§ 8. Mr. Andrew Mackinlay. (Thurrock)What co-operation there is between his Department and the Defence Ministry in New Zealand on matters of common interest. [117886]
§ The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr. John Spellar)Our defence relations with New Zealand remain very good, and are based on strong and traditional links between the armed forces of our two countries. Our main ties are through the five power defence arrangements, but British and New Zealand forces have also worked together in UN operations, including in Iraq and Bosnia, and in East Timor and the Gulf.
These strong ties are reinforced by a number of exchange programmes between the UK and New Zealand, the provision of training for members of the New Zealand armed forces, visits by Royal Navy ships, and, where the opportunity arises, exercises—both bilaterally and as part of FPDA. The naval task group deployment to the far east this year will include an FPDA exercise off Malaysia which will involve elements of the New Zealand navy and air force. It is planned that elements of the task group will visit Wellington.
§ Mr. MackinlayHas the Minister noticed reports that the Prime Minister and Defence Minister of New Zealand's very radical Labour Government are proposing to announce formally on ANZAC day posthumous pardons for the New Zealand soldiers executed in world war one? I wholly applaud that action, but it is unilateral. Should not the British Government revisit this matter, given that, in strict legal and constitutional terms, the power to pardon all soldiers in the British Empire forces still resides in London? Would not it be silly and grossly unfair to the other 300-odd executed soldiers if the New Zealanders were to be pardoned, and they were not? Will my hon. Friend have a chat with the other Commonwealth countries involved, and revisit with an open mind this important and popular issue?
§ Mr. SpellarMy hon. Friend rightly draws attention to an issue that is very strongly felt, not just by himself but by others Members of the House and many others in the country. He will be aware that my predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, North and Bellshill (Dr. Reid), made an effective and moving statement to the House on 24 July 1998. He went through the very difficult arguments about the first world war executions. Subsequent to that announcement, a number of decisions have been made locally about adding to war memorials the names of some of those who were executed. There are differing views on that, but I think that it has been very well handled by all those concerned.
Having reread the statement by my predecessor, I find it immensely persuasive. I think, therefore, that we should stick to that policy, unless there are overwhelming reasons for not doing so.
§ Mr. Michael Fabricant. (Lichfield)On the Minister's first answer, does he agree that we should pay tribute to the New Zealand defence forces, particularly for their deployment in East Timor which, I believe, was their biggest since our involvement in Korea? Is he aware that New Zealand forces worked alongside the Royal Marines, 686 Canadian forces and Australian forces? Does he agree that when English-speaking nations get together, their common interest and heritage, as well as a common language, mean that they work well for the future safety of all the world?
§ Mr. SpellarI pay considerable tribute to those who were involved in many combined operations, not only with the countries mentioned by the hon. Gentleman but with the countries of NATO. He will be aware that English is also the operational language of NATO.