Defending the UK and Allies Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Defending the UK and Allies

Rachael Maskell Excerpts
Monday 15th January 2024

(3 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rishi Sunak Portrait The Prime Minister
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I was proud that we hosted a food security summit, which was warmly welcomed by vulnerable countries last year. Perhaps the hon. Lady could tell the House how she would propose to pay for the £5 billion increase in the aid budget that she proposes.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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While the Prime Minister has clarified that the strikes in Yemen are disassociated from Gaza, the Iranian arc has drawn a different conclusion, not least as the strikes took place the same day as the International Court of Justice case brought by South Africa. We know that the only way forward is de-escalation. Given that assaults continue on the merchant navy, and assaults in Gaza continued over the weekend, when will the Prime Minister condemn Israel’s attacks on civilians and call for an immediate ceasefire?

Rishi Sunak Portrait The Prime Minister
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I have addressed that previously. With regard to South Africa’s referral of Israel to the ICJ, that development is unhelpful. We do not agree with it and I do not believe it is right. As we have previously stated, Israel has a right to take action in self-defence against Hamas. It is important that it does that in accordance with international humanitarian law, and we will continue to make that point to it.