Palestinians: Visa Scheme Debate

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Palestinians: Visa Scheme

Karen Buck Excerpts
Monday 13th May 2024

(3 months, 2 weeks ago)

Westminster Hall
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Cat Smith Portrait Cat Smith
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I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. Indeed, food insecurity is deeply concerning.

Karen Buck Portrait Ms Karen Buck (Westminster North) (Lab)
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I am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend for giving way, and I congratulate her on securing the debate and making a powerful speech. Like many people in this room, I was proud to be able to intervene in support of Ukrainian refugees, who were accommodated by friends and family in this country. We have a large Afghan community, and many people were disappointed at not getting similar treatment. Once again, many people who have family and friends in the Palestinian community feel that there should be parity of treatment for people based on need, rather than on where the conflict originated.

Cat Smith Portrait Cat Smith
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All I can do is agree with my hon. Friend. My experience was that our constituents were only too willing to be hospitable when it came to us taking Ukrainian refugees—indeed, there is that great culture. I believe we have compassion in caring for our neighbour when they are in trouble.