Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what representations he has made to the Israeli government since it announced it would open a new aid crossing into northern Gaza; and what steps he plans to take to help (a) prevent starvation of Palestinian citizens and (b) ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.
Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
Palestinians are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis. The UK is playing a leadership role in alleviating that suffering. We are doing everything we can to get more aid in as quickly as possible by land, sea and air. On 20 March, the Foreign Secretary announced the UK has funded WFP to provide 2000 tons of food aid, enough to feed 275,000 people in Gaza. For example, on 20 March, the Royal Air Force airdropped 10 tonnes of food aid - including water, rice and baby food - directly to civilians in Gaza.
The British Government has pressed Israeli counterparts to increase the flow of aid into Gaza.
On 5th April Israel committed to significant steps to increase the amount of aid getting to Gaza, including allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid through the Port of Ashdod and the Erez checkpoint.
The UK has urged Israel to take these steps for a long time and they are welcome. We are resolved that the international community will work with Israel to see these vital changes fully implemented.
Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of suspending the Government’s (a) trade agreements and (b) arms licenses with Israel.
Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
The UK's strategic partnership with Israel includes trade. As the Secretary of State for Business and Trade told the House on 7 March, Israel remains a part of the FTA programme, negotiations continue, and she has recently discussed with the Israeli Minister of Economy our existing trading relationship as well as how Israel is managing the challenges of working on an FTA while fighting a war.
All export license applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.
Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to raise awareness of the (a) symptoms of inflammatory arthritis and (b) support available for patients and families.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government has produced a guide on musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, which is available at the following link:
The Department is currently developing a Major Conditions Strategy, in consultation with NHS England and colleagues across the Government. Given their contribution to the burden of disease, MSK conditions such as arthritis will be included in the strategy.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has produced expert guidance to support healthcare professionals in the early diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The guidance for the early diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is available, respectively, at the following links:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng100
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng226
From 2022/23 to 2024/25, the Government is spending more than £11.3 billion to support elective recovery and tackle long waiting times, which could deliver nine million more checks and procedures to help support patients with conditions like arthritis. In the Spring Budget 2023, the Government also announced £400 million of funding for scaling up MSK Physical Activity Hubs and embedding employment advice within MSK pathways.
General rheumatology services, which support people with a range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, are locally commissioned by integrated care boards, which are best placed to make decisions according to local need.
Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what her planned timetable is for the publication of the Major Conditions Strategy; and whether there will be additional funding for that strategy.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
We expect to publish the Major Conditions Strategy in spring of this year. The Spring Budget 2024 announced that the Government is protecting NHS England’s day-to-day funding in real terms, by providing an extra £2.45 billion in 2024/25. On productivity, the Government is investing £3.4 billion of capital funding to significantly reduce the 13 million hours of clinical staff time lost to poor IT every year, as well as revolutionising treatment for a range of illnesses such as cancer and strokes.
The Government has not committed any further additional funding specific to the Major Conditions Strategy. However, as part of the strategy, we will be identifying innovative actions to help alleviate pressure on the National Health Service and support improvement within the current settlement.