Speeches by Kumaran.

“Yesterday, we questioned the permanent under-secretary of the FCDO about his views on the cuts, in particular to BBC Arabic. We know that last year the BBC cut BBC Arabic, Persian, and Hindi radio services, amongst others. I gave a stark example that in Lebanon, where we have cut the radio service, Russian-backed media…”

“My question is related.”

“It is a running joke here, but I have been on BBC Tamil. I absolutely identify with and understand the point you made about trust and authenticity when it is your own language media. They did subtitle and caption me, but that is a thing for another time. You talked about misinformation and disinformation. I found it re…”

“I would like to ask you a question that I put to yesterday’s panel—which consisted of the Permanent Under-secretary to the FCDO—and earlier to our panel of experts, specifically on the cuts to BBC radio in Arabic. I have an extract of a speech here from the current director general of the BBC, and he said that, “As a r…”

“Thank you for that answer. Does the BBC have any chance to make representations to the Government on the impact of those cuts as you have set out?”

“The decisions I just set out. This is about the impact of the cuts to the FCDO programmes I just set out and your analysis that there was damage to our reputation as a reliable donor. What would you do differently?”

“Sir Philip, I just want to step back to ask a question about the BBC World Service. I have had the joy of being interviewed by BBC Tamil, but recently, I have heard from Middle East experts who described the closure of BBC Arabic as a disaster for the region. They said it was a trusted source and now there is no longer…”

“I have a short follow up. In your opinion, does the FCDO have the resource it needs to progress some of these pressing matters, especially since the situation in the Middle East is worsening? We have heard about the UK’s role in the ceasefire, securing the release of the hostages, and working towards a two-state soluti…”

“Sir Philip, what impact has responding to international crises, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, for which tomorrow sadly marks the 1,000th day, the Middle East and the worsening situation in Gaza, had on the FCDO’s ability to deliver its core priorities? I am especially thinking about priority outcome one, whi…”

“Yes.”

“Were any representations made ahead of those decisions? Did Ministers ask you about an analysis of what their proposed cuts at the time would do to some of those things?”

“My weekend reading included Civil Service World, which had an interesting article with a quote from you. In response to questions about aid budget cuts, you said that they “have damaged the FCDO’s reputation as a reliable donor”. The article was from April 2024, and obviously it was in response to decisions made by the…”

“I would just like to share my experience. On my first day here in the Commons, my husband suffered a stroke. This is a timely debate, so I thank the hon. Member for securing it. I am pleased to say that my husband is doing much better now, and he is here in the Gallery of the Chamber, as are those from the Stroke Assoc…”

“The United Nations acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator has released a statement in which she says: “Hospitals have been hit and health workers have been detained. Shelters have been emptied and burned down. First responders have been prevented from saving people from…”

“It is really good to see this cross-party support for community energy. I am sure all Members here today can speak to brilliant innovations in their constituencies. I have one in my constituency of Stratford and Bow, Community Energy Newham: its vision, very much like that of the Government, is to provide clean, afford…”

“Merci. Alistair McGirr: If I may add to that, there is the question of the role of the state. Not everything has to be through GB Energy or the national wealth fund. In terms of the GB Energy policy framework, the creation of the National Energy System Operator can help to drive a lot of economic value through the tran…”

“Q Thank you, panel. We have been hearing a lot today about the mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, moving away from fossil fuels. I want to touch on something that Shaun, Marc and Ravi have all mentioned, about leadership, ambition and innovation. In your view, does the Bill give investors increased confi…”

“Q I will keep it short. Thank you both for your insights today. I would like to know what advantages other European countries have from a state-owned energy company. Tristan Zipfel: If you take the example of France, EDF is indeed state owned, but it is a competitive market. Nowadays, EDF is one actor among others. If …”

“Q Thank you both. I really welcome hearing the views of trade unions in this session, especially about keeping workers at the heart of this. Do you think that GB Energy can help to drive the demand for skills and apprenticeships and prepare our workforce for a just transition? Mika Minio-Paluello: There is a lot of dem…”

“Q Thank you, Josh. Prior to becoming an MP, I worked globally to advance climate action, so I know that there is best practice to learn from countries around the world. As a global corporation, have you seen comparable frameworks in other countries to support the transition? Josh Buckland: Completely. There are plenty …”