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Middle East 2025-10-14
14 October 2025
Lead MP
Keir Starmer
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Community SecurityForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 63
At a Glance
Keir Starmer raised concerns about middle east 2025-10-14 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Prime Minister condemned antisemitic attacks and expressed relief at the end of the Gaza conflict, highlighting the release of hostages and cessation of bombardment. He announced £20 million in additional humanitarian support for Gaza and outlined plans to support reconstruction, transitional governance, and security measures through international cooperation.
Kemi Badenoch
Con
North West Essex
The Conservative MP expressed support for Israel against Islamist terror, condemning Hamas as a genocidal terrorist organisation. She thanked the US Administration and regional mediators for securing the release of hostages but emphasised that sustainable peace requires the complete eradication of Hamas.
Unspecified Constituency
The Leader of the Opposition criticised the UK Government for its actions regarding Israel, including strained relations, lack of involvement in peace efforts, and recognition of Palestine without conditions. She also questioned whether the Palestinian Authority will take control in Gaza and expressed concern about importing extremism into Britain.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Ms Champion thanked the Prime Minister for his work on aid distribution to Gaza, urging him to continue pressuring Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the region. She emphasised the importance of UNRWA's role in providing essential services and called for continued international efforts to support Palestinians.
Ed Davey
Liberal Democrats
Kingston and Surbiton
Mr Davey condemned antisemitic attacks and welcomed the ceasefire, expressing concern about ongoing violence and calling for immediate aid distribution. He also criticised Hamas for not releasing deceased hostages' bodies and urged the Prime Minister to work towards a two-state solution.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Mr McDonnell thanked the Prime Minister for securing the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, raised concerns about two prominent Gazan Palestinian doctors who were detained in Israeli prisons, and asked for confirmation on their status.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Sir Edward called for unity across the House to support creating a Palestinian state in the West Bank as it is their God-given right. The Prime Minister welcomed this sentiment, acknowledging that only by uniting can lasting peace be achieved.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Ms Ward expressed gratitude towards the UK Government's role in facilitating a ceasefire. She urged for accountability for heinous killings and asked the Prime Minister to meet her regarding the reconstruction of Gaza’s health system.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Sir Andrew acknowledged the role played by both Governments in achieving a ceasefire. He emphasised Britain's historical knowledge and diplomatic skills, calling for concrete steps to secure a definitive resolution to Middle East conflicts.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Mr Efford expressed concern over militia groups seeking control in Gaza and asked what can be done to ensure that the Palestinian people determine their future rather than gangs. The Prime Minister agreed on immediate steps for stabilisation.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Mr Flynn expressed relief at the ceasefire but also anger at the ongoing suffering in Gaza, stressing the importance of access to aid and media documentation. He urged the Prime Minister to take urgent action on the UN's flash appeal.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Mr Waugh thanked the Prime Minister for emphasising the need for flooding Gaza with aid and welcomed the ceasefire. He asked about funding the UN’s flash appeal to support the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Mr Malthouse called for concrete steps to deter Israeli territorial ambitions in the West Bank, reassert UK support for international law and institutions, and include areas B and C of the Occupied Palestinian Territories in a stabilisation force.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Ms Abrahams thanked the Prime Minister for his statement and emphasised the need for Gazans to have control over governance arrangements and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, aiming towards a viable Palestinian state.
Smethwick
Josan welcomes the Prime Minister's commitment to fighting hatred and ensuring security at places of worship. He agrees that pragmatic engagement with India and the Middle East aligns with British values, which are essential for delivering a two-state solution.
Oliver Dowden
Con
Hertsmere
Dowden expresses concern about Hamas's role in Gaza and asks for a review of UK Government’s approach to the Muslim Brotherhood, as it has been banned in several other countries.
Battersea
De Cordova raises issues around accountability and justice for atrocities committed during the bombardments. She questions what actions will be taken to ensure that this time, justice is served.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Tice calls for unity in debates within the UK and hopes to end antisemitic protests on British streets as the Middle East moves towards peace. He asks the Prime Minister to join him in this hope.
Danny Beales
Lab
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
Beales proposes an international peace fund similar to Northern Ireland's, which would support civil society organisations working cross-community to build future leaders and heal rifts.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Morrissey expresses concern about the role of Hamas in leading a Palestinian state. She asks what measures will be taken to alleviate antisemitism in Britain due to events in the Middle East.
Naz Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Shah thanks the Prime Minister for recognising Palestine and acknowledges the need for more aid and work towards rebuilding Gaza. She asks for details on what is being done beyond providing aid.
Chris Murray
Lab
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Welcomed the ceasefire but highlighted the urgent need for rebuilding schools and supporting children's education in Gaza. He asked how the UK can support these efforts.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Asked about preventing Hamas from regaining control of weapons and criticised calls to internationalise the intifada as antisemitic. Highlighted the importance of decommissioning in Northern Ireland.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Acknowledged the cautious optimism about peace and highlighted the long-term damage caused by conflict, specifically mentioning a constituent's loss. Asked for updates on evacuation schemes and medical support for those in Gaza.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Thanked President Trump for his role in delivering peace and questioned the steps taken to ensure Hamas relinquishes control over weapons in Gaza. Emphasised that weakness cannot move terrorists.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
Welcomed the ceasefire but stressed the need for reconstruction efforts, citing the need to remove 400,000 tonnes of rubble before any rebuilding can take place. Asked the Prime Minister to play a full role in ensuring this happens.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Inquired about UK arms exports to Israel and questioned whether UK-made munitions were used during the military assault on Gaza, emphasising the need for justice and peace without such weapons.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Welcomed the ceasefire but raised concerns about the detention of Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian prisoner with widespread popularity. Asked for representations made to secure his release and support peace efforts.
Yuan Yang
Lab
Earley and Woodley
Welcomed the ceasefire but expressed concern over UN agencies' access to Gaza and asked what can be done to ensure aid flows freely. Mentioned the upcoming Gaza recovery summit in the UK.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Urged the Prime Minister to utilise expertise from Northern Ireland peace process for sustaining this new ceasefire, highlighting the UK's experience in decommissioning and security arrangements.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab/Co-op
Islington North
Welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement and the ceasefire in Gaza, but expresses concern about the lack of Palestinian input in the 20-point plan. He emphasises the need for Palestinian self-determination, accountability for war criminals, and an end to Israel's illegal occupation of all Palestinian territories.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Highlights the vulnerability of the ceasefire due to misinformation. Urges the Prime Minister to take steps to press Israel for media access to Gaza, underlining the importance of transparency and accountability in achieving a just peace.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Discusses her recent delegation visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank. She questions what conversations the Government is having with Palestinian Christians regarding education and healthcare, crucial elements for long-term peace.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Critiques the Prime Minister's recognition of a future Palestinian state. He expresses concern over Hamas fighters merging into an army under the guise of a nascent Palestinian state, questioning if this is compatible with the 20-point plan.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab/Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Hails the ceasefire but raises concerns about bypassing Palestinians in favour of externally imposed initiatives. Emphasises the role of Palestinian civil society in rebuilding Gaza, highlighting aid workers' sacrifices.
Edinburgh West
Welcomes the ceasefire but cautions against a repeat of previous failed peace processes. She queries what support the US will offer for decommissioning, drawing parallels with Northern Ireland’s experiences.
Rachael Maskell
Ind
York Central
Thanks the Prime Minister and emphasises the urgent need to provide healthcare in Gaza, given the loss of over 1,700 health workers. Requests support for training future healthcare professionals amidst university decimation.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Calls on the Prime Minister to address growing antisemitism in the UK. He seeks concrete steps to ensure safety and security for Jewish communities, particularly in universities and schools.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Welcomes the ceasefire but notes Palestinians' ongoing suffering under occupation. She urges for justice and accountability, emphasising Palestinians' right to self-determination and Israel's need to face consequences for its actions.
Adnan Hussain
Ind
Blackburn
Asserts that real peace requires accountability and justice. He questions the Prime Minister on ensuring justice for those accused of genocide, citing international consensus on Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Welcomes the ceasefire but urges the Government to ensure justice and accountability for all victims of international law violations. She calls for concrete steps to achieve this reality, including addressing Israeli military prisons.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Asked about the concrete steps the Prime Minister will take to encourage and extend the Abraham accords, particularly focusing on getting Saudi Arabia back into negotiations.
Jonathan Davies
Lab
Mid Derbyshire
Thanked the Prime Minister for the progress made towards peace in Palestine. Emphasised the importance of involving ordinary people in the rebuilding process.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Condemned a past Labour Government’s approach to decommissioning in Northern Ireland, questioning whether the current government will be as lax if given such a role.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Asked about extra monitoring and assurances for humanitarian aid reaching Gaza. Emphasised the ongoing humanitarian crisis despite the ceasefire.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
Sought assurances from neighbouring partners like Egypt regarding humanitarian aid reaching Gaza without any weapons or personnel entering the region.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Asked for assurances that rebuilding would be done with survivors' participation and not over their heads, and that there will continue to be justice for those facing aggression in the West Bank.
Esher and Walton
Questioned whether the UK’s $116 million contribution towards Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is adequate given the UN's estimate of $4 billion needed this year.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Welcomed the ceasefire and initial peace plan but asked for a long-term commitment to support rebuilding physically and politically towards Palestinian statehood.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
Asked why Israel cannot tolerate the idea of a state on its border that poses a security risk, requesting reassurance that the UK will not move forward to support Palestinian statehood until there is real security for Israel.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Asked about the timescale for aid to start flowing into Gaza given the ongoing man-made famine situation.
Lee Dillon
LD
Newbury
Inquired whether former Prime Minister Tony Blair would represent HMG on a board of peace and what role this House could play in scrutinising any future appointments.
Calder Valley
Asked for assurances that Gaza will be flooded with aid and that the UK would continue to respect international court judgments post-ceasefire.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Condemned Tony Blair’s involvement in rebuilding plans, suggesting he was proposing a US-administered Gaza, questioning whether this is appropriate and calling for condemnation of such proposals.
Aylesbury
Welcomes the humanitarian aid efforts but questions what more will be done to ensure NGOs can play their full part. She emphasises the importance of sustained and scaled-up humanitarian relief.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Asks if President Trump's support can be secured for a two-state solution, which is seen as the only path to peace and security in the region.
Kirsteen Sullivan
Lab/Co-op
Bathgate and Linlithgow
Welcomes the ceasefire but expresses concern over the loss of lives. She asks for guarantees that humanitarian aid will reach Gaza without interruption and calls for Palestinian voices to be heard.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Joins in tributes to President Trump, questions if disarming Hamas is non-negotiable, and asks what consequences there would be if it was not delivered entirely.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Welcomes the statement but wants guarantees that humanitarian aid will reach Gaza without interruption and calls for aid to be independent of the whim of any actor on the ground.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Tributes Lord Campbell, welcomes the release of hostages but criticises Israeli prisons and seeks confirmation that UK will comply with International Court of Justice advisory opinion regarding occupation.
West Dunbartonshire
Welcomes the ceasefire but raises concerns about a West Dunbartonshire constituent arbitrarily detained in India for eight years and calls for his immediate release.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomes the ceasefire, credits President Trump and the UK Government, asks what discussions have been held with the US to ensure that Hamas’ murderous intent is stopped.
Glasgow West
Welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement and emphasises the importance of women being heard in peacebuilding processes.
Sarah Smith
Lab
Hyndburn
Welcomes the ceasefire agreement but raises concerns about restrictive registration measures that are hindering NGO efforts to deliver humanitarian aid, calls for action to address these barriers.
Government Response
The Prime Minister defended his government's actions, highlighting the role played by the UK in peace efforts. He acknowledged the humanitarian crisis but criticised the Labour Party for not addressing it adequately. The PM also addressed questions on aid distribution and the Palestinian Authority’s role. The Prime Minister reiterates his commitment to a two-state solution, condemning Hamas's role in Gaza, and ensuring security at places of worship. He also agrees that pragmatic engagement aligns with British values, and acknowledges the need for accountability for past atrocities. Defends the 20-point plan as widely received and supported by many countries. Emphasises the importance of focusing on implementation while working towards a two-state solution, stressing that Hamas has no role in governance. Acknowledges the need for transparency and media access to Gaza. Highlights ongoing discussions with various stakeholders including Palestinian Christians regarding education and healthcare. Reiterates that any initiatives must involve Palestinians and stresses the need for accountability and justice. The Prime Minister addressed several concerns raised by MPs regarding the Abraham accords, humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, long-term commitments to peace in the Middle East, and assurances about future involvement.
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