Anniversary of 7 October Attacks: Middle East Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Anniversary of 7 October Attacks: Middle East

John Whittingdale Excerpts
Monday 7th October 2024

(1 week, 2 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Keir Starmer Portrait The Prime Minister
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We are working constantly with our allies to de-escalate the situation, to hold those responsible to account and to ensure that we bring about the much sought-after peace that all communities want.

John Whittingdale Portrait Sir John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con)
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As well as the terrible loss of life of Israeli, Palestinian and Lebanese citizens, a shocking number of journalists have been killed or wounded while covering events in the middle east. Will the Prime Minister pay tribute to the courage of journalists who are risking their lives daily simply to do their job? Will he re-emphasise the importance of protecting and respecting all media workers who are covering conflict?

Keir Starmer Portrait The Prime Minister
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Yes and yes. It is a very important point. Journalists and those working in the media are risking their lives to ensure that the rest of us have information about what is happening on the ground. Too many have lost their lives, and we must respect that and pay tribute to the really important work that they do. I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for raising a really important issue.