Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between James Cleverly and Anneliese Dodds

Tuesday 25th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that important question. We have been working closely with Egypt, which has sought to support many of those requiring medical assistance. Across Government we continue to look carefully at this issue, but Gazans need healthcare support in Gaza, and the UK Government have been supporting that.

[Mr James Cleverly (Braintree) (Con)]

As I am sure those on the Treasury Bench know, soft power and diplomacy are most effective when they are backed up by hard power. When will the Government commit to spending 3% of GDP on defence, to make sure that we have a real voice at the international table to encourage European countries to increase their defence spending?