Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Israel-Palestine Conflict Government Response 2025-10-30

30 October 2025 · 7 other contributors

Opened by Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Emily Thornberry raised concerns about israel-palestine conflict government response 2025-10-30 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The situation in Palestine is described as a humanitarian catastrophe.
  • The UK is urged to recognise Palestine as an independent state.
  • The committee recommends immediate humanitarian aid and protection measures under UN oversight.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury

The situation in Palestine is a humanitarian catastrophe, an injustice, and unfinished business. The UK needs to have a stronger voice regarding the conflict and it should recognise Palestine as a state. It also recommends immediate humanitarian aid under UN auspices, protection of the West Bank from settler violence, evacuation of injured children for medical treatment, participation in peacebuilding, and a comprehensive ban on import of settlement goods. Additionally, the committee calls for evidence collection to support future legal action.

Other contributors (7)
  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Asked about what should be done if Hamas refuses to disarm and give way to the Palestinian Authority. He inquired whether the Foreign Affairs Committee had considered a plan for Gaza's future.

  • Uma Kumaran Lab Stratford and Bow

    Emphasised the need for specialist care for children who have witnessed unimaginable horrors due to war and humanitarian crisis, underlining that the long road to recovery must include their survival, safety, and dignity.

  • Richard Foord LD Honiton and Sidmouth

    Noted the limited support for a two-state solution in Israel and expressed hope that Britain's contribution should go beyond humanitarian action towards making a two-state solution a reality.

  • Alex Ballinger Lab Halesowen

    Welcomed the ceasefire but noted it is only the first step towards lasting peace, urging UK to play its part in security and governance as we move toward a two-state solution.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Expressed support for the stance that Hamas must be disarmed and prevented from existing to achieve lasting peace. Emphasised the collective push by countries like the USA, UK, EU, and Arab states against Hamas.

  • Olivia Blake Lab Sheffield Hallam

    Expressed appreciation for the Foreign Affairs Committee report and raised concerns about media access to Gaza. Asked if the committee could look into future media access to gather evidence better.

  • Meg Hillier Lab/Co-op Hackney South and Shoreditch

    Congratulated the Committee on its report and questioned about gathering evidence by international organisations. Highlighted concerns over undermining international jurists and courts, emphasising the need for a reckoning on both sides of the conflict.

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