Gaza: Humanitarian Situation

Patricia Ferguson Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Doughty]

I was very clear about what needs to happen on Gaza: we need to get all that crucial aid in. The aid that we have provided has made a difference, but it cannot make the difference that we wish it to have, and all items cannot get in, because of the blockages we have seen. The right hon. Gentleman rightly points to Israel’s responsibilities as an occupying power. It needs to adhere to them—there are clear legal grounds for that—and we will continue to urge it to do so. I have been very clear about the position we have taken on arms exports and the number of licences that we have refused and revoked. We will continue to keep all those under constant review.

[Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West) (Lab)]

I thank the Minister for his statement this morning. I have to say that I have been saddened by the approach of the those on the Opposition Front Bench, particularly as the Minister was addressing what is a climate catastrophe and two breaches of international law by a so-called democratically elected Government. In a meeting earlier this year with COGAT—Co-ordinator of Government Activities in the Territories—a cross-party delegation from this House and I were appalled at the perverse way in which the definition of dual-use items was being used, as it includes things like tent poles that can by no means be considered to be dual use. I very much welcome the sanctions the Minister has talked about, but will he be very firm in his conversations with COGAT, as I know he will be, in ensuring that that definition is consigned to the history books once and for all?

[Stephen Doughty]

I can absolutely assure my hon. Friend that the absurdity of some of the restrictions is at the heart of the conversations we are having with COGAT, and indeed other authorities. She quite rightly points out the climate aspects of this situation, too. The tragedy is that we knew those conditions were coming, and from previous examples we have seen we knew the impact they could have. Like others, including the United Nations, we issued warnings, and yet that crucial aid and assistance was not able to get in at the necessary levels, and large numbers of tents, tarpaulins and the equipment to put tents up still remain outside Gaza.