Oral Answers to Questions

Nicola Richards Excerpts

Tuesday 12th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

We raise that issue with our Turkish counterparts at many levels. We will always look at what more we can do, but the head of mission in Ankara is seized of the urgency and importance of the issue and is working in close collaboration with the Turkish authorities.

[Nicola Richards (West Bromwich East) (Con)]

16. What steps his Department is taking to help secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

17. What steps he is taking to support efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Mr Andrew Mitchell)]

We have been working tirelessly to secure the release of all hostages, including British nationals, since 7 October.

[Nicola Richards]

Last week, the UN published its first report into the violence against women in Israel on 7 October and against hostages. It concluded that rape, gang rape and genital mutilation were systematically used against Israeli women and girls. The fact that the victims who survived do not trust the UN enough to speak to it about their experience adds another layer of heartbreak to the situation. What will my right hon. Friend the Minister do to urge the UN to make it a priority to rebuild trust and tell the world that #MeToo counts for Jews too?

[Mr Mitchell]

The world very much needs the United Nations, and I completely recognise the position that my hon. Friend so eloquently describes. We will do everything we can as a leading member of the United Nations—one of the P5—to try to improve that relationship. On the appalling events of October 7, which she described, we are doing everything we can to try to help, as I set out earlier.