Gaza: Humanitarian Situation

Debate between Jeff Smith and Leo Docherty

Monday 4th December 2023 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

The hon. Lady says that one humanitarian pause is not enough. Of course it is not enough; that is why we are arguing for another. That is an important part of our sense of there being a long-term obligation on us all to argue for a sustainable and long-term two-state solution.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

Without a ceasefire or truce in place, there is no safe zone in Gaza. I have expressed concerns before about the inadequacy of Al-Mawasi as a safe zone without any infrastructure or ability to get aid to innocent civilians. Given that there seems to be no place for people to go and no hope for innocent civilians, does the Minister share my worry that the constant bombardment will drive the besieged people of Gaza into the arms of extremists, and what representations are the Government making to the Israeli Government to express those concerns?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeff Smith and Leo Docherty

Monday 18th July 2022 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

We on the Conservative Benches will not perpetuate the myth that receiving universal credit is a bad thing. Many of these people are in high-paid and good jobs. It is a reflection of the fact that this Government support people into work and that military service gives them skills for life.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

10. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the effectiveness of the Afghan relocations and assistance policy.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

T3. This October will see the 70th anniversary of the British nuclear tests. What are Ministers doing to formally recognise our nuclear veterans ahead of that date?

[The Minister for Defence People and Veterans (Leo Docherty)]

I recently met the families, alongside the Prime Minister. I committed at that meeting to instruct the MOD to look afresh at the case to be made, and that work is ongoing.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeff Smith and Leo Docherty

Monday 24th May 2021 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

When it comes to local authorities, we will, when the Armed Forces Bill becomes the Armed Forces Act, issue statutory guidance to ensure that no veteran is at disadvantage. I hope that all local authorities will take that on board and deliver for our veterans in the local community.

[Jeff Smith [V]]

Getting a decent job is key to a successful transition to civilian life, but the Armed Forces Bill, as my hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow (Kate Osborne) said, does not include responsibility for employment or transition. Service charities have said that the Bill is too narrowly focused, so why will the Minister not widen the scope of the Bill to ensure that all the promises of the covenant are delivered by it?

[Leo Docherty]

When it comes to transition, it starts two years before someone actually leaves the armed forces and lasts for two years after they leave. The support that the MOD provides to service leavers lasts for two years, but we must bear in mind that overwhelmingly the vast majority find gainful employment within six months.