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Question
What assurances did the Foreign Secretary give our friends in the Gulf about protecting our bases and allies? What discussions have been had on Hezbollah?
Minister reply
The UK has provided defensive military support to partners against Iranian strikes. The minister met with counterparts from across the GCC, the US, Israel, key European allies, and other regional partners. Discussions include better protection of British assets, minehunter vessels in Bahrain, and ensuring a destroyer is available.
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Question
What discussions have been had with Iran’s representative in London? Will the Foreign Secretary summon them again?
Minister reply
The minister has met and will continue to meet with Iranian representatives, including a meeting with Iran's terrorist representative in London. The UK is engaging diplomatically while maintaining sanctions pressure.
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Question
What actions are being taken on the IRGC and financial flows funding the Iranian regime?
Minister reply
The government is considering proscribing the IRGC and working with partners to cut off financial flows. However, specific steps were not detailed.
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Question
What is Britain’s position on reopening the Strait of Hormuz?
Minister reply
Reopening the strait is vital for market stability and cost of living. The UK is discussing with international partners, reflecting serious, expert military and commercial assessments to ensure commercial shipping can return.
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Question
What steps are being taken to stop Putin from profiting from the conflict?
Minister reply
The government is working on a new viable collective plan and will continue efforts to collapse Putin’s financial flows, making the shadow fleet unviable.
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Question
Asked for assurances from the Foreign Secretary to Gulf allies on UK support, specifically military defensive support and anti-drone technology. She also questioned discussions with Israeli and Lebanese Governments regarding Hezbollah.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper confirmed direct military defensive support provided by F-35s and Typhoons in operation over the region. Addressed sanctions against IRGC and emphasised UK's role in preventing nuclear, ballistic, proxy threats, and protecting Hormuz strait.
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Question
Asked what allies and partners in the region are asking of the UK Government amidst conflict.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper stated that Gulf Cooperation Council partners welcomed support for security, stability, and territorial integrity. Provided basing support against ballistic missiles threat and jet support against drones and cruise missiles.
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Question
The war of Trump and Netanyahu has put our citizens and troops in the region under immediate threat from Iran’s reckless retaliation, and worsened the cost of living crisis for households here in the UK. What further steps will the Foreign Secretary take to pressure Israel to cease their devastating strikes on Lebanon? Will she also set out what new steps are being taken to halt the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the west bank?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary urged Israel to support diplomatic talks and not pursue ground offensive plans, emphasising the shared interest with Lebanon's government. She highlighted ongoing engagement with international organisations and raising issues around illegal settlements and settler violence.
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Question
What discussions have been had with Israeli counterparts regarding the closure of Masjid al-Aqsa in East Jerusalem?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary continues to raise issues around illegal settlements and settler violence, including concerns over Palestinian rights in the west bank. She reiterated that these matters are part of a wider peace process for Gaza and the future of a two-state solution.
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Question
If an Iranian rocket attack causes severe damage to British bases, would RAF respond against the source?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary emphasised the seriousness of threats to UK military assets but declined to comment on operational issues.
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Question
To what extent does the international community’s lack of action in holding Israel accountable for illegal actions potentially influence Iran’s actions?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary noted ongoing engagement in UN Security Council meetings on issues concerning Israeli operations in the west bank, emphasising the importance of addressing threats from the Iranian regime.
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Question
When will a plan for Hormuz strait emerge and who is she discussing it with?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary mentioned ongoing discussions with European, Gulf partners, the US, and others. She highlighted the complexity of threats to freedom of navigation involving new technologies and commercial confidence.
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Question
Does this case show the need for UK to take tough action against Israel’s illegal settlements in the west bank?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary expressed that the case is deeply disturbing, emphasising the importance of all Governments following international law and maintaining standards around human rights.
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Question
What are the consequences for Israel’s actions in Lebanon? What assurances has she been given that there will be no targeting of civilians from RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary affirmed UK Government's commitment to international law. She noted operational arrangements for military use of RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia bases, agreeing on defensive purposes.
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Question
The illegal war started by Israel and the US is shifting focus away from the atrocities in Gaza and the west bank. Hind Rajab's case shows overwhelming evidence of terror faced while trapped and frightened. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that these actions are barbaric and inhumane? Can she say what this Government are doing to challenge these atrocities?
Minister reply
There must be compliance with international standards, humanitarian law, and full investigations of any violations. We need a peace process for Gaza and the west bank as part of a two-state solution.
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Question
The Foreign Secretary's statement seems to fail to learn from past conflicts. What will she do to prevent Lebanon from becoming another Gaza? If she does not, how many Lebanese is an acceptable number for us to see killed over the next few weeks?
Minister reply
We have spoken directly to both the Lebanese Prime Minister and the Israeli Foreign Minister about direct talks and support for those talks instead of ground offensive actions.
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Question
What work is being done with airlines to ensure British citizens stuck in countries due to airspace closures can get flights back?
Minister reply
The Foreign Office has enabled an estimated 100,000 British citizens to return home through additional charter flights and working closely with the airlines. We continue to work on cases where there are problems.
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Question
Have discussions been held with countries like Canada or the US about opening up markets that British people can benefit from, especially regarding fertilisers?
Minister reply
I am seeing the Canadian Foreign Minister later this week. We are discussing re-routing on different commercial routes and supply chains to keep moving.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary share concern at the conduct of Israeli military with attacks on hospitals and health facilities in Lebanon?
Minister reply
The humanitarian consequences are extremely serious. We have provided £15 million in humanitarian assistance to support people facing displacement.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary believe a negotiated path between Iran and the US was still possible at the time of initial strikes, and if so, were those strikes premature and illegal?
Minister reply
The UK provided support for negotiations. It is important to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that we need to get back to a rules-based order, especially regarding maritime law and freedom of navigation?
Minister reply
I agree about the importance of maritime law. The UK has supported international principles like freedom of navigation.
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Question
What does the US Government say in response to de-escalation requests?
Minister reply
We are providing basing support for the US and broader defensive support. We need a swift resolution leading to a negotiated settlement.
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Question
What further action will the Foreign Secretary take to stop Israel from repeating what happened in Gaza in the west bank and Lebanon?
Minister reply
We are urging the Israeli Government not to pursue further ground operations but instead to pursue talks. We have raised our deep concerns and condemned decisions made by the Israeli Security Cabinet.
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Question
In the Foreign Secretary’s statement—there was not a single word of criticism of the illegal, reckless action of Trump and Netanyahu in launching strikes. What hope can the British people have that the UK Government are standing up to aggression behind closed doors? Can she assure us that she is investing in building a special relationship with allies we can rely on?
Minister reply
This Government take decisions according to UK values and interests, pursuing them hard-headed, serious and calm-headed way.
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Question
What are the Department doing with international allies to mitigate economic crisis risks in poor countries affected by the war?
Minister reply
Monitoring and assessing impacts of restrictions on Strait of Hormuz and oil/fertiliser trade, working with other countries to address these issues.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that President Trump is becoming an unreliable ally? Should we remain sceptical while taking action in support of humanitarian aid?
Minister reply
Focus needs to be on substance of relationship, not rhetoric. Providing £15 million humanitarian support for Lebanon and working with other countries.
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Question
Will the Foreign Secretary keep calling out Israeli attacks on Palestinians in West Bank?
Minister reply
Agree with deeply disturbing reports, condemning increased settler violence, settlement expansion, and control extension over West Bank.
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Question
Should we condemn continuing genocide in Gaza, the brutality of occupation, and supply of British weapons to Israel?
Minister reply
UK has taken a different approach guided by principles and national interest. UK has ability to take out missiles and drones while they are in air.
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Question
Is there an opportunity to de-escalate the threat from Iran for peaceful circumstances?
Minister reply
Important to have medium and long-term containment plan to prevent threats from Iran to its neighbours.
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Question
How does she think this will end when diplomacy has failed and Government won’t join allies in attacks?
Minister reply
Will continue working with Gulf, European partners and allies on maintaining pressure for swift resolution ensuring economic prosperity.
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Question
Is she confident that the US understands its actions have made peace in Palestine more difficult?
Minister reply
This ought to be a moment for intense international diplomacy in support of regional security, not for wider escalation posing long-term instability.
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Question
If Iranians said we must prevent America from using our base, would UK comply?
Minister reply
Working closely with European allies on these issues; his characterisation of the situation is not right.
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Question
Expressed sorrow for civilian casualties and commended the Prime Minister's approach to the crisis, urging efforts to de-escalate conflict and seek a diplomatic solution.
Minister reply
Emphasised the importance of protecting civilians and preventing further escalation. Highlighted concerns about Lebanon and future Iranian threats.
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Question
Asked for clarification on whether Operation Olive Harvest is used by the US to fly reconnaissance over the Middle East from RAF Akrotiri, noting discrepancies in initial statements.
Minister reply
Clarified that basing support was requested only for RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, not including RAF Akrotiri.
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Question
Asked about efforts to repair relations with Cyprus due to the impact of the conflict on the island’s sovereign base areas.
Minister reply
Reported pre-deployment of additional jets and increased air defence capabilities for Cyprus since January, and noted ongoing dialogue between UK and Cypriot officials.
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Question
Asked whether the Foreign Secretary agrees that no UK warships should join the conflict or deploy ground troops to avoid getting drawn into a war initiated by Trump.
Minister reply
Stated that while taking a different view from the US, it is right to provide defensive support to partners in the region being targeted by Iran.
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Question
Asked whether UK inaction aids Iranian attempts to disrupt global economy through Hormuz strait actions or if action would inevitably involve UK.
Minister reply
Emphasised international collaboration to find a viable, effective and national interest-aligned approach to the situation.