Baroness Goudie
Main Page: Baroness Goudie (Labour - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Baroness Goudie's debates with the Leader of the House
(2 days ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)
I think the noble Baroness knows our position in relation to the action in Gaza. We have been very clear that we have taken specific action by refusing to export arms to Israel that may be used in Gaza. We see the actions as being absolutely disastrous for the people of Gaza. We have seen the consequences and have been absolutely focused on trying to ensure that Israel works to deliver what we have been calling for: an immediate ceasefire, an immediate end to hostilities, and the release of hostages. But most importantly, we want to see them ensure that the humanitarian aid that is so necessary is able to be delivered.
Baroness Goudie (Lab)
My Lords, while we are sitting here, the UN is scaling back its aid due to historic funding cuts. It is cutting back from $44 billion to $29 billion because of a drop in contributions, particularly from the US and from other western countries, which are reducing aid in order to prioritise defence spending. Tom Fletcher, who leads the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said:
“Brutal funding cuts leave us with brutal choices”.
What pressure can the Minister put on not only our country but the other countries, including the United States, to continue the aid during this terrible time, particularly for the people in Gaza and for others who will be suffering in the whole region?
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)
My noble friend knows my position, and there is no doubt that, as the Prime Minister has made absolutely clear, a priority for aid will be Gaza. The situation is desperate, but of course, we have to remember the consequences generally for the change in the situation, particularly in relation to official development assistance. These are the direct consequences of the illegal invasion of Ukraine—the incredibly dangerous moment for the world, where the United Nations charter has been completely ignored. The West has had to respond by ensuring that the security of this country and of Europe is a priority. That is why the focus has to be on defence. My noble friend also knows that, in terms of development, I am absolutely focused on making sure that we use all the tools in our toolkit to ensure progress, particularly on the empowerment of women, which I know is an issue and a strong focus of her activities.