UK Armed Forces in Middle East Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

UK Armed Forces in Middle East

Michael Ellis Excerpts
Monday 29th April 2024

(6 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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My hon. Friend is correct: we do need to increase that flow. What would be a game changer is opening the port of Ashdod, and we continue to make that point forcefully to our colleagues.

Michael Ellis Portrait Sir Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con)
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Does my hon. Friend agree that His Majesty’s armed forces could be providing any humanitarian support, now or in the future, only with Israel’s total co-operation and that it should be recognised for that? Has he noted also that Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow 3 defensive systems, among other things, would, in effect, be part of the protection of His Majesty’s and other allied forces? Does he agree that that makes even more nonsense of the anti-Israel interests’ call for an arms embargo against Israel, because if allied forces, including His Majesty’s forces, were to be acting in the region, they would be looking for support from Israel itself?

Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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My right hon. and learned Friend makes a very good point.