Oral Answers to Questions

David Simmonds Excerpts

Monday 25th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) (Con)]

10. What steps his Department is taking to assist in the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

[Will Quince (Colchester) (Con)]

18. What steps his Department is taking to assist in the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

[The Secretary of State for Defence (Grant Shapps)]

There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. The UK, including the Ministry of Defence, is working collectively with allies, partners and international organisations to deliver desperately needed aid to the Gazan population.

[David Simmonds]

My constituents are rightly proud of the work that our armed forces are doing to facilitate the delivery of aid, to prevent a colossal humanitarian catastrophe. What further steps can be taken to ensure that British aid finds its way to civilians in need, rather than into the hands of Hamas fighters?

[Grant Shapps]

That is one of the greatest challenges in the current situation. We are working with the British Red Cross, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme, the Egyptian Red Crescent and others to ensure that aid gets to the right places. That is extremely challenging, and has slowed down aid delivery.