The Government presented the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill on 18 March 2020, thereby meeting its 100-day self imposed deadline. Second Reading has been scheduled for 23 September 2020. Aspects of the Bill are already generating controversy.
Documents to download
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In brief: Arab uprisings 2011 (46 KB, PDF)
Uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt have brought down long-standing dictators but the road to full democracy is not straightforward. In Yemen, President Saleh's position is now weak but the influence of pro-democracy campaigners is even weaker, as tribal forces and members of the existing elite jockey for power. Bahrain's repression of demonstrations was severe, and supported by other Gulf monarchies, while western criticism was muted. In Libya, the outcome of the military intervention by NATO is not clear. Syria's fierce repression of dissent is causing increasing concern but, as long as the armed forces stay broadly loyal, the regime will probably survive. Elsewhere, regimes are not thought to be threatened. but taken together, the uprisings are a political earthquake for the region.
Documents to download
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In brief: Arab uprisings 2011 (46 KB, PDF)
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A general debate on the Rohingya humanitarian crisis and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been scheduled for Thursday 24 September 2020 in the Main Chamber. This debate was selected by the Backbench Business Committee.
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A general debate on the settlement and annexation of the occupied Palestinian Territories has been scheduled for Thursday 24 September 2020 in the Main Chamber. This debate was selected by the Backbench Business Committee.
