Monday in parliament. Hello again and welcome to monday in parliament, as iran is accused over the seizure of a british flagged tanker. It was therefore an act of state piracy which the house will have no hesitation in condemning. Jeremy hunt promises a Maritime Mission to protect shipping, but questions remain. There were concerns this administration has taken its eye off the ball, and certaintly that the uk has been ill prepared for this. Also, who are the victims . Anger over a plan for Northern Ireland. That the person who went out to murder and maim and cause hurt would also be eligible for this pension if, in the course of doing so, they injured themselves. All that to come and more. But first, the foreign secretary, jeremy hunt, has described the detention of a british flagged tanker by Iranian Revolutionary guards as an act of state piracy. The stena impero and its crew of 23 was seized last friday in what the uk government says were omani territorial waters. Mr hunt said britain would seek to put together a european led Maritime Mission to protect ships sailing through the strait of hormuz. He made a statement to mps after a meeting of the governments emergency committee, cobra. Under international law, iran had no right to obstruct the ships passage, let alone board her. It was therefore an act of state piracy which the house will have no hesitation in condemning. Jeremy hunt said the government had raised the security level for british flagged shipping and advised against all passage in iranian waters and the entire strait of hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil passes each year. The proposed european led Maritime Protection mission would support the safe passage of both crew and cargo. It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing this increase in International Presence in the gulf, because the focus of our diplomacy has been on de escalating tensions in the hope that such changes would not be necessary. We do not seek confrontation with iran. We have taken every available opportunity to reduce misunderstanding whilst standing by our rock solid commitment to the International Rule of law, which is the foundation of global peace and prosperity. But we must also react to the world around us as it is, not how we wish it to be. So if iran continues on this dangerous path, they must accept the price will be a larger western military presence in the waters along their coastline not because we wish to increase tensions, but simply because freedom of navigation is a principle which britain and its allies will always defend. Labour linked the seizure of the stena impero to the uks detention of the iranian registered grace one tanker near gibraltar earlier this month and asked whether the United States had asked to the uk to seize it. And if its correct, mr speaker, that we knew a full two days in advance that this action was going to be taken, why on earth a full 17 days later was a british flagged tanker left so hopelessly unprotected in the strait of hormuz, when anyone with any understanding of this issue could see that this was exactly how the iranians would respond to the seizure of theirown . And when the measures the foreign secretarys announced today, which are very welcome, could have been put in place a full 20 days before now, why was the governments eye so patently off the crystal ball . We have known for some time that there was a heightened problem in the gulf, and that our strongest ally was there with some force. Why was it that we did not request, or agree with with them, that, in the interim while we are getting the right resources into place that they themselves do not act in concert with us, to protect our shipping as they said they could have done . Jeremy hunt said discussions with the United States continued behind the scenes. Opposition parties wanted to know more. There are concerns that this administration has taken its eye off the ball, and certainly that the uk has been ill prepared for this. Can he set out in a bit more detail why this wasnt foreseen, what actions hes taking to look at that again . This is a dangerous situation, and there must be clear understanding of what is going on, as well as looking at ways to de escalate the situation. Could i ask him whether he thinks that discussions need to take place now about the composition of our fleet and the size of it . And does he also agree with me that we are not in a war with iran, but clearly we are in a propaganda war, and would he be able to say a little bit about what the government is going to do counter the image that the iranian are portraying of perhaps the ship going off course and colliding with another vessel . With respect to his point about the war of words on news, this was actually one of the times on the iranians did not really bother to pretend they were peddling a myth about the cause of the seizure of stena impero, because they changed their story three times in the space of about 2k hours, and they are now not making any pretence at all that this is, in their view, a tit for tat seizure. Iran is going unpunished, isnt it . Commendably brief, mr speaker. And i think the answer to that question is, no, because i do not think that iran can possibly want an increased western naval presence in the strait of hormuz, which is right in their back yard, and that is the consequence of what they have decided to do with the stena impero. Given that the risk of seizure was foreseen, given that 95 of goods entering the uk is by sea, does the foreign secretary agree that a royal navy of fewer than 20 ships is not up to the task, that we need to spend on more under defence, because no matter how capable the ship, it cannot be in more than one place at a time . Well, i might be straying slightly from my brief as far as secretary, but it wont surprise the honourable gentleman to know that i am a supporter of increased spending on our armed forces. Jeremy hunt said the navy had become too small and he hoped whoever was the next Prime Minister would reflect on what could be done to bolster the navy. The government has called on china to uphold rights and freedoms in hong kong. On sunday night, pro democracy protestors, returning from mass demonstrations in hong kong, were attacked by gangs of unidentified men dressed in white t shirts at a railway station. Social media footage showed the men wielding batons. Several dozen people were injured. In the commons, the minister said it had been shocking to see such unacceptable scenes of violence. I condemn all violent acts, but i stand by peoples right to protest peacefully and lawfully. We must not let the violent actions of a few overshadow the facts that hundreds of thousands of people took part in the march yesterday and did so in a peaceful and lawful manner. In doing so, they were exercising their right to peacefully protest in standing up for their freedoms. Mr speaker, yesterdays attack on pro democracy protesters making their way home by a mysterious armed mob is a new and sickening low in this sorry chapter. It is nothing less than an attempt to bully and frighten these Peaceful Protesters into submission. The Hong Kong Police have come in for a lot of criticism since june for their heavy handedness and brutality. But in this occasion, they were nowhere to be seen. Regarding hong kongs citizens fundamental rights and freedoms, the Chinese Government has warned the uk to know its place and stop interfering in what is a purely internal affair. Does my friend disagree with that assessment . Does he agree it is perfectly in order for parliamentarians here in the uk to engage in this issue, and may i put on the record in this place, mr speaker, that uk parliamentarians will not be put off of doing so whatever warnings we receive individually . They certainly wont be. I am aware of such efforts, as the honourable lady knows. Such efforts to silence members of this house are both improper and extremely ill judged. Will the minister be willing in some way to bring forward a china strategy to be debated on the floor of this house, to stop the continual oscillation of successive uk governments to knee jerk trumpisms . I think that is very harsh, mr speaker, if i may say so. It is our endeavour, clearly, to work with the Chinese Government. It would be bonkers to do so, wouldnt it . He is leading down a way that i think would cause all sort of difficulties in trying to advance the sort of human rights issues which i know both he and i hold dear. Andrew murrison. Youre watching monday in parliament with me, david cornock. Still to come, some fashion advice from where else the house of lords. British airways has cancelled all flights to the egyptian capital cairo for a week as a security precaution. Passengers about to board a ba flight to the city from Londons Heathrow airport were told that it was cancelled and that there would be no alternative flights for a week. The airline has not specified what the security issue is. In the lords, a liberal democrat peer warned that there was confusion about the decision, with other airlines continuing to fly. So can i ask the noble lady, the minister, who i realise cannot discuss in this chamber the details of security issues, but can i ask her to clarify exactly what is the Foreign Office advice about flights to cairo . She will appreciate this is holiday season, and many people are anxious about this, and can she say why it is only ba are responding in this way . It is the case that this is an operational matter by ba. They have obviously taken the measures that they have as it a cautionary measure, and it is up to them to decide how they operate, but im very happy to confirm to the noble lady the travel advice which is currently on the foreign and Commonwealth Office website, and the advice has actually not substantively changed. While it does not advise against travel to or from cairo airport, it does remind visitors that and i quote terrorists in egypt likely maintain the intent and capability to target aviation. The greatest threat is on the sinai peninsula, where daesh operate with greater freedom, but terrorists are active in mainland egypt, including cairo. In light of the answers the government have given, which is that its British Airways decision to take this, presumably on their information and intelligence, have the government contacted British Airways to ask them what information it is that they have that has led them to this decision . I am very reluctant to go into great detail about the Security Matters, but i can reassure the noble or that the government remains in close contact with all uk airlines in relation to Security Matters that could affect their operations. We are also in contact with our partners around the world as appropriate. My lords, is it not reasonable that the airline concern, who has the first responsibility for the passengers it carries and for the crews it employs, should be the organisation which we trust to take a sensible cautionary decision . Im sure the noble lords and ladies asking these questions from the other side would have an awful lot to say if we were to lose an aircraft, or any crew, passengers, because of a problem of terrorism on that route. I would like to thank my noble friend for his observations, and i know that he does speak with greatexperience, and it is entirely reasonable for individual airlines to make appropriate operational decisions. And in the case of British Airways, it has taken the decision that it has as a precautionary measure. The transport minister, lady vere. The home secretary, sajid javid, has revealed that around 725 migrants have succeeded in crossing the English Channel in small boats so far this year, with another 425 intercepted by the french authorities. He was speaking at what could be his last appearance before the Home Affairs Commitee before a government reshuffle expected later this week. Indeed, you said police on the beat means less crimes, not rocket science, is it . But now you seem to suggest it is rocket science, making it much more complicated. In that straight talking way you had while you were temporarily in leadership contest, could you give us a straight response to the question, do you think cuts to police has made the problem of crime awareness, its not exactly rocket science, is it . I think i have been clear on this, right at the start of the session, i think Police Numbers are an important factor and we need to get it right, as i look ahead and work harder to try and reduce crime of all types. Now as i have also said, we are about to get a change in Prime Minister, both of the candidates that could be Prime Minister had said they would look again at this, i think it is sensible as the home office we look at how it changes further and we have been doing work, but its not yet and may not be, its not government policy and when it is, i can come here and whoever is home secretary can come and sit here and tell you what the plans are. He was also pressed on illegal migrant crossings but said the governments decision to declare the issue a Major Incident had been a success as there had been no loss of life. Having set up a coordinate Nation Centre with france and Major Incidents on that in december, pressure applied to put the cutters in place, which was finally done, now we had a situation where in may, at this year we are looking at 140 individuals having trying to come to this country, which is higher than the number that have tried to come in in november and december. In 2019, theres been 1150 attempts at individuals, roughly 725 of those arrived in the uk and 420 intercepted in france. So obviously numbers are up, and also the number. Is it your dream to become home secretary in a weeks time . I would love to, but thats a decision for the new Prime Minister. Right, and in the near 15 months youve done the job, whats the highlight and whats a low point . I dont think of my job like that, but i do want to obviously all i can to make sure that the home office and leadership is making a difference. If i look back to what i set out in my priorities early on, that this sort of made up my mind from day one, righting the wrongs of the windrush generation, we spoke briefly about that, i think the work we had down there whether its the windrush scheme and the Lessons Learned in Compensation Scheme thats important and will continue that work. Others wanted to know what additional Technological Solutions could be put in place to keep the irish border open in the event of a no deal brexit. You havent given us any additional examples of what this Additional Technology might be. We are trying to access realistically, how practical is this technology and how long will it take, we are struggling because we simply do not understand what it is because you cant tell us. I can only speak to border force, but border force is not the only important, not the only player, sorry. Border force is not the only. Sajid javid and you can bet hell be keeping that phone on over the next day or so. The government has said it cannot make a decision yet on whether the chinese tech giant huawei should be involved in the roll out of new 5g mobile networks across the uk. The culture secretary told mps the situation had been complicated by a decision by the United States to prevent us firms trading with huawei without a licence. Butjeremy wright set out proposals to improve security across the uk . S telecoms sector following a review which said greater protections were needed. So to improve cybersecurity rates and have policy and enforcement, the review recommends establishment of new Security Framework for the uk telecom sector. This will be a much stronger, security based regime than at present. So there were be Stronger Security requirements for all telecoms or mobile companies. In addition, we must have a competitive sustainable and diverse supply chain. If we are to drive innovation and reduce the risk of dependency on individual suppliers. The government will therefore pursue a targeted diversification strategy, supporting the growth of new players in the parts of the network for security and resilience risk. As for huawei, mr wright said no decision could be taken until the implications of the us actions became clear. Since the Us Government announcement, we have seen clarity on its extent and implications, but the position is not yet entirely clear. Until it is, we have concluded itll be around to make specific decisions in relation to huawei, but we will do so as soon as possible. We have had a flurry of delays and leaks and rumours, and today that further delay on a decision for huawei, the confusion continues leading Telecom Industry without clarity and public without confidence they need. A ban on huawei products could significantly delayed the roll out of 56 technology, and that will underpin tomorrows economy. While the us and australia are quite vocally concerned about the approach of the government, in a statement, there are words to confirm the delay, so why are they now left to the new Prime Minister, its another case of the tory party before country. We will be matted to enter a direct security relationship with the agencies of the totalitarian communist state. Im grateful for my honourable friend, and of course hes right, we should take no risks that are not manageable, judgement we need to make when we are in a position of all information and we should have, must be whether or not we are capable of managing the appropriate risk. The government has confirmed that only the victims of terror attacks during the troubles in Northern Ireland will be allowed to apply for a disability pension. It has rejected advice from the victims commissioner for Northern IrelandJudith Thompson that everyone left with severe injuries including the perpetrators of the attacks should be eligible. Im happy to confirm it remains government position that while its right and proper to provide pension for victims of troubled related terrorist incidents, this should not become a pension for terrorists. There is no moral equivalence between a bystander badly injured and a terrorist act out explosion through no fault of their own, and the people who manufactured the bomb placed the bomb and detonated it. So i will happily confirm to the house that i did the exact information bell, which debated your last week in the week before, its torment executive is not reformed by 21st of october we will bring forward regulations to ensure victim Payment Scheme is in place in Northern Ireland by the end of may next year. We believe i can say and extent of confidence and think that many victims in Northern Ireland to a deeply distressed by recommendation over the court of last week and to see ken, a recommendation to see ken, a recommendation that proposed that the person who went out to murder her name or because her it would also be eligible for this pension if and the question of doing so, they injured themselves. There is sadly, and a poly moral corruption bear that lies at the very heart of victims related issues in Northern Ireland, and others have a repugnant opposition that equips the victim with their victim maker. Can i right honourable friend confirmed that the proposed Pension Scheme for victims is not and never will be a Pension Scheme for terrorists . Mr speaker, yes, im delighted to say thats often infrequently as necessary something which bears repeating, he needs to be put on the record, and im delighted to put that on the record. I think, mr speaker, we are one on this and want to support and give aid to those who through no fault of their own separate often life changing injuries. They deserve better from this house and they will from both sides of the house, we do not believe in pampering the victim makers. Could i welcome what the minister has said warmly and also the shadow minister and the house today on the consensus that there is on this issue, and pray pay tribute to the many victims, including Michelle Williams who lost both her parents and the cycle bombing in october 93 when nine innocent people were murdered on the shackle road and a bomber who was injured also would be eligible if this action was not taken to disqualify print terrorist perpetrators. Nigel dodds. And finally, something completely different. Those promised fashion tips from the house of lords, where concern about so called fast fashion cheap clothes that are worn once and thrown away has been growing. My lords, when i was young, my mother decided we should move to backing him and cant, because to get the best Health Care Education and junk sales. Beckenham in kent. The dress i am wearing is 50 years old and i bought it at a charity shop. It was made in britain, of high quality material, thats what you got recycling and sustainability. So should the government not be encouraging the fashion industry retailers and customers to invest in high quality british made clothing, perhaps by considering a b on cheap throwaway garments made in sweatshops abroad, which end up in landfill . Levy. Lady benjamin through the round window. Im off to try those jumble sales in beckenham. Thank you for watching monday in parliament. Alicia mccarthy will be here at the same time tomorrow, by when we will know the identity of our new Prime Minister. Bye for now. The heatwave is upon us, at least across a large chunk of the country, particularly central and eastern parts of england. And tuesday really could become quite oppressive as temperatures hit the mid 30s in some areas. Now, if we look at the satellite image you can see this huge clear area across europe. This is where the heat will be building over the next two or three days. And, as you might expect, the heats coming in from the south, from algeria, from morocco, spreading across spain, into france, and temperature records could tumble. Now, the july record, july for the uk, is 36. 7, set in 2015. We may be approaching those values come thursday. In the short term, the weathers fairly quiet out there. Some rain in the north west of scotland. Some clouds in western and southern areas. But very warm in the morning. 17 degrees there in cardiff, 16 the lowlands of scotland. And once some of that low cloud in the west and the south clears away its pretty much unbroken sunshine all through the day. Strong sunshine beating down on us and raising those temperatures, too. We think around about 3k degrees in london, 30 across northern parts of england. But much fresher there in belfast, no heatwave, 22 celsius. And then on tuesday night weve thunderstorms on the way. Probably quite widespread. Some big downpours with frequent thunder and lightning. And this is what it looks like from late tuesday into the early hours of wednesday, spreading widely across the uk. Behind it leaving a legacy of cloud. Wednesday may start off a little cloudy in some areas. Some of that cloud may linger through the day. In one or two areas, temperatures may be a degree or so lower. You wont probably notice much much of a difference. 33, 3a, 35 in one or two spots is possible. Towards the west, more likely mid or the high 20s. Then on thursday that heat does spread across europe. Itll be peaking in france and the uk, benelux, and starting to reach scandinavia as well. And this jet stream propels that northwards as well. So in london we could hit 36 degrees in Central London on thursday. High 20s to 30 degrees across northern parts of england. And its just possible somewhere in the south east, not necessarily in london, we might hit 37 celsius. But it all depends whether there will be any showers around or the cloud amounts. Im sure most of us agree thats a little too hot. Thats it. Bye bye. Welcome to bbc news, im duncan golestani. Our top stories britain calls for a European Naval mission to protect ships in the gulf after irans seizure of a british registered oil tanker. Questions for hong kongs authorities and the Police Following a brutal attack on pro democracy protestors by masked men. Who will become britains next Prime Minister . The winner of the conservative Party Contest will be announced within hours. And tens of thousands demand the resignation of puerto ricos governor, among them pop star ricky martin