During Oral Questions to the Attorney General in Parliament, Dr Neil Hudson MP reaffirmed his support for the Government's efforts to help support international humanitarian law and bring an end to the suffering in the Middle East.
Following the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists on October 7th the UK Government remains steadfast in support of Israel's right to self-defence - a right accepted in international law for sovereign nations. In the Chamber Dr Hudson echoed the calls of Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, for Israel to marry their right to self-defence with their duty to respect and obey international humanitarian law. Showing proportionality when enacting in defence.
Dr Hudson's comments came amid a major humanitarian push as 150 tonnes of UK aid enter Gaza, including tents, hygiene supplies and blankets. Moreover a UK field hospital is set to arrive in the region this week with the ability to treat more than 100 patients per day. You can read more about the latest humanitarian efforts here.
Indeed, alongside the latest deliveries of aid, the Foreign Secretary announced an additional £10 million in humanitarian aid funding for the region - bringing the UK's total spend to over £100 million this financial year. This funding will support UN agencies on the ground to deliver lifesaving aid and will also provide core relief items, such as tents, for the most vulnerable.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"We in Parliament are united in our concern for those suffering so much following Hamas' heinous acts of terrorism in October.
"So in a week where the UK has announced a further £10 million in aid funding - bringing our total support to more than £100 million this financial year - I felt it important to shine a light on the international community's determined plight to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, upholding international humanitarian law and bring about a sustainable two state solution."
The full exchange in the House of Commons Chamber:
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"This week in the Other Place, with regard to this tragic conflict in the Middle East, the Foreign Secretary said, you have to obey the rules and obey the law. This is an important affirmation from this Government that Israel both has a right to self defence, but very much has a duty to obey international humanitarian law.
"Can the Attorney General reaffirm that this Government will continue to stress both this right and this duty in this conflict that we all want to end as soon as possible?"
The Attorney General, Victoria Prentice MP replied:
"My Honourable Friend makes an excellent point. And I would not like any Member of this House to be in any doubt that we all across this House want this fighting to stop now. That message is delivered by the Government on behalf of this House and on behalf of the nation repeatedly and loudly. We are calling for an immediate pause to get aid in hostages out, and then progress to a permanent ceasefire.
"We need five things to happen. We need the release of the hostages. We need the formation of a new Palestinian Government. We need to stop Hamas' capacity to launch attacks. We need for Hamas to no longer be in charge of Gaza. And, we need a credible pathway to a two state solution. I think we can all get behind that."
