PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Indo-Pacific Region: Stability - 20 November 2023 (Commons/Commons Chamber)
Debate Detail
Contributions from Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck, are highlighted with a yellow border.
Richard Graham
Gloucester
James Heappey
The Minister for Armed Forces
The tempo of our engagements and operations in the Indo-Pacific grows all the time on land, sea and air. We are also strengthening regional resilience among our partners to uphold freedom of navigation, deter security threats and build support for international law throughout the Indo-Pacific.
15:12:38
Richard Graham
I agree that relationships with several south-east Asian states have reached new highs as a result of partnerships in areas such as space and cyber as well as air and maritime capabilities. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we should do more to ensure that the United Nations convention on the law of the sea is maintained in the South China sea, working closely with our partners in the region?
James Heappey
My hon. Friend hides his light under a bushel, because as a trade envoy in the region he will have had much to do with the improved relationships we enjoy there. Furthermore, HMS Spey transited the Straits of Malacca only this weekend, demonstrating the UK’s and the Royal Navy’s commitment to upholding freedom of navigation in the South China sea and around.
15:13:21
Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck
South Shields
Does the Minister believe the appointment of Lord Cameron as Foreign Secretary strengthens or weakens the Prime Minister’s stance that China poses an “epoch-defining challenge” to global security?
James Heappey
It greatly strengthens the Prime Minister’s position.
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