CONSERVATIVE
New Forest East

FOREIGN POLICY – HOSTAGES (UGANDA) - 02 March 1999

FOREIGN POLICY – HOSTAGES (UGANDA) - 02 March 1999

Dr Julian Lewis: In recent months there have been violent outcomes to kidnappings in Chechnya, Yemen and now in Uganda. Although I agree with the Foreign Secretary that it would have been infinitely preferable if today's case could have been resolved by negotiation, will he confirm that it is unwise to rush to condemn the Governments of these countries when they think it necessary to try to stand up to terrorist kidnappings by taking firm action if there is a chance of rescuing the hostages? We often took similar firm action when faced with terrorism, although fortunately more successfully on most occasions.