Gaza Border Violence

Rupa Huq Excerpts
Tuesday 15th May 2018

(6 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alistair Burt Portrait Alistair Burt
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That is simply because Israel does face defensive threats, and a complete arms embargo would not be the right response or called for. The hon. Gentleman could go through the arms export criteria with his concerned constituents and see how the House and the Government handle them, how they are challengeable in the courts and why that remains the basis for any decision made on arms exports, which are constantly reviewed.

Rupa Huq Portrait Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (Lab)
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Our Government back a two-state solution, but recognise only one of the states. Given yesterday’s shocking events, surely they could send a powerful signal, make good on the overwhelming vote in this House in 2014 and, along with 137 other nations, recognise Palestine. If the time is not right now, will it ever be?

Alistair Burt Portrait Alistair Burt
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I recognise the force of the hon. Lady’s question, as I did earlier. We have no definitive set rule on this matter. It remains open to the United Kingdom to make such a decision when we consider it is most conducive.