Stephen Doughty MP: speeches

Speeches

• 30 Jul 2024 · Russian Sanctions Regime · Hansard source

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  The right hon. Gentleman is right to raise this important question. We call for the release of all those detained in Russia on political grounds, including those imprisoned for their opposition to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. We have met many of the families of those concerned, and we will continue to take this very seriously.

• 30 Jul 2024 · Russian Sanctions Regime · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to see the hon. Lady in her position and to have worked with her many times on these issues in the past, across these Benches and in other formats. As the Foreign Secretary and I have already outlined, we took robust action against Russia’s shadow fleet, alongside allies at the European Political Community. We will continue to explore further options to strengthen our sanctions, including in the energy sector, and the Foreign Secretary did indeed raise the issue at his meetings in Mangalore. [ Official Report , 3 September 2024; Vol. 753, c. 4WC.] (Correction)

• 30 Jul 2024 · Russian Sanctions Regime · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that important question. This Government will not hesitate to take firm action to close loopholes and to strengthen the enforcement of sanctions. He will understand that I will not comment on future designations or enforcement actions. As I have said, we have already taken some early steps on the shadow fleet, but he is right: there is much more to do, whether to improve compliance or to target those who enable sanctioned individuals to evade our sanctions, and I will of course keep the House closely updated.

• 30 Jul 2024 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  I thank the hon. Gentleman for representing the concerns of his constituent’s family. I recognise that this is a very distressing time for them. He will know that consular officials are providing support to the family and have remained in regular contact with the authorities in Italy, and the ambassador has raised this case with the Italian authorities. [ Official Report , 2 September 2024; Vol. 753, c. 2WC.] (Correction) They have ended the active search, but the investigation is ongoing, and I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss it further.

• 30 Jul 2024 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his important question; I am well aware of his interest in this issue over many years. As a Government, we remain committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation on the basis of political equality and adherence to United Nations Security Council resolutions, and we will continue to engage with the United Nations envoy and the UN process on this important matter.