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Iran-Israel Update
15 April 2024
Lead MP
Rishi Sunak
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
DefenceForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 93
At a Glance
Rishi Sunak raised concerns about iran-israel update 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:
Government Statement
Mr Speaker, before I start, I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the House of Commons on the death of Mr Speaker's father. The Prime Minister also expressed solidarity with Australia after recent attacks in Sydney. On Saturday evening, Iran launched missiles and attack drones towards Israel, Iraq, and Jordan, a dangerous escalation that could have catastrophic consequences. In response, the UK joined a US-led international effort to intercept these missiles, supporting Israel’s defensive actions. RAF Typhoons were sent to the region to destroy Iranian drones, providing critical intelligence support. The Prime Minister praised the RAF for their bravery in protecting regional security and stability. He discussed further diplomatic measures with G7 leaders and plans to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to prevent escalation. The Prime Minister outlined three steps towards regional peace: upholding regional security against hostile actors; investing more deeply in the two-state solution; and ending the conflict in Gaza. The UK condemns Hamas for starting this war, but seeks a humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire. The Prime Minister honoured the memory of British aid workers killed in Gaza and reaffirmed Britain's commitment to defending peace and stability against threats from Russia or Iran.
David Anderson
Lab
Blaydon
Question
What does the Minister say about the Iranian regime's actions in relation to its involvement with Russia? The international response must consider the broader context of Iran’s support for Putin’s war efforts.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister has already mentioned that Russia was launching Iranian drones at Ukraine while they attacked Israel. He clarified that diplomatic steps are being taken, including sanctions against the regime and limiting the revolutionary guard's influence.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
Can you confirm whether or not RAF assets were engaged in direct combat with Iranian drones over Israel?
Minister reply
Yes, the Prime Minister confirmed that our forces destroyed a number of Iranian drones as part of their defensive actions.
Tom Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge and Malling
Question
Could you provide more detail on how we will support Israel’s neighbours, Jordan in particular, to ensure they are protected from further Iranian aggression?
Minister reply
The UK has been providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support for our partners. We continue to work with allies to de-escalate the situation and prevent further attacks.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
Starmer thanked the Prime Minister for his statement, expressed support for UK's defensive actions, and urged restraint. He also called for sanctions against Iran and unimpeded aid to Gaza.
Minister reply
Rishi Sunak thanked Starmer for his support and committed to working with allies on further measures to counter the Iranian regime and its proxies. He emphasised that Israel has a right to self-defence and highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Kearns expressed condolences on the loss of Mr Speaker's father, urged restraint in the face of danger, and asked for a commitment to launch with allies a new consensus to limit Iran’s atrocities.
Minister reply
Sunak committed to launching a new consensus with allies to address Iranian threats. He mentioned ongoing discussions at G7 about nuclear ambitions and expressed readiness to use all diplomatic tools available to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Question
Black condemned the violent acts of Iran but also criticised Israel's actions, questioning the proportionality in both instances. She asked for measures ensuring a UN Security Council mandated ceasefire becomes reality.
Minister reply
Sunak responded that it is important not to draw equivalence between Israel’s right to defend its citizens and Iran’s attacks, emphasising that while he supports humanitarian law, drawing an equivalence between the two is incorrect.
Question
Notwithstanding the sheer scale of the Iranian attack, multi-layered air defence proved effective. Are we ensuring that we are passing any learnings we have picked up on to Ukraine for the use of its own defence, and, in a more hostile and dangerous world, with the ever-increasing proliferation of missile and drone technology, are we reviewing our own air defence assets and capabilities to support our allies—and, indeed, closer to home—if ever required?
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for his excellent question. He is right about the importance of air defence, which is why it has repeatedly been one of the key capabilities that we have sought to provide to Ukraine—that is something we have led on for some time. Ditto, some of the new contracts that we have placed to replenish UK stockpiles, most recently this year, also cover air defence missiles. More broadly, my right hon. Friend is right that we need to ensure our industrial production here in the UK is geared to produce the capabilities we need, whether for our own use or for Ukraine’s. I am pleased to say that the Defence Secretary is working with the industry to ensure that supply chain is there to meet those needs.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
Mr Speaker, I send you and your family our deepest condolences on the loss of your father, and associate myself and my colleagues with the comments of others about the appalling murders in Sydney and the death of the aid workers in Gaza. I thank the Prime Minister for his statement. The Liberal Democrats join him in condemning Iran’s attack on Israel: this is an alarming escalation in a conflict that has already seen far too many deaths and far too much suffering... Does he agree that the best way to achieve that is to press all sides to agree to an immediate bilateral ceasefire in Gaza to get the hostages home, get the aid in, and put us on the path to a lasting peace for a two-state solution?
Minister reply
We have repeatedly called for an immediate humanitarian pause so that we can get the hostages out and more aid in, and use that as the foundation to build a more lasting and sustainable ceasefire, but it is worth pointing out—this has not been mentioned by colleagues so far—that Hamas, yet again, have rejected another offer to release hostages. It is important that we do not lose sight of that. We must have the hostages released as part of any of those conversations, and over the weekend it was Hamas who yet again rejected the latest round of those talks.
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for the leadership he has shown on this issue, and I echo his call for the need to avoid a spiral escalation... Why is Iran Air still operating out of Heathrow, and why are Iranian banks still operating in the City of London? When will the snapback mechanism be invoked, and what can be done to stop the export of Iranian oil to Russia and other countries, which is now keeping the regime afloat?
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for his leadership on this issue over a consistent period of time, and he is right to highlight the threats that Iran poses to us. I want to reassure him that, on all of the areas that he mentioned, active work has been undertaken by the Government... As I mentioned in my statement, we discussed yesterday on the G7 call the need for and benefit of co-ordinating further measures, perhaps including some of the things that he talked about, among allies in order to have maximum impact both on the regime and the ultimate designations of any future sanctions.
Question
Mr Speaker, could I too pass on my condolences for the loss of your dad, Doug? I was one of those who on many occasions benefited from his wise advice. As the Prime Minister has said, there is no moral equivalence between the two sides in this—what is happening in Gaza and what happened in the attacks by Iran on Israel—but Israel has made mistakes in the past and should be held to account for them... Would the Prime Minister agree with me that, as things move on, the importance of neighbouring states—particularly, for example, Jordan—is going to be vital in resolving not just the current difficulties, but a long-term future that brings about a two-state solution?
Minister reply
In a word, yes. I pay tribute to the King of Jordan for the leadership role that he has played over the past several months. We are fortunate to enjoy a strong working relationship with the Jordanians, which was on display yet again over this weekend, and I commend him and his country for what they have done.
Suella Braverman
Con
Fareham and Waterlooville
Question
Mr Speaker, please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. Two weeks ago, I was in Israel at the northern border with Lebanon... We have proscribed Hamas and we have proscribed Hezbollah. Prime Minister, why do we not put the UK’s national security first by now proscribing the IRGC?
Minister reply
As my right hon. and learned Friend knows, we do not comment on any potential proscription decisions, but of course we recognise the threat from Iran and have taken measures to counter it at home and around the world... We strengthened our sanctions regime recently, including sanctioning the IRGC in its entirety.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Question
Despite the calls for a ceasefire here in our Parliament and from across the international community, the war in Gaza has raged, costing 33,000 lives as well as the 1,200 killed by the Hamas attacks and a humanitarian catastrophe that is now turning into a famine... For months many have raised concern around the spectre of regional escalation; precisely what conversations is the Prime Minister having with leading figures in the Israeli Government, as well as through various parties to influence the Iranian regime to de-escalate as quickly as possible given the seriousness of the crisis?
Minister reply
Both the Defence Secretary and the Foreign Secretary have spoken to their counterparts over the weekend, and the Foreign Secretary has spoken to the Iranian Foreign Minister specifically to urge de-escalation and condemn what happened over the weekend... I will be speaking to Prime Minister Netanyahu shortly, and I can reassure the hon. Lady and all Members of the House that we will continue, together with our allies, to urge calm heads to prevail and de-escalation.
Question
There is another country that is under almost constant daily bombardment by Iranian-made drones: Ukraine. Some three years ago I pleaded with the Israelis to help Ukraine against Russia, and they refused even though Russia was spending half a billion dollars in the Iranian drone programme... Now that RAF pilots have quite rightly gone to the defence of Israel, could he perhaps ask that Israel now decides it is time to help Ukraine in its hour of need, and we can see off both Russia and Iranian aggression?
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for the role he has played in ensuring the security of the UK and our allies over previous years... The majority of the 10,000 new platforms we are delivering to the Ukrainians have been developed in the UK, which my right hon. Friend was keen to ensure we saw the benefits of here at home.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
There is rightly consensus across the House to call for restraint from the Israeli Government, but we have called for restraint before: we called for restraint with regard to the attack on Gaza, yet the indiscriminate bombing took place; we called for restraint on the settlements in the west bank, yet the settlements have expanded; we called for restraint so that food could be got to the children of Gaza, yet malnutrition is killing some of them. So what action will the Government take if Israel does not show restraint, because we are in danger of the middle east being set alight by the decisions taken by the right-wing factions within the Netanyahu Cabinet?
Minister reply
I am sorry, but I missed the part of the right hon. Gentleman’s question where he condemned Iran and Hamas for what they have done. We will always encourage de-escalation in the region, and I am proud of the role the UK is playing to bring that about.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
The Prime Minister was right to authorise the defence of Israel and the avoidance of violence and death, but violence has also erupted in the west bank over the last few days. What concrete steps can we take to protect those civilians?
Minister reply
I have personally repeatedly raised with Prime Minister Netanyahu the issue of settler violence in the west bank, as have my colleagues including the deputy Foreign Secretary. We have joined with allies in sanctioning the activity of particular individuals where it has been brought to our attention and we will continue to ensure that the Israeli Government do everything they can to reduce tension in the west bank.
Question
Mr Speaker, I knew your father well for a very long time. He was a fine man, and I am sincerely sorry for your loss. There was not one single word in the Prime Minister’s statement of condemnation of the Israeli destruction of the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
Minister reply
Whatever may have happened a few weeks ago, it is absolutely no justification for launching more than 300 drones and missiles from one sovereign state towards Israel—it is as simple as that. In the hon. Gentleman’s question, not once did he condemn that action or, indeed, the actions of Hamas in the region.
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his strong support for the state of Israel. Last year, as Israel and Saudi Arabia were about to strike a transformational agreement, Iran-backed Hamas carried out its massacre on 7 October with the aim of torpedoing the chance of peace between Israel and the Arab nations.
Minister reply
I agree with my right hon. Friend. It is significant that other regional partners helped to prevent a much worse attack over the weekend. It reminds us how important the attempts are to normalise relations between Israel and its neighbours.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Question
My condolences to you and your family, Mr Speaker. Prime Minister, I condemn Iran and Hamas—let me start there—but we must not lose focus on the situation in Gaza, where there is a humanitarian crisis and famine.
Minister reply
It is wrong to suggest in any way that we have lost sight of what is happening in Gaza. Indeed, the G7 statement yesterday specifically referenced our desire to co-operate to end the crisis in Gaza, to work towards an immediate humanitarian pause where hostages can be released.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
My condolences, Mr Speaker. Can I commend my right hon. Friend’s statement? It is clear, as has been said already, that all roads lead back to Tehran when it comes to the terrible violence and wars that take place in the middle east.
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question. We are urgently working with our allies to see what steps we can take together in a co-ordinated fashion to deter and condemn what Iran is doing.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
Question
I have notified the office of the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton that I would reference her in my question. It was recently revealed that she told a private fundraising event: “The Foreign Office has received official legal advice that Israel has broken international humanitarian law, but the Government has not announced it.” Was the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee telling the truth—yes or no?
Minister reply
We have one of the most robust arms export licensing control regimes in the entire world. We have previously assessed that Israel is committed and capable of complying with international humanitarian law. But, as the hon. Member would expect, we regularly review our assessment.
Question
I, too, welcome the Prime Minister’s leadership in this area. In addition to the thanks given to the RAF, which undertook exemplary action this weekend, will he also thank those US service personnel based here in the United Kingdom, including many in my West Suffolk constituency?
Minister reply
I am happy to join my right hon. Friend in paying tribute not just to our colleagues in America but to our partners across the region, who participated in a joint international effort.
Question
Mr Speaker, may I pass my condolences to you and your family for the sad loss of your father, Doug? We live in deeply unsettling times, and the Prime Minister, along with our allies, is right to call for a de-escalation. When he has his discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu this afternoon, will he convey to him that now is the time to step back?
Minister reply
I am happy to say to the right hon. Gentleman that we remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine. We will not allow Putin to achieve his aim of eradicating freedom and democracy in that country.
Question
My thoughts and condolences are with your family, Mr Speaker. The United Kingdom stands for an international rules-based system, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations.
Minister reply
Whatever happened in that situation has not been confirmed. Regardless, there can never be any justification for a sovereign country launching over 300 drones and missiles towards Israel. It was right that we took action with allies to repel that attack.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Expresses condolences to the Speaker and asks if the Prime Minister is planning to appoint an independent adviser to scrutinise Israel’s inquiry into the deaths of British nationals in Gaza, similar to what Australia has done.
Minister reply
Acknowledges speaking with Netanyahu after the incident and expresses that the UK welcomes the suspension of officers as a first step and will ensure there is an independent review for transparency.
Question
Congratulates the Prime Minister on defending Israel and asks about the possibility of Saudi Arabia normalising relations with Israel.
Minister reply
Confirms discussions are underway to normalise relations between Israel and its neighbours, including Saudi Arabia.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Asks what direct action can be taken in the UK to disrupt Iran's economic interests.
Minister reply
Announces that over 400 Iranian individuals have been sanctioned and continues discussions with allies on further actions.
Question
Pays tribute to RAF personnel, calls for de-escalation, mentions importance of investing in air defence systems.
Minister reply
Agrees that investment in air defence is crucial and cites recent examples of such investments with Ukraine.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
Asks about repercussions Israel will face for failing to adhere to the UN Security Council resolution.
Minister reply
Emphasises importance of focusing on unconditional release of hostages alongside humanitarian pause.
Question
Suggests that calling for an immediate ceasefire may reduce pressure on Hamas to release hostages.
Minister reply
Agrees and stresses the need for more aid into Gaza and hostage releases during the ceasefire.
Battersea
Question
Asks when funding will resume for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
Minister reply
Indicates that funding to UNRWA is suspended by many partners but increasing UK aid and urging Israel for more access.
Question
Inquires about discussions with China on resolving the conflict in Iran.
Minister reply
Foreign Secretary has spoken with Chinese counterpart, discussing further measures to address Iran's economic threat.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Question
Asks about efforts to ensure a two-state solution and recognition of Palestine.
Minister reply
Refers to his commitment to the two-state solution and ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve it.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Question
Asks about importance of effective and restrained self-defence.
Minister reply
Agrees that restrained self-defence helps maintain a coalition's support and moral authority.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
The Prime Minister is right to say that we and our allies need to be very clear-sighted about the activities of Iran and Russia. However, given several instances where British businesses continue to do business in Russia despite sanctions and the non-seizure of Russian state assets sitting in British banks, should not further measures be considered?
Minister reply
We and our G7 partners have repeatedly underscored that Russia’s obligations under international law are clear and it must pay for the damage caused to Ukraine. I believe we should pursue all routes through which immobilised Russian sovereign assets can be used to support Ukraine, in line with international law.
Question
Given the rising threat environment, does my right hon. Friend accept that we need a timetable to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP as quickly as possible and details on how this will be achieved?
Minister reply
Just a couple of years ago, anticipating the rise in the threat environment, we increased defence spending by the largest amount since the end of the cold war and subsequently by more than £11 billion specifically to deal with inflation, strengthen our nuclear enterprise and rebuild our stockpiles.
Question
While condemning Iran’s oppression of women and girls, will he condemn Israel for its wrongful killing of British aid workers in Syria and the ongoing slaughter in Gaza?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. and learned Lady to my previous answers on both those questions.
Question
Given that Iranian weapons are being used in various conflicts across the world, does he agree that partners not only in the west but also in the global south should be deeply worried about Iran’s reach?
Minister reply
I agree with my right hon. Friend and have discussed with G7 leaders a co-ordinated effort among allies to take further measures to stem the flow of Iran’s malign influence across the world.
Question
Will the Prime Minister commit to opposing escalation in the region by any countries involved and focus on supporting those suffering in Gaza?
Minister reply
We have urged de-escalation and calm heads to prevail, and we continue to do everything we can to get more aid into Gaza.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Question
Given budget pressures, will the Prime Minister review his decision to retire 30 Typhoon aircraft next year which could be akin to selling Spitfires before the Battle of Britain?
Minister reply
He will know that individual equipment and capability decisions are made by a service chief in conjunction with Ministers. We remain committed to increasing our purchases of F-35 aircraft.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Question
Given the current threats, why did the Prime Minister not announce a significant uplift in defence spending today?
Minister reply
We have remained the second largest defence spender in NATO behind only the US over the past 10 years. We continue to recognise increasing threats with corresponding increases in our defence budget.
Question
Will the Prime Minister confirm that UK support for Israel has not weakened and that the UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel as it exercises its right to defend itself from a genocidal attack?
Minister reply
We must ensure Israel’s security, which is a non-negotiable and fundamental condition for peace in the region. In the face of threats like we saw this weekend, Israel will always have our full support.
Question
If the Prime Minister’s priority is indeed international law and de-escalation, why does he not call for an urgent bilateral ceasefire to get hostages home and move towards peace?
Minister reply
We have called for an immediate humanitarian pause to get hostages out and aid in. We stand comfortable with our actions over the weekend as they were necessary to act in defence of Israel.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that for a sustainable ceasefire, the Middle East must confront Iran’s threat and recognise its role in conflicts such as Yemen, Sudan, Gaza, Israel, Lebanon?
Minister reply
The UK, together with our allies, stood up to take action against dangerous and destabilising attacks by Houthi militia in the Red Sea under Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Question
How does the Prime Minister’s view of Israel’s actions in the Middle East align with its breach of a UN resolution adopted recently?
Minister reply
The resolution also calls for the release of hostages, which Hamas rejected just this weekend.
David Jones
Con
Clwyd West
Question
Further to the points made by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Fareham (Suella Braverman) and my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith), Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps not only is the principal sponsor of terrorism in the middle east, but is active on the streets of the United Kingdom. Indeed, the Iranian journalist, Pouria Zeraati, who was almost fatally stabbed last month, was under threat from the IRGC. It is actually the case that IRGC officials can be seen dining out in restaurants in west London quite regularly. While I fully understand that my right hon. Friend will not flag up any such action in advance, can he confirm that he will take into account what I believe to be the overwhelming feeling in this House, which is that the IRGC should be proscribed as a terrorist organisation?
Minister reply
I refer my right hon. Friend to my previous answers, and also remind him that the National Security Act 2023 creates new offences that give us the powers to arrest and detain people suspected of involvement in state threats on our soil.
Emma Lewell
Lab
South Shields
Question
I share the hope for calm and de-escalation. The UN Secretary-General has said that, without it, the middle east faces
“a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict”. Can the Prime Minister tell us what the parameters are of UK military involvement in the region, and confirm that it will remain defensive?
Minister reply
I am not going to speculate on hypotheticals. As I said, we have sent additional jets and air refuelling tankers to bolster our existing operation in the region. We will obviously keep next steps under review.
Question
Iran has smuggled arms into the middle east, including the west bank. It has equipped, funded and trained Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, as well as threatened British-Iranians on British soil—and that does not even include what Iran has done to its own people, not least gassing Iranian schoolgirls. I thank the Prime Minister for the strong action over the weekend. Does he agree that we must now consider proscribing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to highlight Iran’s influence, including its missile shipments on the surrounding seas, and I am pleased that the United Kingdom is playing its part in doing something about that. HMS Diamond is bolstering our maritime presence in the region as we speak, and the UK has previously interdicted the supply of Iranian missiles being smuggled to the Houthis and others, both last year and the year before. We will continue to be vigilant in the area.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
I hope the Prime Minister has heard the very strong and broad consensus in this House on the need for stability and de-escalation. When he speaks to Prime Minister Netanyahu, will he make it clear to him that if Israel were now to proceed with its much-anticipated attack on Rafah, it would be not only a humanitarian catastrophe for the 1.5 million Palestinians who are sheltering there and make the release of the hostages more difficult, but make that stability and de-escalation more difficult to achieve and, as a consequence, would not have the support of this Government?
Minister reply
We have repeatedly raised humanitarian concerns with the Israeli Government. Just the other week, the Foreign Secretary set out our views on the situation in Rafah.
Maldon
Question
It has been two weeks since the Iran International journalist was attacked on the streets of our capital. The journalists and families of those working for BBC Persian live under constant threat. The organisation responsible for those acts is the IRGC, working for the Iranian regime, so will my right hon. Friend therefore look to see what further measures can be taken, including outlawing the IRGC?
Minister reply
I am happy to reassure my right hon. Friend that, as we speak, we are in active dialogue with our international partners, following yesterday’s G7 call, to co-ordinate further diplomatic measures to contain the threat from Iran.
Seema Malhotra
Lab Co-op
Feltham and Heston
Question
The core issue now must be de-escalation, an immediate ceasefire on all sides to end the devastating situation in Gaza, and a political solution for the long term. UNRWA is arguably the single biggest multilateral tool to support a political solution, and it is unmatched in its administrative ability to deliver aid. The UK stands behind other countries in not renewing funding to UNRWA. Further to the question of my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Marsha De Cordova), will the Prime Minister set out a clear path for funding to resume?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Lady to my previous answer. I do not think it is right to say that we are behind other countries. We are in active dialogue with other countries on the approach to UNRWA. We recognise the operational and logistical role it plays on the ground while recognising the very shocking concerns that we all had about what happened previously. It is right that we take the time to get our future approach to UNRWA right.
Question
I welcome the Prime Minister’s focus on calling for restraint and de-escalation, which I imagine will be on his agenda when he speaks to the Israeli Prime Minister this afternoon. I also welcome his highlighting of the greater threats to this country. Recognising all he has said today about the future defence budget, could he undertake an immediate review of the resources and resilience of the British armed forces in the immediate term?
Minister reply
I am happy to tell my right hon. Friend that we keep these things under constant review to make sure that we have the capabilities we need to protect our country and to stand up for our values and interests around the world.
The conflict in Ukraine has shown how technology is changing warfare, which is why we our increased focus on autonomous vehicles and building our UK industrial supply chain is so welcome. We need to focus on these things, and I am delighted that the Defence Secretary has prioritised those areas.
Question
Is there not a danger that a further military attack on Iran would serve to entrench the despotic regime in Tehran and strengthen its ability to oppress its own people—Iranian women, the Kurdish community, the Baha’is and many others?
Minister reply
Iran’s treatment of its own citizens is appalling, and we have repeatedly condemned it and called Iran out for that.
Question
Last week, I met students at Woodbrook Vale School and De Lisle College in Loughborough. Their question on this topic is even more important now than it was when they put it to me: what more can the UK do to help bring peace to the region?
Minister reply
I point my hon. Friend to the statement. First and foremost, we have to be resolute in protecting regional security and standing up for Israel when situations such as this happen. Secondly, we have to be committed to a two-state solution, and we are doing everything we can to bring that about—the regional co-operation over the weekend demonstrated that there is much to be hopeful for. Thirdly, we must see an immediate humanitarian pause in Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out and aid in. That is the British approach. It is the right approach and we will work very hard to bring it about.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
The Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has warned that Europe is in a “pre-war era” because of the situation in Russia. Our Prime Minister rightly said that these were not mutually exclusive conflicts but interlinked. Therefore, it is important that we co-ordinate, just as we have seen co-ordination at the United Nations. He will be aware of the real concern that the UN’s sanctions regime on both Iran and Russia is being undermined. The UN has combined to support and call for a ceasefire. What more is the Prime Minister doing to make sure that the UN works for sanctions on both Russia and Iran? Does he recognise that waiting until June for the G7 to act may be too long when every day counts in stopping further military action?
Minister reply
What I was talking about on the G7 was with regard to Russian assets, but obviously the G7 has an outsize economic role to play and so it is important that there is G7 co-ordination first and foremost. Last year, we funded the economic deterrence regime which we have specifically to target sanctions evasion. The hon. Lady is right to say that that is a growing issue, and I can reassure her that, together with our allies, we are tackling it.
Question
Notwithstanding the drones and missiles launched by Iran, which were rightly taken out by UK planes and our allies, the Iranians prefer to operate in the shadows, through proxies and through an increasingly sophisticated cyber operation. Does the Prime Minister agree that our priority should be working with international allies to go after Iran’s promotion of illicit finances and weapons smuggling, as well as working with our international partners to combat Iran’s cyber operations?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right on that and I can reassure him that we are working closely with international partners, not least on cyber, but also on weapons smuggling. As I said, I am pleased that the Royal Navy is playing a significant role in combating that, with interdictions of illegal arms shipments both last year and the year before, and by contributing as we speak to Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
I would just point out to the Prime Minister that a nation state’s capacity to observe international humanitarian law is quite different from its actually doing so. At this terrifying moment for the world, we are all mightily relieved that Iran, which must be condemned for what it did, failed to inflict serious loss of life on people in the region. The de-escalation call is correct, as is the commitment not to engage in offensive action. He was explicit in his statement that all people are entitled to security and peace, but sadly for the people of Gaza the calls for restraint have not worked. What additional options is he considering? Surely an immediate ceasefire and the funding of UNRWA is the best way to secure security for the region and the release of all the hostages.
Minister reply
It is important that the hostages are released, and that is what we continue to call for. As the hon. Gentleman knows, it was Hamas, yet again this weekend, who rejected the latest round of negotiations to get those hostages back to safety.
Jack Lopresti
Con
Filton and Bradley Stoke
Question
Commends the Prime Minister's statement on Iran's attack on Israel, asking whether he agrees that military action should not be ruled out to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the concerns but emphasises commitment to using diplomatic tools and snapback mechanism if necessary.
Neale Hanvey
Lab
Dudley North
Question
Expresses concern over Israel's political motivations under Netanyahu's leadership.
Minister reply
Reiterates calls for restraint on Israel while emphasising their right to security.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Suggests that the UK should take various actions against Iran, including proscribing IRGC and implementing harsh sanctions.
Minister reply
Confirms over 400 sanctioned individuals and entities in Iran, including the IRGC.
Pontypridd
Question
Asks about pressure applied to allies supporting Hamas to make them accept a ceasefire deal.
Minister reply
Confirms efforts are being made with international partners to urge Hamas to accept the deal.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
Question
Concerned about calls for an arms embargo against Israel, believing it would weaken its defence.
Minister reply
Reiterates support for Israel's right to defend itself while emphasising the importance of abiding by international humanitarian law.
Anum Qaisar
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Question
Questions whether Israel's conduct in Gaza is proportionate, given the loss of life.
Minister reply
Supports Israel’s right to defend itself but reiterates the importance of abiding by international humanitarian law.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Believes defeating Hamas is necessary for peace and asks if an operation in Rafah is required.
Minister reply
Agrees with the threat Hamas poses but points to previous statements on the approach towards Rafah.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Question
Asks if a ceasefire advocated for all sides would carry more weight.
Minister reply
Calls for an immediate humanitarian pause in Gaza to release hostages and allow aid.
Anna Firth
Con
Bury North
Question
Raises concerns about Iran’s human rights record, including high execution rates, and asks if all options should be on the table.
Minister reply
Confirms almost 100 sanctions for human rights violations in Iran and condemns its use of death penalty.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Suggests that ending Israeli occupation of Palestine is key to peace, asking the Prime Minister’s views.
Minister reply
Commits to a two-state solution but emphasises Iran's destabilising influence.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
Believes that Iran seeks the destruction of Israel, asking if this is recognised.
Minister reply
Agrees with the statement wholeheartedly.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
Asks about the window of opportunity for peace talks involving all parties, including Gaza and West Bank.
Minister reply
Supports building technical/administrative capability in Palestinian Authority.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Cites UN Secretary-General's comments about the Middle East brink of conflict, asking for Government’s strategy.
Minister reply
Confirms desire to avoid escalation and bloodshed through diplomatic efforts.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent North
Question
Asks what measures will be taken if Israel seeks further retaliation against Iran.
Minister reply
Will urge de-escalation without commenting on hypothetical scenarios.
Question
Diolch yn fawr, Madam Deputy Speaker. At the Security Council last night, the UN Secretary-General warned of “devastating full-scale conflict” and called for de-escalation and maximum restraint. Today, the Foreign Secretary said in response that there could have been “thousands of casualties” and pressure for an escalation of this conflict. Does the Prime Minister agree with that, and does he also agree that the very real tens of thousands of deaths and casualties that Israel’s military attacks and imposed famine conditions have caused in Gaza are drivers of regional instability?
Minister reply
We want to avoid further escalation and bloodshed, which would be deeply destabilising for the region and would risk more lives. That is why we are calling on all regional partners to focus on being calm and de-escalating the situation.
Question
My constituent Sama has been trying to get her mother, father and brother out of Gaza since this conflict began. They have been displaced multiple times, and they are now in a tent in Rafah. They cannot apply to come to the UK for safety, as there is no scheme. This is in the UK Government’s hands, and they could waive the need for biometrics, if they so decided. Will the Prime Minister do that and let Sama’s family come to safety?
Minister reply
Obviously, I am not aware of the specifics of the hon. Lady’s case, but I am sure that if she writes to the Home Office, it will be happy to look into it for her.
Question
Four former UK Supreme Court judges and more than 600 lawyers, including over 60 KCs, have warned the Prime Minister that the UK risks breaking international law relating to a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza if it does not stop its weapons exports to Israel. The Prime Minister is ignoring their warnings and hiding his Government’s legal advice on this matter. Why, Prime Minister?
Minister reply
No, that is not right. We have a very robust and rigorous export licensing regime. The Foreign Secretary confirmed last week that the UK’s position on export licences is unchanged following the latest assessment, and is in line with the legal advice. We keep that position under review, and always act in accordance with that advice.
Question
The middle east has entered a very dangerous new phase that can be resolved only by diplomatic and political solutions. Can I push the Prime Minister on what he said earlier about the sanctions that he is considering taking, with international allies, against Iran, including the proscribing of the IRGC? Will he also confirm that the UK will not take part in any offensive action of Israel’s?
Minister reply
We acted in a defensive capacity, and we are discussing with G7 allies further diplomatic measures that can be taken in a co-ordinated fashion.
Question
I fully condemn Iran’s attack on Israel, and the nature of the Iranian regime. The Prime Minister says that he wants to see stability in the region, but surely there must be honesty and transparency about the fact that Israel itself is a threat to stability, and has already systematically broken international humanitarian law. The Government have no reluctance to rightly challenge Russia over Ukraine in that regard; why the reluctance in relation to Israel—and indeed the reluctance to publish the associated legal advice?
Minister reply
As I said, I do not think there is any equivalence between what Vladimir Putin is doing in Ukraine and what Israel is doing to ensure the security of its citizens in the face of an appalling terrorist attack.
Question
It has been over 15 months since it was reported that proscription of the IRGC was imminent. Since then, Iran has continued to fund and supply Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Following this continued funding for terror and destabilisation, what more does Iran have to do before the IRGC is proscribed?
Minister reply
As I have said, the police, security services and courts all have the tools that they need to sanction, prosecute and mitigate the threats from Iran. We strengthened our Iran sanctions regime recently, and the IRGC is sanctioned in its entirety.
Question
The Prime Minister said in his statement that it was important that aid gets into Gaza, and he said a few moments ago that the Government were right to take their time in deciding on the restoration of funding to UNRWA. The organisational infrastructure of UNRWA is unparalleled and cannot be replicated. A further delay on the part of the UK Government will cost further lives, in a context in which famine is taking hold. I urge the Prime Minister to think again and to today set out a path for the restoration of funding to UNRWA.
Minister reply
I know that the whole House will have rightly been appalled by the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in 7 October. We want UNRWA to give detailed undertakings about changes in personnel policy and procedures to ensure that nothing like that can ever happen again. We are actively working with allies to try to bring the situation to a rapid conclusion. We are expecting final reports from the UN and others on what happened by the end of April, and we intend to clarify the UK’s position on funding once we have reviewed those final reports.
Question
Israel has indicated that it intends to respond to Iran’s attack, against the advice of the international community, including the UN and the United States. Such a retaliation could tip the region into a catastrophic all-out war, so in terms of leverage to persuade Prime Minister Netanyahu against further retaliation, will the right hon. Gentleman say that, should Israel choose to escalate, there will be no further UK military support for its endeavours in this conflict?
Minister reply
I am sure that the hon. Gentleman meant also to condemn Iran for what happened over the weekend. We will continue to urge de-escalation and for calm heads to prevail on all sides.
Question
Iran is of course no ally of the UK, and its huge unprecedented assault on Israel must be called out, but the UK Government must now work hard to prevent further escalation of the crisis in an already volatile region. It is a matter of principle that diplomatic premises are not targeted, so will the Prime Minister confirm what conversations he has had with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about the attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, or whether he plans to discuss that with him?
Minister reply
As I said, we will continue to urge de-escalation and for calm heads to prevail on all sides. As the Foreign Secretary said this morning, we urge Israel in particular to recognise that it has successfully repelled the Iranian attacks, and that Iran is ever more isolated on the world stage.
Question
Jacqui, the mother of murdered aid worker James Kirby, is my constituent. I am sure that she will agree with the Prime Minister’s description of her son as a hero. There is a real danger—I am already seeing this, as events move on—that his death will end up being chalked up as collateral damage in this conflict. Will the Prime Minister show that he understands the family’s need to see justice done, and will he keep up the pressure on Israel about the review? The family want to know why James was killed, and that someone will be held responsible.
Minister reply
My condolences to Jacqui and the families of all those who were tragically killed as they delivered aid. As I said, they were heroes and they absolutely deserve our admiration. Our thoughts will be with all their families. I refer the hon. Lady to my previous answer about what we have asked of the Israelis. What is crystal clear is that there needs to be a considerable improvement in the deconfliction mechanisms between Israel and aid agencies. I have already made that point to Prime Minister Netanyahu, and we expect to see that followed through.
Question
I join my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Ed Davey) in unequivocally condemning the action of the Iranian regime on Saturday, and in supporting the actions of our RAF. Like many others, my Edinburgh West constituents are concerned that attention will now be taken away from the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza. Can the Prime Minister assure us that when he speaks to the Prime Minister of Israel later today, he will impress upon him not only the need for restraint to restabilise the region, but the unique opportunity he has now to take steps towards peace by promoting a ceasefire and allowing aid into Gaza?
Minister reply
Our position remains unchanged: we continue to want to see an immediate humanitarian pause so that hostages are released and aid goes in, and we want Israel to immediately deliver on its commitments to significantly increase the amount of aid getting into Gaza through the various measures it has set out.
Question
The question from the right hon. Member for North Somerset (Sir Liam Fox) exposed that there is much more we could be doing to undermine the murderous Iranian regime. Simultaneously, the way that Israel continues to ignore the United Nations resolution is deeply troubling. Is the Prime Minister worried that his approach at the moment risks failing, both on Iran and on Israel?
Minister reply
No; as we have demonstrated this weekend, the UK is leading with allies, defending our values and our interests, and standing together with our friends to bring about regional security. That is good for people in the region, and it is good for people here at home, too.
Question
Iran’s reckless actions only add more fuel to an already raging fire, so will the Prime Minister proscribe the IRGC, and what assessment has he made of whether bombing a consulate violates international law? What are we doing to uphold that principle in a war that has gone on for six months and cost so many lives?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Lady to any of my previous answers on both those topics.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Question
In response to my hon. Friend the Member for Feltham and Heston, the Prime Minister said that he would take the time to set the right future approach to UNRWA. As the famine continues, I wonder how much time the Prime Minister needs before he makes up his mind to restore funding and get aid to the people who need it.
Minister reply
What the hon. Lady failed to mention was the shocking allegations of people involved in UNRWA also being involved in the massacre on 7 October. It is right that those allegations are properly investigated and new procedures are put in place to ensure that that could never happen again. The final reports, which have been commissioned, are due at the end of April. We are already in dialogue with our partners; once we review those reports, we will set out our future approach, but that is not to say that we are not already doing an enormous amount to bring more aid into the region. We have tripled our commitment, and right now are delivering aid by land, sea and air.
Question
The action of the Royal Air Force in shooting down Iranian drones and cruise missiles heading to, and over, Israel over the weekend raises a very serious question. Since the UK is clearly capable of acting to prevent air strikes in the region, and both the International Court of Justice and the UN special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories have implicated Israel in a genocide in Gaza, why are the Government not interested in fulfilling their obligations under international law by protecting Palestinian women and children from Israeli airstrikes? Why are the Government not acting to prevent the killing of Palestinians?
Minister reply
I disagree with the hon. Lady. While, of course, we respect the role and the independence of the ICJ, our view is that Israel’s actions in Gaza can simply not be described as a genocide, and that case is not helpful at all in achieving our goal of a sustainable and lasting ceasefire.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
The threat of imminent famine hangs over the people of Gaza; aid urgently needs to get into the country and to be safely distributed. With the deaths of those three UK charity workers, working for World Central Kitchen, will the Prime Minister confirm whether he has received a written apology from the Prime Minister of Israel?
Minister reply
I spoke explicitly to the Prime Minister of Israel, who did that when I spoke to him the very next day. We have made absolutely crystal clear our concerns about what has happened, and as I have previously pointed out, we are now looking through the preliminary findings. We are pleased to see the early suspension of two officers involved; now what we need is reform of Israel’s deconfliction mechanism to ensure the future safety of aid workers.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
In speaking to the Prime Minister of Israel this evening and calling for restraint, will the Prime Minister put that into action? Should the Prime Minister of Israel say that he will further assault Gaza or impede aid, will the Prime Minister action that restraint and call for an immediate ceasefire?
Minister reply
We have already called for an immediate humanitarian pause so that more aid can get in and hostages can be released. As I say, we have tripled our aid commitment, and are bringing aid in by air, land and sea, together with our allies.
Question
Over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including 14,000 children. Some 76,000 civilians have been injured or maimed and 700 healthcare and aid workers have been killed. There is an ongoing famine, and the UK Government under the Prime Minister’s watch are now trying to find ways around the Israeli blockade that is preventing aid from getting in; is that not in itself an admission that the ongoing Israeli actions are disproportionate, and should we not be calling them out as such?
Minister reply
We have been consistently clear that we are concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We have called on the Israelis to open up more aid corridors and have them open more often; they set out a series of steps just recently, and now we want to see them deliver on those.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
The middle east is in a crisis, and I and thousands of my Riverside constituents have been calling for a ceasefire to end the destruction in Gaza and prevent a widening conflict in the middle east. The Prime Minister has talked about diplomatic action towards a two-state solution. Can he say what action he is taking against the far-right Ministers in the Israeli Government who are opposed to a two-state solution?
Minister reply
We have been very clear that our view is that we should have a two-state solution, and we are making sure we do everything we can to contribute to that aim.
Michael Shanks
Lab
Rutherglen
Question
On the wider humanitarian crisis in Gaza, there is now a famine across the area. In response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea, I think the Prime Minister said that he has received the interim report on UNRWA and that in due course he will receive the final report. Will he publish the interim report, and if not, why not? With Canada, France, Finland, Australia, Sweden and the EU having now restored funding, why does the UK stand alone?
Minister reply
When it comes to UNRWA, it is the UN that is publishing the expected final reports towards the end of April. After receiving them, we will clarify and set out the UK’s position on future funding.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
First, I thank the Prime Minister very much for his decisive action in support of Israel, and I thank our world-class Royal Air Force for preventing further loss of life. Just last week, I had an opportunity to be in Israel to visit the kibbutz where the people—innocent Jews—were murdered. I went to the site of the Nova music festival, where over 1,000 Israelis were murdered, and I spoke to some of those families. On Hamas and their sponsorship by the IRGC, does the Prime Minister agree that Hamas and the IRGC can be likened to cancer, and that to save life throughout the middle east and to retain stability the cancer of Hamas and the IRGC needs to be removed urgently by all means necessary?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right to point out the destabilising impact of Iran across the region, including action through proxies such as Hamas, the Houthis and others, and we will do everything we can to counter that threat.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Our constituents will always want us to think about the second-order consequences of British military action. When the Government deployed the RAF to defend civilians in Libya, a full parliamentary debate was held afterwards and a vote was granted to Members of this House. That was in line with the convention that has been observed for most of the last 20 years. Will the Government grant Members a full debate and a vote on British military action, even after the action has happened?
Minister reply
No, I do not believe that is necessary. I am obviously here answering questions. It is my job to take action where I believe it is necessary, and it is the job of Parliament to hold me accountable for that. But it was right that we moved quickly to respond to an immediate and dangerous threat. Publicising any action in advance would undermine the effectiveness of the operation. We acted in line with precedent, and we have also made very clear and public statements that we will not hesitate to protect our allies.
Shadow Comment
Keir Starmer
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Foreign Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for his statement and warm tribute. He supported the UK’s defensive action alongside international allies, commending the bravery of armed forces. The attack by Iran must be condemned but escalation should be avoided as it would lead to more bloodshed and instability. Diplomatic efforts are crucial in de-escalating tensions. While condemning Iran's actions, Starmer urged for restraint from all sides. He called for diplomatic steps against Iran’s regime through sanctions and limiting the revolutionary guard's influence. Starmer reiterated the Labour Party's call for unimpeded aid to Gaza, a ceasefire, hostage release, and renewed diplomatic efforts towards a two-state solution.
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