France ‘humiliated’ by AUKUS says former US ambassador
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Mr Ellwood gave a long winded series of questions during the debate over the fallout of the Aukus deal which has seen the US, UK and Australia shun France from a lucrative nuclear submarine deal. He accused the French of having overreacted over the plans as he set about stressing the importance of the western alliance against China.
He said: ““This is to stand up to China’s errant behaviour in the South China Sea, let us not be in denial about that
“But the timing and the manner of this announcement is not without diplomatic consequence and prompts further questions about the cohesion, purpose and indeed leadership of NATO after a bruised departure from Afghanistan.”
He stressed there is no doubt France has overreacted to the deal and called on the Defence Minister Jeremy Quin to recognise how China cannot be defeated by military means alone.
But speaker Hoyle erupted at what he branded was a “speech” rather than a question from the Conservative MP as a ferocious argument spilt over between the pair in front of shocked MP’s
Mr Hoyle told Mr Ellwood he was invited in specifically to answer questions on a topic he was clued up on and that it was not fair for Mr Ellwood to be “abusing his power” during the question session.
But the Conservative MP hit back shouting across the chamber an inaudible remark which sent the Speaker into a fit of rage.
Mr Hoyle hit back spitting with fury, saying: “What did you say!? Do you want to withdraw?!
“I am in charge! I am not trying to abuse my position so don’t abuse yours!”
More to follow…
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