Middle East

Debate between Baroness Smith of Basildon and Baroness Boycott

Thursday 16th October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)]

My Lords, any promotion of antisemitism, wherever it takes place, is always wrong. The key thing in the education systems of both Palestine and Israel is that they should promote dialogue between the two countries and also promote peace and collaboration between them.

[Baroness Boycott (CB)]

The noble Baroness made a couple of references to the importance of the press. Could she update the House on exactly where negotiations are about letting in companies such as the BBC, the Times and the New York Times?

[Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)]

I have not got any more specific information for the noble Baroness. We have made it clear that journalists should be allowed back in, because it is reporting: it is the disinfectant of sunlight, in a sense, is it not? Information is the best disinfectant and more information would be very helpful. We are committed to that and we are pressing for it at all times.