Contributions
1,541 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNorthern GazaI am a Foreign Office Minister and I do not treat in thoughts and prayers—this House of course feels united in our anguish about what we are seeing in Gaza—but what we do in the…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaI thank my hon. Friend for his question and I know how much time he has spent with hostage families over recent months. I do condemn both Hamas’s refusal to release the hostages,…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaThe hon. Member speaks passionately about a situation that so few in this House could even imagine. My thoughts are with Mohamed’s family and the many, many other women, children…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaThe situation in northern Gaza is dire. The UK condemns Israel’s restrictions on aid in the strongest terms. The scale of human suffering is unimaginable. We have been clear that…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaAs I have said over the course of the afternoon, we are raising those hospitals and the overall question of medical provision with the Israelis, and we will continue to do so.07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaAs I set out in my previous answer, we have sought to focus on those weapons that could be used for a serious breach of international humanitarian law. We have taken far-reaching…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaI have been clear about the position in relation to F-35s. I have a responsibility, as do the rest of the Government, to try to ensure Britain’s national security. That includes,…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaMy hon. Friend is right to flag the more than 300 aid workers killed since 7 October. We have many former aid workers on the Government Benches; they perform a vital function for…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaI know the concern that is felt in Edinburgh, as it is elsewhere. We have to be honest about the medical system in Gaza, which is insufficient on almost any of the points raised…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaI thank my hon. Friend for the question but will not provide a further update on the individuals that she raised. As I have said, we try not to trail sanctions decisions before…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaI thank my hon. Friend for his commitment to these issues. I confirm that the UK will continue to press with our allies for proper aid access and for an immediate ceasefire, and…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaI reiterate, to reassure the House about some of the steps that we are taking, that I have raised with the Israeli Government the hospitals and the people mentioned in many of the…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaI know how diligent, attentive and moved by these issues my hon. Friend has been over a long period. The force of his question is obviously right. We have taken far-reaching…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaThe hon. Member mentions a fire engine that the FBU has generously donated to try to contribute to relief efforts in Palestine. That issue had been raised by my own colleagues in…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaWe have to be straightforward about the situation in Israel and Palestine at the moment. There are Occupied Palestinian Territories that have illegal settlements and an IDF…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaThe hon. Member refers to missiles sent by the Iranians to strike Israel, and we will act in Israel’s legitimate self-defence in accordance with international humanitarian law. We…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaI will not comment on forthcoming sanctions, but I confirm that this Government remain opposed to war crimes anywhere that they occur. Where we feel in a position to put in…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaThe hon. Member mentioned sanctions, and we put in place extensive sanctions at the end of last year. I will not comment on further sanctions—to do so might undermine their…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaI, too, have met with commissioner-general Lazzarini and discussed the implications of the Knesset votes. We are clear with the Israelis about the role that UNRWA plays, both…07 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern GazaAs I said earlier, the situation for new mothers, for expectant mothers and, indeed, for the majority of vulnerable Palestinians is appalling and needs to change urgently. The…07 Jan 2025