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Medical Aid During Conflict
02 December 2024
Lead MP
Zubir Ahmed
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Ukraine
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Zubir Ahmed raised concerns about medical aid during conflict 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
Dr Zubir Ahmed highlighted the critical need for medical aid during conflicts, emphasising that civilians and medical workers are often most affected. He cited statistics showing that in Lebanon, 74% of people over 50 have multiple chronic conditions, increasing their vulnerability during conflicts. Ahmed praised the UK's £113 million increase in aid to Sudan and £457 million humanitarian support for Ukraine. However, he noted significant challenges in delivering medical aid effectively, especially in Gaza where access is severely restricted due to recent airstrikes that killed humanitarian workers. He called on the government to have discussions with international partners to ensure the safety of aid convoys and the provision of medical supplies.
Paul Waugh
Lab
Rochdale
Agreed that aid should not be impeded by anyone.
Government Response
Minister Catherine West acknowledged the critical role of medical workers in conflict zones, emphasising the UK's commitment to ensuring civilians have access to essential medical services. She highlighted ongoing efforts by the FCDO to support organisations like UNRWA and the Red Cross, providing over £21 million to UNRWA alone. The Minister noted that despite significant funding (£5.5 million to UK-Med), the main challenge remains gaining safe access for aid convoys into Gaza, Sudan, and other conflict zones. She also mentioned recent diplomatic efforts urging Israel to improve access, and discussed plans for evacuating critically ill patients from Gaza to Egypt and potentially the UK under exceptional circumstances.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.