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Palestinian Rights: Government Support
04 March 2025
Lead MP
Edward Leigh
Gainsborough
Con
Responding Minister
Catherine West
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 13595
Other Contributors: 18
At a Glance
Edward Leigh raised concerns about palestinian rights: government support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should support the two-state solution and condemn all forms of settler violence in the west bank.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
There were 1,800 incidents of settler violence on the west bank between 7 October 2023 and 31 December 2024, an average of four a day. Additionally, hundreds of Palestinian-owned olive trees have been torched or destroyed during the harvest season.
Harpreet Uppal
Lab
Huddersfield
Discusses the weakening Palestinian healthcare system in the west bank due to Israel's withholding of tax revenues, reports from WHO on essential medications out of stock and health workers not receiving full salaries.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Argued that the denial of Palestinian rights by the UK has led to today's situation; called for recognition of their state and protection against unlawful killings, evictions, and displacement.
Jas Athwal
Lab
Ilford South
Gaza is home to 2 million people, and the west bank is home to 3 million. The coming days are critical for humanitarian aid, rebuilding efforts, and a return to peace.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
The MP supports the case for peace in the region through justice and international law, mentioning visits to Israel, west bank, and Gaza. He highlights the importance of carrying out international law regarding illegal occupation and bombardment.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Acknowledging Israel’s right to defend herself against Hamas while also recognising the need for compassion and empathy for Palestinian civilians, who are victims of violence, deprived of necessities and subjected to an increasingly precarious living situation.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Visited Israel in 2012; the conditions were appalling then, now they are worse. Criticised Israeli actions in Gaza for creating future Hamas radicals.
Esher and Walton
Pays tribute to officials working hard to navigate the story in East Jerusalem and those seeking peace while living under conflict, acknowledges the strength of feeling shared by many hon. Members.
Will Forster
LD
Woking
Shares experiences from his visit to Israel and Palestine, highlights devastation in Gaza, calls for immediate humanitarian aid and challenging measures that undermine aid, emphasizes the need for recognising the state of Palestine and ensuring aid reaches where it is needed.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Discusses the genocide in Gaza, UK's complicity through licensed arms exports and military support, calls on the government to recognise the state of Palestine, stop all arms sales to Israel, implement sanctions, commit significant funding for rebuilding Gaza.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Describes his recent visit to Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank with a cross-party group. Highlights the impact of the aid suspension during Ramadan and the destruction seen in Gaza. Mentions the resilience of Palestinian people and peacebuilders. Acknowledged the work of Yachad in educating MPs and providing hope for a brighter future.
South Cambridgeshire
Speaks about witnessing daily violence by extremist settlers in the occupied territories, including incidents such as stone-throwing and car vandalism against a young schoolgirl's family. Describes the demolition of a primary school funded with UK aid.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
The MP calls for absolute clarity that Palestinians have a right to life and existence, along with international sanctions against Israel until it complies with international law. He highlights the need for widespread sanctions including banning imports of illegal settlement products and imposing an arms ban.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Discussed the need to recognise Palestinian rights sooner rather than later and called for UK action on settler violence, ICJ ruling implementation, and economic support for Palestine.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Highlights the death of a two-month-old baby due to freezing temperatures, calls for the Government to condemn Israeli Ministers' rhetoric as war crimes and genocide.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Thanked everyone for participating in a powerful debate, emphasizing unity against Hamas while supporting Palestinian rights.
Tracy Gilbert
Lab
Edinburgh North and Leith
Discusses the delegation's visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, witnessing settler violence and its impact on Palestinian families.
Uma Kumaran
Lab
Stratford and Bow
The United Kingdom and our Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office staff on the ground in the region are putting in painstaking and tireless diplomatic efforts; our ambassadors are an unsung testament to Britain’s efforts to find peace.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Expresses concern over the fragile ceasefire and urges for the release of hostages held by Hamas, expressing grief at the return of bodies of deceased hostages. Asked the Minister to update the House on recent conversations with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Government Response
Catherine West
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
Announced £17 million in funding to ensure healthcare, food, and shelter reaches tens of thousands of civilians. The UK has provided £129 million so far this financial year, including £41 million for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.