Refugee Movements: Lebanon

Lord Kennedy of Southwark Excerpts

Thursday 19th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Morris of Bolton (Con)]

My Lords—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

We have plenty of time. It is the turn of the Cross Benches.

[Lord Hannay of Chiswick (CB)]

My Lords, the Minister did not mention a joint statement last week by a number of middle-ranking powers, including the UK, calling for an end to the hostilities in the south of Lebanon and Beirut. That was very welcome. But what is that group of countries doing collectively, in addition to what they may be doing bilaterally, to enable the President of Lebanon and the Lebanese armed forces to apply correctly the old ceasefire, which has now broken down?

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[Lord Anderson of Swansea (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

We will hear from the Lib Dem Benches next, and then the Labour Benches.

[Lord German (LD)]

My Lords, I draw attention to my interests; I am supported by the RAMP organisation. Based on yesterday’s figures, one million people are displaced in a country that already takes more displaced people than any other country in the world. We are talking about a massive humanitarian problem. The United Nations refugee agency has drawn attention to the fact that it needs an extra $61 million in funding before the beginning of June. Can the noble Lord tell us whether the £7.5 million that is to be provided is part of that United Nations’ massive appeal to assist? More than that, this situation is a feeding ground for people smugglers. What actions are the UK Government taking on the ground to deter those who may be enticed to make these disgraceful and dangerous journeys to the United Kingdom? That is an issue we will face, as a country, if we are not willing action now.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

It is the Labour Benches next.

[Noble Lords]

Oh!

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

I did actually say that we would hear from the Labour Benches next.

[Lord Anderson of Swansea (Lab)]

My Lords, the increasing turbulence in the Middle East—in Lebanon, yes, but also in Sudan, South Sudan and Iran—means many more humanitarian tragedies and many more people who technically qualify as refugees and asylum seekers. Are we prepared for this? What are we doing in consultation with our European allies to prepare for a greater influx of refugees and asylum seekers?