Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson also addressed the US Supreme Court’s decision on Law vs. Wade, and at a post-Cabinet press conference today, the government announced further support for Ukraine’s war efforts against Russia.
The government has announced that $ 4.5 million will go to NATO to provide Ukraine with non-lethal equipment and supplies. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is currently visiting Europe to address the NATO summit in Madrid.
In a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last week, Robertson said Labor’s overall position on abortion was clear, but state leader Christopher L’accent previously called abortion “equal to murder.” He said he was out.
Evangelical Christian Luxon has already forced MP Simon O’Connor to remove what he called the “victor” in social media posts, effectively debating his legislators to publicly discuss the decision. I made him gagged.
Robertson said the Labor Party treated it as a matter of conscience, but Luxon’s position was clear.
Robertson said Luxon is now “rotating” his position after state leaders said in a statement that they would not change New Zealand’s abortion law.
“We know that Jacinda Ardern’s position is here, and we know what Christopher Luxon’s position is,” Robertson said.
He said he understands why, in his personal view, people are skeptical of Luxon’s guarantee that the topic will not be revisited.
Robertson said there was growth in stigma and racism in many parts of the world.
He believed that New Zealand was in a “good place”, but said people needed to tackle these problems.
Roverston said he saw an increasing threat to himself and others. He said there has been an increase since the occupation in parliament in February.
Mentioning the incident in Dannebilke, including Robertson’s verbal abuse, he said he believed police were present and the person was spoken to.
Robertson told the news hub this morning that he believed that abortion was similar to abortion and thought he needed to clarify his view of abortion.
“He managed to make two statements over the two days of the weekend, and earlier he said abortion was like murder,” Robertson said.
“Mr. Luxon may be saying something useful political now. I think people know where he really stands, and obviously people do what he says and what he does. Will judge. “
Robertson told Newshub Luxon that he needed to clarify the accuracy to prevent the topic from being revisited.
In response, pro-choice leader Nicola Willis said the party “clearly” said these laws would not be “retried or reconsidered.”
She said the Labor Party is creating “unnecessary anxiety” by agitating the debate.
“In fact, I think these attempts by workers to import American-style cultural wars into New Zealand are irresponsible. It creates unnecessary anxiety.”
Immediately after the US ruling, Ardern said it was “a loss for women everywhere.” She said people “qualify to be deeply confident about this issue.”
“But those personal beliefs should never deprive others of making their own decisions.”
Assistance to Ukraine
Robertson said the recent $ 4.5 million funding showed support for Ukraine and acted according to its international partners.
Asked about Ukraine’s support today and how it affects free trade negotiations with the EU, Robertson said these negotiations are another matter.
The statement also extended the placement of New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) intelligence, logistics and liaison officers in the United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium.
Includes further support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation.
“Russia’s continued attack on Ukraine is a blatant attack on innocent life and the sovereignty of other nations,” Ardern said in a statement.
“Our response includes not only condemnation of Russia’s actions, but also practical support for Ukraine.”
Ardern said in a statement that in addition to the diplomatic, humanitarian, legal and military aspects of the conflict so far, a total of more than $ 33 million has been provided.
Trade and economic sanctions also limit Russia’s ability to fund and equip wars, she said.
Robertson said personnel returning yesterday on a Hercules aircraft carried out 62 flights carrying 256,000 kg in military aid.
The announcement will be made after Ardern toured Spain, Belgium and the United Kingdom on Sunday.
Her visit is in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has brought New Zealand into the orbit of NATO’s security alliance.
Experts warn that there is a risk of jeopardizing traditional independent foreign policy and disrupting China, its major trading partner.
Ardern’s first destination is Madrid, where he will be a guest at the NATO Summit on Wednesday night, New Zealand time.
New Zealand and NATO have been “partners” since 2012 and have been working on “dialogue and cooperation” since 2001, the first NATO summit to commemorate the attendance of the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
New Zealand previously donated $ 4.24 million to NATO in March.
“New Zealand’s contribution was important and meaningful,” Ardern said.
“While in Madrid, I will discuss the future trajectory of the war and the additional humanitarian needs we can expect.”
Other Asia-Pacific leaders from South Korea, Japan and Australia were also invited to guide those who suggested that the conference would consolidate NATO’s informal expansion from the Atlantic Ocean to the Asia-Pacific.
The conference may focus on the issues of Ukraine and rising China. It is included in NATO’s new “strategic concept”, a once-in-a-decade document showing how NATO views the world.
After Madrid, Ardern travels to Brussels and seeks to proceed with trade negotiations with the European Union.
She then headed to London, where she met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had just finished trade negotiations with New Zealand, and signed a widely acclaimed trade agreement.