Speeches by Foord.

“In 2023 the Intelligence and Security Committee published a report on China in which it wrote that China was a “whole-of-state threat”. In their 2023 public response to the ISC report, the Government wrote that they recognised “the committee’s concerns about the long-term strategic challenge”. The ISC had used the word…”

“How might algorithmic manipulation and censorship on the Chinese platforms that we are discussing contribute to the spread of disinformation? Mr Kynge just described the export of the software; what effect might that have when we think about algorithmic manipulation?”

“Andrew, how does China mask its influence operations through companies, bilateral partnerships and cultural institutions?”

“Given the place of the debate in the United States and the hostility that exists towards China in the US Administration, is it not the case that the US Government are going to seek to work with US-based social media companies to try to regulate those areas?”

“How might algorithmic manipulation and censorship on the Chinese platforms that we are discussing contribute to the spread of disinformation? Mr Kynge just described the export of the software; what effect might that have when we think about algorithmic manipulation?”

“Andrew, how does China mask its influence operations through companies, bilateral partnerships and cultural institutions?”

“Given the place of the debate in the United States and the hostility that exists towards China in the US Administration, is it not the case that the US Government are going to seek to work with US-based social media companies to try to regulate those areas?”

“I was with the right hon. Gentleman at those Foreign Affairs Committee meetings. We should also say that there was no opportunity for us to quiz Lord Mandelson in a public setting.”

“I am grateful to the hon. Member for securing this debate on renewing our democracy. First past the post served Labour and the Conservatives well in the 20th century, but the blowing open of electoral politics by smaller political parties means that many more people are now feeling under-represented. Does the hon. Memb…”

“I agree wholeheartedly. I commend the right hon. Gentleman on calling this debate in the first place, and he is right. It was rumoured that Karen Pierce wanted to or was at least willing to stay on in post for another year, and she would have represented us in an excellent manner, which we know was characteristic of he…”

“The UK has a proud tradition of appointing career civil servants as ambassadors. Our senior diplomatic service is respected worldwide and, while travelling with the Foreign Affairs Committee this year, I have heard high praise for our “Rolls-Royce civil service”. It is professional, reliable and globally respected. One…”

“Of 221 people arrested for supporting Palestine Action, 162 were arrested under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. This prohibits people from carrying articles in public which “arouse reasonable suspicion that an individual is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation.” Even the protesters who displayed tho…”

“15. What steps he is taking to reduce backlogs in the criminal justice system.”

“The Spanish Government have taken a different view. The Spanish Prime Minister is prepared to refer to what is going on in Gaza as genocide. When we see our allies starting to shift their position, might the UK follow rather than lead?”

“Recent reports state that figures from a classified Israeli database suggest that five out of six Palestinians who have been killed in Gaza were not terrorists but civilians. Do Ministers recognise those figures?”

“In our previous ministerial evidence session, we explored the fact that the FCDO had reached the conclusion that there was insufficient information to decide in 411 out of 413 alleged incidents of breaches of IHL. Do you know what the latest figure is from the IHL compliance assessment process?”

“It exists in the mind of others, but it also exists in their statements. We have heard from former Cabinet Ministers of the Israeli state phrases such as “fighting human animals”. The International Association of Genocide Scholars has deemed that there is a genocide taking place in Gaza. Do you not feel that it is a re…”

“Of course, the problem with that approach—assessment of risk rather than determinations—is that the determinations can come so late that the British state will be unable to do anything about it. The last time that the UK recognised a genocide as having taken place, the determination around Daesh and the Yazidis, the ge…”

“Would you go further and say that the Government have concluded that Israel is not acting with that intent?”

“My first question is to Minister Falconer. On 1 September, the then Foreign Secretary sent a letter to the Chair of the International Development Committee referencing the genocide convention. The Foreign Secretary wrote, “As per the Genocide Convention, the crime of genocide occurs only where there is specific ‘intent…”