DRAFT LETTER FROM THE PRIVATE SECRETARY
J S Wall Esq
10 Downing St
You asked for advice on the call by Amnesty International
on the Prime Minister, on 24 November.
Amnesty have indicated that the main topic they wish to raise is Lord Howe's human rights visit to China. We propose to invite Amnesty, together with other NGOs, to take part in a briefing
seminar for members of Lord Howe's delegation around
mid-November. In addition they would like to discuss UK refugee
policy and the Asylum Bill, and the human rights situations in
former Yugoslavia and, possibly, Turkey and East Timor. They
will ask the Prime Minister for a contribution, probably in the
form of a letter, to be released on human rights day (10
December). They may also raise the issue of work permits for
their non-EC employees in London, on which they are negotiating
with the Department of Employment; if they do, the Prime
Minister need only take note.
He could
You may
In view of the likely agenda, the Foreign Secretary suggests
that Mr Hogg attend, as FCO Minister for Human Rights.
usefully be accompanied by Christopher Hum, for China. also wish to ask for a Home Office Minister to be present for refugee policy and the Asylum Bill.
The Amnesty team is likely to be David Bull, Director of the
British Section, Dan Jones, Head of Campaigns, Stephen Twigg,
Parliamentary Officer, and possibly one other.
We will let you have briefing for the meeting by Monday 23
November.
PS/ Secretary of State
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.