§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he was asked to meet the released Tibetan political prisoner Ngawang Sandrol during her visit to London; what his response was; what his policy is with regard to(a) himself and (b) other Ministers in his Department meeting political prisoners; whether he raised the issues of (i) Tibet and (ii) political prisoners in China when he met the Chinese Foreign Minister Li Xlaoxing; and if he will make a statement. [122564]
§ Mr. RammellMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary did not meet Ngawang Sangdrol, but I did so on 26 June.
There is no specific policy on meeting former political prisoners. Ministers meet a wide range of people in the context of our efforts to promote better human rights worldwide.
During his talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Li Zhaoxing, on 25 June, the Foreign Secretary raised the issue of Tibet and the human rights situation in China more generally. A list of individual cases about whom we are particularly concerned was handed to the Chinese delegation.
§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to raise the issue of Tibet in his forthcoming meeting with the Foreign Minister of China. [122629]
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§ Mr. RammellMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised Tibet, and the human rights situation in China more generally, when he met Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on 25 June.
§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to meet Ngawang Sangdrol, the recently-released Tibetan political prisoner. [122631]
§ Mr. RammellNgawang Sangdrol visited the UK from 21–27 June. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was unable to meet her during her visit. However I met her on 26 June.