Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Levy Excerpts

Tuesday 30th April 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) (Lab)]

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

[Ian Levy (Blyth Valley) (Con)]

9. What steps he is taking to help get more aid into Gaza.

[Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East) (Lab)]

14. What recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Mitchell]

I have set out the process by which we will judge how and when to restore funding to UNRWA, but the situation has improved in recent weeks. The hon. Member will have seen that fuel for bakeries has been restored. We are pressing for the activation of the water pipeline and, over the past week, we have been averaging more than 200 trucks each day. Progress has been made, but there needs to be a lot more progress, and Britain will continue to press for it.

[Ian Levy]

When Putin invaded Ukraine, the people of Blyth, Cramlington and Seaton Valley came together and generously gave what they could spare. With help from local companies, such as Moody Logistics and Storage in Cramlington, we were able to ensure that aid reached those who had lost their homes and their belongings. What plans does my right hon. Friend’s Department have in place to get aid from the UK to Gaza?

[Mr Mitchell]

I pay tribute to the good people of Blyth, Cramlington and Seaton Valley for their generosity, and to my hon. Friend for helping to channel that goodwill so constructively. His constituents will want to support reputable non-governmental organisations and charities working to support humanitarian relief in Gaza.