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House of Lords Written Answers for Monday 22 June 2010
Chagos Islands
Asked by Lord Avebury
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they grant citizenship to second-generation descendants of former residents of the Chagos Islands, one of whose parents acquired British citizenship by descent but who are themselves stateless.[HL407]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Neville-Jones):
There are no automatic routes by which second-generation descendants of former residents of the Chagos Islands who are stateless can acquire British citizenship. They can apply for citizenship through registration or naturalisation if over the age of 18, based on a period of residence in the United Kingdom.
However, a person born stateless outside of the United Kingdom and overseas territories to a British Overseas Territories citizen may apply for registration as a British Overseas Territories citizen under Schedule 2 of the British Nationality Act 1981 following a period of residence in the UK or an overseas territory immediately before the application.
After acquiring British Overseas Territories citizenship in this way they may subsequently apply for full British citizenship.
House of Lords Written Answers for Monday 14 June 2010
Chagos Islands
Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will invite representatives of the Chagos islanders to
attend their discussions with the Prime Minister of Mauritius for any agenda items covering the
future of the islanders.
Hansard source (Citation: HL Deb, 14 June 2010, c64W)
Lord Howell of Guildford (Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Conservative)
There were no representatives of the Chagos islanders at the meeting on 3 June between my right
honourable friend the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister of Mauritius.
Bilateral discussions about the British Indian Ocean Territory are between the sovereign states
concerned, ie the United Kingdom and Mauritius. While we welcome the views of other interested
parties on issues on the agenda, it is not the practice for outside representatives to attend such
discussions.
(Citation: HL Deb, 14 June 2010, c64W)
House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 8 April 2010
Cluster Munitions
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a public announcement when the last US cluster munitions have been removed from the UK. [325695]
Bill Rammell: The United States has identified the cluster munitions that it holds on United Kingdom territory as exceeding its worldwide operational planning requirements. We expect that all US cluster munitions will be removed from sites in the UK this year and from all UK territories by 2013 (as declared by Baroness Kinnock during the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill Second Reading in the House of Lords on the 8 December 2009, Official Report, column 1020). A statement will be made to confirm the removal of US cluster munitions at that time.
House of Lords Written Answers for 8 April 2010
Cluster Bombs
Asked by Baroness Northover
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the mapping of the use of cluster bombs in Iraq by British and American forces is now complete; and, if not, when it will be completed. [HL3112]
The Minister for International Defence and Security (Baroness Taylor of Bolton): During the war-fighting phase of Op TELIC in Iraq 68 cluster bombs were dropped by the UK; no cluster bombs were used after 4 April 2003. The RAF has target data for all of the cluster bombs dropped.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is committed to the timely provision of appropriate information to aid clearance organisations in their humanitarian work. Since the conflict, the UK has cleared over 1 million items of abandoned and unexploded ordnance, with Royal Engineers also being involved in the marking and fencing of bomblet strikes. Following the conflict, the UK held weekly meetings with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and commercial de-mining organisations in Basra to share information. United Nations Office for Project Services and United Nations Childrens Fund praised the UK for its response and assistance to the local population and its co-operative approach to international organisations and NGOs on de-mining.
Following withdrawal of UK forces, under Article 4 of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the responsibility for clearance and destruction of cluster munitions rests now with Iraq.
The MoD does not hold records on use of cluster bombs by American forces.
House of Lords Written Answers for 7 April 2010
Cluster Bombs
Asked by Baroness Northover
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they will take to advance a worldwide ban on the use of cluster bombs. [HL3113]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead): It is the Government’s desire to achieve a global cluster munitions ban as soon as possible.
We have already started working to achieve this. Notably, in November the Government launched a political initiative encouraging Commonwealth states to support the convention. Further targeted lobbying work has been undertaken at the African Union summit in January 2010 and during a range of recent bilateral meetings.
Following Royal Assent to the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Act on 25 March, the UK will ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions imminently. Our UK posts overseas have been instructed to lobby their hosts to support the convention.
We will continue to raise universalisation of the convention with non-signatory states in relevant international meetings and fora, and during bilateral contacts. We will continue to co-operate and work in partnership with non-governmental organisations and like-minded states in these efforts.
House of Lords Written Answers for 6 April 2010
Cluster Bombs
Asked by Baroness Northover
To ask Her Majesty’s Government following the passage of the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill, when all cluster bombs will be removed from the American bases at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Welford and Diego Garcia. [HL3110]
The Minister for International Defence and Security (Baroness Taylor of Bolton): I can confirm that the US has identified its cluster munitions on UK territory as exceeding its worldwide operational planning requirements. Therefore, these cluster munitions will be removed from sites in the UK in 2010 and from all UK territories by 2013, as announced on 8 December 2009 by Baroness Kinnock during the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill Second Reading in the House of Lords (Official Report, col. 1020).
Asked by Baroness Northover
To ask Her Majesty’s Government in which American military bases on British soil and in British overseas territories are cluster bombs held; and what verification arrangements they have made to ensure that those weapons are removed. [HL3111]
Baroness Taylor of Bolton: The United States stores various weapons in the UK. The US inventory of weapons is declared annually to the Ministry of Defence who ensure that all weapons are appropriately licensed and stored. It would be inappropriate to disclose the numbers, types and locations of such weapons. Therefore, I am withholding the detailed information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice relations between the United Kingdom and the United States.
However, I can confirm that the US has identified its cluster munitions on UK territory as exceeding its worldwide operational planning requirements. Therefore, these cluster munitions will be removed from sites in the UK in 2010 and from all UK territories by 2013, as announced on 8 December 2009 by Baroness Kinnock during the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill Second Reading in the House of Lords (Official Report, col. 1020).
House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 16 December 2009
RAF Bases
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the RAF liaison officer is the commanding officer at (a) RAF Croughton, (b) RAF Barford St. John, (c) RAF Menwith Hill, (d) RAF Fairford, (e) RAF Welford (f) RAF Alconbury, (g) RAF Molesworth, (h) RAF Lakenheath and (i) RAF Mildenhall. [307288]
Bill Rammell: RAF Croughton, RAF Barford St. John, RAF Menwith Hill, RAF Fairford, RAF Welford, RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall are all made available to the United States Visiting Force (USVF). These sites are commanded by a US officer, usually a United States Air Force officer, at colonel rank.
An RAF commander is present at the main USVF sites, at a lower rank, normally squadron leader. The role of the RAF commander is to liaise with the US base commander and act as head of establishment for Ministry of Defence employees. There are no RAF commanders at RAF Barford St. John, RAF Welford and RAF Molesworth as these sites are administered by other USVF sites.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) US forces personnel, (b) US civilians, (c) US contractors, (d) UK military personnel and (e) UK civilians are based at (i) RAF Blenheim Crescent, (ii) RAF Digby and (iii) RAF St. Mawgan; and whether the RAF liaison officer in the commanding officer at each base. [307289]
Bill Rammell: The numbers of UK personnel at RAF Digby, RAF St. Mawgan and Blenheim Crescent as at 1 October 2009 are shown in the following table:
| Site | MOD civilian personnel | Military personnel |
|---|---|---|
| RAF Digby | 160 | 510 |
| RAF St. Mawgan | 180 | 210 |
| Blenheim Crescent | - | - |
|
Notes: 1. MOD civilian figures are based on headcount. Figures include MOD main industrial (skill zone) and non-industrial staff. 2. The military personnel figures represent the number of service personnel that are stationed at that location. This may differ from the actual number of people working at that location at that time e.g., due to deployments. |
||
There are 40 UK civilian personnel and contractors employed by the US at Blenheim Crescent.
The numbers of US personnel at RAF Digby, RAF St. Mawgan and Blenheim Crescent as at 1 December 2009 are shown in the following table:
| Site | US military | US civilians | US contractors |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAF Digby | 50 | 5 or less | (1) - |
| RAF St Mawgan | (1) - | 5 or less | (1) - |
| Blenheim Crescent | 20 | 40 | 5 or less |
|
(1 ) Denotes a count of zero. Note: Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Numbers ending in “5″ have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent systematic bias. | |||
Blenheim Crescent is made available to the United States visiting force and is commanded by a US officer. RAF Digby and RAF St. Mawgan are commanded by an RAF Station Commander.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons there are no RAF personnel at (a) RAF Barford St John, (b) RAF Blenheim Crescent, (c) RAF Welford, (d) RAF Molesworth, (e) RAF Upwood, (f) RAF Feltwell, (g) RAF Brampton and (h) RAF Henlow; and who the commanding officer is at each base. [307290]
Bill Rammell: RAF Barford St. John, RAF Welford, RAF Molesworth, RAF Upwood, RAF Feltwell and Blenhiem Crescent are all made available to the United States visiting force (USVF). These bases are all administered by other USVF sites, and as such, there are no RAF personnel at these sites with the exception of RAF Molesworth where there is one RAF officer present. As with all RAF stations where the USVF are present, the base commander is usually a United States Air Force officer, at colonel rank.
With regard to the numbers of RAF personnel at RAF Brampton and RAF Henlow, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 7 December 2009, Official Report, column 90W.
[16 Dec 2009 : Column 1216W]
RAF Fairford
Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what emergency services will be maintained at RAF Fairford following the withdrawal of the US Air Force in 2010. [306812]
Bill Rammell: The current planning intent is to retain 24-hour fire and rescue services making use of Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO) personnel. Details surrounding shift patterns and numbers of personnel are being progressed with DFRMO and US Fire Service personnel at RAF Croughton, with formal trade union consultation expected to commence in January 2010.
[16 Dec 2009 : Column 1217W]
Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect on emergency plane diversion plans from RAF Brize Norton of the US Air Force’s withdrawal from RAF Fairford in September 2010. [306813]
Bill Rammell: The withdrawal of the United States Air Force from RAF Fairford will have no effect in the event of an aircraft having to make an emergency diversion from RAF Brize Norton.
RAF Welford
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether there are Ministry of Defence Police Agency staff based at RAF Welford. [307291]
Bill Rammell: There are currently both MOD police officers and members of the MOD Guard Service based at RAF Welford.
[16 Dec 2009 : Column 1218W]
House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 20 May 2009
USA: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference
Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the written material (a) produced for and (b) obtained by his Department at the Preparatory Committee meeting for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York; and which Ministers and officials attended that Conference. [276105]
Caroline Flint: This year’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) achieved a great deal, including agreeing an agenda for the 2010 Review Conference by consensus for the first time in 15 years. It was attended by a broad UK delegation headed by John Duncan, Ambassador for Arms Control and Disarmament. The delegation included officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Ministry of Defence, Department of Energy and Climate Change and our mission to the Conference on Disarmament, as well as an academic adviser.
Written documents agreed at the PrepCom are already in the public domain see:
http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/NPT2010Prepcom/PrepCom2009/index.html
and the FCO does not intend to publish any internal documents which were written or obtained by our delegation. However, as promised in the Prime Minister’s 17 March 2009 speech, we will publish a “Road to 2010” plan this year.
[link]
[20 May 2009 : Column 1426W]
Early Day Motion EDM 1443
MORDECHAI VANUNU
6 May 2009
Please ask your MP to sign this EDM.
If your MP has already done so (List of names of MPs who’ve already signed), congratulate her/him!
Corbyn, Jeremy
That this House deplores the fact that Mordechai Vanunu, released in April 2004 after serving a full 18-year sentence for revealing details of Israel’s nuclear weapons’ programme, has now had restrictions on his freedom of movement and speech in Israel renewed for yet a sixth year on 21 April; notes also that he is barred from leaving Israel and from speaking to foreigners for which latter offence he was sentenced last year to six months imprisonment, later reduced to three months; and calls upon the Government to request the Israeli government to procure the final lifting of these restrictions, which have no legal or security justification and are an infringement of Mordechai Vanunu’s human rights.
House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 30 April 2009
RAF Welford: Security
Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Lewes of 17 November 2008, Official Report, column 153W, on RAF Welford, whether the security enhancements at RAF Welford have been completed; and whether a complement of Ministry of Defence police remains stationed at the base. [271264]
Mr. Bob Ainsworth: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 November 2008, Official Report, column 153W, to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker). Although significant progress has been made, the security enhancements at RAF Welford are not yet complete. The Ministry of Defence police will not be withdrawn from RAF Welford until the necessary security enhancements at the base have been completed.
[30 Apr 2009 : Column 1408W]
House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 2 April 2009
Fuels: RAF Fairford
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department has taken in relation to the fuel spillage at RAF Fairford on 25 February 2009; and what assessment his Department has made of the effects of the spillage on (a) water supply and (b) plant and animal life. [267288]
Huw Irranca-Davies: The Environment Agency was notified by the Ministry of Defence of the aviation fuel spill on 25 February 2009 and attended the air force base immediately. The Environment Agency found that the fuel had affected local ground and a surface water ditch off site. The Ministry of Defence put into operation their emergency response plan to contain and clean up the spill.
The Environment Agency attended the site for three days afterwards and ensured that the Ministry of Defence investigated the full impact of the spill to the local environment: this included surveys to ensure no fuel had affected local groundwater.
The Environment Agency has also completed an investigation which has shown no effect on water supply. A local ditch had been recently cleared by the landowner and contained no notable plant and animal life. The Environment Agency continues to work with the Ministry of Defence to ensure they remove all the fuel and contaminated soil from the site.
[2 Apr 2009 : Column 1305W]
RAF Fairford
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what safeguards have been put in place to prevent future fuel spillages by US base authorities at RAF Fairford. [267289]
Mr. Bob Ainsworth: Fluid level sensors are to be installed in each of the eight pump rooms together with an automated warning system to alert the fuels control room of any problems. The operator procedures will also be altered to ensure that regular visits and inspections of the pump rooms take place.
USA: Military Bases
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Lewes of 21 June 2004, Official Report, column 1078, on RAF Menwith Hill, for which military bases on British soil hon. Members seeking to visit would require the permission of the US administration; and if he will issue guidance to hon. Members on procedures for gaining approval for such visits. [268456]
Mr. Bob Ainsworth: There are no military bases on British soil for which approval is required from the US administration for hon. Members to visit.
[2 Apr 2009 : Column 1400W]
House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 30 March 2009
RAF Menwith Hill
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what agreements the Government has with the US administration governing the use of RAF Menwith Hill by the National Security Agency. [267285]
Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The use of RAF Menwith Hill by the United States Visiting Force and US Agencies is governed by the terms of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement of 1951 and other confidential arrangements between the UK and US.
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Space-Based Infrared System at RAF Menwith Hill is due to become operational. [267445]
Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The Space-Based Infrared Red System (SBIRS) facilities at RAF Menwith Hill are ready for operation. The operational date for SBIRS is a matter for the United States, but is unlikely to be before 2010.
USA: Military Bases
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which British military bases will (a) form part of and (b) provide services in support of the US missile defence system. [267284]
Mr. Hutton: In support of the US missile defence system, the UK provides missile early warning information from the radar at RAF Fylingdales, and allows the US to route early warning satellite data via a satellite downlink at RAF Menwith Hill.
[30 Mar 2009 : Column 894W]
Commons Hansard: Ballistic Missile Defence: 25 Mar 2009: Written Answers
Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Government’s policy is on a ballistic missile defence shield in Europe to provide security against Iran; and if he will make a statement. [264961]
Mr. Hutton: The Government see ballistic missile defence as an important defensive capability which could contribute to the defence of the UK and our NATO Allies against potential future ballistic missile threats.
[25 Mar 2009 : Column 436W]
Defence: RAF Menwith Hill: 9 Mar 2009: Written answers
Colin Challen (Morley & Rothwell, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many hon. Members have visited RAF Menwith Hill in each of the last 10 years.
link
Bob Ainsworth (Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence; Coventry North East, Labour)
All requests by MPs to visit RAF Menwith Hill are referred to the office of the Secretary of State for Defence. Due to national security considerations, such visits are normally restricted to those with an official oversight function such as Government Ministers and members of the all-party Intelligence and Security Committee.
Since 1999 visits to RAF Menwith Hill by Government Ministers and members of the all-party Intelligence and Security Committee were:
Visitors
2000 Minister for the Armed Forces
2000 Intelligence and Security Committee
2001 Secretary of State for Defence
2004 Intelligence and Security Committee
2006 Minister for the Armed Forces
2006 Intelligence and Security Committee
2007 Minister for the Armed Forces
The Shadow Spokesman for Defence also visited RAF Menwith Hill in 2001.
Colin Challen (Morley & Rothwell, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) US service personnel, (b) US contractors, (c) US civilians, (d) Royal Air Force personnel, (e) Ministry of Defence Policy agency personnel, (f) Ministry of Defence Guarding Service personnel, (g) UK army personnel, (h) UK naval personnel, (i) GCHQ personnel, (j) UK contractors, (k) UK civilians, (l) US military chaplains and (m) UK military chaplains are working at Menwith Hill.
link
Bob Ainsworth (Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence; Coventry North East, Labour)
As at 3 March 2009 the following personnel were employed at RAF Menwith Hill:
| Employer | Number |
|---|---|
| US Service Personnel | 540 |
| US Civilians and Contractors | 892 |
| RAF Personnel | 4 |
| UK Army Personnel | 0 |
| UK Naval Personnel | 8 |
| UK Contractors | 76(1) |
| UK Civilians (Excl MDPGA) | 325 |
| US Military Chaplains | 2 |
| UK Military Chaplains | 0 |
(1) The number of UK contractors’ personnel working at RAF Menwith Hill may vary on a day to day basis.
I am withholding the number of GCHQ employees in accordance with government practice not to reveal numbers of personnel working in intelligence at specific locations. I am also withholding the numbers for both the Ministry of Defence Police-and the Ministry of Defence Guard Agency for the purpose of the proper enforcement of law, and in the interests of national defence.
[9 Mar 2009 : Column 177W]
Defence: RAF Menwith Hill: 5 Mar 2009: Written answers
Colin Challen (Morley & Rothwell, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which (a) US and (b) UK contractors are currently working at RAF Menwith Hill.
Bob Ainsworth (Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence; Coventry North East, Labour)
The contractors presently working at RAF Menwith Hill are:
US Contractors: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman
UK Contractors: Haden Young, Clark Construction, Britcon, SGW (Middlesbrough), Shaylor Construction, IUS, Paragon, HC Engineering, Balfour Beatty, Wrekin, Carillion AMBS, T Clarke, Landscape Centre
[5 Mar 2009 : Column 1733W]
Ballistic Missile Defence: 4 Mar 2009: Written answers
Nick Harvey (North Devon, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether work is being carried out in the United Kingdom to support the development of a Next Generation Fuze for US inter-continental ballistic missiles.
John Hutton (Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence; Barrow & Furness, Labour)
Technical exchanges are carried out on a regular basis under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement on a range of issues of joint interest and of relevance to the safety, security and reliability of our respective nuclear stockpiles. They are also being undertaken to support the examination of the optimum life of the UK’s existing nuclear warhead and the range of replacement options that might be available to inform decisions, likely to be necessary in the next Parliament, on whether and how we may need to refurbish or replace the existing warhead. I am withholding details of the precise nature of this work in the interests of national security.
[4 Mar 2009 : Column 1586W]
House of Lords Hansard for 23 Feb 2009: Written Answers
Question
Asked by Lord Wallace of Saltaire
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the rank of the senior British officer in post at (a) RAF Menwith Hill, (b) Diego Garcia, and (c) RAF Mildenhall. [HL1543]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Baroness Taylor of Bolton): The rank of the senior British officer in post at RAF Menwith Hill is a squadron leader, in the British Indian Ocean Territory (including Diego Garcia) a commander (RN), and at RAF Mildenhall a wing commander.
House of Commons, Hansard: Intelligence and Security Committee
Colin Challen: To ask the Prime Minister when the Intelligence and Security Committee last visited RAF Menwith Hill; with whom the Committee had discussions during that visit; and which other military bases with a United States personnel presence in the UK the Committee has visited in 2007 and 2008. [255604]
The Prime Minister: The Intelligence and Security Committee does not comment on its work programme. Where appropriate it publishes information on visits it has undertaken in its annual reports.
Written Answers: 24 Feb 2009 (Column 507W)
Early Day Motion EDM 585
DEC GAZA CRISIS APPEAL
26.01.2009
Please ask your MP to sign this EDM.
If s/he has already done so (List of names of MPs who’ve already signed given below), congratulate her/him!
Burden, Richard
That this House is astonished by the refusal of the BBC and Sky to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Gaza Crisis Appeal; considers that the explanations given for this decision by BBC spokespersons are both unconvincing and incoherent; and draws attention to the fact that people wishing to obtain information about the Gaza appeal can contact the DEC by visiting www.dec.org.uk
| Burden, Richard | Bruce, Malcolm | Luff, Peter | Gwynne, Andrew | Battle, John |
| Clwyd, Ann | Dhanda, Parmjit | Morgan, Julie | Prentice, Gordon | Purchase, Ken |
| Reid, Alan | Robertson, Angus | Robertson, John | Rooney, Terry | Russell, Bob |
| Salmond, Alex | Salter, Martin | Sarwar, Mohammad | Short, Clare | Singh, Marsha |
| Smith, Robert | Soames, Nicholas | Starkey, Phyllis | Holmes, Paul | Hopkins, Kelvin |
| Hughes, Simon | Iddon, Brian | Illsley, Eric | Jackson, Glenda | Jones, Lynne |
| Jones, Martyn | Kaufman, Gerald | Keeble, Sally | Key, Robert | Kidney, David |
| Lamb, Norman | Lazarowicz, Mark | Levitt, Tom | Linton, Martin | Love, Andrew |
| Mahmood, Khalid | Mallaber, Judy | Marshall-Andrews, Robert | Meacher, Michael | Michael, Alun |
| Moffatt, Laura | Moore, Michael | Naysmith, Doug | Owen, Albert | Brake, Tom |
| Breed, Colin | Buck, Karen | Burstow, Paul | Caborn, Richard | Campbell, Menzies |
| Carmichael, Alistair | Caton, Martin | Chaytor, David | Clelland, David | Cohen, Harry |
| Connarty, Michael | Cook, Frank | Corbyn, Jeremy | Cunningham, Jim | Dean, Janet |
| Dobbin, Jim | Dowd, Jim | Drew, David | Efford, Clive | Flynn, Paul |
| Foster, Don | Francis, Hywel | Galloway, George | Gapes, Mike | George, Andrew |
| George, Bruce | Gerrard, Neil | Gibson, Ian | Abbott, Diane | Hain, Peter |
| Hamilton, Fabian | Hancock, Mike | Atkins, Charlotte | Austin, John | Barrett, John |
| Begg, Anne | Berry, Roger | Betts, Clive | Bottomley, Peter | Taylor, Ian |
| Teather, Sarah | Touhig, Don | Vaz, Keith | Walter, Robert | Webb, Steve |
| Weir, Mike | Williams, Betty | Williams, Hywel | Winnick, David | Wishart, Pete |
| Wyatt, Derek | Hemming, John | Alexander, Danny | Brown, Lyn | Burt, Lorely |
| Clark, Katy | Griffith, Nia | Horwood, Martin | Hosie, Stewart | Slaughter, Andy |
| Leech, John | MacNeil, Angus | Soulsby, Peter | Swinson, Jo | Thornberry, Emily |
| Mulholland, Greg | Main, Anne | Pelling, Andrew | Rowen, Paul | Devine, Jim |
| Davies, Dai | Mason, John |
Early Day Motion
EDM 223
PARLIAMENT AND US NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE
10.12.2008
Davies, Dai
That this House recalls that the former Prime Minister told this House in reply to the right hon. Member for North East Fife, on the possible deployment of part of an anti-ballistic missile system for the United States in the United Kingdom, `I am sure that we will have the discussions in the House…When we have proposition to put, we will come back and put it’, 28 February 2007, Official Report, column 920; notes that the Secretary of State for Defence in a Written Ministerial Statement to this House on 25 July 2007 stated that `at RAF Menwith Hill, equipment will be installed and operated by the US government to allow receipt of satellite warnings of potentially hostile missile launches’, Official Report, columns 71-2WS; and calls for a full debate to allow hon. Members to scrutinise in public US National Missile Defense deployment plans in the United Kingdom.
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=37221&SESSION=899
Early Day Motion
EDM 65
PARLIAMENT AND DECISIONS OVER US MISSILE DEFENCE
6.11.2007
Corbyn, Jeremy
That this House recalls the statement by the former Prime Minister on 28th February with regard to the UK involvement in the US Missile Defence programme, that `I am sure that we will have the discussion in the House… When we have a proposition to put, we will come back and put it’; notes with concern that the Secretary of State for Defence made a written statement to this House one day before the summer recess, stating that at RAF Menwith Hill, `equipment will be installed and operated by the US Government to allow receipt of satellite warnings of potentially hostile missile launches’; regrets that the written statement does not reflect the spirit of the process that the former Prime Minister announced; and calls upon the Government to arrange a full debate to allow hon. Members to scrutinise in public the US Missile Defence deployment plans in the UK.
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=34155&SESSION=891
Please ask your M.P to sign this EDM.
Early Day Motion
EDM 2333
HOUSE OF LORDS DECISION ON CHAGOS
22.10.2008
Corbyn, Jeremy
That this House recognises that Chagos Islanders were disgracefully treated by successive British governments, by their forced removal from Diego Garcia and the Archipelago and their impoverished life in Mauritius and the Seychelles; further notes that the indefatigable spirit of the Chagossians enabled them to win their Right to Return by a High Court decision in 2000; further notes that the late Robin Cook as Foreign Secretary accepted this decision in its entirety; deplores the Government’s use of Orders in Council nearly four years later to overturn the High Court judgment and the failure to consult Parliament on the matter; further notes that the Chagossians have won successive legal judgments in the British courts and notes that by a majority verdict the House of Lords endorsed the Foreign Secretary’s appeal, upholding the Orders in Council; nevertheless believes an historic injustice has been done, and that the Foreign Office should now open serious discussions with the Islanders on their mode of return and to provide sufficient funding from UK and European sources to enable justice.
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=36712&SESSION=891
Hansard on RAF Welford
Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for how long the interim complement of the Ministry of Defence Police Agency will be stationed at RAF Welford. [236361]
Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The Ministry of Defence Police will not be withdrawn from RAF Welford until the necessary security enhancements have been put in place at the base by the United States visiting force. This includes removing munitions that are currently stored in the open.
Officials are monitoring the situation and are in close contact with the United States visiting force.
Hansard on Ballistic Missile Defence
Mr. Kilfoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the UK’s role in the American missile defence programme is; and if he will make a statement. [235988]
Mr. Hutton: The UK provides support to the US missile defence programme by allowing both early warning information from the radar at RAF Fylingdales, and early warning satellite data via a satellite downlink at RAF Menwith Hill, to be routed into the US missile defence command and control system. The UK also has a well-established missile defence technical co-operation programme with the US.
Hansard on Anglo-American Relations
Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what priorities he has identified for discussion with the incoming Administration in the US. [234540]
Gillian Merron: We will continue to work closely with the current Administration in the period up to inauguration. Thereafter, we look forward to engaging with President-Elect Obama and his Administration, maintaining our strong partnership with the US, in our continuing effort to address the problems threatening global prosperity today—of course, these
include the world economy and reform of international financial institutions, key foreign policy issues (Iran, Middle East Peace Process, Afghanistan, Pakistan) and energy.
Ms Angela C. Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he first plans to meet the President-Elect of the United States to discuss US-British relations; and if he will make a statement. [234542]
Caroline Flint: It is too early to get to make those sorts of plans. But my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, other Cabinet colleagues and I look forward to close working relationships next year, This will of course involve face-to-face meetings in the US, UK and elsewhere. For now, our priority remains continuing our close working relationship with the current Administration.
Hansard on Defence Estates
Defence Estates
Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons implementation of the Military Lands Act byelaws at his Department’s sites has not taken place in accordance with the published timetable. [232439]
Mr. Kevan Jones: Significant delays in the progression of the MOD Byelaws Review have occurred because objectors secured a judicial review of the implementation of the first of the new byelaws at AWE Aldermaston, which came into force on 31 May 2007.
Byelaws work was placed on hold, pending the decision by the High Court. Following the High Court’s determination of the judicial review claim, which was substantially in the MOD’s favour, the objectors successfully sought leave to appeal the High Court’s decision to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal hearing is scheduled for late November. The appeal is limited to issues relating to the manner and form of protests against nuclear weapons, and as a result ministerial approval has been given to restart the byelaw process for non-nuclear MOD sites across the UK.
Reviews have already commenced at some 96 sites including 13 sites designated under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 and it is expected that new byelaws will be submitted progressively for ministerial approval from April next year. An updated version of the project plan reflecting the new revised timetable will shortly be published on the Department’s Byelaws Website:
www.defence-estates.mod.uk/byelaws/internet/intro.php
Hansard on USA: Military Bases
USA: Military Bases
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what use is made of RAF Molesworth in the US Africom programme. [229412]
Mr. Hutton: US personnel at the Joint Analysis Centre at RAF Molesworth provide intelligence analysis capabilities for the US Africa Command.
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether an operational certificate has been issued by the US administration for the space-based infra-red system at RAF Menwith Hill. [229413]
Mr. Hutton: RAF Menwith Hill houses a satellite ground terminal which receives data from the space-based infra-red system (SBIRS) satellites to be routed to the US for the purposes of both missile early warning and ballistic missile defence. The use of RAF Menwith Hill as a relay link for the SBIRS has been agreed between the UK and US Governments. As both the satellite system and the ground terminal at RAF Menwith Hill are owned and operated by the US Government, we hold no information on the operational certification for the SBIRS.
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at which bases in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) Wales US visiting forces are based. [228387]
Mr. Bob Ainsworth: US visiting Forces occupy the following bases in England, all designated as RAF bases: Alconbury, Cambridgeshire; Barford St. John, Oxfordshire; Croughton, Northants; Fairford, Gloucestershire; Feltwell,
23 Oct 2008 : Column 479W
Norfolk; Lakenheath, Suffolk; Menwith Hill, North Yorkshire; Molesworth, Cambridgeshire; Upwood, Cambridgeshire; Welford, Berkshire. In addition, there is a USVF presence at the Joint Maritime Facility at St Mawgan, Cornwall. There are no USVF bases in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Hansard on RAF Menwith Hill: Security
Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the Ministry of Defence Police was of the policing of the area around RAF Menwith Hill by the Armed Response Team and the Counter Terrorist Unit in each year from 2001 to 2007. [228386]
Mr. Bob Ainsworth: I am withholding the cost of the Ministry of Defence police (MDP) deployed at RAF Menwith Hill for the purpose of safeguarding national security.
Written Answers – Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs: Ballistic Missile Defence
6 Oct 2008
Jeremy Corbyn: “To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the (a) financial, (b) political and (c) security benefits and costs to the UK of supporting US plans to deploy missile defence facilities in Europe; and if he will make a statement.”
Caroline Flint: ” … The UK contributes to ballistic missile early warning through the facilities at RAF Fylingdales and RAF Menwith Hill. The cost of the upgrade at RAF Fylingdales—and the work at RAF Menwith Hill—was funded by the US Government. We do not anticipate the direct running costs incurred by the UK to increase because of the participation of these stations in the US ballistic missile defence system.”
www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2008-10-06b.224214.h
Hansard on Ballistic Missile Defence, 10th June 2008
Ballistic Missile Defence
Q: Mr Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether /(a) /he, /(b)/ Ministers and /(c)/ officials have had recent discussions with counterparts in the United States administration on the possibility of deploying anti-missile interceptors at United Kingdom bases. [209131]
A: Des Browne: No discussions of this nature have taken place.
Q: Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many discussions he has had with /(a)/ NATO and /(b)/ Russia on Ballistic Missile Defence in the last 12 months. [209582]
A: Des Browne: The issue of ballistic missile defence is routinely discussed at a high level in a number of NATO and bilateral fora.
10 Jun 2008 : Column 118W
Conservatives seeking to deep-six nomination of missile-defense critic
The Cable
By Josh Rogin
March 11, 2010
President Obama’s nomination of a key White House science advisor is facing strong and mounting opposition from GOP senators, with help from leading conservative Washington think tanks, due to his views on missile defense.
In October the president nominated former lead Pentagon weapons tester Philip Coyle to become the associate director for national security and international affairs at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. There he would lead a team tasked with giving scientific advice to Obama on a range of national-security issues and would report to Director John Holdren.
But Coyle’s nomination is stalled, despite the Senate Commerce Committee reporting his nomination out favorably on Dec. 3. Since that time, a steady and growing drumbeat of conservative opposition has been building, fueled partially by the Heritage Foundation, which has been locked in a decades-long struggle with Coyle over his well-known criticisms of U.S. ballistic missile defense systems.
The pushback against the Coyle nomination first surfaced in this Weekly Standard blog post written by missile-defense supporter John Noonan, who wrote, “If theology has crept into the missile defense debate, Coyle is the high priest of nay saying.” Noonan is linked to the Foreign Policy Initiative, a new right-leaning national security organization that’s acquiring increasing influence in Washington. …
Political clash expected soon over rising U.S. debt
The Miami Herald
By Rob Hotakainen
November 29, 2009
In the past, members of Congress never have been particularly eager to remind the public that they regularly vote to raise the ceiling on the national debt, which now exceeds $12 trillion [$12,000,000,000,000].
The debt has more than doubled since 2002, and in the last two years it’s been rising at a clip of more than $3.8 billion a day. Each U.S. citizen now has a share that’s estimated at more than $39,000. …
A bipartisan group of more than a dozen senators is threatening to vote against an increase in the debt limit unless Congress passes a new deficit-fighting plan.
“I will not vote for raising the debt limit without a vehicle to handle this. … This is our moment,” said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. …
Feinstein said it could be similar to the process for closing military bases, in which members must vote to take or leave the entire package. …
www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1356674.html
Okinawa base strains diplomacy
Honolulu Advertiser
November 22, 2009
By Richard Halloran
A churning dispute between Japan and the U.S. over the realignment of U.S. military forces in Japan has revealed not only political and diplomatic differences between the governments of President Obama and Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, but a cultural chasm in the way Americans and Japanese view agreements.
The realignment, agreed to in May 2007, calls on the U.S. to move a Marine air station on Okinawa from a congested city to a less crowded place; to transfer 17,000 Marines and family members from Okinawa to U.S. territory on Guam; and to consolidate other U.S. bases on the island and thus return land to Okinawans. The intent was to reduce friction between U.S. forces and Okinawans.
The agreement was signed by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, then-secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, Fumio Kyuma, who was minister of defense at the time, and Taro Aso, who was minister of foreign affairs. In diplomatic practice, international pacts agreed to by one administration are generally considered to be binding on successor administrations. …
In this case, the Hatoyama government, which came to office in September, has said in effect that it wants to reopen the negotiations. After meeting with Obama in Tokyo earlier this month, Hatoyama said he will consider relocating the air station outside of Okinawa and perhaps outside of Japan. “We’ll make every effort,” he said, “to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.” …
www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091122/NEWS08/911220359/Okinawa+base+strains+diplomacy
