House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee
Formal Minutes
Session 2008–09
The Foreign Affairs Committee
The Foreign Affairs Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its associated agencies.
Current membership Mike Gapes (Labour, Ilford South), Chairman Rt Hon Sir Menzies Campbell (Liberal Democrat, North East Fife) Mr Fabian Hamilton (Labour, Leeds North East) Rt Hon Mr David Heathcoat-Amory (Conservative, Wells) Mr John Horam (Conservative, Orpington) Mr Eric Illsley (Labour, Barnsley Central) Mr Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat, Hereford) Andrew Mackinlay (Labour, Thurrock) Mr Malcolm Moss (Conservative, North East Cambridgeshire) Sandra Osborne (Labour, Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) Mr Greg Pope (Labour, Hyndburn) Mr Ken Purchase (Labour, Wolverhampton North East) Rt Hon Sir John Stanley (Conservative, Tonbridge and Malling) Ms Gisela Stuart (Labour, Birmingham Edgbaston)
Powers The Committee is one of the departmental select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 152. These are available on the Internet via www.parliament.uk.
Publication The Reports and evidence of the Committee are published by The Stationery Office by Order of the House. All publications of the Committee (including press notices) are on the Internet at www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/foreign_affairs_committee.cfm.
Committee staff The current staff of the Committee are Dr Robin James (Clerk), Dr Rebecca Davies (Second Clerk), Dr Brigid Fowler (Committee Specialist), Ms Adèle Brown (Committee Specialist), Mr John-Paul Flaherty (Senior Committee Assistant), Miss Jennifer Kelly (Committee Assistant), Mrs Catherine Close (Committee Assistant) and Mr Alex Paterson (Media Officer).
Contacts All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerks of the Foreign Affairs Committee, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. The telephone number for general enquiries is 020 7219 6394; the Committee’s email address is [email protected]
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 1
Proceedings of the Committee
WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER 2008
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Andrew Mackinlay Mr Fabian Hamilton Mr Malcolm Moss Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Sandra Osborne Mr John Horam Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Mr Paul Keetch Ms Gisela Stuart
1. Visit to Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Draft Antarctic Bill
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Russia
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Developments in the European Union
Rt Hon David Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and Mr Matthew Rycroft CBE, Director, EU, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 17 December at 2.00 p.m.
2 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2008
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Ken Purchase Mr John Horam Sir John Stanley Mr Paul Keetch Ms Gisela Stuart Andrew Mackinlay
1. Visit to Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visits in the new financial year
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee visit the United States in connection with its inquiry into Global Security: United States, and that the Chairman seek the approval of the Chairman of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with the visit.
Resolved, That the Committee visit Sweden, a Baltic state and the Balkans in connection with its inquiry into Developments in the European Union, and that the Chairman seek the approval of the Chairman of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with the visit.
3. Inquiry into Global Security: Non-Proliferation
The Committee considered this matter.
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the Global Security: Non- Proliferation inquiry be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Number From/Subject Date GS(NP) 55 Letter from Tim Hart 28.10.08 GS(NP) 56 Submission from Michael Crowley, Bradford Nonlethal Weapons 06.11.08 Research GS(NP) 57 Submission from Daniel Feakes, University of Sussex 17.11.08 GS(NP) 58 Submission from Dr David Lowry 20.11.08 GS(NP) 59 Letter from the Second Clerk to Nicholas A Sims. Follow-up to evidence 21.11.08 session GS(NP) 60 Letter from the Second Clerk to Dr Simon Whitby. Request for evidence 21.11.08 GS(NP) 61 Submission from Mrs Elizabeth Young (Lady Kennet) 24.11.08 GS(NP) 62 Follow up evidence from Nicholas A Sims 25.11.08 GS(NP) 63 Submission from Ann Feltham, Campaign Against Arms Trade 27.11.08 GS(NP) 64 Submission from Nicholas Sims 01.12.08 GS(NP) 65 Further submission from Mr Noel Hamel and Mrs Hilary Evans, Kingston 30.11.08 Peace Council/CND GS(NP) 66 Submission from Dr Dan Plesch, School of Oriental and African Studies 30.11.08
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 3
GS(NP) 67 Submission from Professor Vivienne Nathanson, British Medical 26.11.08 Association GS(NP) 68 Supplementary memorandum from the FCO 09.12.08 GS(NP) 69 Submission from Universities UK 09.12.08 GS(NP) 70 Further submission from Dr Brian Jones 12.12.08
4. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
5. EULEX mission in Kosovo
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Inquiry into FCO Annual Report 2007-08
The Committee considered this matter.
7. The Work of the Committee in 2007-08
Draft Report (The Work of the Committee in 2007-08), proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The draft Report was amended and agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the First Report of the Committee, HC 113.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 21 January at 2.00 p.m.
Monday 12 – Thursday 15 January 2009
Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Mr Eric Illsley, Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Malcolm Moss, Sir John Stanley and Ms Gisela Stuart visited Prague and Warsaw in connection with the Committee’s inquiries into Developments in the European Union and Global Security: Non-Proliferation, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 25 June 2008.
Monday 12 – Thursday 15 January 2009
Mr John Horam, Sandra Osborne and Mr Ken Purchase visited Geneva and Vienna in connection with the Committee’s inquiries into Developments in the European Union and Global Security: Non-Proliferation, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 25 June 2008.
4 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2009
The Business and Enterprise, Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Development Committees met concurrently as the Committees on Arms Export Controls, pursuant to Standing Order No. 137A.
Members present:
Business and Defence Committee Foreign Affairs International Development Enterprise Committee Committee Committee Mr Adrian Bailey Mr David Crausby Mike Gapes John Battle Roger Berry Linda Gilroy Sir John Stanley John Bercow Malcolm Bruce Richard Burden
1. Chairman
Roger Berry was called to the Chair, in accordance with Standing Order No. 137A(1)(d).
2. Visit to Brussels
The Committees considered this matter.
3. Visit to Ukraine
The Committees considered this matter.
4. Demonstration of BERR’s new searchable database
The Committees considered this matter.
5. Strategic export controls
The Committees deliberated, in accordance with Standing Order No. 137A(1)(b).
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Strategic Export Controls be reported to the House for publication on the internet: AM01 to AM04 and AM06 to AM 08.
Ian Pearson MP, Economic and Business Minister, Mr John Doddrell, Director, Export Control Organisation, and Ms Jayne Carpenter, Assistant Director, Export Control Organisation, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, gave oral evidence.
[Foreign Affairs Committee adjourned till this day at 2.00 p.m.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 5
WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Greg Pope Mr John Horam Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Andrew Mackinlay
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Resolved, That the Committee visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in March in connection with its inquiry into Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and that the Chairman seek the approval of the Chairman of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with the visit.
2. Travel in a representative capacity
Resolved, That the Chairman and Clerk have leave to visit Prague to attend the Conference of Foreign Affairs Committees Chairpersons, in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into the Developments in the European Union.
3. Publication of written evidence
Ordered, That the following written evidence received by the Foreign Affairs Committee, be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Miscellaneous Matters Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date MISC 59 Letter to Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO – Crown Dependencies 18.03.08 MISC 60 Letter to the Leader of the House – Nominations to European 09.04.08 Committees MISC 61 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO – Crown Dependencies 21.04.08 MISC 65 Letter to Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO – Further request on FCO’s 09.05.08 responsibilities for Crown Dependencies MISC 68 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO – FCO’s responsibilities 05.06.08 for Crown Dependencies MISC 70 Letter to Michael Jabez Foster MP, Chairman of the Joint Committee 19.06.08 on the Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill – Scrutiny of Treaties MISC 76 Letter from H2O Law LLP – McDonald and ORS v. Socialist People’s 20.09.08 Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and ORS MISC 77 Letter from Andrew Tyrie MP, enclosing Legal Opinion on Detainee 27.10.08 Transfers by UK forces MISC 78 Letter to the Foreign Secretary – Libya and victims of terrorism (related 28.10.08
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to MISC 76) MISC 79 Exchange of e-mails between the Clerk and FCO: Follow up to the 02.12.08 Committee’s Report on Global Security: The Middle East MISC 80 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: Libya and victims of terrorism 08.12.08 MISC 81 E-mail from Sujit Sen: Bangladesh 15.12.08 MISC 82 Letter from Mr W J Cowan and exchange of correspondence with FCO: 10.12.08 Assisted suicide in Switzerland for British Citizens
Developments in the European Union Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date EU 56 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO – Government views on 11.03.08 the Republika Srpska National Assembly resolution of 21 February 2008 on non-recognition of Kosovo and Metohija EU 58 Letter to the Foreign Secretary – follow up to the Government 03.03.08 Response to Report: Foreign Policy Aspects of the Lisbon Treaty EU 59 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO – follow up to the 04.04.08 Government Response to Report: Foreign Policy Aspects of the Lisbon Treaty EU 72 Memorandum from the Foreign Secretary: Prospects for the European 02.12.08 Council 11-12 December EU 74 Letter from Matthew Rycroft, Director, EU, FCO: follow-up information 09.01.09 from the Foreign Secretary to the Oral Evidence Session on 10 December
Global Security Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GS 63 Letter to Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO: Follow up to Government 24.01.08 responses to Reports Global Security: Middle East and Foreign Policy Aspects of the Detention of Naval Personnel by the Islamic Republic of Iran GS 69 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO: Follow up to Report on 28.02.08 Global Security: Middle East GS 70 Letter to Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO: Follow up to 11.06.08 Government’s reply to Report on Global Security: Iran GS 71 Letter from Chairman of National Security and Foreign Policy 30.06.08 Committee of the Majlis, Iran: deproscription of MEK terrorist group in UK GS 72 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO: Further information on 04.07.08 E3+3 offer and letter to Iran GSR 34 Letter to Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO: Follow up to Government 03.03.08 Response to Report on Global Security: Russia GSR Letter from Prof. Justinas Karosas, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs 04.09.08 38 Committee, Republic of Lithuania, to the Chairman: Ukraine-EU relations and reply from the Chairman GS Ministry of Defence, Memorandum of Understanding between the 11.11.08 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Contingent of Multinational Forces-Iraq and the Minsters of Justice and Interior of Iraq
Human Rights Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date HR 110 E-mail from Derek Tonkin, Chairman, Network Myanmar: Burma 21.07.08 HR 111 E-mail from Mr Tashi, Office of Tibet, London: Six Tibetans on 05.08.08 indefinite fast HR 113 Professor Shao (Falun Gong follower): entry rights into Hong Kong 27.08.08 HR 114 E-mail from Harriet Asher: Abuses in children’s institutions in Bulgaria 23.09.08 HR 115 FCO, Background note: Bulgaria: care services for children 20.11.08 HR 116 Letter from A L Sharma: Friends of Malaysia 23.11.08 HR 117 Letter from Andrew Tyrie MP: the Government’s Response to the 17.12.08 Committee’s Human Rights Annual Report 2007 HR 118 E-mail from Daniel Wheatley, Office of External Affairs, Baha’i 19.12.08 Community of the UK: Baha’is known to be currently imprisoned or
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 7
detained in Iran on grounds of their faith HR 119 FCO, Memorandum: Swaziland – Human Rights and Constitutional 01.09 Situation
Overseas Territories Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date OT 263 Meg Munn MP, Falkland Island Constitution 18.06.08 OT 264 Hon Peter Caruana, Chief Minister, Sovereignty of Gibraltar waters 09.07.08 OT 266 Submission from Simon L Bradfield 06.07.08 OT 269 Submission from Ilaria Zanier, Turks and Caicos Islands 10.07.08 OT 270 Megg Munn MP Re: Commission of Inquiry 10.07.08 OT 277 Letter from the Foreign Secretary 04.08.08 OT 278 Letter from Dr Lowell Lewis, Office of the Chief Minister 04.08.08 OT 279 Submission from VOX Editor, Gibraltar 08.08 OT 281 Submission from Sean Belcher 19.08.08 OT 282 Submission from Gordon Barlow 10.09.08 OT 283 FCO, Briefing on TCI hurricane 12.09.08 OT 284 Submission from Ben Roberts 12.09.08 OT 285 Submission from Carrie Trudell 25.08.08 OT 286 Submission from Harry Wiggin 14.09.08 OT 287 Letter from Miller Simons O’Sullivan re: TCI National Insurance Board 22.08.08 OT 288 Submission from TCI Government 30.09.08 OT 289 Letter from Andrew Tyrie MP 01.10.08 OT 291 Letter from Chief Minister of Anguilla to the Governor of Anguilla 02.10.08 OT 292 Letter from TCI Government 21.10.08 OT 293 Gillian Merron MP, Falkland Islands, New Falkland Islands Constitution 14.10.08 Order 2008 OT 296 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO 31.10.08 OT 296 Letter from Mr Mario Hoffmann 04.11.08 OT 299 Letter from Gillian Merron MP 12.11.08 and 26.11.08 OT 300 Letter from Gillian Merron MP 16.12.08
4. Visit to Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Vienna (follow-up)
(a) Visit notes
Motion made, and Question put, That the Committee should publish an anonymised report of discussions during the visit to Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Vienna — (Sir John Stanley):— It was disagreed to.
(b) Correspondence concerning the death of General Sikorski
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Inquiry into Overseas Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Lloyds TSB and sanctions against Iran
The Committee considered this matter.
7. Inquiry into Human Rights: Sri Lanka
The Committee considered this matter.
8 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
8. Visa applications in Kyrgyzstan
The Committee considered this matter.
9. Overlap with other Committees
The Committee considered this matter.
10. FCO Annual Report 2007–08
Draft Report [Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Report 2007–08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The draft Report was amended and agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Second Report of the Committee, HC 195.
11. Visit to Cyprus
Draft Report [Visit to Cyprus], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The draft Report was amended and agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Third Report of the Committee, HC 196.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 28 January at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr John Horam Mr Greg Pope Mr Eric Illsley Mr Ken Purchase Mr Paul Keetch Ms Gisela Stuart Andrew Mackinlay
1. Inquiry into Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 9
4. Global Security: Non-Proliferation
Roy Isbister, UK Working Group on Arms, and Dr Dan Plesch, Director, Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, gave oral evidence.
Mr David Hayes, Chairman, Export Group for Aerospace and Defence, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 4 February at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr John Horam Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Mr Paul Keetch Ms Gisela Stuart Andrew Mackinlay
1. Visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Inquiry into Global Security: Afghanistan
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into Overseas Territories: St Helena
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Global Security: Non-Proliferation
Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State, Mariot Leslie, Director-General, Defence and Intelligence, and Paul Arkwright, Head of Counter Proliferation Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 11 February at 2.00 p.m.
10 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Sandra Osborne Mr Fabian Hamilton Mr Greg Pope Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Andrew Mackinlay Ms Gisela Stuart Mr Malcolm Moss
1. Visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Inquiry into Human Rights
Resolved, That the Committee should inquire into the FCO’s annual human rights report, expected to be published in April 2009, and that this inquiry should also consider the following issues:
• The case of Binyam Mohamed • Allegations of UK complicity in torture • Extraordinary rendition (including the possible role of Diego Garcia) • Transfer of prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan • Allegations of abuse at the British Embassy in Iraq • The oversight of contractors, including private security companies, employed by the FCO and UK Posts overseas.
3. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Dr Hani Albasoos, Institute for the Study of Conflict Resolution and Governance, Ms Nomi Bar-Yaacov, Foreign Policy Adviser on Middle Eastern Affairs, and Dr Ahron Bregman, Department of War Studies, King’s College London, gave oral evidence.
Professor Iain Scobbie, School of International Law, School of Oriental and African Studies, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 25 February at 2.00 p.m.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 11
WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Andrew Mackinlay Mr Fabian Hamilton Mr Malcolm Moss Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Greg Pope Mr John Horam Sir John Stanley Mr Eric Illsley Ms Gisela Stuart
1. FCO Autumn Performance Report
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into Global Security: Non-Proliferation
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Inquiry into Human Rights: Iran
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Joint Committee on Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
7. Global Security: Afghanistan
Professor Theo Farrell, Department of War Studies, King’s College London, and Colonel (ret.) Christopher Langton, Senior Fellow for Conflict, International Institute for Strategic Studies, gave oral evidence.
Professor Shaun Gregory, Pakistan Security Research Unit, University of Bradford, and Sean Langton, journalist, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 4 March at 2.00 p.m.
12 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2009
Members present:
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr John Horam Mr Greg Pope Mr Eric Illsley Mr Ken Purchase Mr Paul Keetch Sir John Stanley
In the absence of the Chairman, Sir John Stanley was called to the Chair for this day’s sitting.
1. Visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Inquiry into Global Security: Afghanistan
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State, and Dr John Jenkins, Director, Middle East, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 11 March at 2.00 p.m.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 13
WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH 2009
The Business and Enterprise, Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Development Committees met concurrently as the Committees on Arms Export Controls, pursuant to Standing Order No. 137A.
Members present:
Business and Defence Committee Foreign Affairs International Development Enterprise Committee Committee Committee Roger Berry Mr David S. Borrow Mike Gapes John Battle Mr Michael Clapham Mr Adam Holloway Mr Fabian Hamilton John Bercow Sir John Stanley Malcolm Bruce
1. Chairman
Roger Berry was called to the Chair, in accordance with Standing Order No. 137A(1)(d).
2. Visit to Ukraine
The Committees considered this matter.
3. Visit to Brussels
The Committees considered this matter.
4. Demonstration of BERR’s new searchable database
The Committees considered this matter.
5. Questions on the Quarterly Report of Strategic Export Controls: April to June 2008
The Committees considered this matter.
6. Visit to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
The Committees considered this matter.
7. Strategic export controls
The Committees considered the course of their inquiry and deliberated in accordance with Standing Order No. 137A(1)(b).
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Strategic Export Controls be reported to the House for publication on the internet: AM09 to AM11.
14 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
Mr Oliver Sprague, Amnesty UK, Ms Marilyn Croser, Oxfam GB, and Mr Roy Isbister, Saferworld; and Mr David Hayes, Chairman, Mr Nigel Knowles, Vice Chairman, and Ms Bernadette Peers, Member, Compliance Support and NGO Liaison Subcommittees, Export Group for Aerospace and Defence, gave oral evidence.
[Foreign Affairs Committee adjourned till this day at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Greg Pope Mr John Horam Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Andrew Mackinlay Ms Gisela Stuart Mr Malcolm Moss
1. Visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Committees on Arms Export Controls
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Inquiry into Global Security: Japan and Korea (progress monitoring)
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Publication of written evidence
Ordered, That the following written evidence received by the Foreign Affairs Committee be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Developments in the European Union Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date EU 77 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: EU ESDP mission in Kosovo (EULEX) 19.01.09 EU 79 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: British documents relevant to the death 26.01.09
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 15
in 1943 of General Sikorski EU 81 Letter from the Minister for Europe: Preparatory work for Lisbon Treaty 28.01.09 implementation EU 82 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: EULEX 10.02.09 EU 83 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: Death of General Wladyslaw Sikorski 22.02.09
Global Security: Afghanistan Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GS(Afg) 02 Submission from Colonel (retired) Christopher Langton OBE 14.01.09 GS(Afg) 03 Submission from Rizwan Iqbal 21.01.09 GS(Afg) 04 Submission from FCO 23.01.09 GS(Afg) 05 Submission from Adam Roberts, Department of Politics and 23.01.09 International Relations, Oxford GS(Afg) 06 Submission from Sajjan Gohel, Asia-Pacific Foundation 22.01.09 GS(Afg) 07 Submission from The Redress Trust 23.01.09 GS(Afg) 08 Submission from BBC World Service and Global News in Afghanistan 23.01.09 GS(Afg) 09 Submission from Daniel Korski, Senior Policy Fellow, European Council 26.01.09 on Foreign Relations GS(Afg) 11 Letter from Andrew Tyrie MP: joint oral evidence session on Iraq and 27.10.08 Afghanistan GS(Afg) 12 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: Detainees in Iraq and Afghanistan 02.12.08 GS(Afg) 13 Letter the Foreign Secretary: Treatment of detainees 24.01.09 GS(Afg) 14 Submission from Professor Shaun Gregory 02.02.09 GS(Afg) 16 Submission from Sean Langan 23.02.09 GS(Afg) 17 Follow-up answer from Professor Shaun Gregory to the oral evidence 25.02.09 session on Wednesday 25 February
Global Security: Japan and Korea Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GS(JK) 27 The Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery 07.01.09 by Japan: Questions regarding the Global Security: Japan and Korea Report GS(JK) 28 Reply from the Chairman (to GS(JK) 27) 23.02.09 GS(JK) 29 Reply from The Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military 03.03.09 Sexual Slavery by Japan
Global Security: Non-Proliferation Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GS(NP) 71 Submission from Export Group for Aerospace & Defence 18.12.08 GS(NP) 72 Submission from Nicholas A Sims GS(NP) 73 Submission from UK Working Group on Arms 06.01.09 GS(NP) 74 Letter to Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO: request for 22.01.09 supplementary memorandum GS(NP) 75 Letter to Parliamentary Relations Team, Department for Energy and 22.01.09 Climate Change: request for memorandum GS(NP) 77 Further evidence from Daniel Feakes 04.02.09 GS(NP) 78 Letter to Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO 09.02.09 GS(NP) 79 Letter to Andy Smith, Home Office 12.02.09 GS(NP) 80 Memorandum from FCO 16.02.08 GS(NP) 81 Letter from Bill Rammell MP 02.09 GS(NP) 82 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO 24.02.08 GS(NP) 84 Submission from the Department of Energy and Climate Change 02.03.09
Global Security: The Middle East Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GSME 1 Note from the FCO on the use of white phosphorus in international law 10.02.09 GSME 2 E-mail from Hani Albasoos: further information following the evidence 18.02.09
16 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
session on 11 February GSME 3 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: recent developments in Government 03.03.09 policy towards Hizballah GSME 4 E-mail from Matthew Stockwell, Gardant Communications 03.03.09
Human Rights Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date HR 120 Letter from Harry Cohen: Change of Government policy toward the 23.12.08 status of Tibet in relation to China HR 121 Briefing note from Daniel Wheatley: situation of Bahá’ís in Iran 27.01.09 HR 122 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team: response to letter of 17 05.02.09 December – Human Rights Council HR 123 E-mail from Daniel Wheatley, Bahá’i Organisation 12.02.09 HR 124 Letter from Lord Malloch-Brown: A Resettlement Package for 18.02.09 Vulnerable British People in Zimbabwe HR 125 Letter to and response from the Foreign Secretary: Sri Lanka 22.01.09 and 19.02.09 HR 126 Letter from Andrew Tyrie MP: Rendition: Diego Garcia 29.01.09 HR 127 National Council of Resistance of Iran 24.02.09 HR 128 Correspondence between the Chairman and the Foreign Secretary: 13.02.09 Binyam Mohamed and 26.02.09 HR 129 Unicef 04.02.09 HR 130 E-mail from Muhammad Molla 25.02.09 HR 131 Letter to Sir John Stanley from the Secretary of State, Ministry of 24.02.09 Defence: UK Detention Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan HR 132 Further submission from Muhammad Molla 03.03.09
Miscellaneous Matters Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date MISC 83 Letter from the Minister for Europe: new contingent liability relating 28.01.09 to the FCO MISC 84 Letter from the Abyei Solidarity Group in the UK 09.02.09 MISC 85 Letter to Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO from the Second Clerk: 12.02.09 Sudan MISC 86 E-mail from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO to the Second Clerk: Sri 16.02.09 Lanka and the UN Security Council MISC 87 FCO: Sudan comprehensive peace agreement 24.2.09 MISC 88 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: Lloyds TSB and sanctions 26.01.09 MISC 89 Letter from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury: Lloyds TSB and 23.02.09 sanctions
Overseas Territories Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date OT 301 Letter from Gillian Merron MP: Turks and Caicos Islands Commission of 11.02.09 Inquiry OT 303 Letter to the Secretary of State for International Development: St 05.02.09 Helena Airport OT 304 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: St Helena Airport 05.02.09 OT 305 Letter from the Secretary of State for International Development 17.02.09 OT 306 Mike Summers: Falklands Airbridge – pricing issues 18.02.09 OT 308 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: Falkland Islands 23.01.09 OT 309 Letter from Gillian Merron MP 24.02.09 OT 311 E-mail from Michael Hardy 18.02.08 OT 313 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: St Helena Airport Project 28.03.09 OT 314 E-mail from Raymond Ray 27.02.09
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 17
7. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
8. Developments in the European Union
Rt Hon The Baroness Ashton of Upholland, European Trade Commissioner, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 25 March at 2.00 p.m.
Monday 16 – Thursday 19 March 2009
Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr Eric Illsley, Mr Paul Keetch, Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Malcolm Moss, Sandra Osborne, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Ken Purchase, Sir John Stanley and Ms Gisela Stuart visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 21 January 2009.
WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Ken Purchase Mr John Horam Sir John Stanley Andrew Mackinlay Ms Gisela Stuart Mr Malcolm Moss
1. Visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Inquiry into Global Security: Afghanistan
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Inquiry into Overseas Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
18 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
5. Petition
The Committee considered the Petition to the House from the Democracy Movement, Bakewell, concerning the Euro and British membership of the EU, presented by Bob Spink on 11 March 2009.
6. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
7. EULEX mission in Kosovo
The Committee considered this matter.
8. The House’s scrutiny of European business
The Committee considered this matter.
9. Global Security: Afghanistan
Dr. Jonathan Goodhand, Lecturer, School of Oriental and African Studies, and Elizabeth Winter, Researcher and Social Scientist, Adviser to the British Agencies Afghanistan Group, gave oral evidence.
David Mansfield, Freelance Consultant, and Fabrice Pothier, Director, Carnegie Europe, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 1 April at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Fabian Hamilton Mr Greg Pope Mr John Horam Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Mr Paul Keetch Ms Gisela Stuart
1. Visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Inquiry into FCO Annual Report 2008-09
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Report 2008-09.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 19
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the FCO Annual Report be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
DR From/Subject Date DR 306 FCO: Integration of the FCO and Identity Passport Service (IPS) Passport 16.1.09 Operations DR 309 FCO: Winter Supplementary Estimate 2008-09 10.11.08 DR 311 Letter to the FCO: questions on Winter Supplementary Estimates 19.12.08 DR 312 Letter from the FCO: Winter Supplementary Estimates 30.1.09 DR 315 FCO: Spring Supplementary Estimate 2008-09 05.02.09 DR 316 FCO: KBR allegations of abuse 9.2.09 DR 317 Letter from Curtis Juman, Director of Finance, UK Trade and 04.02.09 Investment: Estimates Memorandum and Written Statement DR 318 Letter from Sir Peter Ricketts, Permanent Under-Secretary: FCO 2008 17.02.09 Staff Survey DR 319 Letter to the FCO: Autumn Performance Report 26.02.09 DR 320 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: Visa processing 23.01.09 DR 321 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: Visa processing 24.02.09 DR 322 Letter from the Permanent Under-Secretary: Revision of Diplomatic 2.3.09 Service Regulation 5: Confidentiality and official information DR 323 Letter from the Permanent Under-Secretary: further allegations about 4.3.09 KBR DR 327 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: Secondment of police officers to 18.03.09 reconstruction missions overseas DR 328 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: FCO scholarships 25.03.09
3. Inquiry into Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Inquiry into Global Security: Japan and Korea
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Inquiry into Overseas Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
7. The House’s scrutiny of European business
The Committee considered this matter.
8. Impact of exchange rate fluctuation on FCO budget
Resolved, That the Committee write to the Prime Minister on this matter.
9. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
10. Public Administration Select Committee (possible overlap)
The Committee considered this matter.
20 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
11. Committee working practices
The Committee considered this matter.
12. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 21 April at 4.00 p.m.
TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Ken Purchase Mr John Horam Sir John Stanley Mr Paul Keetch Ms Gisela Stuart
1. Visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Select Committee visits (press coverage)
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Global Security: Afghanistan
James Fergusson, journalist and author, Christina Lamb, Foreign Affairs Correspondent, Sunday Times, and David Loyn, International Development Correspondent, BBC, gave oral evidence.
Sajjan Gohel, Director of International Security, Asia-Pacific Foundation (APF), London, Dr Stuart Gordon, Lecturer, Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and Daniel Korski, Senior Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 6 May at 2.00 p.m.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 21
WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL 2009
The Business and Enterprise, Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Development Committees met concurrently as the Committees on Arms Export Controls, pursuant to Standing Order No. 137A.
Members present:
Business and Defence Committee Foreign Affairs International Development Enterprise Committee Committee Committee Mr Adrian Bailey Mr David S. Borrow Mike Gapes John Battle Roger Berry Mr Adam Holloway Sir John Stanley Malcolm Bruce Peter Luff Mr Bernard Jenkin Richard Burden
1. Chairman
Roger Berry was called to the Chair, in accordance with Standing Order No. 137A(1)(d).
2. Future programme
The Committees considered this matter.
3. Strategic export controls
The Committees considered the course of their inquiry and deliberated in accordance with Standing Order No. 137A(1)(b).
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Strategic Export Controls be reported to the House for publication on the internet: AM12.
Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State, Jo Adamson, Deputy Head of Counter Proliferation Department, and Andrew Massey, Head of Arms Trade Unit, Counter Proliferation Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, gave oral evidence.
[Foreign Affairs Committee adjourned till Wednesday 6 May at 2.00 p.m.
Monday 27 April - Friday 1 May 2009
The Chairman, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Mr John Horam, Mr Paul Keetch, Mr Malcolm Moss, Sandra Osborne, Sir John Stanley and Ms Gisela Stuart visited Afghanistan and Pakistan in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into Global Security: Afghanistan, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 25 June 2008.
22 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
WEDNESDAY 6 MAY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Ken Purchase Mr John Horam Sir John Stanley Mr Paul Keetch Ms Gisela Stuart
1. Inquiry into Overseas Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Inquiry into Global Security: Afghanistan
Ordered, That the words “and Pakistan” be added to the title of the inquiry.
3. Inquiry into Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Cyprus
The Committee considered this matter.
Ordered, That the Chairman write to the High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus.
6. Publication of written evidence
Ordered, That the following written evidence received by the Foreign Affairs Committee, be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Global Security: Afghanistan Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GS(Afg) 18 Submission from the British and Irish Agencies Afghanistan Group 05.03.09 GS(Afg) 19 Submission from Peter Marsden 11.03.09 GS(Afg) 20 Submission from ‘RAM’ Seeger 14.04.09 GS(Afg) 21 Submission from Majid Karzai, Second Secretary for Political Affairs at 15.04.09 the Afghan Embassy in London
Global Security: Non-Proliferation Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GS(NP) 85 Andy Smith, Parliamentary Clerk, Home Office 24.03.09
Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GSME 06 E-mail from Mr Paul Price, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, re: 03.03.09
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 23
cemeteries in Gaza GSME 08 Letter to Richard Kellaway, Commonwealth War Graves Commission 07.04.09
Global Security: Japan and Korea Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GS(JK) 30 Letter to Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO: Request for follow-up 16.03.09 information on the Government’s Response GS(JK) 31 Letter from the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Chun Yung-woo 20.03.09 GS(JK) 32 Letter to the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Chun Yung-woo 20.04.09 GS(JK) 33 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO: request for further 20.04.09 information relating to the Committee’s inquiry
Human Rights Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date HR 133 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: Bahá’í community in Iran 27.02.09 HR 134 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: Bahá’í community in Iran 11.03.09 HR 135 E-mail from Ken KATO, Director, Human Rights in Asia 13.03.09 HR 137 Letter from the Centre for Legal Aid Assistance & Settlement (CLAAS): 27.02.09 blasphemy cases against Christians in Pakistan HR 139 Chelliah.Selvathasan: Plight of Tamil People in Sri Lanka 27.03.09 HR 140 Esan Satkunarajah: Appeal to prevent another Rwanda in Sri Lanka 03.04.09 HR 144 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: Alleged complicity in torture by the 19.04.09 Security Service and SIS HR 145 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: Alleged complicity in torture by M15 02.04.09 and M16 agents
Miscellaneous Matters Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date MISC 92 Letter from Gillian Merron MP, together with Written Ministerial 30.03.09 Statement dated 30 March
Overseas Territories written evidence Number From/Subject Date OT 317 E-mail from Anna W. Summers, Warwick, Bermuda 14.03.09 OT 318 E-mail from Baroness Elizabeth Raben-Levetzau 14.03.09 OT 319 Diana Williams 14.03.09 OT 320 Patricia E Ferguson, JP 15.03.09 OT 321 Dr. Terceira and Joan 15.03.09 OT 322 Wyndham Cowen 15.03.09 OT 323 Tony Brannon 16.03.09 OT 325 Letter from Gillian Merron MP: Government response to TCI 13.03.09 Commission of Inquiry’s interim report OT 326 E-mail from Barbara Atwood, Bermuda 16.03.09 OT 330 Geoff Parker Sr., President and Co-chairman, The Voters' Rights 18.03.09 Association – Bermuda OT 331 Keren Lomas 20.03.09 OT 332 Letter from Hon Galmo W Williams, MHA, Leader, Progressive National 20.03.09 Party: TCI Commission of Inquiry: Interim Report OT 334 Letter from W L Chamberland, Gibraltar 10.03.09 OT 335 E-mail: Equality Cayman 27.03.09 OT 336 Harry Bell Cast 01.04.09 OT 337 Letter from Gillian Merron MP, FCO: British Virgin Islands 01.04.09 OT 339 Letter from Mike Foster MP, Minister for International Development: St 09.04.09 Helena
24 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
7. Petitions
The Committee considered the Petition to the House from supporters of members of the Tamil Diaspora in the United Kingdom concerning “the current humanitarian crisis facing the Tamil people in northern and eastern Sri Lanka”, presented by Mr Parmjit Dhanda on 22 April 2009.
The Committee considered the Petition to the House from residents of Ilford North and others concerning “the present appalling humanitarian tragedy unfolding in the north of Sri Lanka”, presented by Mr Lee Scott on 29 April 2009.
The Committee considered the Petitions to the House from members of the British Tamil community and others concerning the situation in Sri Lanka, presented by Mr Paul Burstow, Simon Hughes, Susan Kramer and Mr Edward Davey on 29 April 2009.
The Committee considered the Petition to the House from members of the British Tamil community and others concerning the situation in Sri Lanka, presented by Tom Brake on 30 April 2009.
8. Travel in a representative capacity
Resolved, That the Chairman have leave to visit Rome for the purpose of attending a meeting of chairmen of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the G8 countries in a representative capacity.
Resolved, That the Chairman have leave to visit Sweden for the purpose of attending the EU Conference of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairmen in a representative capacity.
9. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 13 May at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Greg Pope Mr John Horam Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Mr Malcolm Moss Ms Gisela Stuart Sandra Osborne
1. Inquiry into Overseas Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 25
2. Inquiry into Global Security: Non-Proliferation
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Thursday 14 May at 12.45 p.m.
THURSDAY 14 MAY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Mr John Horam Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Eric Illsley Mr Greg Pope Andrew Mackinlay Sir John Stanley
Global Security: Afghanistan and Pakistan
Rt Hon Lord Malloch-Brown, Minister of State, and Adam Thomson, Director, South Asia and Afghanistan, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 20 May at 2.00 p.m.
Sunday 17 – Wednesday 20 May 2009
Sir John Stanley visited Kiev, with the Committees on Arms Export Control, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 30 January 2008.
WEDNESDAY 20 MAY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Sandra Osborne Mr Paul Keetch Mr Ken Purchase Andrew Mackinlay Sir John Stanley
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
26 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
2. Publication of written evidence
Ordered, That the decision of the Committee on 6 May in respect of memorandum OT 336 be rescinded.
3. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
Sir Menzies Campbell declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to the Committee’s inquiry into Human Rights, in respect of his membership of the Intelligence and Security Committee; and declared that he would not take part in those parts of the inquiry which related to matters under consideration by the ISC.
Resolved, That the Committee do not proceed with this day’s oral evidence session.
[Adjourned till Monday 1 June at 10.45 a.m.
MONDAY 1 JUNE 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Ken Purchase Mr John Horam Sir John Stanley Mr Eric Illsley Ms Gisela Stuart Andrew Mackinlay
1. Inquiry into Global Security: Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Rt Hon Tony Blair, Representative of the Middle East Quartet, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 3 June at 2.00 p.m.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 27
WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Greg Pope Mr John Horam Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Andrew Mackinlay
1. Draft Bribery Bill
The Committee considered this matter.
Ordered, That the Chairman write to Viscount Colville of Culross, Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Draft Bribery Bill.
2. Inquiry into Overseas Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Visit to Sweden, Estonia and the Western Balkans
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Visit to the United States
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Visit to Cyprus, Malta, Portugal and Spain
Resolved, That the Committee visit Cyprus, Malta, Portugal and Spain in January 2010 in connection with its inquiry into Developments in the European Union and that the Chairman seek the approval of the Chairman of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with the visit.
7. Committees on Arms Export Controls
The Committee considered this matter.
8. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
28 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
9. Global Security: Non-Proliferation
Draft Report (Global Security: Non-Proliferation), proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The draft Report was amended and agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Fourth Report of the Committee, HC 222.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 10 June at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr John Horam Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Andrew Mackinlay Ms Gisela Stuart
1. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Human Rights
Resolved, That the Committee take evidence in private.
Kate Allen, Director, Amnesty International UK, Clive Stafford-Smith, Director, Reprieve, and Benjamin Ward, Associate Director, Europe and Central Asia, Human Rights Watch, gave oral evidence.
Ordered, That the public be now admitted.
Kate Allen, Director, Amnesty International UK, gave further oral evidence, and Tom Porteous, Director, Human Rights Watch, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 16 June at 10.30 a.m.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 29
TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Mr Eric Illsley Mr Ken Purchase Mr Paul Keetch Sir John Stanley Mr Greg Pope
Human Rights
Rt Hon David Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Simon Manley, Director of Defence and Strategic Threats, and Susan Hyland, Head of Human Rights Democracy and Good Governance Group, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 17 June at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Andrew Mackinlay Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Greg Pope Mr John Horam Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Mr Paul Keetch Ms Gisela Stuart
1. Visit to Sweden, Estonia and the Western Balkans
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visit to the United States
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into Global Security: Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
30 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
5. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Developments in the European Union
Rt Hon David Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and Mr Matthew Rycroft CBE, Director EU, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 24 June at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Greg Pope Mr Eric Illsley Mr Ken Purchase Mr Malcolm Moss Sir John Stanley Sandra Osborne Ms Gisela Stuart
1. Visit to Sweden, Estonia and the Western Balkans
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visit to the United States
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Publication of written evidence
Ordered, That the following written evidence received by the Foreign Affairs Committee, be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Developments in the European Union Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date EU 85 Exchange of letters between the Chairman and the High Commissioner 27.03.09 for the Republic of Cyprus and 15.05.09 EU 86 Exchange of letters between Baroness Catherine Ashton and 08.04.09 Committee Specialist: Follow-up to oral evidence session EU 88 Letter from Radomir Putnikovic 28.04.09 EU 91 Memorandum submitted by the Foreign Secretary: Prospects for the 12.06.09 European Council, Brussels, 18-19 June 2009
Global Security Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GS 75 High Commissioner for Pakistan: Brief summary of the steps taken by 26.01.09 Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai attack
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 31
GS 77 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: Resources available to HMG for 25.03.09 activity to prevent and resolve conflict
Global Security: Afghanistan and Pakistan Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GS(Afg) 24 Letter from Rt Hon Lord Malloch-Brown: Follow up to 14 May Evidence 01.06.09 Session GS(Afg) 25 Response to written questions submitted to the Islamabad Visa Section, 12.06.09 UK Border Agency
Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GSME 09 Letter from Richard Kellaway CBE, Director General, Commonwealth 20.04.09 War Graves Commission: Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemeteries in Gaza GSME10 Professor Scobbie, follow-up to oral evidence 26.04.09 GSME 11 Bill Rammell MP, follow-up questions 02.04.09 GSME 12 Bill Rammell MP, follow-up points 19.05.09
Miscellaneous Matters Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date MISC 91 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: UK visa request by Shalva Natelashvili 18.03.09 MISC 93 Letter from Rt Hon Caroline Flint MP, Minister for Europe: UK visa 14.05.09 request by Mr Natelashvili MISC 94 E-mail from Carole Bullard: Stanford International Bank 19.5.09 MISC 95 Fax from sender wishing to be anonymous: Antigua, and investments 18.5.09
4. Inquiry into Overseas Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Inquiry into Global Security: Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
7. Cyprus
The Committee considered this matter.
8. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee’s inquiry into Global Security: United States be renamed “Global Security: UK-US Relations”. 32 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
9. Petition
The Committee considered the Petition to the House from the Brecknock Peace and Justice Group concerning the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, presented by Mr Roger Williams on 1 June 2009.
10. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 1 July at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 1 JULY 2009
The Business and Enterprise, Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Development Committees met concurrently as the Committees on Arms Export Controls, pursuant to Standing Order No. 137A.
Members present:
Business and Defence Committee Foreign Affairs International Development Enterprise Committee Committee Committee Mr Adrian Bailey Mr David S. Borrow Mike Gapes John Battle Roger Berry Linda Gilroy Sir John Stanley Malcolm Bruce Mr Brian Binley Richard Burden Mr Mark Oaten
1. Chairman
Roger Berry was called to the Chair, in accordance with Standing Order No. 137A(1)(d).
2. Strategic Export Controls
The Committees considered this matter.
3. Future programme
The Committees considered this matter.
[Foreign Affairs Committee adjourned till this day at 2.00 p.m.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 33
WEDNESDAY 1 JULY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Mr Fabian Hamilton Sandra Osborne Mr John Horam Mr Greg Pope Mr Eric Illsley Mr Ken Purchase Mr Paul Keetch Sir John Stanley Mr Malcolm Moss
1. Visit to Sweden, Estonia and the Western Balkans
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visit to the United States
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Inquiry into Overseas Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Inquiry into Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 8 July at 2.00 p.m.
34 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
WEDNESDAY 8 JULY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Andrew Mackinlay Mr Fabian Hamilton Mr Malcolm Moss Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Greg Pope Mr John Horam Mr Ken Purchase Mr Eric Illsley Sir John Stanley Mr Paul Keetch Ms Gisela Stuart
1. Visit to Sweden, Estonia and the Western Balkans
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visit to the United States
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Pre-appointment hearing
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee request Baroness Amos to give oral evidence in respect of her prospective appointment as High Commissioner to Australia.
5. Inquiry into Overseas Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
Ordered, That the Chairman write to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
6. Inquiry into FCO Annual Report 2008-09
The Committee considered this matter.
7. Inquiry into Global Security: Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Committee considered this matter.
8. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 15 July at 2.00 p.m.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 35
WEDNESDAY 15 JULY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Sandra Osborne Mr John Horam Mr Greg Pope Mr Eric Illsley Mr Ken Purchase Andrew Mackinlay Sir John Stanley Mr Malcolm Moss Ms Gisela Stuart
1. Visit to Sweden, Estonia and the Western Balkans
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That Sir John Stanley should lead the Western Balkans leg of the visit.
2. Visit to the United States
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Summer recess
Resolved, That the Chairman be authorised to take decisions on matters concerning the Committee’s visits and future programme during the summer recess, and that Sir John Stanley be given similar authority in respect of the Balkans visit.
4. Travel in a representative capacity
Resolved, That the Chairman and a member of the Committee staff have leave to visit Sweden for the purpose of attending in a representative capacity a meeting on the Parliamentary Dimension to the Eastern Partnership
5. Publication of written evidence
Ordered, That the following written evidence received by the Foreign Affairs Committee be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Developments in the European Union Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date EU 92 Note from the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in London on the 19.06.09 SEECP Chairmanship-in-Office of the Republic of Moldova
FCO Annual Report 2008-09 Number From/Subject Date DR 332 Letter from the Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO: Autumn 08.04.09 Performance Report 2008
Overseas Territories Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date OT 341 Letter from Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, 04.09 FCO, and Order in Council and Draft Constitution, Cayman Islands
36 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
OT 343 Ben Roberts, Turks and Caicos Islands 28.04.09 OT 345 Galmo W Williams, Premier, Turks and Caicos Islands 29.04.09 OT 346 Letter from Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, 29.04.09 FCO: Interim report on offshore financial centres OT 347 Letter from Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, 22.04.09 FCO OT 348 Letter from Dawn J Smith, UK Representative, British Virgin Islands, 28.04.09 London Office OT 349 E-mail from Jonathan Finney, Senior Parliamentary Officer, Stonewall 06.05.09 OT 350 Letter from Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, 07.05.09 FCO, with Draft Memorandum and Draft Constitution FAC Statement OT 352 Letter from Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, 12.05.09 FCO: Cayman Islands draft Constitution OT 353 Letter from Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, 11.05.09 FCO: Turks and Caicos Islands OT 354 Letter from Lord Malloch-Brown, Minister of State, FCO: Extended 08.05.09 Continental Shelf around the Falkland Islands OT 355 Letter from Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, 18.05.09 FCO: St Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha: Constitutional Review OT 356 Letter and press statement on TCI Commission of Inquiry from Gillian 18.05.09 Merron MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, FCO OT 359 Letter to Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, 22.05.09 FCO: Draft Cayman Islands Constitution Order OT 362 E-mail from Henry Jolson 31.05.09 OT 365 E-mail from Mr Ben Roberts 04.06.09 OT 366 Letter and petition from John Hartley 08.06.09 OT 368 E-mail from Keren Lomas, Bermuda, Guantanamo Bay detainees 12.06.09 released to Bermuda OT 373 E-mail from Sheila Zajac to the Chairman: Turks and Caicos Islands 16.06.09 OT 380 Letter from Chris Bryant MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, 23.06.09 FCO: Cayman Islands Constitution OT 381 Kathi Barrington: Turks and Caicos Islands 24.06.09 OT 387 Letter from Chris Bryant MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, 02.07.09 FCO: St Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha: Constitutional Review
6. Inquiry into Global Security: UK-US Relations
The Committee considered this matter.
7. Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Draft Report [Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The draft Report was amended and agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report will be published in the Fifth Report of the Committee, HC 261.
8. Inquiry into Human Rights
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 21 July at 10.00 a.m.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 37
MONDAY 20 JULY 2009
The Business and Enterprise, Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Development Committees met concurrently as the Committees on Arms Export Controls, pursuant to Standing Order No. 137A.
Members present:
Business and Defence Committee Foreign Affairs International Development Enterprise Committee Committee Committee Roger Berry Mr James Arbuthnot Mike Gapes John Battle Peter Luff Mr David S. Borrow Mr John Horam Richard Burden Mr Mark Oaten Mr Bernard Jenkin Sandra Osborne Andrew Stunell Mrs Madeleine Moon Sir John Stanley
1. Chairman
Roger Berry was called to the Chair, in accordance with Standing Order No. 137A(1)(d).
2. Scrutiny of Arms Export Controls (2009): UK Strategic Export Controls Annual Report 2007, Quarterly Reports for 2008, licensing policy and review of export control legislation
The Committees deliberated in accordance with Standing Order No. 137A(1)(b).
Draft Report (Scrutiny of Arms Export Controls (2009): UK Strategic Export Controls Annual Report 2007, Quarterly Reports for 2008, licensing policy and review of export control legislation), proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the formal minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the First Joint Report of the Business and Enterprise, Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Development Committees, Session 2008–09, HC 178.
The Defence, International Development and Business and Enterprise Committees withdrew.
Mike Gapes, in the Chair Mr John Horam Sir John Stanley Sandra Osborne
Draft Report (Scrutiny of Arms Export Controls (2009): UK Strategic Export Controls Annual Report 2007, Quarterly Reports for 2008, licensing policy and review of export control legislation), proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
38 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
Resolved, That the draft Report prepared by the Business and Enterprise, Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Development Committees, be the Sixth Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the provisions of Standing Order No. 137A(2) be applied to the Report.
Ordered, That Roger Berry make the Joint Report to the House.
Ordered, That embargoed copies of the Report be made available, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No.134 (Select committees (reports)).
Ordered, The following written evidence be reported to the House for printing with the Report, together with written evidence reported and ordered to be published on 21January, 11 March and 22 April: Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (July 2008), Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (July 2008), Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (September 2008), Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (September 2008), Foreign and Commonwealth Office (December 2008), Foreign and Commonwealth Office (April 2009), Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (June 2009), Foreign and Commonwealth Office (July 2009).
3. Future programme
The Committees considered this matter.
[Foreign Affairs Committee adjourned till Tuesday 21 July at 10.00 a.m.
TUESDAY 21 JULY 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Sandra Osborne Mr John Horam Mr Greg Pope Mr Eric Illsley Mr Ken Purchase Mr Paul Keetch Sir John Stanley Andrew Mackinlay Ms Gisela Stuart
1. Sir John Chilcot’s Iraq inquiry
The Committee considered this matter.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 39
2. Visit to Sweden, Estonia and the Western Balkans
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Visit to the United States
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Publication of written evidence
Ordered, That the decision of the Committee on 15 July in respect of memorandum OT 365 be rescinded.
6. Human Rights Annual Report 2008
Draft Report [Human Rights Annual Report 2008], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The draft Report was amended and agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Committee’s Seventh Report, HC 557.
7. Global Security: Afghanistan and Pakistan
Draft Report [Global Security: Afghanistan and Pakistan], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The draft Report was amended and agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Committee’s Eighth Report, HC 302.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 21 October at 2.00 p.m.
Monday 12 October to Thursday 15 October 2009
The Chairman, Mr John Horam, Mr Paul Keetch, Mr Malcolm Moss, Sandra Osborne, Mr Greg Pope, and Ms Gisela Stuart visited Sweden and Estonia in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into Developments in the European Union, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 17 December 2008.
Monday 12 October to Thursday 15 October 2009
Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr Ken Purchase and Sir John Stanley visited Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into Developments in the European Union, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 17 December 2008.
40 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER 2009
Members present:
Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Sandra Osborne Mr John Horam Mr Greg Pope Mr Eric Illsley Mr Ken Purchase Mr Paul Keetch Sir John Stanley Andrew Mackinlay Ms Gisela Stuart Mr Malcolm Moss
In the absence of the Chairman, Sir John Stanley was called to the Chair for this day’s sitting.
1. Visit to the United States
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visit to Cyprus, Malta, Portugal and Spain
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Resolved, that the Committee visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in connection with its Inquiry into Global Security, and that the Chairman seek the approval of the Chairman of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with the visit.
4. Inquiry into Global Security: UK-US Relations
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
7. Pre-appointment hearing
Rt Hon The Baroness Amos of Brondesbury, prospective High Commissioner to Australia, and Mr Asif Ahmad, Head of the South East Asia and Pacific Group, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 4 November at 2.00 p.m.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 41
Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2009
The Chairman, Sir Menzies Campbell, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr John Horam, Mr Eric Illsley, Mr Paul Keetch, Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Malcolm Moss, Sandra Osborne, Mr Greg Pope, Sir John Stanley and Ms Gisela Stuart visited New York and Washington DC in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into Global Security: UK-US Relations, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 17 December 2008.
WEDNESDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Andrew Mackinlay Mr Fabian Hamilton Mr Malcolm Moss Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Sir John Stanley Mr Eric Illsley
1. Publication of written evidence
Ordered, That the following written evidence received by the Foreign Affairs Committee, be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Developments in the EU Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date EU 94 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: European Council Decisions: Ireland 15.07.09 and Denmark
FCO Annual Report 2008-09 Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date DR 329 Letter from the Permanent Under-Secretary, FCO: Capability Review 31.03.09 DR 330 Letter from the Permanent Under-Secretary, FCO: FCO Strategic 01.04.09 Programme Fund DR 331 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: Secondment of police officers to 05.04.09 reconstruction missions overseas DR 333 Letter to Prime Minister: Fluctuations in the value of the Pound 02.04.09 DR 335 UKTI: Main Estimate 2009-10 08.05.09 DR 336 Letter from FCO: FCO Management Issues January to March 2009 11.05.09 DR 338 FCO: Main Estimates Memorandum 15.05.09 DR 339 Letter to the Foreign Secretary: Post-legislative scrutiny of Acts of 26.05.09 Parliament DR 342 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO: Post-legislative scrutiny 09.06.09 of Acts of Parliament DR 344 Sir Edward Clay: DSR 5 19.06.09 DR 345 Public and Commercial Services Union 22.06.09 DR 347 Letter, e-mail and accompanying material from Barry J. Lennox and 17, 20 letter to him from Committee Specialist (Zimbabwe pensions) and 30 July 09 DR 348 Quarterly (April-June) Management Letter from Sir Peter Ricketts (with 28.07.09 two documents as annexes C & D) DR 351 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team, FCO – Follow-up regarding 17.09.09
42 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
FCO Response to FAC Report on 2007-08 FCO Annual Report DR 353 Letter from Sir Peter Marshall 18.09.09 DR 354 Letter from Parliamentary Relations Team – Questions on FCO 2008-09 06.10.09 Annual Report and Resource Accounts DR 355 Letter from Foreign Secretary to FCO Strategic Programme Fund 13.10.09 Annual Report 2008-09
DR 357 Letter from the Foreign Secretary: FCO Ministerial Team 29.10.09
FCO Annual Report 2008-09 (British Council) Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date BC 01 Letter from Alan Gemmell, Director, External Relations, British Council knowledge and learning in Egypt BC 02 Note from Martin Davidson, Chief Executive: Business and investment 31.07.09 plans BC 03 Written evidence from the British Council 05.10.09 BC 04 E-mail to the Committee Specialist from the British Council: Kharkiv 05.06.09
FCO Annual Report 2008-09 (BBC World Service) Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date WS 01 Written evidence from the BBC World Service 22.09.09 WS 02 BBC World Service: BBC Afrique and BBC Turkish Service 21.05.09
Global Security: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GSME 14 J D Metcalfe 28.07.09 GSME 15 Israeli Embassy 21.08.09
Global Security: UK-US Relations Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date GS (UK-US) Submission from Lee Bruce 15.09.09 01 GS (UK-US) Submission from Ambassador Robert E. Hunter 23.09.09 02 GS (UK-US) Submission from Rt Hon Lord Hurd of Westwell 22.09.09 03 GS (UK-US) Letter from Andrew Tyrie MP 23.09.09 04 GS (UK-US) Letter from Robert Budd 29.08.09 05 GS (UK-US) Submission from the British Pugwash Group 23.09.09 06 GS (UK-US) Submission from Ian Kearns, Senior Analyst, British American Security 24.09.09 07 Information Council (BASIC) GS (UK-US) Submission from FCO 25.09.09 08 GS (UK-US) Submission from Professor Malcolm Chalmers, Royal United Services 25.09.09 09 Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI) GS (UK-US) Submission from Reginald Dale and Heather Conley, Center for 24.09.09 10 Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) GS (UK-US) Submission from Dr Frances Burwell, Atlantic Council of the United 28.09.09 11 States GS (UK-US) Submission from UKTI 25.09.09 12 GS (UK-US) Submission from Dr Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House 30.09.09 13 GS (UK-US) Submission from Dr Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director, Acronym 11.10.09 14 Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 43
GS (UK-US) Submission from Dr David H. Dunn, Reader in International Politics, 13.10.09 15 Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham GS (UK-US) Submission from Professor Michael Clarke, Royal United Services 20.10.09 16 Institute
Miscellaneous Matters Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date MISC 96 Letter from Mr P. Arthur: Iraq inquiry 28.06.09 MISC 99 Letter from Head, Parliamentary Relations Team: Sierra Leone 25.08.09 MISC 100 Letter from David Lidington MP and Chairman’s reply: Proposal for an 30.08.09 inquiry into Libya MISC 101 Letter from Chris Bryant MP – Colombia drugs 21.09.09 MISC 103 Letter from the Foreign Secretary on Climate Change. 16.10.09
Pre-appointment Hearing Written Evidence Number From/Subject Date PH 01 Letter from the FCO – Response to request for information 21.09.09 PH 01A Letter to Rt Hon Baroness Amos 10.07.09 PH 02 Letter from Rt Hon Baroness Amos – Response to request for 18.09.09 information PH 03 Letters to Rt Hon Baroness Amos and the Foreign Secretary, requesting 07.08.09 written evidence
2. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into FCO Annual Report 2008-09
Resolved, That the Committee’s inquiry into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Report 2008-09 be split into three inquiries, as follows:
1. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Report 2008-09
2. BBC World Service
3. British Council.
4. Visit to Brussels
Resolved, That the Committee visit Brussels in February 2010 in connection with its inquiry into Developments in the European Union.
5. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
6. British Council
Martin Davidson, Chief Executive, Gerard Lemos, Acting Chairman, and Sue Beaumont, Regional Director Near East and North Africa, British Council, gave oral evidence.
44 Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09
7. BBC World Service
Peter Horrocks, Director, Richard Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, and Behrouz Afagh, Head of Asia Pacific Region, BBC World Service, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 11 November at 5.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2009
Members present:
Mike Gapes, in the Chair
Sir Menzies Campbell Mr Malcolm Moss Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Ken Purchase Mr John Horam Sir John Stanley Mr Eric Illsley Ms Gisela Stuart Andrew Mackinlay
1. Visit to Cyprus, Malta, Portugal and Spain
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Inquiry into Global Security: UK-US Relations
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Publication of written evidence
Resolved, That the decision of the Committee on 24 June in respect of memoranda MISC 91 and MISC 93 be rescinded.
5. Petition
The Committee considered the Petition to the House from residents of Brighton and others concerning alleged war crimes during the Israeli attacks in Gaza in December 2008/January 2009, presented by David Lepper on 21 October 2009.
6. Informal meetings
The Committee considered this matter.
7. Inquiry into Overseas Territories
The Committee considered this matter.
Foreign Affairs Committee: Formal Minutes 2008–09 45
8. Global Security: UK-US Relations
Dr Dana Allin, Senior Fellow, Institute of International Strategic Studies, Dr David H. Dunn, Reader in International Politics, University of Birmingham, and Dr Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House, gave oral evidence.
The Lord Wallace of Saltaire and Professor Malcolm Chalmers, Royal United Services Institute, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 25 November at 2.00 p.m.