Decriminalising drugs is the only way forward. Instead of pointlessly talking tough, we should follow Portugal in treating addiction primarily as a health problem. Read my latest column here:
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William Hague
@WilliamJHague
Former UK Foreign Secretary, Leader of the House of Commons and MP for Richmond (Yorks) 1989-2015. Co-Founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative
London, Richmond and WalesJoined March 2010
William Hague’s Tweets
Since I’ve seen reports of people placing bets on me being the new party chairman, please be aware that I will absolutely not be returning to politics in any shape or form, including that one.
The letter to Boris Johnson on Hong Kong I have signed with six other Fromer Foreign Secretaries.
‘Labour doesn’t want to solve Brexit, it only wants to destroy the Tories.’ Read my latest article
Beijing has banned Joshua Wong’s books, but they show us the shape of the terrible struggle ahead. Read my latest column bit.ly/2BKdOvt
Breaching international law would leave Britain perilously exposed. As foreign secretary, I saw first-hand how much we rely on our reputation for upholding global rules. Read my latest column
‘Another hung parliament would offer only permanent chaos and instability - moderate voters should cast their ballot for a Conservative majority.’ Read my latest article
Nationalism is bankrupt and has no answers. The ideas of Trump and Farage are irrelevant in a world where crises will only be solved by nations working together. Read my latest column here:
Attack on nature is a mistake Tories can avoid.
The party’s strong record on green issues risks being undermined by a proposed bonfire of environmental regulations. Read my latest column here:
Boris Johnson and Liz Truss should fess up to failure. Leaders who deny any culpability in their own downfall have a corrosive effect on their party and the wider electorate. Read my latest column here:
'The war on cannabis has failed - we must be bold and change course', my latest
We must stop barbaric crimes against women. Gang rapes and mutilation are being carried out in the Tigray conflict but the world prefers to look the other way. Read my latest column here: bit.ly/3i9aLj5
Rishi Sunak brings stability and hope back to No 10.
After the chaos of the past few months, this sensible appointment shows the British political system is functioning again. Read my latest column
As incoming Chair of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, I’m delighted that today the Foundation and Prince William have launched The Earthshot Prize.
To learn more, follow
Scots need to know what independence means. If the SNP is to have another referendum, other parties must demand answers to tough questions about Scotland’s future. Read my latest column here:
Tonight I am standing down as Foreign Secretary after 4 years to serve as Leader of the House of Commons
Tonight's agreement with #Iran good for the whole world, including Middle Eastern countries and the people of Iran themselves #IranTalks
I will take forward the UK campaign to end sexual violence in conflict as the PM’s Special Representative
Right decision by David Cameron to leave Commons - former Prime Ministers are either accused of doing too little or being a distraction.
All our thoughts with innocent people killed today. We must never give into murderers.
It’s in the UK’s national interest that Joe Biden wins the presidential race. Read my latest column
Ideology is dead: it’s competence we need now.
Talk of tax cuts and the size of the state should give way to pragmatic plans for education, business and the NHS. Read my latest here:
This agreement shows it is possible to work with #Iran, and through diplomacy address intractable problems #IranTalks
‘Sorry Brexiteers, but Parliament doesn’t want No Deal and it has the means to kill it.’ Read my latest article bit.ly/2PkSHR4
The world must act now on wildlife markets or run the risk of worse pandemics in future. Read my latest column
Even rightwingers know we need migrants
This is only the start of the age of migration — parties from all sides must strive for new ideas or risk French-style chaos. Read my latest column here:
Renewal in politics is good, and holding office is not an end in itself. After 26 years as an MP time will be right for me to move on
Start treating ultra-processed food like tobacco. History will look back at our salt and sugar-laden diet - and the government resistance to curbing it - with incredulity. Read my latest column here:
UK will not recognise Crimea referendum and we are calling for strong EU response
We support Ukrainian gov's request for urgent consultations in accordance with 1994 Budapest Memorandum signed by UK, US, Russia, #Ukraine
Egyptian Ambassador to London will be summoned to the today over sentencing of journalists in #Egypt
I was honoured to accompany HM The Queen on overseas visits when I was Foreign Secretary and will never forget her extraordinary dedication to duty and sure-footed handling of every situation. An inspiration for all, for ever.
Rumoured scrapping of anti-obesity polices would be a serious error, leading to poorer health, more dependency, and ultimately higher taxes and a bigger state. See my Times column in May.
#Egypt should review unacceptable sentences against Egyptian and international journalists and show commitment to freedom of the press
Terribly sad to hear of the death of Jo Cox, senselessly killed working for her constituents.
Very saddened to hear about the death of Charles Kennedy: a devoted public servant, a gifted Parliamentarian, and a man of great warmth.
Ed Miliband misleads the country when he tells people he can govern the country without doing deals with the SNP #bbcqt
Wildlife traffickers brazenly exploit global financial systems to move the proceeds of their crimes. So I am delighted the financial sector today joins by committing its much needed support to tackle this illegal trade #EndWildlifeCrime
The EU's vaccine nationalism is even more dangerous than it looks. In an age of pandemics, Brussels’ bid to disrupt global supply networks sets a disastrous precedent. Read my latest column here
I will not stand as an MP in the May 2015 General Election, after 26 years as an MP
I’m proud we now have a restored , revived alliances, a new course in Europe, and stronger UK leadership on #humanrights
A day when all our thoughts are with the Queen and the Royal Family. Having travelled with the Duke of Edinburgh when I was Foreign Secretary, I can testify to his great good humour, considerable patience, and endless dedication to his task.
Extremely concerned about humanitarian situation and loss of life in Gaza. Speaking to President Abbas today
Role as Leader of the House means I will finish in politics as I began – speaking in Parliament and campaigning among the voters
Britain's opponents would love to cause mischief if we left the European Union. Read my latest article bit.ly/28Kb2le
'The Queen has dealt with dictators and despots – she'll take a visit from Donald Trump in her stride'
My warmest wishes for #Ramadan to Muslims in the UK and around the world ow.ly/yy5w8 #RamadanMubarak
From May 2015, after such a long period in politics I want to embark on many other things I have always wanted to do
This disastrous lockdown can never be repeated, even if the virus returns. Read my latest column
It’s time to do for science what we did for sport.
The next PM must deliver on the promise that Britain will be a scientific superpower: our prosperity depends on it. Read my latest column here:
‘Nato is stronger and more resilient than many think, but it relies on Britain being a trustworthy ally and the sad fact is Corbyn doesn’t believe in defending the West.’ Read my latest article bit.ly/34LzLDM
As with Trump, the Johnson ‘witch-hunt’ is nothing of the sort.
In both cases we are seeing institutions reassert themselves in the cause of good governance. Read my latest column here:
There’s no peace deal to be made with Putin.
The growing feeling in Europe that the war must end as soon as possible is misguided and would be a betrayal of Ukraine. Read my latest column here:
"Wild animals belong in the wild, and ivory is not beautiful unless on the tusk of a living animal". Important call to protect the environment by Angelina Jolie. #IWT
She changed our country forever and all of us owe so much to her. A legacy few will ever equal. Rest in peace Margaret
All our thoughts with the young people of Manchester, and the families of those so senselessly killed and injured.
Obesity U-turn is weak, shallow and immoral. The threat of letters of no confidence has seen off a policy that might have turned around Britain’s relentlessly bad diet. Read my latest column here:
Agreed with German Foreign Minister Steinmeier today to support new government in #Ukraine and push for vital IMF financial package
So sad to hear of the death of Betty Boothroyd. She was a great Speaker and a wonderful character - she loved a whisky and a good gossip, which never leaked. Kind, fair, fun and forthright: what an unforgettable combination.
Rishi Sunak has what it takes to succeed in No 10.
The former chancellor’s reputation in Yorkshire shows he is an effective leader who can win hearts and get the job done. Read my latest column here:
I'm not a candidate in this General Election but I'm still working flat out for a Conservative majority on May 7
We oppose decision to deploy Russian troops on Ukrainian soil against wishes of #Ukraine gov and condemn any act of aggression
Today I join the people of Bosnia & Herzegovina as they honour the memory of those brutally killed in act of genocide in #Srebrenica in 1995
Wishing everyone happy #YorkshireDay One of the world's most beautiful areas and a privilege to have served as MP for Richmond for 26 years
Arrived in Kyiv. Will be meeting leaders from across Ukrainian politics tonight
Very sad to hear about the death of my friend Cecil Parkinson. An exceptional talent and an extraordinarily nice man to work with.
Tone and spirit of P5 meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister was very good. Now we must get down to detail
Tories can win if the whole party is hungry for it. The next election can be another 1992 rather than 1997 for Conservatives but they don’t have long to prove themselves. Read my latest column here:
This #InternationalWomensDay let’s remember those who suffer appalling #sexualviolence in conflict. Rape in war cannot go unpunished
The West must back Ukraine for a long war. Longer-range missiles and perhaps even fighter jets will be needed, along with billions of pounds in aid every month. Read my latest column here:
Have met a wide range of Ukrainian political leaders in Kyiv tonight. Violation of #Ukraine's sovereignty unacceptable
I welcome the Government's action on closing the domestic ivory market. Strong action by & #stopivory #iwt
I condemn the terrorist attack on Iran's Embassy in #Beirut and send my condolences to the families of those killed and injured
'We are all Leavers now. We must unite to build a new and better Britain.' Read my latest article bit.ly/29f25FP
It was a humbling & uplifting experience to meet so many young filmmakers using their creativity to help fight sexual violence in conflicts around the world #PSVI #TimeToAct
Delighted by #indyref result. We are stronger together as the UK. I'm proud of our democracy and congratulate the people of Scotland
Britain's great abolitionists proved that free speech and non-violence are vital in the fight for equality. Read my latest column bit.ly/3f9Sz47
We don’t need Biden to be our best friend. We need him to fix America. Read my latest column here: bit.ly/3jTrq7u
Help us end the use of rape as a weapon of war - add your voice to our #Thunderclap campaign thndr.it/17RLxbG #timetoact
‘Our man in Washington was doing his job - no thanks to the leaker.’ Read my latest article bit.ly/2xG7100
We must stop being slaves to the algorithm. Social media has damaged democracy, exacerbated division and harmed children — it’s time for much tougher regulation. Read my latest column here:
'Ukip no longer has a reason to exist as a party and should dissolve itself' read my latest article
Corbyn will need to learn the difference between protesting and leading - my new article in the
Killing of the 3 Israeli teenagers an act of terror. My deepest sympathies to the families and to all Israelis as they mourn this sad loss
'Tory rebels should not let themselves become pawns in Corbyn's cynical plan to bring down the Government.' read my latest article bit.ly/2CpvDin
Pleased to start writing a regular column in The Daily Telegraph from September. Here's an example of what to expect
