UK Armed Forces in Middle East Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

UK Armed Forces in Middle East

Flick Drummond Excerpts
Monday 29th April 2024

(2 weeks, 3 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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I agree with the hon. Gentleman; he rightly says that putting in 2.5% of GDP by 2030 will provide that boost and ensure that we have the operational capability to achieve that global response that we need to keep our country safe.

Flick Drummond Portrait Mrs Flick Drummond (Meon Valley) (Con)
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We talk about 500 trucks a day because that was the pre-war number, but that was when Gaza had a relatively functioning economy and an agricultural sector to back it up. Therefore, more than 400 trucks will be needed, by land and sea, and so I thank the armed forces for their help in delivering aid and in helping to build the pier. What pressure are we putting on Israel to get more aid quickly delivered by land, which is the best and quickest way of doing it, and on the use of UNRWA in northern Gaza, as it has the most effective system to get aid to the right places quickly?

Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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My hon. Friend is correct: we do need to increase that flow. What would be a game changer is opening the port of Ashdod, and we continue to make that point forcefully to our colleagues.