HL Deb 25 February 1999 vol 597 c126WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the debate on 26 November 1998 (H. L. Deb., cols. 196 and 220–230), whether they consider that conflict is more likely to be provoked (a) by democratic nations, or (b) within conglomerations of disparate states, especially when the ties which have bound them together are loosened. [HL1074]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The causes of conflict are varied and complex. However, the Government believe that violent conflict is inherently less likely to be provoked within, by or between democratic countries. This is one of the reasons why the Government attach importance to their work, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, to build and strengthen democratic values and institutions.