Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the legal process for recognising a Palestinian state.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering.  We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace.  We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood.

Palestinian statehood is the right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel. The people of the West Bank and Gaza must be given the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future. That is why this Government supports a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Government agrees strongly on the importance of recognition, and that is why we will make sure the timing is right. We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in what way he plans to protect NHS whistleblowers, following the closure of the National Guardian's Office.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Dr Dash’s review of patient safety across the health and care landscape was published in July 2025. The review’s recommendations aim to streamline, simplify, and consolidate functions across the patient safety landscape by removing duplication and overlap.

The review specifically recommends that staff voice functions should be strengthened, by incorporating the responsibilities of the National Guardian’s Office directly into the new Department of Health and Social Care structure and providers. The network of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians will continue. These changes reinforce our commitment to ensuring that National Health Service staff have the confidence to come forward and speak out if they have concerns.

Found: the course of debate on amendments to the clause/schedule (Standing Order No. 68) Chairs: Mark Pritchard