2 Caroline Voaden debates involving the Department for International Development

Occupied Palestinian Territories: Humanitarian Situation

Caroline Voaden Excerpts
Tuesday 19th November 2024

(1 month ago)

Westminster Hall
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Patricia Ferguson Portrait Patricia Ferguson
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I thank my hon. Friend for her intervention. With the news that the Israeli Government have banned UNRWA from working in Israel and occupied east Jerusalem, and that even conversations between UNRWA staff and Israeli officials will be banned, the 2 million people who are currently dependant on UNRWA aid are made even more vulnerable as winter approaches, especially because, as she said, most Palestinians have been displaced at least once, if not more often, and many are now living in makeshift tents. And when I say “tents”, I emphasise that they are not “tents” as we understand tents to be; they are collections of fabric, cardboard and anything that can be scrounged or scavenged, assembled to try to give some shelter to very vulnerable families.

So, it is incumbent upon us as a country to do everything we can to end this carnage and to help those most in need. I hope that today the Minister here in Westminster Hall might be able to tell us that the UK will vote to support a ceasefire when the resolution comes before the UN Security Council later today.

Caroline Voaden Portrait Caroline Voaden (South Devon) (LD)
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I congratulate the hon. Member for securing this debate. I think we can all agree that the number of children involved in this conflict, particularly the 16,000 children who have been killed, is just absolutely horrific. The UK has suspended some arms licences to Israel, but in light of the violations of humanitarian principle and law that she has talked about, including the conditions in hospitals and so on, does she agree that a total suspension of arms to Israel is now called for?

Oral Answers to Questions

Caroline Voaden Excerpts
Monday 9th September 2024

(3 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Janet Daby Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)
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Further education is front and centre of unlocking opportunity. I join my hon. Friend in congratulating the Shrewsbury Colleges Group on its excellent results.

Caroline Voaden Portrait Caroline Voaden (South Devon) (LD)
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T5. Schools in Devon are missing out on £23.5 million a year due to the national funding formula—the equivalent of 450 full-time teachers across the county. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how Devon’s school children are missing out, particularly those living in the most deprived areas?

Catherine McKinnell Portrait Catherine McKinnell
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I recognise the concerns the hon. Lady raises. The Government intend to take time to consider the various funding formulas the Department and local authorities currently use to allocate funding for schools. It is really important that we have a fair education funding system that directs funding to where it is needed, and I would be happy to meet her to discuss the particular challenges in her area.