Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Release of Hostages

Tuesday 12 December 2023 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions involved intensive diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages.
  • The Government does not consider the possibility of a ceasefire at this time.
  • The Minister agreed to facilitate a meeting requested by a Member of Parliament.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
NHS
Context

Concern over the treatment and release of British hostages held by Hamas, with reports of physical and sexual violence.

Question

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. The hostages who have been released report sexual and physical violence committed against them while in captivity. The Israeli Health Ministry reports that hostages were drugged to make them look happy. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Hamas are treating hostages in an inhumane fashion, the international Red Cross should be given the opportunity to visit them all, and we should ensure that they are returned home as soon as possible?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

My hon. Friend is quite right about the rights of the international Red Cross. We are involved in intensive diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the hostages. It is continually raised by the Prime Minister, who met families of British people taken hostage by Hamas and of other hostages during his trip to Israel.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreements or actions regarding Red Cross visits not addressed

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Foreign Affairs
Context

Previous UN resolution supporting a ceasefire in Gaza, contrasted with current diplomatic efforts to secure hostage release.

Question

I wholeheartedly support the calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas and other groups. However, further to the Minister's response to my hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Mrs Lewell-Buck), I refer him to UN resolution 1860 of 2009, when the UK supported a ceasefire in Gaza and a permanent ceasefire followed a few days later.

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The hon. Lady will be well aware of the view of the Government and, indeed, of the Opposition Front Bench, on the possibility of a ceasefire at this time, which we simply do not think exists. On the earlier events that she refers to, the situation then was very different from the one that pertains today.

Answered
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Q3 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Russian dual national Vladimir Kara-Murza jailed and poisoned for criticising the war in Ukraine, treated as a hostage by Putin regime.

Question

On the issue of hostage taking, the British-Russian dual national Vladimir Kara-Murza was jailed and poisoned by the Putin regime for criticising the war in Ukraine. He is a de facto hostage of the regime. I have just met his mother, who is in Parliament today. Will the Minister arrange for me to meet the Foreign Secretary with his relatives to hear about the conditions and torture he has been subject to?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

I am advised that Ministers have met the family, but I will see what I can do to facilitate a meeting, as my right hon. Friend requests.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Facilitating a meeting not fully committed

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Q4 Dominic Raab Con
Community Security
Context

Previous releases of small numbers of hostages due to temporary pauses in Israeli response, suggesting wider understanding needed for future efforts.

Question

Small numbers of hostages have been released in the past as a result of pauses in the response by the Israeli authorities. Will the Minister undertake to ensure that there is wider understanding, both here and internationally, that those pauses are best activated whenever Hamas does not take advantage of them and again embed themselves in hospitals and civilian populations?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The hon. Gentleman is right to emphasise the importance of humanitarian pauses, and preferably humanitarian pauses that are several days long. We are doing everything we can to try to ensure that the case for humanitarian pauses, and the ability that would result of getting aid, support and supplies into Gaza, is achieved.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific undertaking not provided

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Q5 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Context

Steps being taken to secure the release of hostages, with international cooperation.

Question

What steps he is taking to help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We are working with international and regional partners to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps not detailed

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