Debates between Marsha De Cordova and David Rutley during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Wed 17th Apr 2024

Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

Debate between Marsha De Cordova and David Rutley
Wednesday 17th April 2024

(8 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Rutley Portrait David Rutley
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As the hon. Member knows, I respect her enormously, and we have worked together on a number of issues. On her vitally important point, we want to urge restraint about this proposed military operation by the Israelis. We are also calling for restraint in response to what has happened with Iran, although notably the RAF and others were there to provide support to defend Israel from that attack. The Foreign Secretary is in Israel and the region this week to tackle these very issues and to address the points I have made.

Marsha De Cordova Portrait Marsha De Cordova (Battersea) (Lab)
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On Monday, in response to my question about restoring UNRWA funding, the Prime Minister said that, along with allies, he was “reviewing the interim findings”. In subsequent responses to other Members, he said he was waiting for a final report, which is due towards the end of the month, on 20 April. Can we have a Government statement on Monday in which the Government set out a clear pathway back to restoring funding? The UK is the only major donor aside from the United States that has not restored its funding. Time is running out and lives are being lost.

David Rutley Portrait David Rutley
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I recognise the importance of the points that the hon. Lady makes. All I will say is what I have said previously: we are waiting for the report and then we will update Parliament on our decision. We need to review this report in detail.