Anniversary of 7 October Attacks: Middle East

Debate between Keir Starmer and Tim Farron

Monday 7th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

The whole House condemns Iran’s attack of a few days ago—we all saw the impact—and the whole House will understand that there will be occasions when it is important for a Government to act without first coming to this House.

[Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD)]

Like others, I recently had the sobering experience of meeting some of the hostage families. One person described how his brother had seen his wife, the mother of their new baby, murdered before his eyes, just before he was taken by Hamas. Despite their ordeal, the hostage families I met showed a desire for peace and reconciliation that I found utterly breathtaking and humbling, and it gives me hope. Does the Prime Minister agree that the release of the hostages is not only the right thing to do, in and of itself—of course, it is—but a major key to ending the conflict? Any ceasefire without the release of the hostages is, de facto, not a ceasefire.

[The Prime Minister]

I agree, which is why we must continue to press for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. I, too, have been struck by the incredible resilience of the families. It is humbling to listen and comprehend what they are going through while they, none the less, insist that there has to be a peaceful way forward for all concerned.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Keir Starmer and Tim Farron

Wednesday 4th September 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue, and I know he will be a really strong champion for his constituency. We are a Government who will be based on action, not slogans, and that is why we will have local growth plans, improved public services and investment in transport links. We will fix the mess that the Conservatives left after 14 years, and we will devolve power to those with skin in the game.

[Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD)]

Q15. In the past five years, there have been 10 fatal accidents on the A66 along the short stretch in the Eden valley in Westmorland. In our community, we are naturally deeply concerned that the vital A66 northern trans-Pennine project, which would make the roads considerably safer, has been put under review by this Government. Will the Prime Minister take the opportunity now to end the uncertainty today, commit to this project and save lives?

[The Prime Minister]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this question about fatalities on roads, which are a very serious issue on the A66 and other roads across the country. We have inherited a broken economy, and we have to review what we are spending money on. We are going through that review, and we will report back as soon as we can.