§ 50. Sir Giles ShawTo ask the Secretary of:State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to seek to promote recognition of the right to freedom of navigation in the Gulf.
§ Mr. MellorWe have consistently stressed our determination to uphold the vitally important principle of freedom of navigation in international waters and straits used for international navigation. Support for this principle in the Gulf is demonstrated tangibly by the presence of vessels from the Royal Navy and other navies. We also take every opportunity to promote widespread recognition that freedom of navigation in the Gulf is an important interest of the whole international community.