Oral Answers to Questions

Helen Maguire Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Green (Chesham and Amersham) (LD)]

10. What diplomatic steps he is taking to help ensure humanitarian aid can reach people in Gaza.

[Helen Maguire (Epsom and Ewell) (LD)]

14. What steps he is taking to support people impacted by the humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

[Sarah Owen (Luton North) (Lab)]

19. What steps he is taking to help improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

--- Later in debate ---

[Helen Maguire]

The UN has now confirmed famine in Gaza City. More than half a million people face catastrophic conditions of starvation, destitution and death. This is a man-made disaster, described by the UN Secretary-General as “a failure of humanity”. At least 600 daily truckloads are needed to avert further famine-related deaths, yet Israel continues to block aid. Will the Government commit today to concrete actions to pressure the Israeli Government to lift the obstruction, including sanctioning all members of the Cabinet, including Netanyahu, who are complicit in the illegal aid blockade?

[Mr Falconer]

I have been clear already about our views on the vital urgency of lifting aid restrictions. I have gone myself to the border to see our aid in al-Arish. I have spoken to our partners. UK-Med, for example, has been chasing consignments since March. We make these points with force to the Israeli Government, and we have already taken far-reaching sanction action, as discussed by the Foreign Secretary yesterday afternoon.