Contributions
215 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSyriaThere seems to be a mixed view among Arab states about normalising relations with Syria, and that is certainly not the view of all states. Arab states are understandably worried…22 Jan 2019HANSARDSyriaWith respect, Mr Speaker, they were good questions all. It is clear that the United States has made a serious appraisal of the impact of its troop withdrawal so as not to affect…22 Jan 2019HANSARDIsrael and PalestineThe United Kingdom does not agree with this decision of the Malaysian Government. It does nothing to assist the worldwide recognition of Paralympians. I know that my right hon.…22 Jan 2019HANSARDIsrael and PalestineRocket fire and attacks on Israel from Gaza remain unacceptable and damaging to any prospect of eventual peace. We continue to urge Israel and the Palestinian Authority to resume…22 Jan 2019HANSARDIsrael and PalestineWe never forget that Gaza is under the control of Hamas, and that other military groups operate there. As long as there are terrorist attacks on Israel from Gaza, the situation…22 Jan 2019HANSARDIsrael and PalestineIsrael, as a democracy in the middle east, has always prided itself on ensuring that those groups have the freedom to operate there, even if they challenge the Israeli Government.…22 Jan 2019HANSARDIsrael and PalestineThe recent discovery of tunnels from Lebanon into Israel has caused much concern. It is important that they are dealt with on both sides of the border. There is no reason for that…22 Jan 2019HANSARDIsrael and PalestineThe principal control of materials flowing into Gaza is of course exercised by the Israelis, with their concerns about dual-use material. We are in regular contact with the United…22 Jan 2019HANSARDIsrael and PalestineVirtually every statistic from the area cries out for the need to resolve this issue. We have spoken about it in this House for decades. There are arguments and counter-arguments,…22 Jan 2019HANSARDUN Aid to Palestinian RefugeesWe sought to increase our funding, as I mentioned to the hon. Lady, but we also talk to other donors. It is impossible for the United Kingdom to fill the gap created, but the…22 Jan 2019HANSARDUN Aid to Palestinian RefugeesI hear my right hon. Friend, but it is really important for the House to be clear that UNRWA is an independent organisation run by the UN. Of course practical pressures are caused…22 Jan 2019HANSARDUN Aid to Palestinian RefugeesI thank the hon. Gentleman for his question; he knows the area very well. Of course we will continue to support UNRWA, and look hard at the mandate renewal. It is important that…22 Jan 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsMy hon. Friend is right. The discovery of those tunnels has highlighted concerns about a re-armed Hezbollah in Lebanon, and it is essential for them to be dealt with by both…22 Jan 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsThat is another good question. When I was last in Iraq I met agencies involved with Yazidi women, and I hope to go there again in the not too distant future to make the same…22 Jan 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsAs the right hon. Lady knows, all the prominent cases of human rights activists are carefully monitored by the UK representatives in Bahrain. There are independent processes in…22 Jan 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe do agree; there is no normalisation of the relationship with Syria. The point I was seeking to make was that before there can be any recognition of Syria, there has to be an…22 Jan 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsIn reference to the question from the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (Jamie Stone), I am appropriately wearing my tartan tie to celebrate this week. As I…22 Jan 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe and other donors have moved very rapidly this year to seek to cover a shortfall in UNRWA funding. Work is going on to ensure that, in the long term, UNRWA is sustainable.…09 Jan 2019HANSARDSyriaThe United Kingdom is at the forefront of the humanitarian response and has been providing life-saving support to millions of people across Syria from the start of the conflict.…09 Jan 2019HANSARDSyriaDFID’s aid has always been focused on humanitarian need, regardless of who has been in control of territory. Provided we can be assured that aid and support are not diverted for…09 Jan 2019