Speeches by Mundell.

“Is there any responsibility on the arms manufacturers to investigate the use of weapons or components in these circumstances?”

“How would a Government Department initiate an investigation if there was reason to believe that the UK was supplying arms or components that were being used in attacks against aid workers?”

“I think that that is a positive approach and I am not arguing against that. Nobody would suggest that we could backfill for the US, but in your decision making we have to understand what the impact of the lack of US funding would have in particular areas. Obviously, with my interests, I am citing HIV.”

“I also want to ask you about the World Health Organisation, which is another not-favourite of the US Administration. Is the UK still committed to the World Health Organisation and its activities?”

“I was pleased to hear that GAVI and the Global Fund are still in play, because your impact criteria and even when money is really, really—I want to emphasise that point because what is happening here in the UK also has to be seen in the context of USAID. What assessment is being made of that because some of those cuts …”

“This has been the case with previous Development Ministers. There has always been a lot of pressure from the public and certain sections of the media about money spent on development. Nick is very aware of that. However, in the past Development Ministers have been the advocate for the cause. Do you see that as the real…”

“Well, yes.”

“What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the financial reparations that will be made to LGBT veterans following the Etherton review are not taken into consideration when assessing entitlement to other benefits?”

“Although it pains me, as it does, to do so, I have to concede that whiskey is produced in Northern Ireland. When the Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security made the statement on the Indian trade deal, he understandably placed great emphasis on the benefits to the Scotch whisky industry and indeed the UK whisky…”

“What dialogue is ongoing with Egypt at this time? There are concerns about the pressure on Egypt, not just from the situation in Gaza and its obvious interest in the Rafah crossing, but in the south from the conflict in Sudan. Egypt remains an important party in getting to a resolution. What is the Government’s current…”

“I look forward to marking VE Day on Thursday in the Royal Burgh of Sanquhar, which is part of Upper Nithsdale’s proud military heritage, at the beacon to be lit at Hass hill in Lockerbie, and at a parade in Dumfries on Saturday. What Ministers and yourself, Madam Deputy Speaker, might not know is that the end of the wa…”

“I very much welcome the statement and the action, which I fully support, and I am very pleased to hear of the level of engagement by the US. The Secretary of State will recall that the humanitarian situation in Yemen was the subject of frequent debate and discussion during the previous Parliament, but it appears to hav…”

“I did not run the London marathon and I never will, but I am hugely admiring of all colleagues who did, and particularly my hon. Friend the Member for Gordon and Buchan (Harriet Cross) and her incredible time. The Minister referenced the point I made yesterday about the grid in Scotland and previously expressed concern…”

“Colin, may I ask you to outline BII’s work to engage and stimulate the private sector in its investment portfolio?”

“Arafat, has any impact assessment been made of the viability of operating refugee camps, given the likely impact of funding cuts?”

“Mónica, you mentioned Sudan. It is not just funding cuts that are the issue: there was a huge attack by the RSF on the Zamzam camp, which housed more than half a million people, who were effectively displaced again and are therefore not receiving the sexual and reproductive health services available in that camp. As we…”

“Achim, could you outline the extent to which UNDP works to develop the private sector across low-income countries?”

“What is your view of the impact that displaced people have on the so-called black economy? Some people think it is an issue, but at least one of our witnesses has said that they didn’t think it was a major issue. What is your view?”

“Yes.”

“Colin, may I ask you to outline BII’s work to engage and stimulate the private sector in its investment portfolio?”