Context
Shockat Adam recently visited the west bank and Occupied Palestinian Territories, witnessing a systematic process of one community taking over another, with walls and fences being built. He also noted Mo Mowlam's success in securing peace in Northern Ireland through engagement.
Question
I recently visited the west bank and the Occupied Palestinian Territories where I saw a systematic process of one community being taken over by another, with Israeli Government building walls and fences to protect the settler community. The Secretary of State is aware that Mo Mowlam achieved peace in Northern Ireland through engagement with both sides leading to walls and fences being broken down and mutual respect. Will the Government commit to using these lessons from Northern Ireland's peace process to help secure a lasting peace in the Middle East?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I share with the hon. Member and the whole House a wish to see lasting peace in the middle east, however, what is happening at the moment is appalling and intolerable. The most important lesson from the Good Friday agreement was the courageous political leadership shown by the parties to the conflict, such as John Hume and David Trimble, sadly that same level of leadership is currently absent in the Middle East.
Not addressed: The Secretary of State avoided committing to using specific lessons from Northern Ireland's peace process for the Middle East.
How: Changing Subject, General Principles
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