Speeches by Kumaran.

“Tim, I actually put one of your quotes to the Foreign Secretary recently, where you have said that the world is facing an “all‑out assault on truth”. I explained the situation about BBC Arabic in Lebanon. He said, “If it is the case that the British language or the work of the BBC World Service are receding and …”

“Sorry. My question was not on the competition. It was on whether there are any good practice examples that we can learn from other broadcasters on how to tackle misinformation and disinformation.”

“I have one final question; thank you, both. It very much relates to Paul’s question on the impact of disinformation and misinformation. Did you make this assessment prior to shutting BBC Arabic? Notwithstanding the answer about the FCDO, were the Government informed in any way about the impact and these potential forei…”

“In terms of the soft power aspect of this, we talked about the royal family. We have talked about sports. We have talked about lots of other exports. What alternative is there to BBC World Service in terms of a comparable soft power export?”

“Just thinking about the services that we have already seen cut, we have heard today the value of hindsight, where some services have been lost and, once they are gone, they cannot come back. I am thinking of active situations at the moment, where people are reliant on BBC World Service and that impartial source of trus…”

“Thank you. I will go back to Baroness Chapman, if I may. You mentioned in your previous answer that it was a decision for the BBC to make some of these strategic operational decisions. Tim Davie, in his answer to us before this session, mentioned that some of this is a strategic discussion and decision for the UK. Ther…”

“Should the Government have that decision, knowing what we know now, especially about BBC Arabic? We asked them if the BBC made any assessment on the impact of closing these services, especially with misinformation and disinformation, and whether the Government were informed, and we were not given too clear an answer.”

“Thank you. That was really clear. We know now that disinformation and misinformation are one of the biggest challenges ahead for us, especially with our national security. It is a demonstrable national security threat. Will future funding decisions for the BBC take this into account? This is new and perhaps not somethi…”

“The school support staff negotiating body—to stick to the Bill—is an important part of the Bill and will help to ensure standardised fair pay and employment terms across the board, addressing not only local but regional disparities. School support staff make a massive contribution to the running of our schools. Just la…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Mundell. I refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests and to my membership of GMB union. I note the comments that you have made, but if I may I will just respond to the shadow Minister, who talked about the previous Conservative Governmen…”

“I have a further follow-up. I am conscious of time, but thank you for the incredibly clear answer. Claire, the United Nations says that upholding international law and ensuring accountability for violations rests squarely on member states. We have talked about that today. It has said that the failure to do so weakens t…”

“I have a few questions. I appreciate how complicated this subject is, but if you could keep your answers short perhaps I can get through the questions. What is the difference between the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court? What are the specific roles of both of those courts in the conte…”

“I have two follow-ups. I am conscious of time, but those were really clear answers from both of you, thank you. Professor, you touched there on the use of the word “genocide”, which is coming up time and time again. We are seeing these images play out that are horrifying and devastating. Time and time again, people hav…”

“We all enjoy comedy in this House, but this is a very serious subject. Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998, on the exercise of the freedoms that the shadow Minister is talking about, carries with it duties and responsibilities. It states that the freedoms “may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restriction…”

“Will the hon. Gentleman give way?”

“I refer Members to my declaration of interests, and remind them that I am a member of the GMB. It is timely that we are discussing this, as today is Human Rights Day. In 1998, the Labour Government brought the Human Rights Act into domestic law. Freedom of speech is indeed a human right, but that does not mean someone …”

“Thank you, Ambassador, for your representations. You talked about a lasting ceasefire and you mentioned the parameters within it—the multi-year reconstruction plan, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the freeing of hostages. I asked a similar question to the previous panel, so I would love to know your answer to this…”

“Thank you, panel, for your patience. Is it possible to reach a long-term settlement of the conflict in stages, starting with a ceasefire, or should there be a simultaneous effort, with a ceasefire and a future solution negotiations being conducted in parallel?”

“I apologise, Mr Mundell. All the things that the shadow Minister has referred to are already enshrined in various laws in this country, so what is the fictional scenario that he thinks this Bill jeopardises?”

“This is to the full panel, but perhaps I could start with you, Dr Baskin. Is it possible to reach a long-term settlement of the conflict in stages, starting with a ceasefire, or should there be a simultaneous effort, with a ceasefire and future solution negotiations being conducted in parallel?”