Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Owen Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Helen Maguire (Epsom and Ewell) (LD)]

14. What steps he is taking to support people impacted by the humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

[Sarah Owen (Luton North) (Lab)]

19. What steps he is taking to help improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

[Mary Glindon (Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend) (Lab)]

22. What steps he is taking to help improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Falconer]

I have been clear already about our views on the vital urgency of lifting aid restrictions. I have gone myself to the border to see our aid in al-Arish. I have spoken to our partners. UK-Med, for example, has been chasing consignments since March. We make these points with force to the Israeli Government, and we have already taken far-reaching sanction action, as discussed by the Foreign Secretary yesterday afternoon.

[Sarah Owen]

In famine conditions, new mothers often eat last and eat the least. This time next year, around 55,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women in Gaza could be at risk of death by starvation that is man-made. Following Belgium’s announcement today of new sanctions and a review of contracts with Israeli companies, can the Minister say what consequences Israel will face if it continues to starve the population of Gaza?

[Mr Falconer]

My hon. Friend has a long track record of raising such issues, and she is absolutely right to highlight the fate of pregnant women and those who have recently given birth in Gaza. I am pleased to tell the House that we are still able to get some supplies relevant to those challenges into Gaza, but clearly in a famine of this nature, pregnant women and recently born children suffer the worst. We have allocated a further £3 million via the UNFPA—the UN Population Fund—to try to provide the services needed. We will continue to do all we can with the Israeli Government to ensure that they provide the access required.