Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Middle East: Aid Delivery

Monday 20 May 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK government working with partners and international organisations to enable the Cypriot maritime aid corridor initiative.
  • Government has conducted 11 airdrops delivering over 110 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza in concert with Jordanian authorities.
  • Efforts are being made to increase aid flow through air, road, and sea routes, including the establishment of a humanitarian pier.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question addresses the urgent need for humanitarian support in Gaza, noting that there has been only one shipment of UK aid in over six months.

Question

What steps he is taking to help support the delivery of aid to the middle east. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires immediate action and increased aid flows through multiple routes.

Answer from Leo Docherty

We are working alongside partners and international organisations to enable the Cypriot maritime aid corridor initiative. We have had 11 airdrops delivering over 110 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza in concert with Jordanian friends, and we hope for increased deliveries via all three routes including the humanitarian pier.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments on increasing UK aid shipments and access to Ashdod port were not fully addressed.

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Q2 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raises concern over the shocking levels of suffering in Gaza due to a humanitarian disaster, with only one shipment of UK aid delivered in more than six months.

Question

Can the Minister explain why there has been only one shipment of UK aid in more than six months and none so far this year? The situation requires an immediate ceasefire and return of hostages alongside provision of urgent aid to save civilian lives.

Answer from Leo Docherty

We have been hugely active, with 11 airdrops delivering over 110 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza in concert with Jordan. We commend the Royal Air Force for their instrumental role in this effort.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific reason for limited shipments and plans for future increases were not fully addressed.

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Q3 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Foreign Affairs
Context

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with scenes of children dying from hunger. The questioner acknowledges UK efforts but seeks more substantial measures.

Question

I welcome the Government's efforts to deploy UK aid flights and airdrops into Gaza, but can the Minister explain what the Government are doing to increase the number of UK aid shipments and access to Ashdod port?

Answer from Leo Docherty

We seek an increased flow not just through air but also by road and sea. We have been instrumental in setting up the humanitarian pier, commending the RFA Cardigan Bay for its role in delivering life support to those involved in the pier's delivery.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans on increasing UK aid shipments and access to Ashdod port were not fully detailed.

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