All 1 Debates between Rachael Maskell and Simon Opher

Gaza Healthcare System

Debate between Rachael Maskell and Simon Opher
Tuesday 24th February 2026

(1 week, 2 days ago)

Westminster Hall
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Simon Opher Portrait Dr Opher
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My hon. Friend is spot on. Rather than evacuating children to the NHS, which was the right thing to do while war was raging, it is better to build up facilities in the area and start training doctors and other health professionals to look after people there. We are training some Gazan medical students—I have met some of them—but the future lies in building up medical training in the area.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend for securing the debate and for the pertinent points he is making. Does he agree that the Minister should work with the Health Secretary to ensure that clinicians of all kinds can get the release they need to spend the appropriate amount of time in the region to provide training and clinical support?

Simon Opher Portrait Dr Opher
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I thank my hon. Friend for that timely intervention—I know she uses her professional skills in Parliament. It is important that we support the healthcare system in Gaza, and I know the Foreign Office is keen to do that.