Oral Answers to Questions

Naomi Long Excerpts
Wednesday 31st October 2012

(12 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alan Duncan Portrait Mr Duncan
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Yes, I can give my hon. Friend the assurances he seeks. We work very closely with UNRWA, and I regularly meet Filippo Grande who runs it. I have visited the area with him on many occasions, and look forward to doing so again, while also expressing our support in terms of hard cash for the future.

Naomi Long Portrait Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance)
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The Minister will be aware that water security has huge implications for economic and social development in the region. What specific actions are the UK Government taking to ensure that water is no longer used as a weapon against some of the most vulnerable people in the region?

Alan Duncan Portrait Mr Duncan
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We are well aware of the access restrictions to safe drinking water in the west bank and Gaza. The UK Government regularly discuss these issues with Israel, and we continue to call for the full implementation of the relaxation of access restrictions for Gaza that Israel announced in June 2010.