frustrations and tragedies, Government do. We try to correct a bad impression by the situation overall in the Middle East and north speaking of the good things we do. We try for balance. Africa has developed considerably in the past four We avoid the one-sided narrative. So let it be with months, and in some areas is going forward in the Israel. Let us make sure that compassion for Palestinians right direction. As my right honourable friend William does not come in the form of bigotry towards Israel. Hague said on Monday—in The Hague, actually—in There is one area where this is particularly important, his enormously authoritative speech on international one area where the one-sided narrative just does not justice: work and where balance does—trade. Some noble “The Arab spring has shattered the idea that nations can Lords saw this working last month in London at the maintain long-term stability and prosperity without human rights, Innovate Israel event. Even the most hardened anti-Israeli political participation and economic freedom for their citizens”. could not have failed to be impressed with the technology I would add to that, “These forces are of course the on display. It was not just new digital technology for outcome of the information revolution that has communication, artificial intelligence and manufacturing empowered people and weakened Governments but new technology for medicine, health and agriculture. everywhere, and not, I may say, just in the Middle East Much of British business was there too to find and the north African region but everywhere in the opportunities, network, trade and partner with a country world”. which is now seen to produce some of the most One has to ask whether the changes that we are advanced and sophisticated technology in the world. witnessing could change the character of the relationship between the Middle East region and the rest of the For almost 20 years I have been trying to persuade world. Without doubt, it is not only the internal your Lordships that technology will create our future political changes of the Arab spring, but the profound prosperity. So I was delighted that the Government and fundamental changes in the global energy market considered this sufficiently important to establish a which are being highly influential on the whole region special technology team at the British embassy in Tel and how we look at it. Energy, like politics, is becoming Aviv to find projects where, together with Palestinians, increasingly multipolar as energy demand shifts away the countries can collaborate. from the OECD and energy supply becomes far more In a debate in another place last month, the Member diffuse world wide, with newly exploitable, massive for Weaver Vale, Mr Graham Evans MP, spoke of his sources of hydrocarbons opening up in the Americas, work with Israelis in developing digital printing— Asia-Pacific and all round Africa. In fact, a second or additive manufacturing, as it is now called. This energy revolution, beyond and riding with the green is a technology which is starting to revolutionise revolution, is in progress. manufacturing in exactly the same way as digital music None of this alters the fact that the Middle East services revolutionised the music business. The Palestinians and north Africa lie at the doorstep of Europe and are interested too. They are involved and taking an constitute not just our wider neighbourhood but some interest because they, too, know that you will soon be of our key markets and our close friendships. Instability able to set up a manufacturing plant with digital breeds insecurity. The political success of the countries printers that is as productive as an automated plant of the region is intimately bound up with our security that has had millions invested in it. Indeed, when and prosperity in the United Kingdom as well as that Warren Buffet was once asked to explain why he had of our friends, allies and global partners. This has invested $4.5 billion in Israel when there was no oil been called the interconnectedness of history. It is the there, his reply was that he came looking not for oil point we have now reached in the globalisation of our but for brains. interests and our concerns, and that is why this Government and, especially, my right honourable friend Israel may have offended some in the way that it the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, have worked has tried to defend itself, but at the same time it has tirelessly, energetically and creatively in support of created the institutions, infrastructure, education, skills peace and development in the region. We will continue and initiative to produce a technological powerhouse to do so. I beg to move. that will benefit the rest of the world, not only through trade but also through generosity. Through its version of the Ministry of Overseas Development, it has 10.31 am provided many—indeed, most—Middle East and Lord Haskel: My Lords, as the Minister explained, north African countries with new agricultural technology the Middle East is a huge topic—no single speaker can to make dry land productive and to make the most cover it all—so I would like to speak just about Israel. of saline and marginal water resources and post- I am particularly worried about the upturn in the harvest technology to preserve the land. It has also vilification and demonisation of Israel that I have provided those countries with reliable communications detected in recent months. Knowing his generosity of technology through IsraAID. Together with that has spirit, I hope that the Minister will not mind if I try to gone humanitarian aid to places such as Kenya, where balance the narrative. I hope that he will consider it there is the world’s largest refugee camp. When Christians consistent with the terms of his important Motion. were being slaughtered in south Sudan, it was Israel 1351 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1352 that provided aid. After the earthquakes in Japan and asserted that weapons of mass destruction are deemed Haiti, Israel provided not only instant communications to go against Islamic principles of proportionality in but also post-trauma healthcare. warfare, that we need to take care to assure it that Israeli hospitals are known for their scientific research. international peace and stability are our motives, not Indeed, regenerative medicine and life sciences are so belligerent action. advanced in Israel that a special UK-Israel life sciences It is on these grounds that we in the Liberal council has been formed. However, Israel is also generous Democrats have always supported a mix of measures with its healthcare. In 2011, 115,000 Palestinians were to demonstrate our seriousness that there are consequences treated in Israeli hospitals and 100 Palestinian doctors for Iran if it does not comply with its obligations as trained as interns at Israeli hospitals. Indeed, two a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation Palestinians received organs transplanted from Israelis. of Nuclear Weapons. Negotiations, IAEA inspection, On 1 July, 16 Palestinian children—as well as children verification and economic sanctions all have to play a from other parts of the Middle East and Africa—were part in the international community’s response to being treated at the specialist heart unit for children. Iran. When we uphold international law and work My noble friend Lord Turnberg is instrumental in through the United Nations, it demonstrates to other bringing young Palestinian and Israeli doctors and countries that the international community expects researchers to the UK for training. My noble friend that they too should be bound by their obligations Lord Stone is instrumental in assisting businesses under the NPT and that there will be consequences for in Gaza to sell their product to major UK retailers. Iran if it does not. The Portland Trust, which is based in London, uses economic development to promote peace and stability We know that the escalation of sanctions is having between the Palestinians and the Israelis. This is just an effect on the ground. The Iranian rial has devalued the tip of the iceberg, but it is all part of the balance. by some 45%, food prices and all basic commodities have increased significantly—unfortunately hurting some The point that I wish to make is very simple. We of the poorest and most vulnerable Iranians. Iran, too, would all like to see a peaceful two-state solution, has difficulties selling its oil. Economic sanctions are with Israelis and Palestinians living together and a blunt instrument in their impact across the whole both states having a right to exist. Trade is a great population, rather than just the Iranian leadership facilitator of this objective. Demonising and vilifying but, given the apparent lack of responsiveness to one side or the other has not worked. It is not going international pressure, it is the ordinary people of Iran to work. It can lead only to disaster. A balanced who have the most power to tell their leadership that approach through trade and aid, an approach which they need a change of course. We hope that this most Israelis and Palestinians would support, must be change of course will come about in 2013 when given a chance. Once again, let politics follow trade. presidential elections are held, but hoping for a change As we are seeing, it is also in our own economic interest of leadership through elections is not the same as to trade and work with these advanced technological pursuing regime change through the use of force. I businesses. hope that my noble friend will take the opportunity to Will the Minister confirm that this is the policy of reassure Iran that we have no interest in bringing his Government? He spoke of the importance of economic about regime change through force, although we would development. Does he agree that demonising and vilifying of right champion the cause of greater democracy and one side or the other is detrimental to that policy and human rights in that country. that the Government will take whatever steps they can to stop it? Let me turn to the position of our partners in Israel and the United States and speculation about their use of force against Iran to prevent it attaining nuclear 10.40 am weapons. We have seen today extraordinary revelations Baroness Falkner of Margravine: My Lords, I start in the Telegraph that Sir John Sawers, the head of by thanking the Minister for his periodic attempts to MI6, has spoken publically of the role of MI6 assets update this House on developments in the Middle in alleged assassinations or the use of cyber-warfare East. It is a matter of concern across the House, and against Iran. He is described as having talked up MI6’s this debate on these issues is welcome. I will speak role in dealing with the threat. Given that the United principally about Iran and Israel, and will touch on Kingdom Government have previously denied any Syria—the potential flashpoints for even greater conflict involvement in illegal actions against Iran, I hope that in the Middle East. I am speaking today, in part, with my noble friend will tell the House whether this speech reflection on my role as co-chairman of the Liberal was cleared by the Foreign Secretary, and whether this Democrats’ foreign affairs committee. signals a change in the United Kingdom Government’s stance on publically declaring where their intelligence First, on the vexed issue of Iran’s attempts to become assets have been active. If these reports are true, they a nuclear-weapon state, I share my noble friend’s will do little to reassure the public that we are likely to disappointment that our P5+5 talks in Istanbul last comply with international law. In fact, the effect will week did not make the progress that we would have be to signal to the public that we are happy to engage hoped for. We need to be clear that diplomacy and in unlawful and belligerent action—something we should negotiation is our preferred option in all circumstances. have learnt the lesson about, given our unhappy history It follows from this uncontroversial position that when over Iraq. the country in question—Iran—continues to assert that its nuclear programme is for peaceful means, and Sir John’s comments could almost be construed as its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has regularly bragging. He is reported to have said: 1353 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1354

[BARONESS FALKNER OF MARGRAVINE] to see that the situation has not yet arrived, nor is it “I take great pride in the fact that, in the last ten years, over a likely to for some time, even by Sir John Sawers’s number of jobs, I’ve been involved in an issue of global concern, estimation. and I feel that I as an individual [have made] an impact in the outcome of events”. We know, too, that wise heads in Israel are themselves His follow-up remarks indicate that we have not made unconvinced of the use of strikes. Not only have we a positive impact on the outcome of events if we are heard from Yuval Diskin, the former head of Shin now so concerned about Iran’s capability to acquire Beit, who criticised the idea of an attack in Iran as nuclear weapons by 2014 as he warns. In my view, it recently as April 2012, but we also know that Lieutenant would be best for the veneer of silence to descend on General Benny Gantz, the head of the Israeli Defence the Secret Intelligence Service once again. There is Force, has stated that in his view Iran has not decided such a thing as “too much information”, and today we yet to build nuclear weapons. have seen an illustration of that. The fact that this There is also the issue of whether the strikes would speech took place under the heading of an “unclassified be successful. Even if Israel were to carry out these chat” and is extensively reported in a journal known as strikes unilaterally, which it has indicated it has the Civil Service World demonstrates a clear lack of judgment capacity to do, they would not be surgical in the sense on the part of a senior official. It would behove our that the June 1981 attack on Osirak was, which destroyed senior civil servants to express a clearer concern about a nuclear reactor under construction south-east of the UK engaging in unlawful activities rather than Baghdad. My understanding is that, with numerous indulging in “unclassified chats” which give a contrary nuclear installations spread across Iran, we would impression. potentially be looking at several weeks of a sustained airborne campaign. This would be not a pre-emptive This is not the TV programme “Spooks”. This strike but plain military aggression—a war, in ordinary matter engages UK interests and security directly. English. There are serious issues about accountability to Parliament as well. I am sorry that the two noble Lords who are It is undoubtedly true that in this eventuality United members of the Joint Intelligence and Security Committee, Kingdom interests would be engaged beyond our the noble Lord, Lord Butler of Brockwell, and the responsibilities as a member of the United Nations noble Marquess, Lord Lothian, are not hear today to Security Council. There is the question of asymmetric share their views on the accountability of the services retaliation by Iran. We have forces in Afghanistan, with us. more than 100,000 Britons are resident in the Gulf states, we have naval operations hosted by Bahrain It is undoubtedly the view of the Liberal Democrats and we have an obligation to keep international shipping that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a significant lanes open. There is also the question, if the United threat to international peace and security within the States decided to support Israel, of the use of Diego definition of the United Nations Charter Chapter VII Garcia. Will my noble friend give the House a reassurance wording. The public comments of the Iranian leadership that in the case of Diego Garcia, which is sovereign are also contradictory, on the one hand wishing to see UK territory, the United States cannot use it for the destruction of Israel and on the other hand declaring logistical support without express consent from the that it does not consider the use of weapons of mass United Kingdom Government? It follows, therefore—and destruction to be in conformity with Islam. I share the I ask my noble friend to confirm this, too—that if views of Israelis that they must do all they can to such a request was outside international law, permission prevent Iran from carrying out its threats against would not be forthcoming. them. However much one might appreciate Israel’s My time has run out. I look forward to my noble dilemma, I would put it to the Israeli establishment friend’s response in his concluding statement. that it is not in their interest to carry out unilateral military strikes in the absence of UN authorisation. This is not an issue of legal niceties, either: it is fairly clear that there is no current build-up of military 10.51 am forces against Israel, nor a state of mobilisation against Lord Empey: My Lords, I, too, thank the Minister it which might, against a backdrop of hostilities, lead for providing the opportunity for this debate. Like the one to conclude that a clear and imminent threat noble Lord, Lord Haskel, I feel that the canvas is so exists, thereby justifying pre-emptive military strikes. broad that one cannot possibly cover it all. Therefore, The action would therefore be illegal and would destabilise I shall confine my remarks to just two areas. One is the the entire Middle East to a greater extent than ever spread of democracy in the region. It will be of little before. surprise to the Minister that I also wish to raise Libya Lest there be any ambiguity regarding the use of and related matters. pre-emptive strikes or, to use the more formal expression, I suppose no area of the world has undergone anticipatory self-defence, I refer noble Lords to the greater change in the past 12 months than the Middle seventh report of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee East, starting with Tunisia, through Egypt, Libya and in the other place of June 2004, which had a chapter the turmoil in Syria, which has been referred to. Some on international law and the use of force. In the say that the Arab spring was a new awakening. Some evidence submitted to the committee by Professor Philippe say that it was an inevitable consequence of many Sands QC, another legal expert, it is clear that self-defence decades of suppression of human rights and democracy encompasses a right to use force in anticipation of an by various dictators. Perhaps the West’s relationship actual armed attack where there is an imminent with some of those dictators is something that we now threat. You do not need to be an international lawyer regret, but that is life. 1355 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1356

Whatever the truth, the outcome of the Arab spring On the other hand, the Minister went on to say that far from clear. The early warm welcome from western the Government felt that individual compensation Governments has given way to some anxiety as radical claims were best pursued on a private basis and that Islamists begin to flex their muscles at the polls, as we the Foreign Office will offer facilitation and support to saw only a week or two ago. What will the implications campaigns seeking compensation. Therefore, I have of the Egyptian election results be for the Arab-Israeli some difficulty in understanding how you can argue conflict? Will the conflict between the Egyptian army that we are having a Government-to-Government and the new President be resolved peacefully? We now negotiation on the wider issue of how this matter await the identification of a new Libyan Government, should be resolved. I support that and believe it to be a following elections there last week. The Minister recounted national issue since it was a terrorist campaign against a very moving illustration of what had happened in all of the United Kingdom and people in all parts of it Libya in such a short time. We must remember that a suffered. However, a conflict arises if you then say that year ago our aircraft were flying over that country in you will support and facilitate private cases. That a major bombing campaign. seems a disjointed policy. If private cases go on, it does not mean that every victim will get compensation However, there is one thing that the West must or that every victim will apply for compensation. I learn. While it is right to encourage the spread of support the national Government in negotiating with democratic government and help to end oppression, the Libyans at government level, but I do not understand we must not assume that our model of democracy is how there can be a second tier at individual level that the only version that should be adopted by other will, by definition, be haphazard and uncontrolled. I nations with different cultures and traditions. Are we hope the Minister will address that matter. really saying that the goings-on in this Building in the past week represent the gold standard for emerging I also believe strongly that it will not necessarily be democracies? Perhaps we should remember that we as simple as expecting Libyans to write cheques to a could appear arrogant if we dismiss other versions of series of individuals in this country. It may be that we democracy. The main thing is to see that the local will have to look at other means, be that through people in those countries are able to participate fully trade or some other mechanism by which we can help in their own government and are not dictated to or each other. It will be very hard to persuade elected terrorised at gunpoint. In general, the West comes representatives in Libya, with their infrastructure across as a bit arrogant in promoting its particular devastated, suddenly to support measures that would version of democracy when there may be others. give their money to people in this country for something I move on to a matter in which I take a keen which, in fairness, the average Libyan had nothing to interest, as the Minister knows; namely, the campaign do with. We understand that it will not be simple but for compensation for United Kingdom victims of the Government must have a clear policy, which should IRA violence perpetrated using weapons supplied by be that we negotiate nation-to-nation, come up with the former Libyan regime. Gaddafi decided to launch solutions and try to implement them. I am not convinced a campaign against the United Kingdom and supplied that running a parallel policy of ad hoc applications boatloads of weapons to the IRA in the 1970s and for compensation from individual clients is necessarily 1980s. There is evidence that he was at it again as right. There might also be a risk of certain individual recently as last year, when he tried to help dissident victims being exploited by people who will take claims republicans financially. I know that the Government for fee purposes, whether there is any possibility of have made strong representations to the transitional success or not. authorities in Libya about such incidents as the shooting I hope that the Government will address those two of PC Yvonne Fletcher, the Al-Megrahi case and, in issues and I thank the Minister again for the opportunity general, about compensation for victims in this country to have this debate. of Gaddafi-supplied weapons. 11 am The Minister also kindly arranged for me to meet his officials who deal specifically with Libya and has Lord Lamont of Lerwick: My Lords, perhaps I may written to me on several occasions. However, I want to begin by drawing attention to my entry in the Register put one matter to him: I still feel that there is a lack of of Lords’ Interests. I am a director of a company clarity in government policy on this issue. In his most which has investments in Iran. I am a director of other recent letter to me, dated 8 June, the Minister said: companies with interests elsewhere in the Arab part of the Middle East. I am also unpaid chairman of the “The government remains absolutely committed to working British Iranian Chamber of Commerce, which many with the new Libyan authorities to help address the crimes of the Qadhafi regime”. noble Lords will be delighted to hear has a sharply declining membership. Having spoken to his officials, I know that that is indeed what they want to do; they are talking regularly. I want to make comments, first, about Syria and, We understand that in a country that has had vast secondly, about the nuclear negotiations with Iran. swathes of its infrastructure destroyed and does not The headlines have been dominated obviously by the even have a solid central Government, it is very difficult tragic situation in Syria. The Minister in his excellent to get precise agreement, particularly as we are awaiting, speech outlined the recent most regrettable and tragic in the next year or so, the installation of a democratically events. Inevitably, these have given rise to cries for elected Government under a new constitution, which intervention, but those who call out for intervention will be drawn up over the next 12 months. are less forthcoming about precisely what they mean. 1357 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1358

[LORD LAMONT OF LERWICK] This conflict is not about Syria or promoting Are they talking about safe havens? Are they talking democracy in Syria. It is about the geopolitical aims of about aerial support? Are they talking about supplying other powers—of the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia arms? and Israel. It would be tragic if the battle was fought When I listen to all this talk about intervention, I out to the destruction of Syria as it was in Iraq. It feel it is as though we learnt nothing from the disaster would be tragic if it led to the expulsion of religious in Iraq. As the Minister tellingly said, Libya may well minorities and Christians. I was glad to hear my noble be an exception but I do not think we can escape the friend highlighting the danger of that. It would be fact that the history of liberal interventionism in recent disastrous if it spread to the destabilisation of Lebanon years has emphatically not been an unqualified success. as well. In these situations, whatever the pressures, it should I turn now to Iran, the nuclear issue and the nuclear encourage us to be cautious about intervention. negotiations. Indeed, the nuclear issue is not just about We have yet to hear the conclusions of the Chilcot Iran possibly developing nuclear weapons. It is also inquiry about what lessons should be drawn from the about Iran’s place in the region and the negotiations invasion of Iraq. Some conclusions I think suggest have to be about that as well. Iran’s main rival in the themselves. First, we never know enough about the Middle East is not Israel; it is Saudi Arabia. The two countries where we choose to intervene—about the theocracies have little in common and I believe that it cultural and tribal loyalties, which often are concealed is debatable which of the two theocracies in the long where there are dictatorships or authoritarian regimes. run will prove to be the more reliable and possible ally We learn about them only when we are there. Secondly, of the West. Saudi Arabia is just, if not more, assertive the fact of intervention in a country by foreigners as Iran in spreading its own brand of Islam— often stirs up nationalism and religious fervour. Thirdly, Wahhabism—which is much more inimical to western intervention may be done in the name of saving lives interests. But whatever the truth of that, I hope that but it usually costs lives in large numbers. In Iraq, it the West will have nothing to do with the suggestion of was something like 100,000. In Afghanistan, hardly a Henry Kissinger about creating a Sunni crescent in day goes by without President Karzai or the Pakistanis order to counterbalance the so-called Shia crescent. complaining about the collateral damage—the inevitable That would be as irresponsible as encouraging a Catholic damage from the use of drones. crescent against a Protestant crescent. Whatever one thinks about Iran, it will be necessary Bad as the situation in Syria is, it could be made to live with Iran. I condemn without reservation the worse by an ill timed intervention. “First, do no repression, the imprisonment of the opposition, the harm” is not a bad candidate for the first rule of torture, the beatings, the threats against Israel and diplomacy. But we are now in a situation where the the suppression of the media. People I personally United States in Syria appears to be co-ordinating the know have been imprisoned in Iran and others live supply of arms to an opposition which is divided and under the threat of that. But Iran is a country with came to blows in its meeting in Cairo, and one where which we will have to live. I believe that a negotiated some members of the opposition, particularly the settlement with Iran is far better than a military attack. National Co-ordination Committee, are totally opposed I strongly agree with what the noble Baroness, Lady to all foreign intervention and the supply of arms. Falkner, said. We need to be careful that we do not get into the Iran is a country of 70 million people. It cannot be situation of the United States in Afghanistan in locked up in a cupboard and isolated. That is just not the 1980s where the United States’s conviction that the realistic. It is important that talks continue despite the enemy of my enemy is my friend led it to support Bin difficulties. But we need to show Iran what it stands to Laden and the Taliban. What, one wonders, is Qatar, a gain at the end of the process if it makes concessions country of perhaps 150,000 people, doing throwing if subject to verification. We forget that sanctions will not its weight its money around in Syria? I am sure have leverage against Iran only if those sanctions are that the Government do not believe that Saudi Arabia reversible. I believe that the Iranians have great doubt is aiding the opposition in Syria because it is dedicated as to whether an American President can lift sanctions to creating a liberal secular democracy there. against the will of a determined Congress. The negotiations Lives are being lost every day in Syria, as we have also need to address the real security fears of Iran—and heard today. There cannot be a military solution to the it does have security fears. conflict. Supplying arms can only make it worse. The West may be in danger of overbidding, calling, Diplomacy is essential. Neither side can win. Attention for example, for the closure of the Fordow facility, is focused on the removal of Mr Assad but even if and primarily, I suspect, because although it is under IAEA when he is removed, we will still have to negotiate with supervision, it is none the less underground. But to the huge state apparatus and the huge army there. It call for its closure is like saying to Iran, “Please make will not be possible just to wipe out all these elements your facilities available for aerial attack”. Mr Peter at once. Jenkins, the UK former ambassador to the IAEA, has For that reason, I very much welcome what the argued that the West should allow Iran to enrich Minister said about still supporting the Kofi Annan uranium on its soil but under the tightest possible plan—there seems no real alternative to it—for a IAEA safeguards. That is what 17 or 18 other countries ceasefire, but a ceasefire that is imposed on both sides do, some of which in the past have had programmes to and monitored much more heavily than is being done do weapons research in the nuclear area. To some it at present. What you cannot do is both support the appears that we are demanding a higher standard—a Annan plan and supply arms at the same time. double standard—from Iran. 1359 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1360

Sanctions are undoubtedly having an effect on the terms. They continue to be built, leading to the Iranian economy, as the noble Baroness, Lady Falkner, displacement of yet more Palestinians. There are now said. But the sanctions almost amount to a form of around 500,000 settlers on the West Bank and in east economic warfare, and they have been accompanied, Jerusalem. Does the Minister agree that their continuing as the noble Baroness said, by cyber-warfare, whose expansion poses a grave threat to the two-state solution? legality is questionable and which we may live to What further steps will the UK Government take with regret, as well as by the assassination of Iranian our European partners to enforce legality? personnel—something that the Government have rightly There is a growing movement in favour of a boycott condemned. We must understand that Iranian attitudes of exported goods from these illegal settlements. EU are hardened and formed by these events as well. laws prohibit preferential treatment for goods produced Iran is able to stand hardship; they are a battle- in violation of international law, so how is it that the hardened people, having been through a revolution, a EU allows products made in illegal settlements preferential war with Iraq and facing these threats today. Even tariff-free entry into its markets? How is it that Europe critics of the regime are the strongest defenders of the has allowed Israel to get away with bundling goods nuclear programme in Iran. To my mind, although I from illegal settlements with those produced inside know that the Government take a different view, it is Israel, which it then ships here and elsewhere in Europe unlikely that sanctions will force the regime to capitulate. tariff-free? Why are consumer protection laws not If they did bring the regime to its knees and then force enforced properly so that consumers can make informed it to capitulate, that would not necessarily be a good choices about what they buy through the proper labelling thing. of settlement goods? Surely steps should be taken in Machiavelli once wrote that, Europe to enforce EU laws. Perhaps the Minister “forced agreements will be kept neither by Princes nor by Republics”. could explain why preferential tariffs are continuing when, as far back as far back as 2005, Heads of State Lord Salisbury said much the same thing when he said in an EU Council called for, that, “the first evil is war and the second evil an “the abolition of financial and tax incentives and direct and obvious diplomatic triumph”. An unreasonable forced indirect subsidies, and the withdrawal of exemptions benefiting bargain runs the risk of not being kept. A sensible the settlements and their inhabitants”. negotiated settlement will make a real contribution to Voluntary labelling in supermarket chains is, of course, the stability of the region. welcome, but it is inadequate. For example, it does not cover wholesale goods used in ready-prepared food 11.11 am and in the catering industry. Baroness Blackstone: My Lords, I wish to focus on I turn to the issue of construction policies and the the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the continuation highly discriminatory way in which they are operated of illegal settlement building, as well as the continuing in the West Bank by the Israeli military so that, failure to observe human rights in Palestine. I hope between 2000 and 2007, 94% of Palestinians were that my noble friend Lord Haskel will not accuse me denied permit applications. In contrast to the near of bigotry. Like him, I, too, admire Israeli science, total restrictions on Palestinian construction, settlement technology, entrepreneurship and much of their cultural housing starts were up by 20% in 2011. How can this activity. What I will say is based on what I have help to prepare for a viable Palestinian state? When in witnessed and what I have read, and it is not inconsistent desperation Palestinians build without permits, they to admire Israel for some of the things that the noble risk what they have put up being demolished. Hundreds Lord, Lord Haskel, described and at the same time be of Palestinian homes were demolished in 2011, displacing critical of successive Israeli Governments in relation more than 1,000 people, 60% of whom live near to their policies on the occupation. settlements according to the United Nations. Israel The peace process has been stalled for some time also destroyed latrines, water systems and wells needed with little sign of any movement towards restarting it. by Palestinians because Israelis had refused to connect It is now 19 years since the Oslo agreement and little communities to the water and sewage grids. It is even progress has been made towards a durable settlement more scandalous that, according to the UN, more based on a two-state solution. Indeed, in many respects than 25% of the buildings demolished had been the situation has worsened and such a solution looks internationally funded, notably by European donors. increasingly difficult. The international community Donors are now very reluctant to invest in expensive appears to have given up taking any initiatives to development projects and are reduced to giving more restart it; of course, it has many other preoccupations, and more emergency humanitarian aid rather than the some of which we are debating today. The parties much more beneficial long-term development aid. Will themselves seem either to have given up hope or to the UK, with our European partners, take some action have decided that the status quo is a better outcome, to object to these violations of Israel’s international or they are pursuing an altogether different agenda to obligations as an occupying power? buy themselves more long-term advantage. A related issue to construction policies concerns The status quo cannot be the solution. It is intrinsically the state of a Palestinian economy. Any preparation unstable and fundamentally without integrity. Central for a two-state solution must include economic to what is wrong is the continuing construction of development. World Bank estimates indicate that the Israeli settlements on the West Bank, in spite of the occupation has led to a large reduction in output so fact that there is complete agreement in the international that the Palestinian economy is only about one-fifth of community that these settlements are illegal and that the size of what it would otherwise be. The restrictions the Israeli Government have been told so in no uncertain imposed range from unacceptable controls on both 1361 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1362

[BARONESS BLACKSTONE] 11.22 am imports and exports, to lack of access to water for farmers, the allocation of large tracts of the most Lord Stirrup: My Lords, this is a timely and most fertile land to settlers as well as to the denial of fishing welcome debate on an issue of great importance to us rights through curtailed fishing zones. All that increases in this country. We do, though, face a difficult problem Palestinian dependence on aid, which Europe and of prioritisation. We are considering recent developments other donors provide at the expense of taxpayers. in the Middle East. Well, that is a very large area, and it faces a very large range of challenges. We, on the The lack of progress towards an independent other hand, have somewhat limited resources. While of Palestinian state continues to affect every aspect of course we can and should talk about and take a view Palestinian life, including the daily harassment at on developments across the board, we as a country checkpoints, where it is not uncommon for people to need to think about where we should focus our efforts. be detained for two or three hours on their way to or from work; the refusal to allow students from Gaza to For all the difficulties in Egypt and the unfolding attend West Bank universities; housing demolitions in tragedy in Syria, the most pressing problem remains parts of east Jerusalem that border on ethnic cleansing; the Iranian nuclear programme. It is the most pressing and the inhumane treatment of children arrested and in terms of the security of this country and its interests, subsequently tried in many cases by the Israeli military and it is made doubly difficult because, in large measure, authorities. Since I last raised the issue in this House, the way in which events develop is beyond our direct an excellent report by a group of distinguished UK control. The international community has made valiant lawyers has been published. Its condemnation of the efforts to resolve the whole question but without much system is very powerful, and I wonder whether the effect. It is perfectly true that sanctions are having a Minister could say what steps the UK will now take significant impact on Iran’s economy, but it is also true since the study was sponsored by the Foreign and that affected nations find ways of adapting to and Commonwealth Office. living with sanctions if they must, and there are signs that Iran is doing just that. The talks between Iran and What I have described are just some of the reasons the P5 plus one over the course of this year seemed for why the status quo in the Israeli-Palestinian relationship a time to hold out the promise of a way forward. is not acceptable. So is the continual firing of rockets However, the only good thing about the Moscow from Gaza into southern Israel, which I unreservedly round was that expectations by then were so low that condemn. Yet to continue the so-called process as it is no one was particularly surprised or disappointed currently constructed seems doomed to failure. The when they got nowhere. The ongoing technical discussions quartet is widely regarded as a busted flush. It is at least keep the process alive, but that is about all. seemingly impossible to get the two parties in the same room. There is no drive or energy in the international Meanwhile, the Iranians continue to enrich uranium. community to try and make progress. Yet the only There has been much debate about when they will solution in the end, as the Minister has quite rightly have enough material for a sustainable weapon said, is a negotiated one. New leadership in Israel and programme, should they choose to continue down that Palestine might certainly help but that, of course, route, and views differ on the timescale involved. cannot be imposed from outside. Elections in Palestine However, there is only one clock that really matters on are long overdue, which has led to justified questions this, and that is the one in Israel. For us, the Iranian about the operation of democracy there. The next nuclear programme is a matter of wider security concerns Israeli election is not now likely until autumn 2013. within the Middle East and the future of the non- A recent report of the International Crisis Group proliferation treaty. For many Israelis, it is a matter of suggests that a new architecture is needed, although it their continued existence. It is therefore important rightly rejects a one-state solution, which would be that we try to see the question through Israeli eyes, as unacceptable to most Israelis and unworkable anyway. far as that is possible. First, a move away from the quartet to a new form of In that context, there are two fundamental propositions mediation is probably needed. Secondly, the terms that we should seek to bear in mind. The first is: of the debate need to be expanded from dealing just “Don’t try to tell us it could never happen. That’s what with the consequences of the 1967 war. Nothing less people said about the Holocaust”. The second, somewhat than examining some of the issues that emanate from related idea is: “You can only rely on Jews to look out 1948 is likely to lead to a durable settlement. Courage for Jews”. It seems to me unimportant whether we is required to address these bigger issues—such as the think these are sound propositions or not; the important character of the state of Israel and the Arab minority thing is that they underpin the calculus of a number of within it, Israel’s justified concerns about regional key Israeli politicians. security, and the right of return for Palestinians. There It is perfectly true that opinion in Israel is divided needs to be recognition of both Jewish and Palestinian on the wisdom or utility of a military attack against history—on both sides. Iran’s nuclear facilities. We and most of our colleagues The argument of the International Crisis Group, in the United States think that this would be a very that a new start is needed, is compelling. Such a new bad idea, and some Israelis share that view. But some start needs to take into account the wider, profound do not. The latter would certainly prefer a non-military changes in the Middle East that have been discussed in solution but believe that military force should be used this debate. Meanwhile, a number of small steps, some if all else fails. They believe that a bombed Iran is a of which I have alluded to, need to be taken to help the better outcome than an Iran with a bomb. This of Palestinian people economically and to restore basic course ignores what many of us consider to be a more human rights to them. likely outcome of a military attack, which is a bombed 1363 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1364

Iran with a bomb. However, again we have to try and I question him on them. However, I would ask him see things through Israeli eyes, given that it is their whether he can reassure the House that the Government calculus that matters, not ours. That said, it seems are engaged in serious discussions with the Americans likely that even the most hawkish of Israelis would on this issue so that we are able to respond at short want to postpone an attack for as long as possible to notice in a co-ordinated way if worst comes to worst. give the maximum time for some other solution to be I also ask him to confirm that the Government have found. reviewed the status of contingency forces that the UK Therefore, the key question for all of us is: when would have available in such circumstances. By this, does the Israeli clock stop? Unfortunately, we do not I do not just mean numbers of platforms and people. really know the answer to that question. However, If, for example, we needed to clear the Strait of there seems to be a view gaining ground in this country Hormuz of mines, we would require not just the mine and one or two others that it will not happen before countermeasure vessels that are deployed but sufficient 2013. I hope that that is right, but I am not convinced. numbers of, for example, the SeaFox systems that It is important that the Government do not allow those vessels deploy against the mines. themselves to be convinced simply because this is the Weapon stocks, logistic support, force protection—all outcome they would prefer. these are essential elements of any capability that we Some people say that the Israelis would not want to might need, but they are all too often neglected in attack in the run-up to an American general election. planning, not least when the contingency for which Why would they not? After all, it is very hard for any they would be required is one that the Government presidential candidate, even an incumbent, to take too would rather not contemplate. hard a line against Israel in the shadow of an impending election. In any event, if the Israelis really felt that 11.30 am they had run out of time, I am not sure that they Lord Anderson of Swansea: My Lords, as we saw in would let such considerations deflect them from securing, the US debate over Iraq, military men are often the as they saw it, the future existence of their country. least belligerent. I begin by congratulating the Minister I therefore hope the Minister can reassure the House on yet another magisterial opening speech and the that, whatever assessments are made on this score, we Government on providing yet another debate on the acknowledge the high degree of uncertainty that pervades Middle East. I see the Middle East rather like a restless our knowledge of Israeli decision-making, and that sea: always turbulent but with different spouts of we do not for one moment take our eye off this water—different crises—appearing at different times. particular ball. I say that because, for all our lack of Two years ago it was Libya and Bahrain; now it is control, there are two things to which we could and Syria and Egypt. There is always some crisis somewhere must bend all our efforts. The first, of course, is to in the Middle East. continue to pursue a non-military solution with sufficient We would normally expect a concentration on Israel vigour and seriousness to offer at least some prospect and Palestine, but today that is less the case because of progress to the Israelis—and, again, it is their essentially the international community has given up perspective that matters here, not ours. The second is on progress. There is indeed some progress in the to prepare fully for the potential consequences of Occupied Territories at the micro-level of economic failure. development but there is no progress and no prospect We all hope that the Israelis will not attack Iran. of progress on the major issues that divide the parties. But, as I have said in previous debates, hope is not a However, overall in the Middle East, it is clear that viable plan of action and we have to be prepared for something fundamental is happening in the Arab world. the worst. If Iran is attacked, it is likely to blame us to No country is wholly untouched. The flames move some degree, no matter how loudly we protest our from one country to another—from the Maghreb to innocence. We should not forget the previous form we Sudan and of course to Yemen. The foundations are have in that country; the Iranians certainly do not being shaken and changes are occurring everywhere. forget. They could as a consequence decide to retaliate The Jordanian King is inviting Hamas. As democrats, against us and our interests. The Majlis in Tehran has we must surely welcome these changes and encourage recently made noises about closing the Straits of Hormuz. the developments that are taking place. I do not think that this is a high probability given that I shall make some general reflections, obviously nothing could be better designed to draw in the Americans, concentrating on the Arab world, yet it is significant which is something that the Iranian leadership would that the three most powerful nations in the region—Iran, surely want to avoid. However, the scope for miscalculation Turkey and Israel—are non-Arab. The problem, as I here is huge, and it would not be the first time in see it, is, first, the terms that we use as we seek to history that a regime did something that in the cold describe what is happening: the Arab spring, the Arab light of day looked irrational. awakening or the Arab revolution. We are always We have to be prepared for a wide range of eventualities. seeking to see these developments through a western Following an Israeli attack, our aim ought to be to perspective and we use terms that are less relevant to de-escalate the situation and to restore calm as quickly happenings in a different climate. It is what the French as possible. That would be in everyone’s interest, including would call the faux amis, or false friends. Iran’s, but it might not be an achievable aim, and we We refer to the “Arab spring”. There was an interesting have to be prepared to defend our interests and to article today in the Financial Times by Tzipi Livni, the respond if attacked. I would not expect the Minister to former Foreign Minister of Israel, headed “Neither an talk about operational issues in this forum, nor would Arab spring nor an Islamist winter”. Spring sometimes 1365 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1366

[LORD ANDERSON OF SWANSEA] between the various tribes. Now, the divisions are no leads to winter. We think of the Prague spring of 1968, longer tribal but religious ones between Islam and which afterwards led to further repression in the old Christianity. The other point to make is the Sunni-Shia Czechoslovakia. We also think of the hopes raised in divide between and within states. It explains some of 2005 by the Damascus spring and the further repression the problems, such as those in Syria or those involving that came thereafter, leading to the current crisis. Bahrain and the Saudis, preventing the island of Bahrain becoming wholly within the influence of Shia Iran. The term “Arab awakening” was used in the early Therefore, it is difficult to transplant democracy on 20th century to describe the Arab nationalist revival at to different soil. Israel, of course, is the great exception that time. It perhaps had its apogee with Nasser and because of the great Jewish tradition of democracy Egyptian nationalism but it was essentially secular; it from the European Jews. I think of the strictures of did not have a major religious element. Today, religion the several reports of the United Nations Development is often fundamental. Therefore, that is not a model. Programme on human development in the Arab world. Another term is “Arab revolution”. In European Why are the Arab countries not developing more? It terms we think of 1848 or 1989, but the Soviet empire, is a question not just of governance but of culture. particularly in central and eastern Europe, covered Those reports are well worth reading lest we try to countries which often had a deep democratic tradition. exaggerate the possibilities of development today. The The danger is in thinking of other revolutions—that realities exposed by those UNDP reports will not of 1789, which began with the liberals blowing on the evaporate in the spring sunshine. flames of a revolution that eventually consumed them, Finally, I wish to say a few words about Egypt. It is and that led to the Terror and eventually the Empire. obviously the key country. It is central geographically We also think of the Iranian revolution, which began in the Arab world; it is the most populous country; with the liberals—Bakhtiar and the others—and and culturally and politically it is by far the most eventually led to the mullahs. Therefore, we have to be important country.Now, there are new uncertainties—we careful. Perhaps the absolutisms are more shaky now certainly see through a glass very darkly. There are far because of Twitter, but that is another consideration. more questions than answers. Who is President Morsi? How pragmatic is he? What are the policies of the So, in despair, some of the think-tankers in Washington Muslim Brotherhood in terms of women and minorities? are now talking about the “Arab thing”. However, What will be its foreign policy? Will Israel be scapegoated even that is misleading because the different manifestations if things go wrong? There are still the fundamental of the unrest are as important as the matters that problems of the economy—the decline of tourism, for unite. For example, the winner of the recent elections example. We hope that the current confrontation between in Libya, Mr Jibril, is called in the western press a SCAF, the army and the president will be resolved. liberal, thus attaching our western terms to him, yet he Happily, the supreme court is seen by both as playing has said that he very much wishes to base his constitution a major role. One needs a grand bargain, and the army on Sharia law. Where is western liberalism as we look will have to be accommodated. Are both sides ready at that? for that? Therefore, there was an overall failure in the western How do we respond to this turbulent Arab scene? media to prepare us for the different manifestations, We should recognise our limitations and recognise particularly in Tahrir Square. Cairo-based correspondents that the problems will have to be decided internally. would interview a group of English-speaking, often We should be ready to intervene if asked with our use western-educated, intellectuals, but in fact, when it of soft power, such as the Venice Commission, the came to the elections, 70% of those elected to the various foundations, the Westminster Foundation, the lower House and 80% of those elected to the upper German foundations and others, including EU House were either Muslim Brotherhood or Salafists. It Mediterranean initiatives. We can only be benevolent is too easy to ignore the mass of the people—a point outsiders with our feet on the ground, realistic but well made by the noble Lord, Lord Lamont. In Syria, ready to intervene if asked. the conflict is portrayed in black and white, and it requires the noble Lord, Lord Lamont, in a very good 11.41 am speech, and the noble Lord, Lord Wright, to at least give a certain nuance to the reality of the opposition. Lord Risby: My Lords, during the previous Parliament my right honourable friend William Hague, in his The reality is that throughout the region religion capacity as Shadow Foreign Secretary, exhorted all has deep roots, and we ignore that at our peril. Who parliamentarians to get to know the Middle East as can forget Sir Anthony Parsons’ mea culpa over the the crucible of so many of the world’s problems and to failure of the Foreign Office to understand what was re-establish our relationships following the Iraq war. happening in the markets of Iran and a failure to see In the case of my own party, the Conservative the importance of the mullahs prior to 1979. In Jordan, Middle East Council became very active with which we all admire in many ways, observers now say parliamentarians right across all the political divide that the wearing of Islamic dress has advanced massively. and political groupings, often coming to very similar In Egypt, people yearn for freedom, as the Gallup conclusions. I praise the activities of the Westminster polls have shown over time. So the debate over the Foundation for Democracy in the region over many compatibility of Islam and western-style democracy years. Nobody then could have forecast the dramatic has yet to be resolved. In Nigeria, for example, I was events that subsequently unfolded and I pay tribute to brought up to think of the major divisions as being the Foreign Secretary, to Alistair Burt, the Minister 1367 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1368 for the Middle East and indeed, to my noble friend the track despite the infinite patience and diplomatic skills Minister for the energy and commitment they have of Kofi Annan. There is a reign of terror, of horror, in shown in trying to engage fully with the huge issues in Syria; business is collapsing; sanctions are taking their the troubled region of the Middle East. toll; and those who can have tried to get out. It is tragic. Syria has an exceptional tradition of religious During a number of visits to Egypt, initially under co-existence. Gertrude Bell wrote about it more than the auspices of the Westminster Foundation for 100 years ago and it is tragically ironic that President Democracy to meet parliamentarians of all colours, it Assad, who projected himself as the guarantor of became obvious to us that social tensions were extremely intercommunal tolerance and co-operation will bequeath high but, of course, we did not know exactly when a country torn apart by inter-religious conflict. The there might be manifestations of this and the eruptions substantial Christian minority, observing what has that then followed. Egypt had liberalised its economy happened to Christians in Iraq and Egypt, now live in and was enjoying steady economic growth but rampant real fear. corruption and huge inequality were fraying the fabric of social cohesion. It is far too early to know whether The role of Russia in all of this remains increasingly political and social stability will take root but all the inexplicable. Of course, Russia has significant and political figures that I have met, whether they are long-standing military, commercial and intelligent links secular liberals, from the Muslim Brotherhood or to Syria—the only Arab country now with which it Salafists, know that unless the economy revives there has such a relationship. Clearly, it has hoped to have may be further future eruptions and unknown elements some sort of mediation role. Indeed, it has publicly arising out of this. It seems to me that the mother declared that it has no personal commitment to President country of the Arab world, preoccupied with its domestic Assad himself, but it must now be obvious that Assad challenges, is most unlikely to take on the leadership has not given the slightest indication that he will leave role in the Arab world for the foreseeable future. the stage or co-operate. The Syrian opposition have The demography of the region presents a massive constantly assured the Russians that their interests challenge to successful governance. In Egypt 57% of will be preserved. Russia, of course, fears the loss of the population is under the age of 25 and that includes influence in the region post-Iraq and post-Libya and 37% under the age of 15. Similar weightings exist right fears the rise of Islamic fundamentalism on and within across the Arab world, including countries such as its own borders. Regrettably the Syrian opposition are Yemen, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with all the much divided. There is no single charismatic leader demands on employment, health and education. If the and the minorities are insufficiently involved in their so-called Arab spring does not successfully deal with leadership, yet none of them favours military intervention. these demographic time bombs, a pattern of social There is an argument to be had about supplying the tension, potentially explosive, will simply reignite. free Syrian army with communications and other We have seen elections in troubled countries such as equipment but in the end I suspect it will be the Iraq, Libya, Tunisia and Egypt, but in nine years of draining of the Syrian Government’s financial reserves being a governor of the Westminster Foundation for and the intransigence of Assad that may inch the Democracy and doing political work in the Middle Russians into a stance that leads to the Assad regime, East and Africa, I learnt that elections alone will not damaged more and more by defections, to negotiate mean that democracy can be declared without adequate some sort of transitional process and its departure. If structures of civil society, independence of the press not, I believe it will simply be overcome by uncontrollable and the judiciary, and the protection of minorities and violence. women’s participation. In 2000 President Hafez al-Assad Of course, all of this is fraught with danger. Real died and I joined the late Robin Cook to meet the new violence may erupt between the different communities President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus at the time of with even more horrific consequences. Yet a regime his father’s funeral. I had visited Syria just after leaving change, which I believe to be inevitable, presents fresh university and made some enduring friendships then. potential opportunities. The entire Syrian opposition It is now worth recalling the hopes that the new young have been appalled by the vocal support for the Assad president brought with him into office, not least because regime by Hezbollah. It will not be forgiven. Hezbollah history has shown us that the problems of the region snipers are allegedly active in Syria. Equally, a new cannot be resolved without Syrian involvement. I was Syrian Administration will not have a comparable asked to be a founder director of the British Syrian relationship with Iran. For Israel that presents an Society and we tried to work with our diplomats to interesting possibility, arising out of the Iran-Syria- establish influence and contact with them. While there Hezbollah link being broken. All of this is very uncertain was economic liberalisation, political change did not at present and we do not know what the outcome will ever take place and when children were killed in Dara be. But Israel needs to be quietly thinking of the simply for writing graffiti on a wall I instantly resigned potential and be considering whether a further real and I have been trying to help the Syrian opposition attempt at a resolution of the Israel-Palestine problem since then. and the future of the Golan Heights which have no When President Gul was here at the beginning of strategic value any more, could be part of the prize of the year we learnt more about the enormous attempts a greater normalisation of its relationship with its our Turkish friends had made to encourage President northern neighbours. Turkey, which sought to broker Assad to introduce a political reform process. This normality between Syria and Israel, is now obviously simply never happened and as we sit here today it is the pre-eminent regional power and Israel really needs obvious now that President Assad still rejects a political to effect a rapprochement with its former friend. 1369 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1370

[LORD RISBY] the Middle East. I have long been an admirer of a Finally, we have all become aware of the economic democratic Israel, which sets a desirable example to shift from the West to the East, which stares us in the others in the area—but, sadly, we have witnessed a face. But quietly, the greatest consumer of energy, the decline from the high standards that were set as long United States, is moving to self-sufficiency. The price ago as 1948 when Israel was established. I hope that of energy has weakened and may continue to do so. It the situation today is not irrevocable. is possible that with greater use of nuclear or renewable The deterioration is undoubtedly associated with energy, and the ability to exploit shale gas deposits, the growth of some—but not all—settlements. Some our dependence on the Middle East will diminish over inhabitants believe in a literal interpretation of the time. Bible. Some younger people have joined the Israeli Democracy has made great strides in our lifetime armed forces, bringing with them an ideology completely in Asia, Africa and Latin America. However, the alien to the forces in which they serve. How can such combination of a smaller future income stream, a people resolve the dangerous dilemma of choosing demographic bulge and increasing religiosity will inevitably between loyalty to their ultra-orthodox rabbis and to continue to make the Middle East a volatile region. their commanding officers? The dilemma is acute. I do What we have learnt—at times painfully—is that dramas not accept that this affects all Israeli armed deployment, played out in the region continue to affect us directly. but the situation I outlined must be confronted before For that reason we must, either singly or collectively it is too late. Some ultra-orthodox rabbis have instructed with our friends and neighbours, continue to be fully their disciples to refuse to obey legitimate military engaged in what happens there. We will not be immune orders. A minority obeyed, but happily most ignored from events that unfold in the Middle East today. the directive. I trust that illegal settlements will be dismantled by an Israeli Government—if not by this 11.50 am one, then by a more benign regime in future. Lord Clinton-Davis: My Lords, I start by thanking Religious zealotry, practised by Arab or Jew—in the Minister for initiating a debate that has been very the main, comparisons are odious—is the enemy of a thoughtful, and for his contribution. We are engaged peaceful resolution of these troubles. Peace can be in debating a subject that is full of uncertainty. Although won only if Israelis and Palestinians resolve to survive there is an Arab spring in many countries of the rather than die together. Middle East, each country has vastly different problems. I do not have time to dwell on every nation. I will start with the affairs of Syria. Only today it 11.58 am was announced that a further 200 people had died in Lord Dykes: My Lords, I begin with some brief Hama province. The Syrian situation is desperate and comments on the internal situation of the United there seems to be no escape from the bloodbath that States of America, which is often the key to some of beckons. I know that people have dwelt on the issue at the problems in the Middle East, particularly in the some length, but I cannot detect any possible solution. period approaching a presidential election. As I am Iran represents the gravest risk in this area of the well known as a keen supporter of the European world. We must look askance at the issue and, in Union, I will add that many of my confreres in that particular, the fact that within two years Iran will be a philosophy share my view that often Europe is singled nuclear nation. Perhaps the Minister will say something out for especially onerous attention by the British more about that, because it is a predominant issue that press in comparison with other areas of the world ought to capture our minds. where debt problems are much more severe. Here I Egypt has just elected a new President but remains refer to the recent debt crisis of some member states of deeply divided. Its people desperately hope that things the European Union. will improve—but will they? The division between the The US problem of massive total debt is rearing its Muslim Brotherhood and the army is only part of the ugly head again—but of course this gets virtually no story. Only 50% of the electorate voted in the recent mention by scribblers in the UK papers. Once again, election—hardly evincing a keen interest in the outcome. the approach of the so-called fiscal cliff is endangering However, Egypt remains a serious participant in this America’s future—literally. The federal debt mountain hazardous area. What will eventually emerge is shrouded of $16.4 trillion for 300 million people is way ahead of in mystery. the much lower EU total for 500 million people, and A somewhat similar picture depicts the situation in the broken political system in Washington DC is incapable Libya, but there is a huge difference for those involved. of ever reducing this horrendous figure. Congress has We know with clarity that for some 40 years Libya its usual gridlock—both the ordinary, regular one that endured a tyrannical dictatorship, camouflaged by a persists and the campaign one. If the ceiling is not diplomacy that completely bemused—or were they increased again—as it has been for 70 years—in the willing victims?—the West, Russia and China. Arms negotiations that presumably will follow the presidential were sold and the Libyan people were in effect held election, the States will go bust. hostage. So-called elections have now been held, but Much of this debt pile is of recent origin, reflecting again the situation is far from clear, and what will both the enormity of the US defence budget and, prevail is extremely problematic. mostly, the accumulation of a succession of foreign A number of today’s speeches were about Israel— military adventures from Vietnam onwards, when the although that nation, even viewed through its opponents’ wise presidents of the preceding period were replaced eyes, can hardly be held responsible for the plight of by reckless leaders who ignored Eisenhower’s advice 1371 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1372 in 1960 to beware the inexorable rise of the military Russia and the People’s Republic of China must also industrial complex. Iraq and Afghanistan have cost advocate this. Lebanon is bound to be very worried in billions of dollars which should have been employed this context, as other speakers have said. in internal policy areas of benevolent, collectivist public The US must surely now move on from the grotesque sector activity in America—if ever that were possible— tragedy of 9/11—11 years ago—to a new era of more such as health, education and welfare housing. America’s detached and sagacious support from a distance, avoiding broken politics prevent such initiatives lest they give further deterioration in the way the locals regard them rise to the usual hysteria against socialism or, even in the whole of Arabia in terms of the proponents of worse, communism, which is heard only in the USA of the Arab spring. The US needs a period of introspection, all—I was going to say advanced, but that is a misnomer as it had after Vietnam, in dealing with its own internal for America now—countries.. political and social weaknesses, modernising its welfare Hence the only form of warped quasi-institutional politics and leaving the struggling Arab countries to demi-socialism is defence spending and defence contracts. deal with their own problems in their own way. At least these get some of the young poverty-stricken There are no full answers yet, only legitimate questions Americans access to the best public health system—it posed by millions of observers of US foreign policy is only for the military, of course—and education that in Arabia, the West and Asia. Can Egypt’s fledgling they could not afford otherwise on the street, even democratic impulses hold at arm’s length both its own with Barack Obama’s healthcare legislation and other military menace and the choking grip of indebtedness measures. to the USA? Will Libya be eventually a successful In 2003 Bush junior unleashed the illegal invasion democracy, despite the shaky situation now? Can Yemen of Iraq, followed by the British poodle, and Iraq is be an example in the south? Can the US reduce its now a wrecked country mourning the deaths of more slavish adulation of Saudi Arabia—mainly because of than 200,000 civilians, a country almost as psychologically oil but other things as well? Can it drop a few hints run down as the USA itself. The Americans also about Saudi Arabia getting real democracy and allowing invaded Afghanistan, followed by their usual UK women to drive cars? After all, it seems to be totally poodle and other allies, thus breaking the sacred historical exempt from any of the routine strictures and instructions rule that the Soviets regretted. They know now that coming out of Washington still, albeit slightly less they have to withdraw to avoid further humiliation because of Obama’s slightly more sagacious approach. and disaster. In “Charlie Wilson’s War”, the Hollywood Can Israel lose its special client status and become a producers skilfully avoided the use of the word “Taliban”, self-standing, proud Middle East country, not depending the then heroic freedom fighters, as they are now the on 35 US vetoes in the Security Council that have new enemy, albeit with younger adherents. One is allowed it to flout international law since 1967? Can it bound to ask when this most immature geopolitical of find its true role by at last following Ben Gurion’s wise meddlers—namely, the USA—will ever learn the lessons advice to withdraw from the occupied territories after of the past. I hope the answer is now—right away— 1967? Can it make true peace with the next door irrespective of the presidential election result. soon-to-be, I hope, Palestinian state, so that both The Middle East has suffered long enough from countries shake hands and become dynamic friends in this choking embrace of the US military, the CIA and a near east common market of immense potential? the rest of the crazy paraphernalia of zonal destabilisation Both are very impressive countries. Will Jordan also on a massive scale. However, France and Britain, join in this new near east common market, if it ever above all, need to recall modestly that we started this develops? Why not Lebanon too? Lebanon is an impressive destabilisation after the First World War, when the country in terms of its business enterprises. Americans were quite rightly then tut-tutting about Will the US show its real credentials at long last as sinister and manipulative imperialism. an idealistic power, as it used to be, and close down the It has not, of course, been only about oil or appeasing sewer of Guantanamo Bay, as Obama solemnly promised increasingly right-wing Israeli Governments—or, indeed, in 2008? On his recent visit to London 10 days ago, because the so-called fuzzy-wuzzies had dared to attack President Carter was very critical of President Obama. us and must be taught a lesson—although US defence Even if we have to wait, as usual, until after yet spokesmen are now saying increasingly threatening another election in November, will the US President—I things against Iran even as we speak. I commend the hope Obama and not the idiotic Romney—insist that speech of my noble friend Lord Lamont. It has also the new Israeli coalition plays ball at last and withdraws involved old-fashioned power politics. The Americans from the occupied territories. If Israel does not step up say that if they do not meddle then the Soviets—now to the plate at long last, the disillusionment in the the Russian Federation—will. So we have to be West—even in Germany—will be massive. there, and we are always involved in a damaging way. Meanwhile, there is one other local player of immense However, it has certainly been lucrative for the huge importance that needs a place in the sun in this, one United States defence contracting industries and their hopes, more rational order in the future, however allies. many years it make take to develop and settle down Meanwhile, Syria remains virtually the last Russian from American mistakes. I refer to Turkey, where I zone of influence, so the West needs to tread carefully had the pleasure and honour of leading a delegation in spite of the deeply humanitarian considerations of the IPU several years ago. This dynamic and forceful towards mercilessly treated, hapless Syrian civilians country, which has been referred to a couple of times who are in the wrong tribes and the brave freedom in the debate, has had a recent economic past of fighters. It is time for President Assad to go, but incredible activity and growth and has made recent 1373 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1374

[LORD DYKES] of origin of the Arab spring in Tunisia, through Libya, internal reforms in preparing for entry into the EU, Egypt, Syria, Bahrain and, more latterly, further south which I hope will not be delayed too much longer—it in Sudan. has been too long already. It has now more friends There was a lot of breathless discussion of all this externally, both in the immediate region and elsewhere. in the newspapers to begin with, but, more latterly, it Turkey’s long-standing friendship with Israel has has become a fashion among commentators to question been tragically damaged recently, but this can surely the influence of the social media. After all, internet be put right if Israel shows due political wisdom. talk, Twitter et cetera might seem very insubstantial Turkey deserves a more positive response from many when the tanks roll in, just as were the flowers that the countries and it needs encouragement in dealing with Prague activists offered to the Russian soldiers. I want the dreadful problem of Syrian refugees and escapees. to argue that this is wrong and that the influence of I hope the West will pay far more attention in the the social media is deeply structural and almost certainly future to what Turkish leaders, governments and irreversible, not only in the Middle East but in other politicians say about the problems in these areas. authoritarian states throughout the world. Turkey needs a place in the sun of its own and to be at the same table as the West. There are two main reasons that I would offer for this. The first is the impact of voice. Facebook and Twitter have created what you could call a virtual civil society in countries which possess very few civil society 12.08 pm institutions. A significant aspect of this is that groups Lord Giddens: My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Howell, which were previously excluded, such as young people, is already basking in the praise of other noble Lords, women and minorities—certainly in the beginning, but I, too, thank him for his excellent introduction. have had an enormous impact. This is a very different Even though I sit on the other side of the House from group from the power system in those countries and it him, I think his contributions are universally outstanding marks something new in terms of being a wedge for —except when I disagree with them, which is the case continuing change. today. In my contribution to the debate I shall make The second reason is the influence of cosmopolitan comments on the role of social media and communications attitudes. In the era of the internet, it is impossible technologies in the Arab spring. to close off the diversity of the outside world. This is The changes brought together under the term “Arab true of all of us throughout the world today. For spring”, as the Minister said, are some of the most instance, you can download an interview with a Saudi momentous of the past 20 years. In common with hip-hop artist describing his work and arguing that it other great transformations of world history, they is consistent with his Arab identity. There is no way were essentially unpredicted, even by people who had back from the inherent cosmopolitanism of a globalising, spent their lives studying the Middle East. This was communication-driven society. also true of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, of the I conclude with three consequent observations. First, rise of the internet and of the current global economic the Prague spring, in retrospect, was actually one of crisis. Many of the biggest transformations are not the conditions of 1989. It helped stimulate the understood before they happen. They happen suddenly development of Solidarity in Poland, similar movements and their consequences are for that reason difficult to in Hungary and, as I know intimately since I used to puzzle through. Who would have thought that some of go there at the time, counter-movements in perhaps the most despotic and conservative regimes in the the most repressive state in eastern Europe, East Germany. world, those in the Middle East, could be challenged There was a causal connection, therefore, between the effectively almost overnight? I think that the answer is Prague spring, even though it was repressed, and the no one, but it has happened. democratisation which occurred later. It is not surprising The term “Arab spring” seems at first sight not a in the light of this that the situation in the Middle East happy one. After all, the term does not come from is currently so inchoate, so ambiguous and so fraught. 1989, as many people seem to think; it comes from the There is no known example in history—at least to Prague spring of 1968. Alexander Dubcek, who wanted me—of a country which has moved from being an to make reforms within the framework of communism, authoritarian state to becoming a reasonably fully was removed from power by force and 150,000 Soviet fledged democratic one in a very short period. This is troops occupied the country. It took 20 years before bound to be, therefore, a fairly lengthy process, full of democracy came to what was then Czechoslovakia. conflict. Checking back over that period, I find it quite interesting Secondly, internet technologies are generally liberalising how the headlines of the time duplicated what is being but can also promote extremism. Closed groups of said today; for example, there was a BBC report believers who concentrate on outlandish views of one headed, kind or another are created and intensified. In other “Russia brings winter to ‘Prague Spring’”. words, what happens on the internet is that extremist One of the big differences between the Prague and groups only talk to one another; they create closed Arab springs is the visible impact of internet technologies circles; and these closed circles around the edges are in the latter case. How important were these technologies closely linked to the possibility of violence. The internet and can we generalise about their transformational has a double effect in this respect, which has consequences impact on democracy elsewhere? We know that the for the problem of schism across the Middle East and social media are in widespread use throughout the the sufferings of minorities, which have been mentioned Middle East today. They were implicated at the point by previous speakers. 1375 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1376

Thirdly and finally, one of the paradoxes of new any medic should be subject to the charges simply for communication technologies is that while they promote doing so. An international outcry followed the democratisation in authoritarian states, they appear to outrageously long sentences handed down to the medics. undermine democracy in their heartland countries in That even included the USA. In April, Amnesty the West or at least contribute to that process. In other International published a detailed report on events in words, at the same time as people are suffering so Bahrain since February 2011. It was a damning indictment much to create democracy, in democratic countries of the so-called reforms introduced by the royal family there is massive and, surely again, structural since then. The report highlighted the killing of civilians, disillusionment with democracy and political leaders. deaths and torture in custody, trials of political activists The origins of these things could be the same. Almost lacking the basics of a serious judicial system leading everywhere, political leaders are held in low standing to death sentences being passed—thankfully later and populist parties have arisen. The interest of this, commuted—and workers and students who participated as was mentioned by the noble Lord, Lord Empey, is in the protests being summarily dismissed from their that we should not assume that what unfolds in the jobs or courses of study. A month ago, the Court of Middle East is simply a process of catch-up with the Appeal in Manama upheld the convictions of nine West. We have all to do some pretty fundamental medics and nine others were acquitted. These outcomes, rethinking of how we can stabilise and accentuate though far from satisfactory, would never have happened democratic mechanisms in a society which has been but for the intervention by the UN, US and other transformed by global mass communications. I therefore countries, including the UK, to let the Bahraini royal support previous speakers who have said there may be family know that they had used greatly excessive force various lines of evolution to democratic participation. in quelling what were legitimate attempts by the Shia We can perhaps learn as much from other parts of majority to win democratic reforms at the expense of world as they can learn from us. the ruling Sunni minority.

I very much welcomed the Minister’s opening remarks 12.18 pm on Bahrain. He said that progress had been minimal and that that was not good enough. He said that there Lord Watson of Invergowrie: My Lords, we are was a need for meaningful political reforms. He also indebted to the Minister not just for providing the said that there had been criticism from some quarters—I canvas for this debate but for so expertly opening it by am not sure where it came from—of the Government’s sketching his own thoughts in such an illuminating engagement in relation to Bahrain. I certainly would manner. I should like to concentrate on two aspects of not criticise the Government for it. They have intervened the Middle East, the first of which is Bahrain. In and made strong statements. I hope the Minister will February last year, as the Arab spring spread, more confirm today that the Government will go further than 100,000 protesters took to the streets of the and continue to pressure the Bahraini royal family to capital, Manama. The Bahraini Government—for whom implement the kind of changes that were called for in we should always read the Bahraini royal family— Egypt, Libya, Syria and Tunisia. Human rights, the responded brutally. Four protesters camping in Pearl right to freedom of expression and the ability to roundabout were killed, yet, despite that, protesters choose their political representatives must not be seen reoccupied the roundabout and there were large marches as the preserve simply of people living under regimes involving up to 150,000 participants. These numbers with which our Government disagree. Just because we are put in perspective when it is recalled that, in total, have traditionally had good relations with Bahrain there are fewer than 1 million Bahraini nationals. must not mean that these fundamental fights can be In March 2011, at the request of the Government, relegated to the fringes of our relations with them. Saudi armed forces entered the country, which those opposed to the regime characterised as an occupation. Turning to Israel and Palestine, I find the situation The following day, a state of emergency was declared there profoundly depressing. The noble Baroness, Lady and protests subsided after a savage crackdown was Blackstone, has already commented on it in some launched against protesters. More than 3,000 people considerable detail. The quartet has now been in existence were arrested and at least five people died while in for 10 years, with Tony Blair as its special envoy for police custody. Many of those not directly involved in half that time, yet no meaningful progress has been the protests, such as doctors and bloggers, were targeted made towards a peace settlement. It may be true, as and arrested. Some doctors and other medical staff the noble Baroness suggested, that the quartet is now were subjected to torture on the basis that they had a busted flush. Certainly, it could be argued that a done no more than tend the injuries of protesters peace settlement is further away now than it was in brutalised by the regime’s own forces and the Saudi 2002. In September last year, the quartet issued a new forces. It has been estimated by Human Rights Watch schedule for resumption of negotiations between the that up to 50 people have died since the start of the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority which uprising. Of course, those numbers pale into insignificance called for negotiations to be completed by the end of compared to Syria but that is not a meaningful 2012. Suffice to say, that will not happen, not least comparison. because the Netanyahu Government continue to ignore Meanwhile, doctors have been charged with serious international outrage—with merely mild displeasure offences and convicted, and have received long being expressed by the UK and US Governments—at sentences—despite the evidence against them rather the continuation of Israel to build illegal housing than because of it. It is surely a doctor’s obligation to developments in the West Bank. That matter was try and save lives and there are no circumstances when again covered by the noble Baroness. 1377 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1378

[LORD WATSON OF INVERGOWRIE] countries. In addition, hundreds of millions of dollars Last month saw a return to violence between the of international aid are directed towards the occupied Israeli Defence Force and Hamas militants, which is Palestinian territories every year, yet still child health very much to be regretted. I unreservedly call on both in Gaza continues to get poorer. sides not to repeat that violence. All the while, on the I will not deny that Israel has of course the right to Palestinian side, there is a continuing gulf between safeguard the security of its citizens but, as the occupying Fatah and Hamas. In April 2011, the two parties signed power, it must also allow for the free flow of goods, an agreement of reconciliation but its implementation people and services. According to international laws, has stalled since then. Legislative and presidential Israel is responsible for the welfare of Gaza’s civilian elections were both due to take place in the occupied population. With the blockade now having been in territories in May this year but, following a breakdown place for more than five years, will the Minister agree in reconciliation talks between the two, elections have that there is a pressing need for the coalition Government now been postponed. It seems unlikely that they will to call on Israel, in the strongest possible terms, to be held before the end of the year. fulfil its responsibilities and end the blockade of Gaza My noble friend Lord Haskell made remarks in his immediately and in its entirety? speech with which I have to take some issue. I would agree that we need to ensure that compassion for 12.27 pm Palestinians does not translate into what he termed Lord Stone of Blackheath: My Lords, in such a bigotry against Israel. I would reject the charge that I region of turmoil, where horrible events have occurred have ever approached any question relating to Israel in and people are suppressed, maimed and killed in a bigoted way. Yet this is important. My noble friend countries as widespread as Syria, Egypt and Iran, highlighted the benefits of trade in the Israeli context. people often tend, as my noble friend Lord Haskel I have only had a few moments since his speech to do said, to ignore any positives but take sides and lay some very brief research into the question of trade as blame on one side or another. Perhaps it is useful to far as Palestinians are concerned but it is vital to condemn but this should not be one-sided vilification. Palestinians. If one chooses to lay blame, it should be on Governments According to a study last year by the UN Conference and organisations making wrong policies and decisions, on Trade and Development, West Bank trade remains not the peoples of any of these countries. Most Iranians, largely isolated from global markets due to restrictions Egyptians, Syrians want to be free to live a normal imposed by Israel on the movement of goods. According family life. The dispute I know most about in the to the World Bank, the absence of container scanners region is the Palestinian/Israeli arena. Survey after at the six commercial crossing points between the survey has shown that 70% of the populations on both West Bank and Israel constrains Palestinian access to sides would like to be in two separate states, living side external markets and means that all cargo is subject by side with mutual recognition. It is the extremists to physical inspections. That means the loading and with the loudest voices and insidious actions who unloading of lorries, sometimes more than once. Often, prevent the majority getting on with living the way the food and vegetables involved are delayed for so they would prefer—in peace. long that they become unsalable. I cannot see how As we have heard from the Minister today and from those sorts of restrictions will in any way help the Tripoli, there are individuals and organisations working Palestinians to help themselves. When we talk about in the region to heal these rifts. When, in freedom, trade, it has to be recalled that fuel is a vital commodity, individuals are able to experience something greater yet the Palestinians are forced to import fuel via Israel. than their habitual selves and escape insular dogma, If they could import it via Jordan, that would cut the they tend to live more fulfilling lives and choose to price by half—to the clear benefit of Palestinian follow the path of service. From what I understand, in communities. That must be borne in mind. Jewish thought and Christian belief, as a Muslim tenet Of course, the biggest restriction on Palestinians is and also in Buddhism, it is said that moral responsibility the blockade of Gaza, which entered its sixth year just lies entirely with the individual. I just want to mention a few weeks ago. Coinciding with that milestone, a some of the things that I have witnessed that responsible report by Save the Children and Medical Aid for individuals are doing within the communities in the Palestinians emphasised how the extensive restrictions region. I mention them because I believe that if we, as placed on the movement of goods and people in and individuals, and our own Government were to recognise, out of Gaza continues to have a real and negative support and involve ourselves in this way, rather than impact on the lives and health of Gaza’s children. The just blame others, we could all help to heal the region. blockade has been the single greatest contributor to For example, in education, last week we held the endemic and long-lasting household poverty in Gaza. board of trustees meeting here in London for the That has meant that families are unable to buy nutritious British University of Egypt. Five years ago, Their food and less able to produce it themselves. Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess The health of children in Gaza prior to the war of of Cornwall opened that university in Cairo and, in 2008-09 was seriously below international standards partnership with Loughborough University, BUE is but is now worse. The Save the Children report states thriving. In fact, in three years’ time, we plan to have that long-term exposure to chronic malnutrition remains 6,000 young students from the region studying and high: it is found among 10% of children under five. researching in Cairo to UK standard in nursing and The Palestinian Authority has set goals to meet the dentistry, renewable energy and engineering, advanced needs of its children and spends some 11% of its GDP materials and business and entrepreneurialism—in fact, on healthcare. That is more than most middle-income seven faculties 1379 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1380

In Jordan, where we were last month, in agriculture There are those on all sides who thrive on conflict and commerce Moon Valley is arranging to build and the misery of others. They work ceaselessly to and operate an olive processing plant with the help, engender hate, vilification and division, and to blame advice and partnership of a Palestinian construction the other. Their actions result in death and destruction. company, CCC, and Olives Et Al, an innovative private Here, perhaps, the rifts can be healed by politics. Here, company based in Dorset which supplies UK food we must be willing to talk to everyone. This is where stores with the most delicious olives and tapenades. non-governmental organisations, such as the Next The Jordanian plant will work with olive farmers in Century Foundation, a UK organisation in which, Jordan and West Bank Palestinians to improve their again, I must declare an interest, can lead and methodologies and standards to produce delicacies Governments can follow. We currently have the odd that can be sold locally and in stores in the UK, irony where we engage willingly with the radical Muslim Europe and the Gulf. Brotherhood elements in the Syrian opposition, whereas in Gaza, Her Majesty’s Government are unwilling to In textiles and clothing, I have spoken before in this talk to Hamas. If the Government’s experience in House about Moon Valley helping Palestinian farmers Northern Ireland proves anything, it is that talking to to sell their goods to Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury all sides matters. Talking to your enemies does not and the Co-op. Waitrose has now expressed an interest. mean legitimising them. With reference to the point made by my noble friends Lady Blackstone and Lord Watson, with the help of In conclusion, by supporting and involving ourselves my noble friend Lady Ashton and the EU, we have in the type of constructive projects I mentioned, and now negotiated that all agricultural goods from the with the help of the Government, we enable them to West Bank and Gaza enter the West Bank tariff-free. touch thousands of people. Then, the destructive elements Just last week, after a year’s work, the same team has on all sides can be exposed and weakened. That should helped a knitwear manufacturer in Gaza produce and be done by those with open hearts and peaceful intention export 4,000 men’s pullovers and cardigans to UK working together just as forcefully as those who peddle online retailer, JD Williams—were again I must declare hate. In that way, we can enable the peoples of those an interest—for sale in this country with “Made in countries to be in control of their lives. Palestine” on the label. In fact, if Erskine May did not prevent it, I would have brought one here to show you 12.35 pm and try to sell it. DfID, the office of the quartet, our British consul general in East Jerusalem, together with Lord Sheikh: My Lords, I thank my noble friend the authorities in Israel, have all played an important Lord Howell for initiating this debate. Although the part in making that possible. Motion refers to the Middle East, my contribution will include developments in North Africa. I have In the field of high-tech, this week, here in your visited some of the countries in those areas and have Lordships’ House, a UK task force funded by the personal knowledge of the situation in these countries. Pears Foundation and led by Alice Wood hosted Noble Lords will recognise that the Middle East some enlightened Israeli Arabs and Jews from the and North Africa are commonly referred to as MENA. Nazareth region who have formed an organisation Therefore, I cannot discuss the former without making called Tsofen, which means code, with whom we are reference to the latter. It is vital that Her Majesty’s working to enable Arab citizens of Israel to use their Government should continue to highlight and condemn entrepreneurialism in the high-tech field to break the instances of violence and discrimination against code, to integrate their people better into Israeli society individuals and groups because of their beliefs, wherever, and business networks to create wealth for their and whenever, they occur. To that end, I fully support community. the work of the Arab Partnership. Last month, I mentioned in a debate about the The Arab spring heralded a new era for many voluntary sector how UK charities can spread their citizens who were living under oppressive regimes. good work by internationalising themselves. I know However, it has led to unfortunate consequences that through the noble Lord, Lord Wallace of Saltaire, that have permeated neighbouring countries; namely, Mali. our Government are considering developing that is a Tuareg rebels now control two-thirds of Mali, due to forward strategy for the sector. Here is an example the provision of weapons following Colonel Gaddafi’s from the region: www.healthtalkonline.org, an Oxford- downfall. Algeria has just celebrated 50 years of based charity which I chair, is now working with both independence, which has seen increased foreign investment An-Najah University in Nablus and Ben Gurion to the nation in recent years. Libya’s first democratic University of the Negev, in the desert, together with election has been won by the former interim Prime eight other countries, to help patients with health Minister Mahmoud Jibril, who led Libya’s National conditions to understand better from other patients Transitional Council last year. The composition of the what are the options and how to make choices about Constituent Assembly in Tunisia occurred with little their lives. controversy.I hope that the elections in Tunisia scheduled Those are examples in commerce, education, for next year follow that trend. technology and health where, instead of vilifying others Although both the elections in Libya and Egypt and laying blame, those involved will help individuals were reported to have been relatively peaceful, like to see positive opportunities and work to inspire others most noble Lords, I am concerned with the perceived to try to heal rifts. I realise that those projects alone power struggle between President Morsi and the Special will not resolve the issues, but neither will politics Council of the Armed Forces. What steps are Her alone. Of course there is a place for politics. Majesty’s Government taking to resolve that tension? 1381 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1382

[LORD SHEIKH] More killings occurred yesterday. Kofi Annan’s Geneva There are many positive developments to highlight initiative does not demand the removal of Assad. It is in this debate about solidarity among nations in the therefore unpalatable to the Syrian opposition. Reports region. I would now like to discuss the positive points, suggest that more than 17,000 persons have lost their as the situation is good in certain areas. Bahrain lives since the uprising began 16 months ago. The US appears to be successfully positioning itself as the Secretary of State has also called for “real and immediate Gulf’s shipping centre, following the opening of the consequences” for non-compliance with Annan’s Khalifa port and the Bahrain logistics zone. Oman is a peace plan. founding member of the Middle East and North Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Africa Financial Action Task Force, which was established al-Thani, has expressed his intention to join any effort in 2004. Since Oman’s accession to the World Trade to end the bloodshed in Syria. Both Qatar and Saudi Organisation in 2000, a substantial improvement in its Arabia are providing arms and funds to the Free investment environment and regulatory framework Syrian Army.Qatar played an important role in providing has occurred. The 2006 free trade agreement with military and financial support during and after the America resulted in the adoption of International Arab spring to countries in the Middle East and north Labour Organisation regulations, further encouraging African region. Qatar was a founding member of the international investment in Oman. I may add that Gulf Co-operation Council in 1981 and hosts a large Oman is important to us strategically and it is our American military base. Qatar also has the highest friend. GDP per capita in the world, which is growing at a Reports in the Saudi media last month claimed that faster rate than that of any other nation. Qatar successfully Saudi Arabia had rehabilitated an old Iraqi oil line, acted as a mediator between Yemen’s Government which could serve as an alternative route to the Strait and the Houthi rebels. We should be making more of Hormuz, should tension increase with Iran. Bahrain efforts towards further engagement with Qatar in all and Qatar have engaged in joint economic initiatives areas. such as the proposed friendship bridge project, which Last week I spoke about us undertaking more trade would link the two countries. Both nations are also with overseas countries. With regard to the Middle thought to be in discussion about construction of a East, there are favourable situations in certain countries subsea pipeline to supply natural gas from Qatar to and we must make use of these opportunities and do Bahrain. In February 2010, the Emir of Qatar issued a more business in the region. The Middle East is blessed decree which allowed the Minister of Business and with great mineral wealth and a vibrant culture. However, Trade to waive the 49% foreign ownership cap in the challenges lie ahead for peace in the region. It is up to tourism, natural resources, health, education and Britain, alongside our international allies, to demonstrate consulting sectors. I support this policy as it reflects a leadership in efforts to help the region and achieve desire to attract further foreign investment. lasting peace. The vast majority of nations in the Middle East are enjoying peace and prosperity. However, Iran and 12.44 pm Syria unfortunately do not follow this trend. Iran is in Lord Hannay of Chiswick: My Lords, faced with clear defiance of six UN Security Council resolutions the kaleidoscopic series of developments in the Middle that call for the suspension of its uranium enrichment East that has followed the Arab awakening and which programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency seems set to continue for the foreseeable future, it is has expressed concerns about the potential military clearly right that we should be debating these issues implications of Iran’s nuclear programme. As such, I again a mere four months after our previous debate. I welcome the EU’s sanctions against Iran as a means of am grateful to the Government for making that possible, urging the regime to review its stance. We need to deal even if I cannot resist commenting that it would be with the situation by the application of stringent sanctions even better if they could find time to debate other and by negotiations. I do not favour any form of major areas of foreign policy. military action. What are my noble friend the Minister’s I welcome, too, the Minister’s extremely comprehensive views on military intervention? and helpful opening contribution to our debate. It is I am pleased that Russia has softened its position right that we should be debating this because the towards Syria by calling for a three-month extension Middle East, as other noble Lords have observed, of the UN monitoring mission, which is scheduled to matters to this country and to the European Union as end on 20 July. Yesterday the Syrian ambassador to a whole in a way, and to an extent, that few other Iraq, Nawaf al-Fares, defected to join the revolution regions outside Europe do. It affects our security, our against al-Assad’s regime. His is the second high-profile energy supplies, the flows of migration and many defection since the uprising began 16 months ago. The other issues too. Republican Guard’s Brigadier-General Manaf defected There are of course difficult policy choices to be last week. These two defections suggest that support made, ones that we have not always made very skilfully for President Assad’s regime is diminishing. I welcome or wisely in the past, between, for example, the role of Russia’s decision to suspend defence co-operation with appalled spectator and victim of events or, on the Syria. Russia has blocked two United Nations Security other hand, that of an intrusive actor intervening Council resolutions on Syria to date. forcefully and often insensitively. A third option is as a Last week, Hillary Clinton urged Russia and China sympathetic neighbour recognising that it is for the to join Britain, America and France to put pressure on countries of the Middle East to shape their own Assad’s regime. In May this year, 108 people were future, but ready to help evolutionary change across killed in the Houla massacre, 49 of whom were children. the region once the initial process of upheaval has 1383 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1384 passed. I am glad that we and our allies seem, broadly we have little or nothing to show for all the efforts to speaking, to have chosen the third option, and I think enlist their support for a genuine transition, but my that we will need both strategic and tactical patience in experience is that you never find out just how firm that sticking to it. blocking position is until you put it to the test. Personally, On the positive side of the ledger since we last I think that even if the Russians were to veto, our debated, one can reasonably place the Egyptian position would be better if we had put them before presidential elections and the recent elections in Libya. their responsibilities than if we allowed them to emasculate Both sets of elections are of course only the first any resolution that we move forward in an attempt to stages of a long and complex process that still has far get away from the deadlock. Meanwhile, I hope that to run, but both have confounded the predictions of the Minister can confirm that we and our allies are the pessimists, and both are remarkable and probably working closely with the Arab League and will urge irreversible developments in two countries that have consistently on the Syrian opposition the need for never before experienced free and fair multiparty elections. greater unity and for a public commitment to a democratic On the negative side of the ledger must clearly stand alternative to the Assad regime that will respect and the continuing conflict in Syria, disfigured by increasing protect all religious and ethnic groups in the country. evidence of massacres of innocent civilians by the For Egypt and other countries now pursuing a regime’s supporters and by the stalemate over international peaceful process of evolution—countries such as Libya, efforts to bring the fighting to an end and to initiate a Tunisia, Morocco, Yemen and Jordan—the challenge transitional process away from Ba’athist dictatorship. for the international community is principally an economic one. The success or failure of these processes of evolution Somewhere in between on the ledger, I suggest, will depend crucially on whether the new democratically stands the unsatisfactorily dilatory process of talks elected Governments can offer better prospects to over Iran’s nuclear programme and the absence of any their rapidly growing young populations. That requires negotiating activity at all over Palestine. Both these better trade outlets, greater skills, more inward investment, latter two issues mask an explosive potential that we the establishment of the tourist industry and much ignore at our peril. I listened with great interest to my else besides which, while not exclusively in the gift of noble and gallant friend Lord Stirrup’s description of outside countries, can be greatly facilitated and encouraged the dangers that face us from a failure to achieve a by their activities. Perhaps the Minister will say a little negotiated solution on Iran, with which I totally agree. about what the European Union is doing in that In Syria, the arguments against any external military respect and also about what is being done through intervention—that, I suggest, includes the supply of such instruments as DfID, the British Council, the weapons—still seem to outweigh the arguments in Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the BBC. favour of a no-fly zone or the establishment of safe Are their activities as well funded as they need to be? areas, even if the balance between them is not as Are their efforts as well co-ordinated as they need to clear-cut as it was at the outset. The international be if they are to be effective? community’s responsibility to protect is still, I would With the negotiations between the five plus one in argue, better exercised through diplomatic, humanitarian Iran still continuing, however desultorily, it is probably and economic action than through the use of force. wise not to say too much, but I regret—here I join the The present stalemate, though, while the sectarian noble Lord, Lord Lamont, on one point that he made— nature of the conflict becomes more and more marked, that with all the emphasis on sanctions and the rumours with disastrous potential effects on the future stability of military action, the positive side of the equation—what of the country, and while arms and military expertise Iran could hope for if it could satisfy the UN pour in, particularly from Russia and Iran, is neither comprehensively about the peaceful nature of its nuclear sustainable nor ought it to be accepted. I would be programmes—is being marginalised and overlooked. grateful if the Minister could say something about Successful negotiations require benefits for all the what we know about arms and military expertise flows parties to them, and we should not lose sight of that. that come from those two countries. What is not in doubt is that failure to reach a negotiated Surely we need to bring home more clearly than we solution will bring seriously negative consequences for have done hitherto that war crimes and crimes against all concerned. humanity, by whomsoever committed, will one day The moribund nature of the Middle East peace end up before the International Criminal Court, and process while settlement activity in the Occupied Territories that the universal jurisdiction in the convention against continues apace should bring solace to no one, although torture already applies to those who are using these I sometimes fear that the Government of Israel regard methods. Making these points is all the more urgent in it as better than any of the alternatives. If they do, I the wake of the latest news we have had of yet another fear they are grievously wrong, and it will not be long massacre by supporters of the regime. before they find that out. Politics being politics and More generally, is it not time that we went back to the central role of the US in any peace process not the UN Security Council and sought a mandatory being easy to dispute, it is not likely that any serious resolution—that is to say, a Chapter 7 resolution—that movement will take place until after the US presidential would set stated timelines for Kofi Annan’s six-point election in November, but thereafter, a serious attempt plan and his transitional process to be accepted and to move ahead again will be the only alternative to a backed that up by a clear threat of economic sanctions drift towards conflict. I say without any pleasure at all, if that timeline was ignored? It is, of course, possible having listened to a number of contributions to the that the Russians will veto such a resolution. Their debate, particularly that of the noble Lord, Lord policy so far has been callous and opportunistic, and Haskel, that of course the case for aid and trade is a 1385 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1386

[LORD HANNAY OF CHISWICK] on the principle of absolute justice. Too often, we look strong one, but it is never going to do the trick on the inwardly and perhaps beat ourselves up a bit about Palestine issue. Politics will always trump aid and democracy and our party politics here, but we have a trade. Meanwhile, I hope that the Minister can say prevailing democracy that sees a peaceful transition what the UK is doing to ensure that a conference on a from one party to another, from one Government to Middle East weapons-free zone, scheduled for the end another. That should be the aim and principle we seek of this year becomes the start of a continuing process, to install in these emerging democracies. Freedom of and not a fiasco or a slanging match. conscience, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, In conclusion, it cannot be said that the prospects freedom of speech and a free press are essential tenets in the Middle East are rosy. Nor, I believe, are they to a sustainable democracy. without hope. I hope that we can resist an obsession Let us not forget human rights, which we have often with the precise religious content of the Governments debated in your Lordships’ House—in this very place. emerging from the new democratic processes and, Most recently, we debated Christian rights in the even more, resist the vocabulary of Islamophobia. Middle East. We cannot let new Governments be There is far too much of it around. The Governments elected on the basis of democracy just so that they can of these countries are for them to decide. We should adopt repressive regimes. judge them by their deeds, not by their words or their The UK has a crucial role. Compared to some of religious beliefs. our partners, diplomacy is one of our key strengths. Where we see humanity suffering, where tyranny and 12.55 pm suppression reign, we have used different forms of intervention. I have always propagated the belief, and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: My Lords, I join others always will, that the ultimate sanction—but last option—of in your Lordships’ House in thanking my noble friend force should always remain on the table. When dictators the Minister for his clear statement at the start of this tumble through people power or military intervention, debate. I also thank him for his stewardship, which at the job—indeed, our role—is only beginning. Therefore, times perhaps goes unnoticed, on the international I seek the Minister’s assurance that, as we assist and stage in strengthening Britain’s role, particularly at a co-operate to build stronger ties, we will do so by time when it is most crucially required. ensuring that the prevailing rule of law is sustained in On 18 December 2010 the Arab spring began. What each of these countries and by holding these regimes has this meant over time? Dictators have fallen; Tunisia, to account. Egypt, Libya and Yemen are testament to that. There We have talked about religion. The Minister talked have been civil uprisings; Bahrain and the current about how Islam is prevailing. I say to each and every tragedy we see unfolding in Syria are a reflection of one of these countries: if you truly seek to follow a that. There have been other strong protests. Let us not religion, look at the faith of Islam and you will find forget Algeria and the continuing disturbances and your answer. It is not about suppression but about troubles in Iraq. Even in Jordan and, indeed, Saudi ensuring the rights of all individuals, of whatever faith Arabia, we have seen protests on the streets. Some they may be or of no faith at all. Coercionist faith is have been resolved through people power. Some, as we part and parcel of no religion and it is no part of saw, needed military intervention, such as those in Islam. I assure noble Lords that that should be absolutely Libya. Ultimately, however, this has been driven by the embedded in the new emerging democracies in the need to see democracy—to see the vacuum being filled Middle East. through democratic reforms. However, as many have already alluded to in your I also seek the Minister’s assurance on another Lordships’ House, the jury is still out. We need look matter. Today the House of Commons produced a no further than recent events in Egypt. For sustainable report on arms exports. I was disturbed to learn that democracy in all of these countries is not just about even today we retain nine licences for arms exports to winning the right to vote. It is not just about setting up Syria. Our arms exports are based on none of the elections. It is, as my noble friend Lord Risby suggested, arms being used for internal suppression. That litmus the establishment of other free principles of democracy, test must be applied to all licences as we move forward. the kind of democracy we enjoy at home. First and I also seek clarification on the way forward beyond the foremost, is the essence and prevalence of the rule of UN mandate in Syria, which expires on 20 July. law. Yes, we all stood up against the tyranny and I return to the concept of diplomacy. Many noble despicable atrocities committed by the likes of Saddam Lords have referred to the importance and role of Hussein and Muammur Gaddafi. Yet the lynching Iran. The noble Baroness, Lady Falkner, spoke eloquently and the way in which they were executed provided a and passionately about the need for deepened diplomacy. shallow and unstable beginning to the democratic The noble and gallant Lord, Lord Stirrup, talked in foundations of those countries. As the noble Lord, detailed and undoubtedly expert terms about the outcome Lord Hannay, has already stated, it is important that if we were to fail in that. What happens in Iran and the these tyrants are brought to justice in a humane way, Straits of Hormuz will, as we have heard, impact not even if they themselves did not see humanity as a only on Iran but on the whole world economy. That prevailing priority. cannot be ignored. Yet is force the answer? I hope not; Elections must be based on trust and integrity. The I pray not. Diplomacy should be the call of the day. recent presidential elections in Egypt reflected the Many noble Lords have alluded to Israel and Palestine. need for that to be a sustained proposition. For A number of times, I have stood in your Lordships’ Governments to function effectively, they must do so House and elsewhere when the issue of Israel and 1387 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1388

Palestine has been used as a rallying call from extremist in countries across the region. Last year, in a speech to moderate to ensure that we do not see any progress. on the Arab spring, the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick It is about time that we put that to one side. There is a Clegg, said: need for progress on this issue. Therefore, I ask the “Successful revolutions may change the world overnight. But, Minister to support the Arab peace initiative, which in many ways, it’s the morning after that the real work begins”. was signed up to by the Arab League, agreed to by Noble Lords will not be surprised if I say something Israel and offered Israel peace with its neighbours. It about Israel and the Palestinians. In that context, I offers the chance to normalise relations with Israel declare that I am a vice-president of the Liberal Democrat and for peace with the Palestinians. However, just as Friends of Israel. In a debate that is not specifically Palestinians must recognise the right of the state of about Israel but about the Middle East in general, I Israel to exist, they must also not regard Israel as the am keen to avoid the trap of focusing only on Israel/ problem. This applies not just to Palestine but to every Palestine. The region faces a great many challenges of Arab state. Israel is part of the solution. As the noble which—as the noble Lord, Lord Ahmad, said—the Lord, Lord Haskel, said, the futures of two people, Israel-Palestine peace process is only one. the Palestinians and the Israelis, are intertwined. Through I was going to talk about Iran but the noble and co-operation and working together, we can see a brighter gallant Lord, Lord Stirrup, and my noble friend Lady future for that region and, indeed, the whole world. Falkner have provided a forensic analysis of the situation Britain is in a unique position. We are respected which makes anything that I could say probably and we have wide diasporas from all these Arab countries superfluous. I would add just one comment. I am and the Middle East who are resident on our shores. pleased that, on 21 June, the Minister for the Armed We have historical and cultural ties with many of these Forces, Nick Harvey, said: countries. It is essential that we play our part in the “Threats or attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz show a prevailing democracies and do not allow them to contempt for international law as it is seen by the majority of the degenerate into repressive regimes to replace the repressive states in the region, if not the world … Any attempt by Iran to do dictators we sought to fight. But as we build ties—be this would be illegal and … unsuccessful”. they economic, ones of defence, or education which is I turn from Iran to recent developments in Egypt, a key to all, or development—we do so on that basis, which my noble friend Lord Anderson commented and extol in each and every regime the importance of on. Amid the uprisings that led to Mubarak’s ousting human rights and the prevailing rule of law. a power vacuum emerged in Sinai which was quickly Perhaps that is a tall order, and Ministers and our filled by Jihadists from mainland Egypt and neighbouring Government have a difficult task ahead. I am reminded Gaza. The worry in the region is that the new President of the words of my noble friend Lady Thatcher when of Egypt and his Muslim Brotherhood party have she said: promised to revise the Egypt-Israel peace treaty—whatever “The wisdom of hindsight, so useful to historians and indeed that means. to authors … is sadly denied to practicing politicians”. The consequence for Israel is that its once peaceful I wish our Government well in resolving these issues. border with Egypt has turned dangerous, and the situation in Sinai has allowed increased weapons- 1.05 pm smuggling into Gaza. More importantly, the Sinai peninsula has become a launch pad for terrorist attacks, Lord Palmer of Childs Hill: My Lords, I, too, thank such as the killing of an Israeli worker on 18 June. A my noble friend the Minister for his wide-ranging cell of approximately four terrorists planted and detonated introduction to the debate. a roadside bomb beside jeeps carrying workers via the If one is to focus on good omens today—Friday, border, killing Said Fashpashe, an Israeli construction 13 July—one positive straw in the wind might be worker. The recent escalation in violence along the Libya’s recent election results. Mahmoud Jibril’s National Sinai-Israel border has worried many and could be Forces Alliance appears to have won the elections. We part of a conscious effort to establish the Sinai as a are told by experts that that is good news for the forces new base for Jihad operations. of secularism and democracy. Mahmoud Jibril headed My plea in your Lordships’ House is that balance is Libya’s National Transitional Council from August to needed. This has come through in a number of speeches October 2011. However, before we get too elated by from noble Lords. I give an example of bad balance. his election, we might note that an Amnesty International On Monday this week, the General Synod of the report on torture states: Church of England passed a motion to support the “A Libyan Government headed by Mr Jibril has it all to prove work of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme on questions of democratic reform and human rights, as is the case for new post-despotic regimes across the region”. in Palestine and Israel, or EAPPI, a project of the World Council of Churches. EAPPI sends participants My noble friend Lord Lamont referred to a comment as accompaniers to the West Bank for three to four made by Dr Kissinger. I would add that we must move and a half months, with less than a week scheduled in on from Dr Kissinger’s comment, in another context, Israel. The accompaniers’ role is to witness and recall that: Palestinian life on the West Bank, such as at checkpoints “He may be a despot, but he’s our despot”. and Israeli defence actions. I am certainly not justifying It is excellent that the UK coalition Government all that Israel does, but this creates a one-sided are spending £40 million on the Arab Partnership understanding of the conflict. On their return the Participation Fund, ecumenical accompaniers, or EAs, have to fulfil at “for political reform, supporting free and fair elections, stronger least 10 speaking commitments, and reports back parliaments, media and judiciaries”, from several of those meetings have been that they are 1389 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1390

[LORD PALMER OF CHILDS HILL] My questions to the Minister are: have the protests biased and have propagated anti-Israel sentiment. Their and uprisings affected the politics of the strategic literature has suggested hacking government websites situation? Have they hindered or advanced the ability and a cultural and artistic boycott of Israel which of the Palestinians, the Israelis, the people in other helps no one. It is unhelpful in understanding what is Arab countries and the other key players in the region truly a complex situation, as many noble Lords have to make peace? How has the recent escalation in said. violence on the Sinai-Israeli border affected the Israel- Palestine-Egypt process? We should be striving for There is another way—that sounds like a political balance in the Middle East, not endorsing one-sided statement. The Proms begin tonight, and it is heart- rhetoric or actions from whichever side. warming to see the West-Eastern Divan youth orchestra playing, which includes Palestinian musicians from the West Bank and musicians from Israel. They are 1.16 pm ambassadors that help an eventual peace to arrive. Lord Hylton: My Lords, so far no one has succeeded I would have liked the noble Baroness, Lady Blackstone, in stopping the bloodshed in Syria, whether it be the to be in the Chamber. She spoke once before, eloquently, Arab League, the United Nations or anyone else. and did so again today, about what she has witnessed Perhaps it is just conceivable that applying the Olympic in the West Bank. The last time she left before I Truce during the period of the Games could provide a spoke—perhaps she can read it in Hansard. Yes, there pause for the negotiation of a transition of power. are problems and she witnessed them, and that is With Russian and Iranian help, this could happen. it. But the economy of the West Bank to which she Next Monday I will be asking an Oral Question in and other noble Lords have referred has actually your Lordships’ House on this issue, and I will therefore percentagewise increased. In this country we would saynomoreonitnow. envy the percentage increase of that economy, albeit I turn now to two cases where independent arbitration from a low level. But it is an increase, and those who could be helpful if the parties would agree to it. The that decry it are not seeing the effects of what many first relates to Sheba’a farms that are a matter of participants have managed to achieve. dispute between Lebanon, Syria and Israel. It is a dispute about a small frontier area whose resolution Comments were made about water, which is a dreadful could clear the way for wider peace negotiations. The problem in the area. Of course, it is a problem. Israel second issue is the boundary between Iraq and the perhaps takes more than its share from the aquifers in Kurdistan regional government. The longest part of the area, but it has moved on with massive desalination this boundary is known and accepted, but in the north projects which are now providing the vast majority of it affects oilfields and large cities. water to Israel. I pray that in that region desalination projects could exist on the coast of Gaza, which the I come now to the most important issue, which has Israelis could help to set up to solve a problem of been touched on by most speakers—namely the position water that will not be solved by just relying on aquifers. of Israel in the Middle East. I can say confidently that the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and no doubt The problem raised by the noble Baroness, Lady elsewhere, understands perfectly well the need for peace Blackstone, and the noble Lord, Lord Watson, was and stability. It needs to rebuild its tourist trade and about expansion of settlements. As a Jew and a pro-Israeli, relaunch its economy.It has to attract inward investment. I am against the expansion of settlements. They do When you add the urgent problems of health and not help the peace process. However, the noble Baroness, education, most of all in rural areas, no Egyptian Lady Blackstone, referred to 500,000 settlers in the Government could want war, especially the broad settlements, which is true and not true. Half of those coalition of religious, secular and minority partners are in the three or four large towns just on the wrong that will, I hope, emerge. Even if the military retain side of the 1967 truce line. All those who know about much power in Egypt, I believe that the principles of the borders that will arise know that those towns or the Camp David agreement will be upheld. The Muslim settlements will be within Israel when the border is Brotherhood will not make empty promises to the finally agreed, with a land swap to the Palestinians Palestinians that it cannot fulfil. Israel, on the other from mainland Israel. So we are talking about half hand, will have to comply with the spirit and the that number of settlers. Those settlers should not be details of that agreement. there and should not expand their settlements, but let More than half of Israel’s population has its origins us not quote statistics that are not really true. in the Middle East or north Africa. When one adds in People talk about a boycott, but boycotts in this the indigenous Palestinian citizens of Israel, there is a region will help no one. We want to encourage trade, large majority whose culture is more Middle Eastern as the noble Lord, Lord Haskel, said, and the intellectual than European. These are the people who will, I trust, knowledge that comes out of Israel that is used in want to see their country take its rightful place in the many countries around the world. Consider the heart region. The Government of Israel have a strong majority of Intel computers—the research and development in the Knesset and no elections immediately ahead. has been in Israel. We should build on such things, not They therefore have a huge opportunity to normalise talk about boycotts. The noble Baroness, Lady Blackstone, relations. This indeed was the big point of the Arab talked about other problems, perhaps understating the League’s initiative of 2002. effect of rocket attacks on places such as Sdot and There is so much that Israel could contribute Ashkelon. Those attacks make people feel incredibly industrially, commercially and in technology, as was insecure. eloquently pointed out by the noble Lords, Lord Haskel 1391 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1392 and Lord Stone. The partial peace provided by the become known, none of us will be surprised to learn treaties with Egypt and Jordan was a cold one. It now that the real number is significantly higher than that needs to be replaced with the warm relationships of reported. Certainly President Bashar al-Assad will peoples across frontiers. Israel has a highly developed have managed to outdo his father when it comes to civil society, ideal for this purpose. Whether new deep slaughtering his own people. relationships can develop will, however, depend on Last year we witnessed another massacre about to how the Palestinians of the West Bank, east Jerusalem happen. The forces of Colonel Gadaffi were marching and Gaza are treated. If nearby Arab peoples see that on Benghazi determined to liquidate that city.Thankfully, their Palestinian cousins are still occupied, colonised due to prompt and effective military intervention by and blockaded, what chance is there of a response to our Government, together with France and the United even the most enticing Israeli approaches? The existence States, this carnage was prevented. Two years ago of so many colonies in the West Bank, the position of people in Bahrain demonstrated against their Government. the separation barrier, attempts to alter the population As my noble friend Lord Watson mentioned, young balance in east Jerusalem and, above all, the collective doctors who treated the wounded demonstrators were punishment of Gaza by blockade have been condemned arrested and given long jail sentences. In Iran three by the international court judgment, by UN resolutions years ago a general election was held. The Government and by countless reports from specialist agencies and ignored the result and massive protests occurred resulting parliamentary visitors. in many deaths. A strong Government, such as Israel now has, could surely put an end to illegal and provocative The Middle East has been on fire with revolution. behaviour—for example, the relative impunity of settlers, This Arab spring is still burning, but the costs in house demolitions, the treatment of the Bedouin or human life have been massive. We have witnessed great land registration in the West Bank. The recent legal hope but also great abuse of human life and human report on the arrests and sentencing of Palestinian rights. When Arabs are slaughtering Arabs, should we children has already been mentioned. not ask ourselves why this very evening there will be no protests outside the Syrian embassy in London? In 1938, Mahatma Gandhi said of the Jews: Why have there been no calls for Iranian universities “They can settle in Palestine only by the goodwill of the to be boycotted? How was it that Bahrain was allowed Arabs. They should seek to convert the Arab heart”. to play host to Formula 1 motor racing? When such Even if the present Israeli Government forget such atrocities are taking place, where are the predictable prophetic words, the non-Jewish friends of Israel should protesters? Where is the Socialist Workers Party? Where persuade them. The Jewish diaspora throughout the is the Palestinian Solidarity Council? Where are the world should act now. Will they emphasise that true demands for further debates in Parliament? Where is security lies in peace? Will they restrain the zealots the normal righteous indignation? When Israel and the extremists? Will they explain how Jewish transgresses, the whole world goes crazy. It takes only brains can help Arabs to turn dreams into solid a minor incident on the West Bank or Gaza for the achievements? That is the challenge. Will both friends rent-a-mob crowd to be up in arms. Hypocrisy is the and diaspora rise to meet it? only word that comes to mind. I give the last word to a distinguished German-Jewish My noble friend Lady Blackstone referred to the woman, Sabine Stamminger, who said, “Respect works”. FCO report, entitled Children in Military Custody,on I urge Her Majesty’s Government not to give up on the treatment of Palestinian children under Israeli peace throughout the Middle East, however difficult it military law. Where are similar reports about children may be, because it will have implications for generations in military custody in Iran, Syria, China, the Democratic yet to come. Our Government should use all possible Republic of the Congo, or any other despotic region means—the Olympic Truce, arbitration and, above all, we could mention? That will never happen. But in leadership and the mobilisation of world opinion. democratic Israel, even painful investigations are allowed The wars and conflicts have major religious roots. The to take place. moral imagination of the great Abrahamic faiths, as well as traditional political and diplomatic skills, must In 2007 I was chairman of an organisation called therefore be used. These faiths will, I trust, convince Weizmann UK and today I am proud to sit as a world opinion that peace is far better than the unjust member of its executive council. Weizmann is not a and immoral status quo. university as such but a science institute working solely on basic science. It is a powerhouse in Israel 1.24 pm providing one-third of the PhDs in science in that country. Three years ago it achieved its first Nobel Lord Mitchell: My Lords, I must say to the noble prize. When there was much talk in this country of an Lord, Lord Hylton, that, as a member of the Jewish academic boycott of Israeli universities, I took all the diaspora, I have absolutely no influence whatever over actions noble Lords might have expected. I spoke in the settlers; nor would they ever listen to me. your Lordships’ House, wrote letters to the press and I thank the Minister for what he had to say today. It mustered as much support as I could, and I think we was a tour de force on the situation in the Middle East, won. Even though the calls for a boycott continue, the and as we come to the tail end of this debate, it has intensity is not as great. But for me it was not enough. been very inspiring. The headlines today say it all: I wanted to do something more to demonstrate that “Another massacre in Syria”. My notes say that 15,000 academic boycotts are not only wrong in principle but people have been killed in Syria; the Minister says that wrong in purpose. So I initiated a project called Making it is 17,000. When this butchery is over and the facts Connections, which has been a huge success. 1393 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1394

[LORD MITCHELL] from Israel and Arab countries, simply get on with it. We raised initial funding to enable Weizmann scientists The science comes first; it is the politicians who get in and UK scientists to collaborate on frontline projects the way. designed to advance scientific learning. Partnerships I invite noble Lords to imagine Israelis and Arabs have been established with, among others, Cancer UK working on joint projects on subjects that matter to Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, UCL, Durham, Warwick them, such as water, which other noble Lords mentioned. and Imperial. Among the subjects in question are: Crops could be developed that grow in saline water motor driven transcription factors in injured nerves; and all sorts of diseases could be prevented. The switchable nanomaterials for catalysis and sensing; the opportunities are many, but the political situation electrical double layer in pure ionic liquid next to an does not let it happen. It needs a breakthrough. electrified metal surface; and the interplay between So I have an out of the box request for the Minister algorithms and randomness. Noble Lords will get my to think about. I am not sure that I will get an answer drift. It is cutting edge science, with Israel and the UK today, but perhaps he will mull it over. Just as I and in partnership, and the eventual winners being mankind many others have initiated bilateral scientific co-operation itself. between British and Israeli universities, why does this There are, of course, other initiatives. The British country not go one step further? Why do we not have a and the Israeli Governments have entered into an three-way programme, with British, Israeli and Arab agreement to promote closer understanding between universities working together? We in Britain are in a universities in a whole host of subjects. My noble prime position to do this. We have connections with all friend Lord Turnberg, who is in his place, and his wife countries in the region. The Government could set up Lady Turnberg, created the Dr Daniel Turnberg a fund so that UK universities could take the lead and UK/Middle East Travel Fellowship in honour of their promote three-way joint projects. It would not need late son. Under this project, early-career biomedical massive publicity and it may not lead to peace, but it researchers from Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine would certainly improve the climate. Fanciful? Perhaps. and the UK have worked together and obtained great Impossible? Maybe. But in this world if you do not try, results. One day, Arab students will go to Israel and you get nowhere—and if it were to succeed, what a vice versa. coup it would be. Once upon a time, if you thought about Israel’s economy, you thought about oranges. Today Israel is 1.33 pm about science and technology.It is a high-tech powerhouse. Lord Janner of Braunstone: My Lords, I will speak When it comes to cutting-edge research and development, very briefly to terminate this debate. As we all know, it is second only to Silicon Valley. Nowhere in Europe there have been significant developments in the Middle even gets close. Technology fuels Israel’s economy. East, especially over the past 18 months with the Arab Last year it recorded GNP growth of 4.5%. Just like spring, with citizens fighting for new freedoms in their people in Singapore, Malaysia or China, Israelis look societies. at you blankly when you talk about a double-dip Israel is a technology hub that has achieved, and recession. continues to enhance, scientific discoveries that benefit countries all over the world. Technology continues to In the area of information technology, Microsoft, develop and grow, and Israel is one of the most Intel, Cisco and Motorola all have major development influential elements of this highly demanding industry. plants in Israel. Apple has just agreed to follow, and Only last week, at the annual lunch of the Labour Israel will be a major partner in its development. At Friends of Israel, my right honourable friend Ed Balls, CERN in Switzerland, Israeli scientists have been at the shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, addressed the forefront, and 11 of them have worked with colleagues the importance of high-tech advancement and bilateral to confirm the existence of the Higgs boson. relations as a way for our country and Israel to learn Using solar energy, Israelis are converting greenhouse from each other. He said that, gases into fuel. In medical research, they are dramatically “we see our mission as the opposite of those who seek to weaken improving the diagnosis of blood infection as well economic, trade union, intellectual and cultural ties … I believe as using extreme cold to destroy diseased tissue. I love the Israel experience teaches us that a strong and active partnership between business, universities and government is the right way the fact that Israel was the only country to end the forward, not laissez-faire”. 20th century with more trees than it started it with. That is right. Israel is indeed an incredible source of I know Israel well and I have worked closely with innovation, with more start ups per capita than anywhere its scientists. They love their subject and they love else in the world. Last year our Government set up a international collaboration. From time to time I have bilateral initiative called the UK-Israel Tech Hub, a posed an out of the box and totally impossible question: relationship that combines both countries’ intelligence “If you had the opportunity, how would you view to enhance and develop our British economic growth working with scientists in neighbouring countries?”. and Israel’s business connections. Everyone I spoke to was very excited, but they knew it As this coalition of business and science increases could never happen—yet it does happen. I saw it at between our countries, Israel is continuing to expand CERN, where Israeli scientists were working with in scientific know how. Indeed, only last month in their Muslim equivalents. I saw it at Haifa University, Rio at the United Nations conference on sustainable where 20% of the students are Arab. I have seen it in development, Israel announced its latest hi-tech Britain, where Jewish and Muslim students, often advancements in what it called “green technology”. It 1395 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1396 has found new ways to improve our environment and misery to those in the areas affected. Perhaps because to use alternative resources for energy that are beneficial of the region’s unparalleled sensitivity, the approach for nations across the globe. To prove how important of the West to the region has, with some notable this technology is, Japan has declared that it will use exceptions—such as over Palestine and Iran—been this knowledge in the development and rebuilding of characterised by a strong preference for stability over its towns and cities that were affected by the tragic change. tsunami which hit the country last year, as I am sure Broadly speaking, our approach to the Middle we all remember. East has been governed by a set of orthodoxies: an We should all recognise the developments in the orthodoxy that the governance of Arab nations of the Middle East over the past 18 months and the fundamental Middle East was broadly stable, at least at the level changes that have occurred in so many countries. of the regimes; an orthodoxy that the interests of the However, we must acknowledge that Israel has been, international community lay in support—tacit or and continues to be, the longest-running democracy in explicit—for these regimes, because the maintenance the region. It has been the only democracy in the of order, and the suppression of sectarianism, required Middle East for many years and has made advancements us to support authoritarian rule; an orthodoxy, especially in technology, science and achievement. It is a small, after the Iranian revolution in 1979, that we should be self-sustaining country which has fought for its identity. reticent in wishing for democracy in countries where It works tirelessly to promote and create new technology the ballot box might deliver Governments who were that will provide help to the entire world, and that we radical, populist and Islamist in character; and, among should all recognise. some, an orthodoxy that there was no great yearning That is the shortest speech that I have ever made in for democracy among the populations of many Middle Parliament. Eastern countries. The developments of the past 18 months have 1.37 pm exposed the limits of these orthodoxies. Some of the Lord Wood of Anfield: My Lords, I thank the most remarkable moments of our era—Mohamed Minister for today’s debate. There has been an excellent, Bouazizi’s self-immolation in Tunisia; the demonstrations wide-ranging and stimulating discussion on the changing in Tahrir Square; the overthrow of Colonel Gaddafi; face of the Middle East. I have certainly learnt a huge the Yemeni President agreeing to hand over power amount over the course of today from noble Lords after a third of a century in power; and the announcement with far greater experience and expertise than I have. of Mohamed Morsi’s victory in Egypt just two weeks ago, when many thought democracy would be strangled We have heard a variety of perspectives on the at birth—have forced us to think again about the individual countries in the region: we heard about the categories that we use to understand the Middle East Israel-Palestine issues from my noble friends Lord and the way we respond. Haskel, Lord Mitchell and Lady Blackstone and from the noble Lord, Lord Palmer. We heard a considerable The responses within the regimes to the popular amount about Iran from the noble Baroness, Lady pressure have been diverse and in many cases surprising. Falkner, the noble Lord, Lord Lamont, the noble and The Egyptian regime of President Mubarak collapsed gallant Lord, Lord Stirrup, and others. I want to make quite quickly, while in Syria, as we all know, the a slightly different kind of speech. I want to take a step continuing brutal response of the Ba’ath Government back from the details of specific countries and ask to opposition demonstrations and, now, armed civil how the extraordinary events of the past two years in war has disgusted the international community. In the Middle East should force us to reassess what kind general, the regimes of Arab monarchies have proven of foreign policy is appropriate for a region experiencing more resilient than Arab non-monarchies. In Iraq, such profound change. Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, we are watching the first fragile steps of nations towards some kind of post- I would argue that the suddenness, the irreversibility authoritarian democracy, however imperfect. These and the variety of transition processes that we are developments are still in train. The political situations seeing—from Libya and Tunisia in the west to Iraq in are fraught and fluid, but, although we have not east—should force noble Lords on all sides of the arrived at stable settlements in any of the countries of House to think again about the kinds of challenge the Middle East, we know that a foreign policy for the faced across the region. It should make us reconsider region based on past orthodoxies is no longer up to the instruments of foreign policy that are most suited the job. to supporting the region’s move to greater stability, greater prosperity and greater democracy. Although I I suggest a revised approach to foreign policy for shall not discuss the question of military intervention the Middle East and three different categories of action: directly, I associate myself with the strong scepticism first, policies to help end conflict, contain violence expressed by both the noble Baroness, Lady Falkner, and protect civilians; secondly, policies to help support and the noble Lord, Lord Lamont, about the peaceful transitions and new constitutional orders; consequences of such intervention, however well and, thirdly, in the longer term, policies to build up the intentioned. democratic capacity of post-authoritarian countries. The security situation in the Middle East has always Before turning to these three categories, I suggest been of greater concern to the international community that there is one precondition for the effectiveness of than that of any other part of the world. Crises in the any aspect of our foreign policy towards the Middle region can trigger global recessions; they divide the East: the need for international co-ordination of policy. international community as well as bringing sustained We will rarely, if ever, have a positive effect on the lives 1397 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1398

[LORD WOOD OF ANFIELD] and thus undermine the confidence of investors. For of the people of the Middle East by going solo. When example, Egypt has seen foreign investment collapse the international community is co-ordinated in taking to quarter the levels seen under Mubarak. Global disciplined and decisive action, it has a chance of economic fragility continues to undermine opportunities success. In Libya, concerted action by and through in the Middle East, particularly for young people. UN followed by military support to Gaddafi’s opponents That is often cited as one of the causes of the Arab helped avert the threat of a protracted civil war, while spring. Across the Arab world, over half the total the co-ordinated imposition of US and EU sanctions population is now under 25, yet youth unemployment two weeks ago on Iran’s oil exports has already had a remains at frighteningly high levels—and is growing. significant effect on immobilising Iran’s oil tanker These immediate concerns tend to dominate discussion fleet. However, where the international community of our foreign policy in the Middle East. But, however has been divided, as it has in different ways over the remote the prospect of more stable times might appear Iraq conflict, Israel/Palestine and most recently over at the moment, it is crucial that our foreign policy Syria, our ability to support peaceful change is diminished. begins to look to the longer-term needs of countries Co-ordination requires close partnership with our undergoing transition. These needs may be less immediate allies in the EU, as well as in the US. Although I shall but responding to them may be the most effective way not make any other partisan remarks in this speech, of our playing a part in securing a more peaceful and I hope that, despite this Government’s seemingly democratic region. accelerating Euroscepticism, they can in this area of foreign policy at least commit to working in constructive Let me turn to the second category of actions: partnership with our European allies. policies to help support stable transitions and the emergence of new constitutional orders. We know that I turn to the three categories of foreign policy that I the toppling of long-standing undemocratic regimes is mentioned earlier. The first is the immediate task of more often the prelude to disorder, chaos, the surfacing action to help end conflict and protect civilians. Violence of age-old sectarian enmities and sometimes protracted is a daily occurrence in too many countries of the violence than it is the first step towards some kind of Middle East. Bahrain has witnessed violence perpetrated Swedish liberal democracy. The first challenge is to by security forces against pro-democracy protesters. support efforts to establish processes that can help In Libya and Iraq, security forces, armed gangs and countries navigate the multiple small steps from overthrow militias continue to disrupt government and economic of the regime to providing officials whose election life and to threaten and kill innocent civilians. In enjoys broad legitimacy. In their different ways, Libya, Syria, now in a state of civil war, yesterday saw the Egypt and—most successfully—Tunisia are all embarking highest number of deaths in one day, I believe, since on this delicate but transformative process. March 2011. As we have heard, the total death toll now is around 17,000. I strongly support William We may feel like bystanders as we watch, for example, Hague’s call this morning for access for an urgent the tussle between the newly elected president and the United Nations investigation of the atrocious massacre military elite in Egypt—to a large extent, we must let in Traymseh yesterday. these transitions chart their own course—but the onus Disturbingly, Syria’s internal conflict also now seems is on us all to find ways of supporting the process of to threaten to spread to Turkey, Lebanon and perhaps transition, such as UN efforts to press for a national even Israel. Foremost among our challenges in the unity government in Syria, as discussed today, or international community is to prioritise efforts to force building on the success of the limited transition deal the cessation of violence in these varied situations, brokered in Yemen by the Gulf Co-operation Council. without which the other aspects of transition simply Now is the time for us to consider ways in which we cannot take place properly. In this context—and in can support the establishment of new constitutional light of today’s report by the Joint Committees on arrangements that suit—as the noble Lord, Lord Empey, Arms Export Controls recommending a change in our reminded us—the particularities of each country but policy towards sales of weapons and military equipment which embed authority in elected institutions and to authoritarian regimes—what is the Minister’s view protect the rights of citizens of whatever religious or of the action the Government are proposing to look ethnic background. In the long term, the stability of again at the rules for exports to such countries as Syria countries undergoing transitions will depend on the and Bahrain, where the world has witnessed such legitimacy of the institutions of political power. This brutal oppression? might seem a long way off but we can play an important role in stimulating what one might call “constitutional Alongside efforts to contain and defuse violence imagination” about which institutional arrangements sits the priority of responding to dire humanitarian suit the emerging democracies of the Middle East. situations across the region. In Yemen, estimates suggest that nearly half the population—about 10 million For example, in countries marked by bitter sectarian Yemenis—are, conflict, such as Lebanon, Bosnia or even Northern “either hungry or on the edge of hunger”. Ireland, institutional arrangements that embed power sharing in legislative, executive and administrative life In Aleppo in Syria, there are reports that residents are have been central to ensuring basic stability and now forced to scavenge for food and fuel, yet international legitimacy—sometimes called consociational democracies. humanitarian access is virtually non-existent. In other countries, different kinds of federalism are Finally, a less widely noted but severe challenge to used to meet the demands of different communities many countries is the deterioration of their economy. for greater relative autonomy. It may seem odd, or Transitions—even successful ones—bring uncertainty perhaps utopian, to argue that such applied political 1399 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1400 science should be an integral part of our foreign policy democracy were not easy bedfellows, but we now find thinking, but experience from across history suggests the thirst for democracy spreading across the region. that a constitution that responds to historical grievances It is a time of great excitement and great uncertainty. and commands respect for its fairness as well as its Our foreign policy towards that part of the world efficiency is a huge prize in the search for true stability. needs to adjust. That brings me to my third and final category of The three areas of priority that I have suggested are policy interventions: ways to make democracy work approaches that enable us to welcome transition from effectively and to reinforce the habits of democracy. authoritarian rule toward some kind of democratic We know from the experience of transitions in Africa, future rather than, as is too often the case, being South America and elsewhere that real stability and scared of the instability that it brings. Turbulent times functioning democracy do not, as the noble Lord, are dangerous times, but they need not be cause for Lord Risby, reminded us, emerge spontaneously when pessimism if we work in partnership with other nations elections happen and new constitutions are drawn up. to build a foreign policy based on a commitment to Over time—and it may take a long time—embedding support and reinforce democratic values. The courage the habits of democracy, ensuring that obstacles to the that the people of Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Bahrain, effective functioning of democratic institutions are Syria and elsewhere have shown deserves nothing less. overcome, is indispensable. The path from nominal to genuine democracy is often long and tortuous, but it can be shored up with support from countries such as 1.53 pm ours. Lord Howell of Guildford: My Lords, of course it is Let me take two brief examples of barriers to impossible to do full justice to all the wisdom and effective democracy to make the point. First, when analysis uttered during this debate this morning and authoritarian regimes collapse, the collapse often reveals this afternoon. I shall not be able to answer every a nexus of power structures underneath that prove question, although I shall attempt to cover as much much more resilient to change and persist into the ground as I can. I say straight away to the noble Lord, period of democratic transition—a good case being Lord Wood, that it is very welcome to hear his support that of the military in Egypt at the moment. The for my right honourable friend William Hague in his historic experience of countries such as Pakistan and call that the UN mission in Syria must be able to Turkey shows that the relationship between the military access Traymseh in the Hama district quickly and and formal democratic institutions can remain problematic without hindrance so that it can carry out an independent for a long time. In other countries, it is the relationship investigation into what has happened and who is between religious and secular authority that can limit responsible for the shocking atrocities that have been the extent to which democracy can truly take root. reported. Naturally, that makes us redouble our efforts There are no easy answers to those cases where to agree a Chapter 7 resolution of the United Nations countervailing forces limit the effectiveness of democracy, Security Council. I shall return to some of other but we need to take them seriously and use experience comments of the noble Lord later. from other countries to inform our approach in addressing them. A number of themes and preoccupations run through this. There is the call about the need for balance, with A second example is the need to build up civic which the noble Lord, Lord Haskel, set off our debate. capacity in countries that have had precious little It is very easy and right to call for balance but it is organised civic life outside organised religion and the extremely difficult to achieve as we weave our way state. We know from previous transitions that the through these rival claims, often with a lack of clear development of what some American political scientists information about what has happened, who has said have called a civic culture, acceptance of the authority what and what is going on. However, this is obviously of the state and widespread participation in civic life the aim that Her Majesty’s Government seek constantly are important parts of what makes democracies end to achieve in a very complex situation; and, as the up working well. In this area, we need to take a much noble Lord, Lord Anderson, reminded us in his excellent broader conception of foreign policy: one that embraces speech, it is a constantly changing situation. The emphasis the role of political parties in Britain working with of these different issues moves rapidly from one area new political parties in the region; one that seeks to another. partnerships with NGOs to build capacity with nascent NGOs in the Middle East; one that looks to support Let me go through some of the detail. First, we the work of organisations such as the BBC, the British heard from my noble friend Lady Falkner who straight Council and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, away touched on Iran, which has been an issue throughout as mentioned by my noble friend Lord Anderson and the debate, and whether tensions would be rising among the noble Lord, Lord Risby, which do so much to Israeli policymakers about the possibility of attack. promote debate, culture and transparency; and, as my These are issues that the noble and gallant Lord, Lord noble friend Lord Giddens reminded us, imagination Stirrup, also raised, as did the noble Lord, Lord about how social networking can be used to strengthen Hannay, my noble friend Lord Sheikh and many others. civic society. As a general observation, we take the closest possible interest in Israeli thinking and reactions to the evolution Our foreign policy towards much of the Middle of policy that goes on. Our policy is entirely intact East was historically based on the premise of stability, towards Iran, having had these three series of discussions. but we now find ourselves in an era of dramatic Pressure and engagement are the dual tracks we are change. It was based on a view that stability and pursuing. 1401 Middle East: Recent Developments[LORDS] Middle East: Recent Developments 1402

[LORD HOWELL OF GUILDFORD] poured into this lethal, miserable and tragic situation. It is true that the threat to the Strait of Hormuz, My noble friend Lord Risby spoke with great authority which we have heard inevitably and have heard before, about the Syrian scene and about the inevitability of may come along but Hormuz can be at least partially regime change. I hope that that is right; as I said in my bypassed by other pipeline developments. I think my opening remarks, we are watching carefully to see noble friend Lord Sheikh touched on this. The whether serious defections from the Assad circle are developments include the Fujairah pipeline, which can beginning. That is what we have to continue watching carry some extra oil and cut out the Strait of Hormuz. for. Nevertheless, this is a serious issue. It affects world Predictably, a number of noble Lords voiced concerns perceptions, international crude oil prices and so on. about the Middle East peace process and the unending This is the area of threats and actions, which we must and aggravating issue of settlements. I can tell the be right to seek to avoid by maintaining sensible noble Baroness, Lady Blackstone, without any negotiation. We agree that negotiation is obviously the equivocation that we have repeatedly condemned Israel’s best path forward, as the noble Lord, Lord Hannay, announcements that it is accelerating settlement-building emphasised. However, it must be negotiation and if we in the Occupied Territories, including in east Jerusalem. cannot achieve progress on that front then the pressure We have called on Israel to reverse these. As well as will grow. I described some measures that are already being illegal under international law, settlements being taken and will follow from the 1 July oil embargo. undermine the possibility of a two-state solution to One has to be realistic about that. the conflict and those working for a sustainable peace. My noble friend Lady Falkner also asked about We look constantly to the Government of Israel, and Diego Garcia. Supposing the scenario darkened, which are pressing them, to take all necessary steps to prevent I naturally hope it would not, and there was a military settlement construction, and we will not cease pressing. development of some kind, she asked what it would be I also have to say that we find the Levy commission used for. The answer is obvious. If Israel was to take conclusion, which says, in effect, “It’s all all right military action, the United States would be involved because these aren’t really occupied territories”, distinctly and if the United States was involved we would be odd. Frankly, it does not fit in with the realities. That involved. This would be a triggering of global action is on the negative side. I shall come to more positive and Diego Garcia would therefore obviously be dragged aspects of the peace process question in a moment. into it. However, this is a scenario of the future that we The noble Lord, Lord Watson, raised the issue of are anxious to avoid by the negotiation path. I make Bahrain, which I also touched on in my opening that absolutely clear. remarks. I assure him that we will certainly keep The noble Lord, Lord Empey, rightly observed that pressing on this matter. We regard Bahrain as friends, our democracy is not the only version. He is absolutely but friends who need to be pressed to deal more right. There is a tendency, which many of us in your constructively and effectively with the situation that Lordships’ House know we should seek to resist, to they face. No one questions or denies the difficulties arrive with packaged lectures on how democracy should and the tensions that are faced in Bahrain, and obviously work in cultures where, frankly, it works in completely there is religious or sectarian conflict between Shia different ways. It is always wise to bear that in mind. and Sunni factions. Nevertheless, I leave him in no The noble Lord asked about compensation following doubt that we will continue pressing on that. all the dark Libyan doings of the past under Colonel Gaddafi, which have led to sadness, tragedy and violence My noble friend Lord Dykes had a good go at US in Northern Ireland, and how the public and the policy. I thought that he was a shade harsh, but I Government’s approach fitted in with the private search would say this: here in the UK, because of our long for individual compensation. I do not find the difficulty history and experience, we can certainly assist our with that which he seemed to find. The aim of government close American colleagues and allies in handling some policy is to repair relationships generally with a number of the immensely difficult situations that we all face of measures that we are taking, leaving the quest for collectively—not any particular country—in the Middle individual compensation in private hands. If he has East. My noble friend was also right to praise Turkey more worries about that, I am happy to go into it with and the Turkish role, which is something that we need him in future. to co-ordinate and work with very closely. Turkey is a major influence on the Middle East situation and is My noble friend Lord Lamont said, in a very developing a new emphasis in its policies which we impressive speech, “Don’t arm the Syrian rebels”. We want to work closely with. are not; our policy is only to provide non-lethal equipment and advice, and that is what we are doing. The people When the noble Lord, Lord Stone, rises, my spirits who are being armed are the Assad regime. We know tend to rise as well on these occasions when we look about Iran; I cannot give the noble Lord, Lord Hannay, around the generally extremely gloomy outlook because the detail that he wants because we just do not have it, he always brings news of practical, sensible developments but we know that arms are passing from Iran to the that are raising living standards, easing poverty and regime. We are also deeply concerned by reports of meeting, overcoming or bypassing the political difficulties, Russia’s supplies to the regime. We can all read the particularly on the Arab/Israeli front, but in other latest reports in the newspapers about additional Russian areas as well. I congratulate him on all that he is warships going to the port of Tartus, some of which doing. may be laden with equipment, helicopters and so on, I feel somewhat the same about the experience and that could be and perhaps are being used by the Assad wisdom of my noble friend Lord Sheikh, who also regime. The reality, I am afraid, is that arms are being brings news of the investment potential opening up in 1403 Middle East: Recent Developments[13 JULY 2012] Middle East: Recent Developments 1404 these regions that if pursued, despite all the politics they sound awfully like what we are trying to do and the setbacks, can bring only benefit. My noble already. I am sure he has ideas for doing them better, friend also mentioned Oman. He did not reprove me, but they are the driving forces of our strategy in the but I reprove myself for not mentioning it in my Middle East. As to co-ordination, it is not just opening speech because our relations with that country co-ordination with our EU allies and partners, which are extremely good. We work very closely with it in all goes on, but, such is the global nature of our problems, sorts of ways, as your Lordships know. Perhaps the it is co-ordination, if we can achieve it, with Beijing lack of mention was simply because there are no and the policy-makers in Shanghai and other places problems. who inspire Chinese foreign policy and open up the Other noble Lords also emphasised what Israel and fact that China can no longer stick to a non-interference Palestine can do together: the noble Lord, Lord Haskel, policy because its interests are directly affected in the at the beginning of our debate and the noble Lords, Middle East. There is the co-ordination with Turkey Lord Hylton, Lord Mitchell and Lord Janner. The and the other rising and emerging powers of Africa. suggestion by the noble Lord, Lord Mitchell, about This has become a task of infinitely greater complexity universities working together excites me. I have no than merely working with our next-door neighbours idea whether it is practical or to what extent Governments in the European Union. should be involved in what should perhaps be a non- The noble Lords, Lord Anderson and Lord Ahmad, governmental initiative, but this sort of thing must made excellent speeches as well. I mention the correct make the scene and the underlying context better so analysis of the noble Lord, Lord Anderson, of the that we can get the MEPP to move again in a rather current changing emphasis in the Middle East. Out more encouraging way. thoughts are obviously on the Syrian horror, but no The noble Lord, Lord Hannay, contributed his doubt new and more difficult challenges lie ahead. wisdom and experience about the UN. We will continue Developments in the Middle East and north Africa to mount all kinds of robust pressures to get a Chapter 7 are being driven by the desire of the peoples of those resolution. If it appears that some members of the countries to determine their future—to determine who P5—most obviously Russia, but perhaps China—are governs them and by which rules—and to freely express reluctant, we will have no hesitation about nevertheless themselves and earn a fair living, which is vital, and pushing forward initiatives to bring home to them the support their families. Perhaps we have not covered essential need for us to work together if there is to be the economics of the situation as much as we should effective co-ordination in meeting the horrors of Syria have this afternoon, but they are central. or the dangers of Iran, which are just as much dangers Her Majesty’s Government’s approach will always to Beijing and Moscow as they are to western capitals be to support these people, their hopes and desires. We and to the capitals of the Middle East as well. are proud of programmes we have in place, such as the The noble Lord, Lord Giddens, made a fascinating Arab Partnership and many other dialogues and bilateral speech about how social media empower people and and multilateral links which we operate from the Foreign weaken Governments. I totally agree with that thesis and Commonwealth Office with the vigorous support and have long argued it myself. It is obvious that the of my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary—and, internet and the web liberalise in that Governments no indeed, of my colleagues as well. If we stay true to our longer have a monopoly of data, but they also endanger values, committed to change and conscientious in by empowering very sinister groups. I was delighted to achieving it, Britain can play an important role in hear his speech. Some of us have been writing about forging more open, tolerant, stable and prosperous these things for a couple of decades, and in due course societies in the region, from which we will all benefit. I all our great media commentators and so on will grasp like to think that what your Lordships have contributed the impact of the electronic and information revolution this afternoon will help to clarify and unify our attempts, on the position of Governments and on the power of and reinforce what we are trying to do to achieve overcentralised Governments to retain control, which a better pathway forward for what has been such a they can no longer do. troubled region. The noble Lord, Lord Wood, wound up with a very Motion agreed. interesting survey of how he feels policy should change. He set out his three policy aims, and I have to say that House adjourned at 2.12 pm.

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I will shortly lay the 2012 Child Maintenance Written Statements Command Paper (Cm 8399) entitled Supporting Separated Families; Securing Children’s Futures. This paper will Friday 13 July 2012 set out the details of the Government’s approach to the child maintenance landscape so that it is centred Armed Forces: Defence Youth on supporting families. Engagement For too long we have had a child maintenance system in this country that fails children, fails parents Statement and fails the taxpayer. Half (over 1.5 million) of children living in separated families have no effective The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry child maintenance arrangement in place despite a of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever): My right honourable statutory system of maintenance that costs the taxpayer friend the Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare almost £1/2 billion each and every year. There is little and Veterans (Andrew Robathan) has made the following support for parents to work collaboratively and the Written Ministerial Statement. present system provides little incentive for recalcitrant The Defence Youth Engagement Review (YER) parents to take their financial responsibilities seriously, was completed late last year and, since then, the without the state incurring hefty enforcement costs. Ministry of Defence (MoD), assisted by other departments This has to change. and key stakeholders, has been developing its response. In January 2011, we published the Green Paper The review considered all aspects of defence youth Strengthening families; promoting parental responsibility; engagement, including the award winning Education the future of child maintenance Cm 7990 (available on Outreach programme where MoD officials mentor the department’s website at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/ young people. However, given their size and dominance, docs/strengthening-families.pdf). The Green Paper laid the review concentrated on the cadet forces. out our ideas about how the new child maintenance I am delighted to inform the House that the review system might look; placing a greater emphasis on concluded that there is little wrong with our cadet supporting parents to make their own arrangements; forces at the detachment level; with over 3,300 units continuing to provide a heavily subsidised statutory and 140,000 cadets spread across the UK. A copy of scheme for those unable to do so; and introducing the review will be placed in the Library of the House. service charges for the use of the statutory scheme to The single services are justifiably proud of their provide a financial incentive to collaborate. association with the individual cadet forces and there The Command Paper sets out further details on the is no intention to create a joint cadet force, although ideas put forward in the Green Paper and provides the review did point out some structural issues including more on: services for separated and separating families the need for a more joined-up approach from the and how we will support parents to work together MoD down to regional level. Following the YER, four including maintenance direct; the new statutory scheme key areas have been prioritised for further work; reviewing and its revised methods for calculating maintenance; adult volunteers’terms and conditions of service, reviewing and the programme for closing existing cases and cadet activity in schools, addressing the issues and moving them into one of the options in the new duplication of the management information systems, approach. Evidence shows that children benefit when and exploring options to expand the cadet forces. The parents work together after separation and the House will be aware of the Prime Minister’s Government’s aim, through all of the proposed measures, announcement, as part of Armed Forces Day, that is to encourage collaboration between parents. funding has been made available by the Government to open 100 new cadet units in state funded secondary Working with the voluntary and community sector, schools by 2015. I am committed to helping ensure better co-ordinated The review also challenged us to consider how services for separated and separating families so that, defence would engage with the National Citizen Service where parents decide to separate, they receive the right and to develop an expansion plan. Following discussions information and support to help them maintain a with the Cabinet Office and the Department for collaborative relationship with each other, including Education, over 600 cadets will join a tailored trial of agreeing maintenance arrangements, in the best interests NCS this summer. of their children. I announced our intention to invest Finally, the review highlights the excellent work £20 million in this programme in January and today I done by our 26,000 cadet force adult volunteers. I am setting out details—plans developed with the support believe we all owe them a debt of gratitude for their of voluntary organisations—of how this money will unstinting efforts to develop tomorrow’s citizens. be used to support families including online, on the telephone and face-to-face. The new statutory scheme, which will be branded Child Maintenance the “Child Maintenance Service”, will be faster and Statement more efficient, using annual gross income reported by HMRC. I am setting out today further details of the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department new scheme including maintenance direct and collection for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): My honourable charges, to encourage parents to pay each other directly friend the Minister for Disabled People (Maria Miller) within the statutory scheme. I am also setting out the has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. proposed levels of charges where people fail to keep WS 151 Written Statements[LORDS] Written Statements WS 152 up to date with their maintenance and require expensive Birmingham CLT; enforcement action to secure payments for their children. Blackburn with Darwen (Sustainable Neighbourhood All existing Child Support Agency cases will be Services); closed to offer clients the opportunity to think again, Brighton and Hove Community Learning Trust with proper support, about whether a family-based BHCLT; arrangement may be best for their children. I am CLCumbria (CLC); setting out today further details on the proposed way in which this process of case closure will work. Community Learning in Cheshire (CLiC); Draft regulations governing charging and case closure Derby Community Learning Trust; will also be published. A 14-week consultation on Learning-for-All (Bedfordshire and Luton); these will begin next week. Liberate (West Sussex); I will place the impact assessments and draft regulations Liverpool Opportunities for Community Adult for consultation in the House Library. These documents Learning (LOCAL); and the Command Paper will be published on the Sheffield Community Learning Trust; Department for Work and Pensions’ website shortly. Sunderland’s Community Learning Trust; The Luton Trust; Community Learning Trusts The Solihull Source; Statement Trust in Learning—new curriculum, in new places for new learners in Exeter; and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department West of England Community Learning Trust (Bristol). for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): My honourable friend the Minister for Further Education and Lifelong Learning (John Hayes) has today made Constitutional Reform and Governance Act the following Statement. 2010 In December 2011, New Challenges, New Chances, Statement the Government’s reform plan for further education and skills, set out the department’s intention to pilot a The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord range of community learning trust models from August McNally): Today, I am announcing further details of 2012, against the background of revived and strong how the Government will reduce, from 30 to 20 years, Government support for lifelong learning. The pilots the point at which historical records are made available will lead the way in giving local people a real say in at the National Archives and other places of deposit. decisions about adult learning in their communities This is in response to a report delivered by a committee and maximising the value of public investment. chaired by Paul Dacre, the editor of the Daily Mail, I am announcing today that 15 partnerships have which was commissioned by the previous Government. been invited to pilot local Community Learning Trusts. The change to a “20-year rule” is a key part of our Local organisations, including learning providers, Transparency Agenda and will see a wealth of historical businesses, voluntary sector organisations, training material opened to the public much earlier than under organisations and local services, will work together to current arrangements. The aim is to provide greater increase local decision-making about learning priorities openness and accountability, strengthening democracy and develop robust financial strategies that will enable through more timely public scrutiny of government community learning to grow and flourish. policy and decision-making. The pilot trusts will test a range of different models This is a major change and it is therefore important to identify effective approaches to: that it is introduced in a manageable and affordable increase the overall number of learners; way. A phased approach will be adopted. The point at motivate and progress people who are disadvantaged; which records are transferred to the National Archives make the most impact on people’s lives; and (largely central government records) will be reduced from 2013 over a 10-year transitional period, with two generate income to reinvest in learning. years’ worth of records being transferred to the National Pilot trusts will have support in developing a consistent Archives every year until transition is complete. From evidence-gathering strategy and a robust external 2023, when this transition is complete, we will transfer evaluation will review the different models and their the single year’s worth of records which are caught by impact on learning, learners and local communities. the “20-year rule” each year. This first stage of the I strongly believe that learning is not just for local change will affect an estimated 3.3 million records and people and their communities, but still more belongs cost an estimated £34.7 million to £38.5 million over to local people and must answer to them for its success 10 years. or failure. These pilots will enable communities to We then intend to begin from 2015 a similar 10-year have more control over their local learning offer and transitional period for records transferred to 116 local will help shape the future of community learning, authority places of deposit, subject to the outcome of which is surely amongst the brightest jewels of civil further detailed work on costs and the impact to the society. local authority archive sector. Current estimates of The following organisations have been invited by the cost of the second phase are £5.6 million to the Skills Funding Agency to become pilot trusts: £15 million over 10 years. This will ensure that the WS 153 Written Statements[13 JULY 2012] Written Statements WS 154

“20-year rule” is implemented in an affordable way to crime and justice we are taking forward to improve that achieves the greatest level of transparency. policing, to tackle anti-social behaviour, to introduce The maximum lifespan of a number of exemptions more effective punishments and community sentences, provided by the Freedom of Information Act will be and to deliver better services for victims. reduced for all public authorities in parallel with Taken together, they are the foundation of our the first transitional period. From 1 January 2014 the strategy to reduce crime and the victims it creates. maximum duration of the following exemptions will reduce by one year per annum over a 10-year period: sections 30 (investigations and proceedings conducted Department for Communities and by public authorities); 32 (court records); 33 (audit Local Government functions); 35 (formulation and development of government Statement policy); 36 (prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs), except in relation to Northern Ireland and the work of Executive Committee of Northern Ireland The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department Assembly; and 42 (legal professional privilege). for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): The transition to a “20 year rule”will be a transparent My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary process. The National Archives will report annually to of State for Communities and Local Government (Andrew the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Stunell) has made the following Written Ministerial on the progress made by ministerial government Statement. departments. Department-level data will be published Today the Government are publishing a group of on the National Archives’ website, including volumes reports presenting the findings from research projects due for processing each year, numbers transferred, commissioned by the previous Administration. and progress against declared transfer plans. We are publishing these documents in the interests of transparency and as part of our Freedom of Information commitment to publish the results of all Criminal Justice: Reform commissioned research. For transparency, all completed Statement work is being published regardless of format or robustness. The seven reports published today represent the The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord findings from seven research projects at a total cost of McNally): My right honourable friend the Minister of £190,320. These findings cover the topics of building, State for policing and criminal justice (Nick Herbert) planning and the environment. has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. This research provides an improved evidence base Today, the Government’s White Paper on criminal to understand the costs, benefits and practical implications justice reform, Swift and Sure Justice: the Government’s of applying the Lifetime Home Standard to new build Plans for Reform of Criminal Justice has been laid housing development. In particular it develops cost before Parliament. analysis which more accurately reflects the likely contribution of access standards to the cumulative The White Paper sets out a programme of reform impact of regulation on housing supply, and sets out which builds on some of the lessons learned from the clearly the likely impact on different housing typologies, response to last year’s disturbances, during which the and on site density. Police, prosecutors and courts worked together—and offenders were brought to justice within days, sometimes Although these reports are from the last even hours. Administration, they do touch upon current government policy. The coalition Government have set out in the The programme focuses on the points where work National Planning Policy Framework that local plans passes between the agencies and is designed to enable must take into account the housing needs of a range them to work together more effectively to deliver of users including older and disabled people. In services which are: November’s Housing Strategy, this Government also swift: so that the low level, straightforward and set out their expectation that new development should uncontested cases are dealt with promptly and have a diverse mix of property types, including more efficiently; and accessible designs such as the Lifetime Home Standard. sure: so that the system grips offenders at an early However, we do not intend to introduce national stage, preventing the slide into more serious regulation. We believe that decisions should be made offending. at a local level, in proportion to local need and aligned The White Paper sets out for example, how we are with other local housing support and information already making better use of technology and managing services. cases more efficiently. It also sets out proposals for a Lifetime Homes Standards new role for magistrates, reinforcing their historic role Modelling the current and potential accessibility of in community justice. From November, police and the housing stock—this report by Building Research crime commissioners will be in place to help galvanise Establishment considers the accessibility of the existing local police, prosecution, courts and other agencies to housing stock in England with particular reference to work together to prevent crime and reduce reoffending. its utility for older and disabled people. The report The reforms aim to transform criminal justice from uses data from the English Home Condition Survey to a fragmented, paper based system into a seamless, identify the frequency and suitability of a range of streamlined service. They complement the wider reforms built features within homes to arrive at an overall WS 155 Written Statements[LORDS] Written Statements WS 156 assessment of their accessibility and future adaptability. properties by adopting the standard. The project utilised The report was commissioned in 2006 at a cost of analysis of a range of typical speculative housing £56,305. development plans and compares these designs with Assessing the cost of Lifetime Homes Standards—this entirely new housing layouts which incorporate the report by the Building Cost Information Service looks 16 elements of the Lifetime Home Standard. This at establishing the cost impact of introducing the report was commissioned in 2009 at a cost of £10,000. Lifetime Homes Standards in private sector housing, At a time when public budgets must be reduced, the identifying best practice and the potential cost savings new Government want to ensure their research delivers that can be delivered through efficiency of design. The best possible value for money for the taxpayer and report was commissioned in 2009 at a cost of £34,818. that sums expended are reasonable in relation to the Health benefits of Lifetime Home Standards—this public policy benefits obtained. My department has report by the Building Research Establishment sets put in place new scrutiny and challenge processes for out findings from work to determine the relative benefits future research. of building to the Lifetime Home Standard. Utilising Any new projects will be scrutinised to ensure the existing data from the Housing Health and Safety methodology is sound and that all options for funding Rating System, the research evaluated the health costs are explored at an early stage. This includes using associated with the different levels of harm relating existing work from other organisations, joint funding either to direct NHS costs or to societal costs. The projects with other departments or organisations and report was commissioned in 2009 at a cost of £21,302. taking work forward in-house. Lifetime Homes: Technical forum—this report by Copies of these reports are available on the Department Habinteg Housing Association captures discussions for Communities and Local Government website. Copies and recommendations which emerged from a Technical have been placed in the Library of the House. Working Group established to test proposals for improving guidance in the Lifetime Home Standard. This report was commissioned in 2009 at a cost of £17,448. Disabled People: Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance Analysis of distribution of housing typologies in Public and Private Sector and typical compatibility Statement with the Lifetime Home Standard—this research conducted by Levitt Bernstein considers the impact of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department and current compliance with the 16-point standard of for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud): My honourable “Lifetime Homes Lifetime Neighbourhoods—a National friend the Minister for Disabled People (Maria Miller) strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society”. Mindful has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. that the standards were originally developed with very Disability living allowance (DLA) and attendance suburban 2, 3 and 4 bed detached housing in mind, allowance (AA) are paid to people with extra needs there was a need to review the 16-point standard and arising from their disabilities. These benefits are consider the implications of applying it to current and administered by the DWP. Where people are of state emerging new build housing typologies in England pension age and are receiving state pension or pension and Wales. The research develops and agrees a model credit, it has become normal practice to combine the of the variety and distribution of future housing typologies payment of AA or DLA with state pension and pension in England and Wales and analyses what impact the credit so that the customer receives one combined application of Lifetime Homes Standards will have on weekly payment of benefit. These combined payments varying house typologies. The study focussed primarily are administered by DWP Benefit Centres and Pension on private sector housing. This report was commissioned Centres. in 2009 at a cost of £34,360. In 2007, errors of duplicate payments were found The Impact of Lifetime Homes on Site Density—this for AA and DLA. Action was taken at the time and research work conducted by Levitt Bernstein is an assurances given to Parliament that the situation was extension to an earlier piece of work and represents an resolved. In 2011, in support of the departments strategy initial exploration of the impact that the application to reduce losses to public funds, DWP Accounting of Lifetime Homes Standards is likely to have on the Services began running a new scan across its payment site density of private sector housing. It concentrates systems. This identified that a full solution had not on low to medium density suburban developments, been found in 2007 and as a result duplicate payments typically 30 to 60 dwellings per hectare. The research continued to be paid in approximately 1,600 cases. The consisted of a theoretical analysis to calculate the rate of duplicate payment varies from £20.55 to £131.50 a effect on plot size of various increases to plan footprints; week depending on the award of AA or DLA and the an assessment of impact on density on a small sample estimated total overpayment is £16 million. It is extremely of typical site layouts in addition to feed back from disappointing that this situation was not resolved in industry about site density and marketability. This 2007 and that thorough monitoring was not put in report was commissioned in 2009 at a cost of £16,087. place then in light of the fact that mistakes had been Design of Lifetime homes—this research conducted identified now. by Hunt Thomson Architects seeks to evaluate the To rectify this, a monitoring programme has been impact on designing private sectors homes to meet the put in place to ensure that there should be no further Lifetime Home Standard, and in particular to understand duplicate payments occurring in the future, and it is the likely impact of seeking to minimise both increase clearly right that these cases should now be corrected. in cost and any necessary increase in the overall size of However, given the age and disability of the customers WS 157 Written Statements[13 JULY 2012] Written Statements WS 158 affected, we have considered carefully how we carry to provide access to the courts and tribunal system to out recovery. Indeed, 60% of cases have an appointee. those who cannot. We will take into account the Each case will be considered on an individual basis responses received to this consultation when we develop and customers will be contacted to explain our error. I our proposals. A consultation will be published in will consider making ex gratia payments, in a small autumn 2012 and respondents will have the opportunity number of cases where we consider it inappropriate to to provide further comments at this point. withdraw the over provision of benefit. Based on The consultation response document has been information held by the department the estimated cost deposited in the Library of both Houses and we will of these payments will be no more than £500,000 in a now work towards implementation of the fee structure full year. I will also be writing to appointees to remind in the summer of 2013. them of their duties to ensure correct payment. Energy: Nuclear Power Employment Tribunals and Employment Statement Appeal Tribunal Statement The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Lord Marland): My The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord honourable friend the Minister of State for Energy McNally): My honourable friend the Parliamentary (Charles Hendry) has made the following Written Ministerial Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice (Jonathan Statement. Djanogly) has made the following Written Ministerial In December 2011, the Department of Energy and Statement. Climate Change (DECC) published its consultation I have today published the response to the consultation response document on plutonium management. paper Charging Fees in Employment Tribunals and the The consultation response document set out Employment Appeal Tribunal. The response announces Government’s preferred policy on plutonium management the proposed fee structure for these tribunals. The as reuse of plutonium as mixed oxide fuel (MOX) introduction of fees to these bodies will relieve pressure noting that while Government believe it has sufficient on the taxpayer by transferring some of the cost information to set out a direction, it is not yet sufficient burden from taxpayers to users. It may also encourage to make a specific decision to proceed with procuring parties to think through whether they might settle a new MOX plant, and that if we cannot establish a their disputes earlier and faster by using other less satisfactory means of implementation then the way adversarial methods of dispute resolution, such as forward may need to be revised. Acas conciliation, which will continue to be provided In addition, the Government said that overseas free to users. owners of plutonium stored in the UK could, subject These tribunals cost the taxpayer over £84 million to commercial terms that are acceptable to the UK per annum and currently no financial contribution is Government, have that plutonium managed in line sought from parties. The Government think it is right with UK plutonium and in addition, subject to compliance that those who use the system should contribute towards with inter-governmental agreements and acceptable the cost, in the same way as users of other parts of the commercial arrangements the UK is prepared to take justice system contribute to the costs of providing the ownership of overseas plutonium stored in the UK service. after which it would be treated in line with UK owned The consultation closed on the 6 March 2012 and plutonium. The Government consider that there are 140 responses were received. The Government have advantages to having national control over more of considered carefully the points raised and have decided the civil plutonium that is in the UK allowing us to introduce a fee at issue and before hearing as well as greater influence over how we ultimately manage it. five application specific fees. The response document The Department of Energy and Climate Change sets out the arguments brought forward by respondents has agreed to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the Government’s consideration of those arguments (NDA) participating in a series of swaps of plutonium in more detail. That document and associated impact material which will result in the NDA taking ownership assessments is available online at www.justice.gov.uk. of around 4 tonnes of plutonium stored in the UK We have decided to extend the existing HMCTS previously owned by certain German utilities. Some of remissions system to protect access to justice for those this plutonium was subject to contract for manufacturing using the employment tribunal and the Employment MOX fuel in the now closed Sellafield MOX Plant. Appeal Tribunal. A number of concerns were raised in This transaction, which has been endorsed by the response to the consultation about the remissions Euratom Supply Agency, will not result in any new system and how it will operate in light of the Government’s plutonium being brought into the UK and will not planned reform of the benefit system. It will be necessary therefore increase the overall amount of plutonium in to amend the remissions system for these changes and the UK, but will enable a net reduction in the total MoJ will therefore be undertaking a separate review of amount of separated plutonium stored in Europe. remissions. The commercial agreements between the NDA, Our aim will be to produce a single remissions German utilities and Areva will (i) make available system for courts and tribunals which is simpler to use, plutonium in France to which the German utilities more cost efficient and better targeted to ensure that will take title and (ii) transfer title to NDA of the those who can afford to pay fees do so, while continuing plutonium currently ascribed to the German Utilities WS 159 Written Statements[LORDS] Written Statements WS 160 at Sellafield. This will result in German utilities’ plutonium There are currently six any other business points being available in France for manufacture into MOX confirmed: fuel by Areva without undertaking a physical shipment. an update from the Commission on the situation in We agreed to this transaction since, in this case, the dairy sector; taking ownership offers a commercially advantageous co-operation with China in the agri-food sector; arrangement which enables the German utilities to mackerel; receive MOX fuel and removes the need to transport this separated plutonium to France. Transporting the CAP paying agencies conference; separated plutonium is a complex operation that carries fires in Spain; significant associated security obligations that require situation report on the dairy market; careful management. Whilst the UK has significant a request for the re-introduction of export refunds expertise in transporting this category of material, for dairy products; and avoiding such shipments and the associated security measures is desirable if there is an acceptable alternative animal welfare (transport). solution to shipping. The financial benefits to the UK of taking ownership are considered to be sufficient to offset the estimated long-term cost of managing that EU: Budget plutonium in the UK. It will also enable MOX fuel to Statement be provided to German utilities ahead of the German national reactor shut down programme. This places The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord end dates on German reactor operations and therefore Sassoon): My honourable friend the Financial Secretary their capacity to use MOX fuel. to the Treasury (Mark Hoban) has today made the The UK has committed to publish annual figures following Written Ministerial Statement. for national holdings of civil plutonium at the end of I am today laying before Parliament, the European each calendar year to improve transparency and public Union Finances: Statement on the 2012 EU Budget and confidence. The most recent data can be found at: Measures to Combat Fraud and Financial Mismanagement http://www.hse.gov.uk/nuclear/safeguards/ (Cm 8405). It is the thirty-second in the series. civilplut11.htm. The Statement gives details of revenue and expenditure This data will be updated in due course to reflect in the 2012 EU Budget and covers recent developments the change brought about by the UK taking ownership in EU financial management and measures to counter of the German plutonium. fraud against the EU Budget. It also includes an annex on the use of EU funds in the UK. The current economic and financial climate demands EU: Agriculture and Fisheries Council that the EU spend within its means, the Government Statement remain determined to ensure transparency and better value for money in EU budget spending, and to push for improvements in EU financial management. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): My right honourable friend the Secretary EU: Partnership Agreements of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Statement (Caroline Spelman) has today made the following Statement. The next Agriculture and Fisheries Council is on Monday 16 July in Brussels and the first under the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department Cypriot presidency. My right honourable friend the for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): Minister of State for Agriculture and Food (Jim Paice) My honourable friend the Minister for Business and will represent the UK. Stewart Stevenson MSP will Enterprise (Mark Prisk) has today made the following also attend. Statement. The main items on 16 July will be proposals and The Government are considering how best to deliver debates on the rural development, specifically risk the 2014-20 programme for the European Regional management measures, and the single common Development Fund, European Social Fund, European organisation of the markets sections of the Commission Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. Within a smaller overall EU budget, our aims are for the funds There will also be a Commission presentation and to: exchange of views regarding a consultation on fishing opportunities for 2013. help the UK meet its targets on driving sustainable growth and jobs; and The document is a consultation on the Commission’s intended approach this year for the process of setting be delivered more efficiently and effectively. total allowable catches and effort levels for the EU In April this year, my department carried out an fleet in 2013, in accordance with the EU Common informal consultation in England to inform the Fisheries Policy. The Commission is consulting on development of the partnership agreement, which is their intentions for this process with member states, essentially a high level business plan to be agreed with Regional Advisory Councils and the Advisory Committee the European Commission, setting out how the UK for Fisheries and Aquaculture. proposes to deliver the funds. WS 161 Written Statements[13 JULY 2012] Written Statements WS 162

In response to this informal consultation, stakeholders of the items exported or transferred, the destination, have called for: value and/or quantity, and some information about reduced administrative burdens in delivering each the end-user. This data will be published in aggregated of the funds; form, by destination, in the Government’s quarterly ability to align funds, as appropriate, to enable a and annual reports on strategic export controls, and more holistic approach to dealing with barriers to will be searchable through the Strategic Export Control: growth; Reports and Statistics website; flexibility in managing funding programmes that when submitting a licence application, applicants allow for a more place based approach as well as will be required to indicate whether any information an issue based approach; in their applications is sensitive and should not be made public, and give reasons why. In considering better use of match funding by aligning national whether to release this information the Government programmes, local expenditure and private sector will take the applicant’s wishes into account but will investment with EU funds; and not be bound by them. I envisage that certain information local engagement throughout the process. will always be considered sensitive, such as a product’s The Government are now considering how to take unit price and its technical specifications, and in this forward and will gather further evidence before a some circumstances the name of the exporter and formal consultation in the spring. end-user might also be considered sensitive. The We are placing copies of the Government response mechanism by which we make this additional information in the Libraries of the House. A copy will also be public is still to be decided; and available on the website at: http://www.bis.gov.uk/ there was less of an understanding of how an policies/economic-development/european-structural- independent reviewer would operate and the benefits and-cohesion-funds. that this role would bring. We will therefore return to this issue at a later date. Export Control Work will proceed between now and the end of the Statement financial year on making the necessary technical changes to SPIRE and the Reports and Statistics website, and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department in preparing guidance for exporters. We will of course for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): aim to keep any additional administrative burden on My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for exporters to a minimum. Business, Innovation and Skills (Dr Vince Cable) has Public confidence in the workings of the export today made the following Statement. licensing system is crucial. These measures will result Further to my Written Ministerial Statement of in a significant increase in the amount and quality of 7 February on strategic export controls, I would like to information that the Government make public about update the House on progress implementing the three controlled exports. This will enable the public and proposals to increase the transparency of the export Parliament to more effectively hold the Government licensing process. The three proposals are: to account in this important and sensitive area. to insert into all open export licences a provision requiring the exporter to report periodically on transactions undertaken under these licences. The Government will then publish this information; Fire Service College: Key Performance to explore ways of making additional information Indicators (contained in standard export licence applications) Statement public while protecting any sensitive material; and to appoint an independent person to scrutinise the operation of the export control organisation’s licensing process. The role of this independent The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department person would be to confirm that the process is for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): indeed being followed correctly and report on their My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary work. of State for Communities and Local Government (Bob The department held a number of meetings with Neill) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. representatives of exporters and NGOs and issued a The following key performance indicators have been discussion paper and questionnaire in order to obtain agreed for the Fire Service College as part of the the widest range of views on specific aspects of the 2012-13 business planning round and performance proposals. We received around 100 responses to the against them will be reported in the College’s annual questionnaire and I am grateful to all those who took report and accounts: the time to respond. A summary and analysis of the To support the Department for Communities and responses, and the conclusions drawn from them, have Local Government in its objective to achieve a successful been published at www.bis.gov.uk. sale of the College and one that meets the Government’s Taking each proposal in turn: objectives to: a facility will be provided on SPIRE, the export secure the college’s future as a provider of fire and licensing database, for exporters to upload data on rescue and wider emergency services operational their usage of open general and open individual training and as a venue for large multi-agency export licences. The data will include a description exercises; WS 163 Written Statements[LORDS] Written Statements WS 164

achieve overall value for money for the Department the way for three private sector bidders to compete for for Communities and Local Government, the UK the provision of these services. This is the first time Fire and Rescue Service and the taxpayer, including that a major area of probation work has been opened transaction receipts; and up to the private sector through a competitive bidding secure continuing access to the national resilience exercise. It follows that the contract award that I am strategic assets. announcing today represents a significant step forward in using competition to improve the delivery of probation Achieve the 2012-13 budget. services, in line with the proposals set out in the Green Short-term staff sick absence, measured over the Paper Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, financial year, to be no more than four days per Rehabilitation and Sentencing of Offenders. employee at the financial year end. The winner of the competition to provide community Achieve 80% in “good” and “excellent” scores for payback services in the London Probation Area is UK customer satisfaction achievement of learning Serco. The winning bid delivers substantial savings to objectives. the taxpayer of £25 million (37%) over the life of the Achieve 80% in “good” and “excellent” scores for four-year contract. They will work closely with a UK customer satisfaction achievement for overall learning range of providers to deliver the service, including experience. London Probation Trust. The new contract arrangements To embed health and safety awareness throughout will see greater involvement of local communities in the organisation by reducing accidents by 10% and how community payback services are delivered in increasing near miss reporting by 15% compared to their areas. There will also be better co-ordination of 2011-12. services across London as a result of the establishment The core role of the college is to support national of a dedicated control centre to oversee operations on resilience by providing safety critical operational, a day-to-day and real-time basis. The new service will command and leadership training, and professional begin in October this year. The contract will run for support to the Fire and Rescue Service. These indicators four years initially. We expect to re-compete the service support that core purpose and the work which the after that. college is undertaking with the Chief Fire Officers’ Serco will have a number of contractual and delivery Association and the wider Fire and Rescue Service to requirements to meet, which are intended to raise the develop and deliver a common and consistent approach performance and quality of service provision. These to operational and leadership training within an accredited include offenders being allocated to work promptly framework in order to improve interoperability, training after sentence, offenders successfully completing their assurance and resilience. The indicators also acknowledge community payback requirement and where they do that the college is to be sold as a going concern to the not comply, enforcement action being taken quickly. private sector during the course of financial year Work has to be visible and of demonstrable benefit to 2012-13. local communities. As I have indicated, the result of this competition shows that it is possible to achieve considerable savings Offenders: Community Payback and on the current cost of community payback provision Offender Services Competitions whilst at the same time developing other non-financial Statement benefits such as innovation in the delivery of the service, higher quality, improved compliance, more rapid commencement and intensive working for The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord unemployed offenders. We are also expecting to see McNally): My right honourable friend the Lord wider engagement with the public which will improve Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Kenneth levels of confidence in the community payback service. Clarke) has made the following Written Ministerial Overall, our intention is to improve the effectiveness Statement. of the criminal justice system while reducing the cost In the range of community sentences, community to the taxpayer. payback is primarily a punishment. It also enables offenders to be reformed and to make reparation for I turn now to updating the house on our wider their crimes by doing unpaid work which benefits the programme of offender services competitions. community. We want to improve community payback A key element of the Open Public Services White provision through innovation, higher standards of quality Paper published last year was that the provision of in delivery and better value for the taxpayer. We also public services would be opened up to a wider variety want to increase public confidence in this sentence so of organisations as part of the Government’s commitment that offenders are seen to be punished for their crime, to improving the quality of public services. Competition to make amends for the damage caused to individuals not only promotes greater diversity in our provider and communities and to be prepared for an honest base, but is also a powerful driver of more efficient hard-working life after the end of their sentence. and effective offender services. The Ministry of Justice’s We seek to ensure that, in delivering community Offender Services Competition Strategy published a payback, we open up public services to draw on the year ago is making this policy a reality. skills and innovative capacity of the private, voluntary In the competition strategy I made a commitment and social enterprise sectors. In June 2011 we launched to publish an annual update. The update covers activity a competition for the provision of community payback on offender services competitions over the past year, services in the London Probation Area. This opened gives an overview of current activity, and lists competitions WS 165 Written Statements[13 JULY 2012] Written Statements WS 166 that we plan to run in the following 12 months. It will (as amended) which is seeking to improve and streamline be clear from the update that this amounts to a large the judicial disciplinary process. The public consultation and continuing programme of activity. on the proposed regulatory changes closed on 23 May As well as the community payback competition in 2012 and the Lord Chief Justice and I look forward London, the update covers prisons competitions phases with interest to receiving the recommendations of the one and two, prisoner escort and custody services, working group, which is currently considering the electronic monitoring, payment by results pilots and consultation responses. the Offender Learning and Skills Services. The next 12 months look set to present a significant In relation to custodial services, for example, we challenge to the OJC as, in partnership with key have already completed the competitions for four prisons stakeholders, it seeks to define and implement a revised (HMP Birmingham, HMP Buckley Hall, HMP regulatory framework and improved disciplinary processes. Doncaster, and HMP Oakwood) and we expect these Copies of the report are available in the Libraries of to generate significant savings of £216 million over the both Houses, the Vote Office and the Printed Paper life of the contracts A further nine prisons are currently Office. Copies of the report are also available on the subject to competition and we expect to award contracts internet at: http://judicialcomplaints.judiciary.gov.uk/ in November this year. At that time we also expect to publications.htm. announce the custodial services that will be subject to competition in the next phase of our reform programme. Ordnance Survey Agency: For community-based offender services, we are engaged Performance Targets in a major competition to improve and enhance electronic Statement monitoring, with contract award planned for early 2013.In the autumn we will publish our response to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department the consultation on Punishment and Reform: effective for Business, Innovation and Skills (Baroness Wilcox): probation services setting out how we will accelerate a My honourable friend the Minister for Employment wider programme of competition for non-custodial Relations, Consumers and Postal Affairs (Norman services. Lamb) has today made the following Statement. This Government are committed to public service I am today announcing that performance targets reform and the success of our programme to date have been agreed for Ordnance Survey for the period demonstrates how competition can be used effectively 2012-13. Ordnance Survey will report externally against to open up the market, stimulate innovation and these targets as is required of all executives agencies in improvement and reduce cost to the taxpayer. Government. The targets are: Copies of the annual update have been placed in to achieve an operating profit before exceptional the Libraries of both Houses. The document is also items, interest and dividends of £30.4 million for available on the Ministry of Justice website. the financial year 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013; to achieve a free cash flow before exceptional items of £22.4 million for the financial year 1 April 2012 Office for Judicial Complaints: to 31 March 2013; Annual Report some 99.6% of significant real-world features Statement greater than six months old are represented in the database; The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord to continue to reduce the underlying cost base of McNally): My right honourable friend the Lord the core business by 5% per annum measured against Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Kenneth a baseline of 2008-09 adjusted running costs; and Clarke) has made the following Written Ministerial to achieve a customer index score of at least 80%. Statement. These targets reflect Ordnance Survey’s continuing With the concurrence of the Lord Chief Justice, I commitment to customers, to continuing sustained will today publish the sixth annual report of the Office achievement against the business strategy announced for Judicial Complaints (OJC). The OJC provides in April 2009 and developed in April 2010, to maintaining support to the Lord Chief Justice and myself in our and delivering intelligent geographic information to joint responsibility for the system of judicial complaints all users, and to offering improved value for money for and discipline. all, as well as a commitment to government policies. I welcome the publication of this report which provides details of the important work undertaken by Plasma Resources UK Limited the OJC over the past year. Statement I am pleased to note that the OJC continues to provide a transparent and effective complaint handling The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department service; dealing with over 1,600 complaints and of Health (Earl Howe): My right honourable friend the 500 inquiries in last year, while continuing to deliver Minister of State, Department of Health (Simon Burns) improved efficiency and value for money in the services has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. it provides. I am announcing today that the Government will I note also the encouraging progress which has be exploring new opportunities for the future development been made with the on-going review of the Judicial of our government-owned limited company, Plasma Discipline (Prescribed Procedures) Regulations 2006 Resources UK Ltd (PRUK). WS 167 Written Statements[LORDS] Written Statements WS 168

The department has successfully completed the first panel’s work and will publish further information on stages of the combination of its plasma products the Government’s response to the panel’s report in due companies; which consist of the UK based fractionation course. facility Bio Products Laboratory Limited (BPL) and Riots Recovery the US based plasma supply company, DCI Inc. These two companies have been brought together under the On 12 August 2011, as part of a concerted, cross- Department of Health owned parent company PRUK. government action, the Government announced a series Looking forward to the next phase of development, of measures to help rebuild communities following the we have carefully examined the strategic options that riots and public disorder in the summer of 2011. will best allow the companies to grow and be successful The package provided immediate and ongoing support in an established global industry, while also seeking to to open up shops and rebuild buildings which were ensure jobs are maintained in the bioscience sector of damaged, make sure people who lost their homes were the economy. re-housed, and to help councils get their areas back to To ensure the continued success of PRUK, the normal as quickly as possible. future business strategy should address the need for Under these schemes, local councils played a pivotal investment in BPL’s specialist plant and skilled workforce role in providing support to local firms and local in order to create more advanced products. PRUK residents, with central government reimbursing their should also continue to harness the potential of the costs. I would like to put on the record the thanks of US-based operations at DCI Inc which is well placed Her Majesty’s Government for the work of local to develop its own portfolio. This requirement for government in giving clear and determined leadership further investment comes at a time when the Department to their communities. of Health and the NHS is facing ever-increasing demands on its resources and must focus on delivering its front-line The Department for Communities and Local services. Government reimbursed councils’ immediate costs of Our conclusion is therefore that we will now assess around £10 million to make their areas safe, clear and development opportunities in conjunction with the clean again and to help councils reduce business rates, private sector, seeking to gain a valuable contribution finance emergency building repairs and encourage from not only a financial perspective, but also their customers back to affected areas. It also reimbursed operational expertise. councils for potential losses from new homes bonus payments as well as for immediate costs of just under We have therefore appointed financial advisers to £400,000 to re-house those made homeless by the consider the most appropriate level of department public disorder. ownership to deliver the department’s objectives. This work will examine, in detail, the sale of all or part of We also recognise the leadership shown by the the business, as well as other structures, to determine Mayor of London and local authorities across the the best solution for the business, its employees, the country in driving recovery in their areas. Their leadership NHS and taxpayers. Any future partner or investor helped galvanise the community and brought people would be chosen through a fair and open process and together to reclaim and rebuild their neighbourhoods. will be able to demonstrate the necessary skills, experience Salford celebrated local pride by launching an “I love and resources to work with the companies to help Salford” campaign as an act of defiance against the them realise their potential and to develop their range looters. Manchester made sure people understood what of products. help was on offer by knocking on doors and helping to As part of this process, we will be ensuring that any complete forms. The Mayor provided immediate advice option continues to safeguard the interests of patients, to those affected through a dedicated website and that supplies of current products are secure and that helpline as well as supporting the charitable High resources are available to develop new products, such Street Fund. The Mayor has also created a Regeneration that NHS patients continue to receive the best possible Fund to create jobs and economic growth in the worst care. affected areas. Local authorities also provided their own funding or facilitated access to other funding. For example, the Riots Croydon Enterprise Loan Fund provided interest free Statement loans up to £10,000 to affected businesses and the Tottenham Fund in Haringey raised around £50,000 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department and received donations of clothes and goods for displaced for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): families. Councils such as Ealing started making My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for emergency payments to businesses within a week of Communities and Local Government (Eric Pickles) the disorder working swiftly to overcome bureaucracy. has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. Government played their part, but communities I am grateful to Darra Singh and the other members themselves led the way and got on with the job of of the Riots, Communities and Victims Panel for their repairing the damage. We saw some remarkable examples work on their independent review into last year’s of kindness—people coming together and giving their public disorder. They have presented us with a substantial time and energy to cleaning up streets in the mornings report that seeks to identify steps that can be taken to after the disturbances, helping victims through donations strengthen social and economic resilience in the aftermath of money and goods and affirming their pride in the of last August’s riots. We value the importance of the places they live and work. WS 169 Written Statements[13 JULY 2012] Written Statements WS 170

Riots Damages and Insurance Government are increasing the number of health visitors Separate to these actions, residents could potentially by 4,200 and, for some of the most vulnerable families, also claim back costs from their insurers and/or police doubling the number of places on the Family Nurse authorities. Partnership programme by 2015. The vast majority of individuals and businesses To support good parenting from the start, the who suffered losses as a result of the riots last August Government are also retaining a network of Sure have received a payout. Police authorities have concluded Start children’s centres accessible to all families and 95% of all valid active uninsured claims made under focussing support on those who need it most. Evidence the Riot (Damages) Act. Of those who have insurance shows that universal stigma free services can play a approximately 95% of individuals and 92% of small to crucial role in reaching the most vulnerable families as medium size businesses have received a payout from well as helping to improve outcomes for children. We their insurer. There are also a number of claims to be are also trialling providing access to universal high settled by police authorities who are seeking quality parenting classes to mothers and fathers of reimbursement of costs they have paid to policy holders, young children. so far 81% of these cases have been dealt with. The We gave local councils much greater flexibility over majority of cases that are still outstanding in police how they use their funding, to enable them to work authorities are being delayed as a result of required with local partners to prevent families reaching crisis information that has not been sent by the claimants or points. In addition we have provided up to £11 million insurance companies. of funding over 2011-13 to the voluntary and community While every effort has been made to support and sector to deliver national online and telephone support compensate victims, we are reviewing the Riot (Damages) services, including specialist support to help parents Act to ensure that it is fit for a modern policing world. when they need it in dealing with a wide range of Policing reform issues including relationship advice and dealing with children with behaviour problems. The scenes of disorder last year were unprecedented in modern times and we are working with the police Alongside expanding existing areas of work, the to take forward recommendations of Her Majesty’s social policy review has led to the development of a Inspectorate of Constabulary’s report, The Rules of further programme of action aimed at reducing crime Engagement: A Review of the August 2011 Disorders. and re-offending; supporting families and parents; Significant progress has been made, including ongoing welfare and work; supporting young people; and development of information and intelligence gathering; accelerating regeneration in our cities. testing of swifter mobilisation capabilities; and, Troubled Families Initiative consideration and enhancement of the broad range of tactical responses required for policing disorder. Reform The Troubled Families programme is targeting those is an ongoing process and the work underway will help families that would benefit most from help to turn ensure the police maintain the sharpness to respond their life around. Troubled families include those with effectively each and every time. adults out of work, children not in school and families who are committing anti-social behaviour and crime. The panel’s report also notes the need to improve Through tackling the root causes underlying a family’s engagement between the police and local communities. problems the programme will turn around the lives of We know the public want a permanent and visible 120,000 families by getting parents into work and police presence in their communities, working alongside children attending school. All 152 eligible councils them to identify and tackle the issues that matter to have confirmed that they are ready and willing to run them. The police should work openly and in partnership the programme in their area and are now well in to with all members of their community. From November, drawing up their lists of families so that help can get in police and crime commissioners will be responsible for there quickly. The programme is focusing on the most ensuring that local people’s voices are heard and acted difficult families, but it will also help drive effective upon and make sure that the police are delivering the support to a wider number of families who are struggling priorities of the local community. but who are not the most disruptive or chaotic. Social Policy Review As well as addressing the family’s needs, we are Alongside responsible steps to strengthen our taking action to improve young people’s life chances capabilities to deal with any future disturbances should through a number of wide ranging reforms aimed at they arise, Government are taking forward action to raising the educational attainment of disadvantaged address some of the more entrenched issues highlighted pupils. These reforms include the pupil premium, the in the panel’s report. We have conducted a review of academy and free schools programme and strengthening social policy which has built upon existing programmes teacher’s powers to tackle bad behaviour in schools. of work that were in place to address some of these issues, such as enhancing the support provided to Tackling Gang and Youth Violence parents. We know that a significant proportion of young The importance of early intervention and good people involved in the disturbances had links with parenting was brought out strongly in the panel’s gangs. The cross-Government Ending Gang and Youth report. We know that the experiences children are Violence report, published in November 2011, contains exposed to in the very early years and before birth—social, a series of actions for central government and a set of economic, psychological and environmental—affect principles and good practice examples to help local their health, wellbeing and outcomes in later life. The areas tackle the problem. Implementation of the report WS 171 Written Statements[LORDS] Written Statements WS 172 commitments is underway, including the provision of Government have sent a strong message to those expert support to 29 areas most affected by gang and that took part in the riots that acts of mindless criminality youth violence. will not be tolerated. Those involved have been brought Training and Employment swiftly to justice. As of June 2012, 1,968 people were We recognise that a successful passage to adulthood found guilty and sentenced. 1,292 people received is best served by work. As the panel’s report highlights, immediate custody and their average sentence length we need to make sure that young people have the skills was over four times longer than the average sentence they need to get ready for work. That is why we are for similar crimes in 2010 (based on those found guilty overhauling vocational education and have created the at the magistrates’ court but sentenced at any court). biggest apprenticeships programme our country has Those sentenced to immediate custody were given an ever seen. We are determined to bring down the number average custodial sentence length of 16.8 months. This of young people who are not in education, employment compares to an average custodial sentence length of or training through making continuing in education 3.7 months for those convicted at magistrates’ courts, and training to 18 compulsory and supporting those but sentenced at any court for similar offences in most in need via the YouthContract which will provide England and Wales in 2010. additional support worth almost £1 billion, to young Through these actions and the programme of work people over the next three years. As part of the contract outlined in this response, we are confident that we are 160,000 wage incentives worth up to £2,275 each are building strong foundations to address the issues raised now available to employers who recruit an 18-24 year-old in the panel’s report. from the Work Programme for at least 26 weeks. From But there is one clear overriding message: the rioters late July 2012, in selected youth unemployment hotspots, were criminals. Such opportunistic criminality was wage incentives will be available via Jobcentre Plus to not and will not be tolerated. employ 18-24 year-olds who have been claiming for six months. Effective Justice Taxation: Income Tax Statement The panel’s report highlighted the number of rioters with a large number of previous criminal convictions. Last year, the Government published innovative plans The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord to reform how we punish, sentence and rehabilitate Sassoon): My honourable friend the Exchequer Secretary offenders. We are already taking active steps to strengthen to the Treasury (David Gauke) has today made the community sentences to stop less serious offenders following Written Ministerial Statement. getting to the stage where custody is necessary, with At Budget 2012, the Government announced the more intensive community payback, longer electronically introduction of a limit on currently uncapped income monitored curfews and bans on driving and foreign tax reliefs which will have effect from April 2013. travel. But we want to go further and have just consulted The Government have today published a consultation on proposals which include a clear punitive element in document on the delivery of the cap, which sets out every community order handed down by the courts. In the tax reliefs that will be included in the cap and addition, since March 2012 all prison leavers that contains consultation questions on the operation of claim jobseekers’allowance will be mandated immediately the cap. The document is available on the HM Treasury onto the Work Programme. We are committed to website at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/consult_income_ improving the speed and efficiency of the criminal tax_relief_cap.htm. justice system, building on lessons learned from the Views on the proposed approach to implementation swift response to the riots, and are setting out the work set out in chapter 3 of the consultation document are we are taking forward in the White Paper: Swift and sought by 5 October 2012. Draft legislation will be Sure Justice: the Government’s Plans for Reform of the published in the autumn. Criminal Justice System, published today. Alongside this we are taking forward policies to start tackling the high number of repeat offenders. We Taxation: Inheritance Tax are making prison places of meaningful productive Statement work and training where more prisoners are expected to work a full week and we are testing drug recovery The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord wings which aim to get offenders off drugs for good. Sassoon): My honourable friend the Exchequer Secretary We are also implementing payment by results pilots, to the Treasury has today made the following Written which will pay providers according to their success in Ministerial Statement. reducing re-offending rates. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is today We are committed to legislating to extend landlords’ announcing the publication of a consultation document powers to seek possession where a tenant or member Inheritance Tax: Simplifying Charges on Trusts which of their household is convicted of an offence committed explores options for simplifying the calculation of at the scene of a riot. inheritance tax charges on trusts. Punishing Criminals The Government recognise that these calculations The acts of selfless kindness shown by many, contrast can be complex and time consuming and for some starkly with those who robbed and looted, acting as a smaller trusts in particular the professional costs involved reminder that the riots were perpetrated by a reckless can often be disproportionately large compared to the minority. tax at stake. The consultation is seeking views on ways WS 173 Written Statements[13 JULY 2012] Written Statements WS 174 of applying the charges without creating undue burdens Al-Qaida for trustees where it can be done fairly and without EU Reg(EC) regime loss to the Exchequer. TAFA 2010 2580/2001 UNSCR 1989

The consultation document has been deposited in (iv) 505 the Libraries of both Houses and is available on the individuals in HMRC website. UK, not in detention (v) individuals 13 12 257 overseas Terrorism: Finance (vi) groups 8 (0 in UK) 26 (1 in UK) 69 (2 in UK) Statement Individuals by nationality (i) UK 15 n/a n/a Nationals2 The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord (ii) Non UK 17 Sassoon): My honourable friend the Financial Secretary Nationals to the Treasury (Mark Hoban) has today made the Renewal of 0 n/a n/a following Written Ministerial Statement. designation Under the Terrorist Asset-Freezing etc. Act 2010 General (TAFA 2010), the Treasury is required to report quarterly Licences to Parliament on its operation of the UK’s asset-freezing (i) Issued in (i) 0 regime mandated by UN Security Council Resolution Q2 1373. (ii) Amended (ii) 0 This is the sixth report under the Act and it covers (iii) Revoked (iii) 0 the period from 1 April to 30 June 2012. This report Specific also covers the UK implementation of the UN Al-Qaida Licences: (i) Issued in (i) 5 (i) 0 (i) 1 asset-freezing regime and the operation of the EU Q2 asset-freezing regime in the UK under the EU Regulation (ii) Revoked (ii) 0 (ii) 0 (ii) 0 (EC) 2580/2001 which implements UNSCR 1373 against external terrorist threats to the EU. Under the latter regime, the EU has responsibility for designations and There are no significant areas of activity to report the Treasury has responsibility for licensing and on this quarter. compliance with the regime in the UK under Part 1 of TAFA 2010. Legal Challenges Annexes one and two to this Statement provide a One legal challenge against designations made under breakdown by name of all those designated by the UK both the Terrorism (United Nations Measures) Order and the EU in pursuance of UN Security Council 2009 and TAFA 2010 was ongoing in the quarter Resolution 1373. covered by this report. This was the appeal by Zana Abdul Rahim. There were no specific developments The following table sets out the key asset-freezing during the quarter in this case. An appeal was issued activity in the UK during the quarter ended 30 June by Gulam Mastafa against his 2012 designation under 2012: TAFA 2012 and he was also given leave to appeal out of time against his 2011 designation. A damages claim Al-Qaida EU Reg(EC) regime was served by M, seeking payment of damages by the TAFA 2010 2580/2001 UNSCR 1989 Treasury flowing from his designations under the Terrorism (United Nations Measures) Order 2006, 1 Assets frozen £33,000 £11,000 £71,000 which was quashed by the Supreme Court in R (on the (as at 30/06/ 2012) application of Ahmed) v. HMT [2010] UKSC 2 and Number of 68 10 32 the Terrorism (United Nations Measures) Order 2009. accounts Proceedings frozen in UK (at 30/06/12) In the quarter to 30 June 2012, no proceedings were New accounts 000commenced involving the Treasury in respect of breaches frozen of the prohibitions of the Act or the Al-Qaida (Asset- Accounts 006Freezing) Regulations 2011. unfrozen Number of 40 37 325 1 Designated persons under TAFA 2010 by name3 designations Individuals (at 30/06/12) (i) new 0011. Hamed ABDOLLAHI designations 2. Bilal Talal ABDULLAH (during Q2 3. Imad Khalil AL-ALAMI 2012) 4. Abdula Ahmed ALI (ii) Delistings 0 0 6 5. Abdelkarim Hussein AL-NASSER (iii) 14 0 3 6. Ibrahim Salih AL-YACOUB individuals in custody in 7. Manssor ARBABSIAR UK 8. Usama HAMDAN WS 175 Written Statements[LORDS] Written Statements WS 176

1 Designated persons under TAFA 2010 by name3 2 Persons designated by the EU under Council Regulation (EC)2580/20014 Individuals Persons

9. Nabeel HUSSAIN 9. Abdul Reza SHAHLAI* 10. Tanvir HUSSAIN 10. Ali Gholam SHAKURI* 11. Zahoor IQBAL 11. Qasem SOLEIMANI* 12. Umar ISLAM 12. Jason Theodore WALTERS 13. Hasan IZZ-AL-DIN Groups and Entities 14. Parviz KHAN 1. Abu Nidal Organisation (ANO) 15. Waheed Arafat KHAN 2. Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade 16. Osman Adam KHATIB 3. Al-Aqsa e.V. 17. Musa Abu MARZOUK 4. Al-Takfir and Al-Hijra 18. Gulam MASTAFA 5. Babbar Khalsa 19. Khalid MISHAAL 6. Communist Party of the Philippines, including New 20. Khalid Shaikh MOHAMMED People’s Army (NPA), Philippines 21. Ramzi MOHAMMED 7. Gama’a al-Islamiyya (a.k.a. Al-Gama’a al-Islamiyya) (Islamic Group — IG) 22. Sultan MUHAMMAD 8. Islami Büyük Dogu Akincilar Cephesi (IBDA-C) 23. Yassin OMAR (Great Islamic Eastern Warriors Front) 24. Hussein OSMAN 9. Hamas, including Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Qassem 25. Zana Abdul RAHIM 10. Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) 26. Muktar Mohammed SAID 11. Hofstadgroep 27. Assad SARWAR 12. Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development* 28. Ibrahim SAVANT 13. International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) 29. Abdul Reza SHAHLAI 14. Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) 30. Ali Gholam SHAKURI 15. Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) (a.k.a. KONGRA- 31. Qasem SOLEIMANI GEL) 32. Waheed ZAMAN 16. Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Entities 17. Ejército de Liberación Nacional (National Liberation 1. BASQUE FATHERLAND AND LIBERTY (ETA) Army)* 2. EJERCITO DE LIBERACION NACIONAL (ELN). 18. Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) 3. FUERZAS ARMADAS REVOLUCIONARIAS DE 19. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine COLOMBIA (FARC) (PFLP)* 4. HIZBALLAH MILITARY WING, INCLUDING 20. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine — EXTERNAL SECURITY ORGANISATION General Command (PFLP-GC)* 5. HOLY LAND FOUNDATION FOR RELIEF AND 21. Fuerzas armadas revolucionarias de Colombia DEVELOPMENT (FARC)* 6. POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF 22. Devrimci Halk Kurtulu Partisi-Cephesi — DHKP/C PALESTINE - GENERAL COMMAND (PFLP-GC) (Revolutionary People’s Liberation Army/Front/ 7. POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF Party) PALESTINE (PFLP) 23. Sendero Luminoso (SL) (Shining Path)* 8. SENDERO LUMINOSO (SL) 24. Stichting Al Aqsa 25. Teyrbazen Azadiya Kurdistan (TAK) 2 4 Persons designated by the EU under Council Regulation (EC)2580/2001 1 This figure reflects the most up-to-date account balances Persons available and includes approximately $64,000 of suspected terrorist funds frozen in the UK. This has been converted using 1. Hamed ABDOLLAHI* exchange rates as of 2.7.12. 2. Abdelkarim Hussein AL-NASSER* 2 Based held by the Treasury, some of these individuals hold 3. Ibrahim Salih AL YACOUB* dual nationality. 4. Manssor ARBABSIAR* 3 For full listing details please refer to http://www.hm- 5. Mohammed BOUYERI treasury.gov.uk/d/terrorism.htm. 6. Sofiane Yacine FAHAS 4 For full listing details please refer to http://www.hm- 7. Hasan IZZ-AL-DIN* treasury.gov.uk/d/terrorism.htm. 8. Khalid Shaikh MOHAMMED* * EU listing rests on UK designation under TAFA 2010 WA 281 Written Answers[13 JULY 2012] Written Answers WA 282

But clearly much more needs to be done and the Written Answers UK, as a long standing ally, is supporting Bahrain on its path of reform. Friday 13 July 2012 Banking Afghanistan Question Question Asked by Lord Myners Asked by Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will ensure that the Serious Fraud Office has sufficient will discuss with the government of Afghanistan financial resources to secure the professional advice the release, on parole or probation if necessary, and necessary to investigate the manipulation of resettlement of women found guilty of moral crimes. LIBOR. [HL1368] [HL1362] The Advocate-General for Scotland (Lord Wallace of Tankerness): The Director of the Serious Fraud The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (SFO) has confirmed that he has taken on these Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Working with our allegations for investigation. If the SFO requires further international partners, we continue to have a regular resources with which to do so, the Prime Minister has dialogue with the Afghan Government on human made clear that these will be made available. rights and continue to press the Afghans to uphold their commitments under the Afghan Constitution. We also press them to implement the human rights Burma obligations that they have committed to, including the Questions Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the Government Bahrain of Burma about establishing a joint national and Question international board, to assess the number of political prisoners in Burma. [HL1331] Asked by Lord Avebury To ask Her Majesty’s Government why the United The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Kingdom did not support the joint declaration Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We have raised with about human rights violations in Bahrain, issued by the Government on a number of occasions the need 28 countries during a United Nations Human Rights for an independent investigative mechanism to assess the circumstances and numbers of political prisoners Council debate on 28 June. [HL1276] in Burma, in line with the recommendations made by United Nations Special Rapporteur Quintana. We The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth have not made specific representations about the make Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK did not up of that body. Following a significant release of sign up to the joint statement as we did not consider it some political prisoners in January, we have continued appropriate at this stage to raise Bahrain under agenda to call for the unconditional release of all political item four. A number of other countries, including the prisoners. The Prime Minister, my right honourable United States and other European Union member friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron) raised states, agreed with our assessment and also did not the issue of remaining political prisoners with President sign the statement. Thein Sein during his visit to Burma on 13 April. We agree with much of the substance of the Swiss-led Around 25 political prisoners were released most recently statement and our overall objective remains to support in July. improvements in Bahrain’s human rights records. However, We recognise the importance of establishing an we do not believe that the situation in Bahrain is appropriate mechanism whereby cases can be discussed comparable with the situation in the other countries and independently verified, leading to further releases raised under this item such as Syria. As a consequence of remaining detainees, where it would be appropriate the UK did raise concerns about the situation in to do so. We continue to press the Government of Bahrain under agenda item ten. Burma to release all remaining prisoners, and to clarify Progress has been made in a number of areas the status of those remaining as a matter of urgency. relating to human rights. The Bahrain Government Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool have established a Special Investigations Unit to investigate allegations of torture and mistreatment, amended the To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions penal code to ensure greater accountability for officials Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have connected with torture charges, and introduced a police held with Ko Ko Gyi from the 88 Generation code of conduct imposing strict rules on the use of Students regarding his comments on the ethnic force. Rohingya of Burma. [HL1333] WA 283 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 284

Lord Howell of Guildford: We are aware of the the nature of the humanitarian situation in Rakhine comments made by Ko Ko Gyi regarding the status State which we continue to monitor very closely, and of the ethnic Rohingya of Burma. Foreign and our Embassy in Rangoon is in regular contact with Commonwealth Office officials subsequently discussed members of the Rohingya community. these with him on 12 June. There are many people both within and outside of Burma who continue to question the Rohingya’s right to live within Burma’s Crime: Fraud borders. The UK continues to raise awareness of the Question issues affecting the Rohingya, and strongly supported a United Nations resolution at the Human Rights Asked by Lord Morris of Aberavon Council in March which called on the Government of Burma to recognise the right of members of the To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps Rohingya ethnic minority in Rakhine State to nationality they are taking to ensure that alleged financial and to protect all of their human rights. wrongdoing is investigated by the Serious Fraud During respective visits to Burma this year by the Office and the City of London police force as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth appropriate. [HL1296] Affairs, my right honourable friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) and Prime Minister, The Advocate-General for Scotland (Lord Wallace my right honourable friend the Member for Witney of Tankerness): The Director of the Serious Fraud (Mr Cameron), they raised the issues affecting the Office (SFO) has formally accepted the LIBOR matter Rohingya directly with President Thein Sein, and met for investigation and the SFO has initiated a criminal with members of the Rohingya community to hear inquiry. their concerns first hand. During the visit of Aung San Suu Kyi from 18-26 June to the United Kingdom, both the Prime Minister EU: Association Agreements and Foreign Secretary discussed with her the issues Question affecting the Rohingya community. We will continue to highlight the need for the Asked by Lord Hylton Government of Burma to recognise the basic human rights of the Rohingya, with them directly, with our To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the international partners and within international institutions, adoption by the European Council of the European until the issue is resolved. Union Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, and its affirmation Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead of its centrality in European Union foreign policy, means that the human rights clauses of the European To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information Union-Israel Association Agreement will now be they have received regarding a helicopter firing on a fully enforced. [HL1260] boat of ethnic Rohingya refugees fleeing from Burma. [HL1350] The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government Lord Howell of Guildford: We are aware of unconfirmed fully support the adoption by the European Council reports of a helicopter originating in Rakhine State of the European Union Strategic Framework and firing on boats carrying ethnic Rohingya fleeing Burma. Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy. The We are continuing to clarify the situation, but have no human rights clauses of the European Union (EU)-Israel further information on the validity of these reports at Association Agreement will continue to be enforced this stage. and the EU will continue to make clear to Israel its Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead human rights concerns, particularly with respect to Israeli actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimates It remains the position of the EU, which the UK they have made of the number of ethnic Rohingya supports, that no update of the Association Agreement arrested since inter-ethnic violence began in Rakhine is possible until progress is achieved in the peace State, Burma. [HL1351] process.

Lord Howell of Guildford: The recent inter-communal violence in Rakhine State in western Burma has EU: External Action Service highlighted the fragility of the situation in Burma and Question has drawn further and much needed attention to the Asked by Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne plight of the Rohingya. Reports vary on the precise number of deaths and To ask Her Majesty’s Government what, if any, numbers of those arrested from both the Rohingya guidance they have provided to ambassadors, and and Rakhine communities. We are continuing to try overseas-based staff, about working with European and clarify these numbers, though given the difficulty Union External Action Service ambassadors and in obtaining indicative figures, it would not be appropriate heads of delegation and their representations. to comment further. We remain deeply concerned by [HL1299] WA 285 Written Answers[13 JULY 2012] Written Answers WA 286

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Lord Wallace of Saltaire: Issues such as apprenticeships, Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Government’s internships and tackling unemployment can be included priority, following the establishment of the European in procurements where it is proportionate to do so and External Action Service (EEAS), is to ensure that it they are relevant to the subject matter of the contract. supports and complements - but does not replace—the It is for individual contracting authorities to determine work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). whether the use of internships or apprenticeships are The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth relevant to and will increase the value for money Affairs, my right honourable friend the Member for derived from a contract. Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has asked ambassadors and staff in our overseas network to ensure that they work constructively with European Union Delegations Horses in pursuit of three objectives: Question To ensure that EU external action promotes UK Asked by Baroness Mallalieu security and prosperity internationally; To ensure that it provides a service which delivers To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps value for money for the UK taxpayer; and they will take to ensure that individuals who carry To ensure that the EEAS does not intrude on the out equine dentistry are properly trained and competence of Member States. qualified. [HL1395] The Foreign Secretary has also encouraged FCO staff to apply for jobs in the EEAS. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): Defra is beginning a review Government Departments: Apprentices of how a range of activities undertaken by non- Questions veterinarians should be controlled in the future. Asked by Lord Adonis The review will include factors such as training and qualifications. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the Equine dentistry is one of the procedures we intend total number of staff employed within the private to review in more depth with industry groups and offices of ministers and the permanent secretary at representatives of the veterinary profession, to ensure the Government Equalities Office on 1 June; and high standards of competency, knowledge and application how many of them were (1) under the age of 21, of animal welfare are incorporated in future controls. (2) apprentices under the age of 21, and (3) apprentices over the age of 21. [HL1421] Indonesia Baroness Verma: As of 1 April 2011, the Government Question Equalities Office has been part of the Home Office and is no longer a separate Government Department. Asked by The Lord Bishop of Chester The information requested will be provided by my honourable friend the Minister for crime prevention To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light and anti-social behaviour reduction in response to of the escalating violence in West Papua, including your similar question HL1318, that relates to the the killing of a leader of the independence movement Home Department. Mako Tabuni, whether they will press for the United Nations to send observers to West Papua, and Asked by Lord Adonis make representations to the government of Indonesia To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many to allow access to West Papua for journalists and apprentices (1) under the age of 21, and (2) over the humanitarian organisations. [HL1402] age of 21, were employed within the Government Equalities Office on 1 June, excluding agencies and The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth non-departmental public bodies. [HL1422] Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK takes seriously all reports of human rights violations in the Baroness Verma: As of 1 April 2011, the Government provinces of Papua and West Papua. We are concerned Equalities Office has been part of the Home Office about the recent increase in violence in the province of and is no longer a separate Government Department. Papua and we are aware of the death of Mako Tabuni The information requested will be provided by my on 14 June. Our Embassy in Jakarta has raised concerns honourable friend the Minister for crime prevention about the security situation with the Indonesian Ministry and anti-social behaviour reduction in response to of Foreign Affairs and is monitoring the situation your similar question HL1319, that relates to the closely. The Embassy regularly encourages more open Home Department. access to Papua for journalists and humanitarian organisations. We have also taken the opportunity to Asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough encourage discussion of Papua at a senior level where To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there possible including when the Prime Minister met the is any requirement for companies in receipt of Indonesian President in April 2012. In June a British Government procurement contracts to offer paid Parliamentary delegation from the Inter-Parliamentary internships for graduates, or apprenticeships. Union raised their concerns over the human rights [HL1228] situation in Papua with the Foreign Minister, Defence WA 287 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 288

Minister and Indonesian parliamentarians. Our Embassy Israel has requested permission from the Indonesian Authorities Questions to travel to Papua twice over the last month. The UK does not currently intend to press for the Asked by Baroness Tonge United Nations to send observers to West Papua. In To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they May Indonesia had its second Universal Periodic Review, will make representations to the government of where United Nations member states had the opportunity Israel concerning the killing of 13 year-old Ma’moun to comment on the human rights progress in Indonesia. al-Dam by a missile on 20 June. [HL1252] In our statement we raised the situation in Papua, as did a number of other countries. The UK’s priority is The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth to encourage full implementation of special autonomy Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK expressed for the provinces of Papua and West Papua and press its concern at the recent escalation of violence in Gaza for increased focus on economic and social development and southern Israel and urged all sides to exercise to address the widespread poverty in the region. We restraint and avoid civilian casualties. Continued violence supported the creation in September 2011 of a new serves no one’s interest. Presidential unit, UP4B (Special Unit for Acceleration Asked by Lord Hylton of Development in Papua and West Papua), which To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they aims to accelerate development in these provinces and will make representations to the government of pursue constructive communication with the Papuan Israel about the continued incarceration of Mr Hassan people. We hope this unit can now make meaningful Safadi and the solitary confinement of Mr Dirar progress on governance issues and contribute to efforts Abu Sisi. [HL1259] to alleviate the widespread poverty and economic marginalisation of ethnic Papuans. Lord Howell of Guildford: Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv have urged the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister and the Israeli Prison Service to carry out its Iraq: Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty commitments under the agreement agreed on 14 May Questions which allowed for the ending of the mass hunger strike by Palestinian detainees. These commitments included Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to limit its use of administrative detention and solitary confinement and to reinstate family visits for detainees. To ask Her Majesty’s Government what We will continue to monitor the implementation of representations they have made to encourage the the agreement and its impact on individual detainees United Nations towards more effective intervention including those named. within Camps Ashraf and Liberty regarding water and medical provision for the residents and protection Asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon of their basic human rights. [HL1245] To ask Her Majesty’s Government , further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth on 25 June (WA 32), whether they will propose to Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The United Nations the United Nations that it take measures to persuade (UN) continues to monitor conditions at both camps Israel to place its nuclear facilities under the safeguards and has reassured us that facilities at Camp Liberty of the International Atomic Energy Agency. meet humanitarian and international standards. The [HL1311] UN also continues to facilitate discussions between Lord Howell of Guildford: The UK believes a strong the Government of Iraq and the leaderships of both safeguards regime is important to ensure that nuclear Camp Ashraf and Liberty to find solutions to residents’ programmes are purely for peaceful purposes. The concerns. We have urged the Government of Iraq to UK has urged Israel to sign up to the Nuclear Non- respect the human rights of the camps’ residents in Proliferation Treaty. However in the absence of this we accordance with international law and Iraqi domestic have called on Israel to voluntarily adopt a comprehensive law. safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass Energy Agency. United Nations Security Council Resolution 487 called on Israel to adopt a Comprehensive To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information Safeguards Agreement. We have also supported they have in respect of all deaths in Camps Ashraf resolutions in the General Assembly that have made and Liberty since 1 January 2011; and what are the similar calls. details of each case. [HL1246] Israel and Palestine Lord Howell of Guildford: According to the UNHCR Question (the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner Asked by Baroness Tonge for Refugees), there has been one death in Camp To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action Liberty since the process of relocating residents from they intend to take following the publication of the Camp Ashraf began. We have no further details of report Children in Military Custody. [HL1253] this case. The United Nations has expressed difficulties in verifying the details of specific cases, but will continue The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth to monitor the treatment of residents at both Camp Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The Children in Ashraf and Camp Liberty. Military Custody report was an independent study WA 289 Written Answers[13 JULY 2012] Written Answers WA 290 produced by a team of leading British lawyers and They also met with officials of the International funded by the UK Government. Whilst we recognise Committee of the Red Crescent who briefed us on the that some positive recent steps have been taken to allegations that they had received regarding mistreatment. improve the treatment of Palestinian children in the Our Consul General to Jerusalem met with the new Israeli military justice system, we share many of the Palestinian Minister of Justice on 2 July and reaffirmed report’s concerns. We are engaging with the Israeli the need for all allegations of torture and mistreatment authorities to encourage further improvements. to be thoroughly investigated.

Lord’s Resistance Army Rwanda Question Questions Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead To ask Her Majesty’s Government what efforts To ask Her Majesty’s Government what they are making, in collaboration with the African representations they are making to the government Union and other partners, to ensure a cohesive of Rwanda about releasing political prisoners. response to acts of violence by the Lord’s Resistance [HL1189] Army; and what discussions they have had to that end with the governments of Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth South Sudan. [HL1334] Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We continue to raise our concerns about the fairness of trials of The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth opposition political figures with the Government Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): The UK is clear of Rwanda at the highest levels. We also take every that a co-ordinated international approach is needed opportunity to lobby Rwanda to change legislation to bring the threat of the Lord’s Resistance Army that may be used to stifle free speech and peaceful (LRA) to an end. The European Union (EU), with political opposition. We recognise Rwanda’s sovereign UK financial and political support, has helped fund right to safeguard its own national security, but we the establishment of the African Union (AU) Special encourage the Rwandan Government to strike a balance Envoy on the LRA, who has made progress in which guarantees fundamental political rights. co-ordinating the response from the four LRA-affected Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead countries. We also regularly press the Governments of these countries and other key players such as the To ask Her Majesty’s Government what United Nations (UN), the EU, the AU and the United representations they are making to the government States to adopt a comprehensive approach. We did of Rwanda regarding the treatment of opposition this most recently at the International Working Group political parties. [HL1190] on the LRA in New York on 27 June 2012. The UK also pressed the UN to create its new Lord Howell of Guildford: We are encouraged by Regional Strategy on the LRA, which was presented the government of Rwanda’s stated commitment to to the UN Security Council on 29 June 2012. This reform the process for the registration of political strategy should ensure a comprehensive response from parties, to make it fairer and more transparent. With the relevant UN actors in the region, and the co-ordination parliamentary elections due in September 2013, we of their efforts with those of the AU. take every opportunity to urge the Rwandan Government to conclude this process as quickly as possible, to Palestine allow unregistered parties time to register, enter candidates and campaign openly in 2013. Questions Asked by Lord Hylton Turkey To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they Question are investigating allegations of the use of prolonged detentions, solitary confinement, detention without Asked by Lord Hylton family visits, and of the use of hooding, stress positions and torture by the security agencies of the To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they Palestinian Authority, following the death of the will make representations to the government of Governor of Jenin. [HL1257] Turkey with a view to promoting political and constitutional, rather than military, solutions to the PKK insurgency. [HL1378] The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): Our officials from the Consulate-General in Jerusalem visited Jenin on The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth 7 June to investigate the allegations of mistreatment Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We continue to and torture. They spoke to the head of security, support a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue. We Commander Mohammed Araj, and Governor Talal urge Turkey to take full advantage of the opportunities Dweikat. At both meetings they stressed the vital created by the process of constitutional reform. We importance of due process being followed in any arrest. have underlined our support for Turkey’s efforts to WA 291 Written Answers[LORDS] Written Answers WA 292 defeat the PKK (the Kurdistan Workers’ Party) and Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party’s statement on applaud recent steps taken by the government to end 19 June calling on the PKK to lay down its arms, and the violence, including the agreement on a “roadmap” Prime Minister Erdogan’s meeting on I July with with the main opposition party. We also welcome the independent Kurdish MP Leyla Zana. Friday 13 July 2012

ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Col. No. Col. No. Armed Forces: Defence Youth Engagement...... 149 EU: Partnership Agreements ...... 160

Child Maintenance ...... 149 Export Control ...... 161

Community Learning Trusts...... 151 Fire Service College: Key Performance Indicators ...... 162

Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 ...... 152 Offenders: Community Payback and Offender Services Competitions ...... 163 Criminal Justice: Reform ...... 153 Office for Judicial Complaints: Annual Report...... 165 Department for Communities and Local Government..... 154

Disabled People: Disability Living Allowance and Ordnance Survey Agency: Performance Targets ...... 166 Attendance Allowance...... 156 Plasma Resources UK Limited ...... 166 Employment Tribunals and Employment Appeal Tribunal...... 157 Riots...... 167

Energy: Nuclear Power ...... 158 Taxation: Income Tax ...... 172

EU: Agriculture and Fisheries Council...... 159 Taxation: Inheritance Tax...... 172

EU: Budget...... 160 Terrorism: Finance...... 173

Friday 13 July 2012

ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO WRITTEN ANSWERS

Col. No. Col. No. Afghanistan ...... 281 Horses...... 286

Bahrain...... 281 Indonesia ...... 286

Banking ...... 282 Iraq: Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty ...... 287 Israel...... 288 Burma...... 282 Israel and Palestine ...... 288 Crime: Fraud ...... 284 Lord’s Resistance Army ...... 289 EU: Association Agreements ...... 284 Palestine...... 289 EU: External Action Service...... 284 Rwanda...... 290 Government Departments: Apprentices...... 285 Turkey...... 290 NUMERICAL INDEX TO WRITTEN ANSWERS

Col. No. Col. No. [HL1189] ...... 290 [HL1253] ...... 288

[HL1190] ...... 290 [HL1257] ...... 289

[HL1228] ...... 285 [HL1259] ...... 288

[HL1245] ...... 287 [HL1260] ...... 284

[HL1246] ...... 287 [HL1276] ...... 281

[HL1252] ...... 288 [HL1296] ...... 284 Col. No. Col. No. [HL1299] ...... 284 [HL1362] ...... 281

[HL1311] ...... 288 [HL1368] ...... 282

[HL1331] ...... 282 [HL1378] ...... 290

[HL1333] ...... 282 [HL1395] ...... 286

[HL1334] ...... 289 [HL1402] ...... 286

[HL1350] ...... 283 [HL1421] ...... 285

[HL1351] ...... 283 [HL1422] ...... 285 Volume 738 Friday No. 34 13 July 2012

CONTENTS

Friday 13 July 2012 House of Lords (Cessation of Membership) Bill [HL] Order of Commitment Discharged ...... 1343 Middle East: Recent Developments Motion to Take Note ...... 1344 Written Statements...... WS 149 Written Answers...... WA 281