MP, Labour's Shadow Foreign
Secretary, commenting ahead of 's foreign policy speech at the
Lord Mayor's Banquet, said:
"Foreign policy has never been so important in shaping the lives
of people in Britain. As we face huge geopolitical change,
conflict and the climate crisis, foreign policy and domestic
policy have become intertwined. More than ever, we need a strong
Britain on the world stage.
"But 13 years of Conservative government has left Britain
increasingly disconnected from our closest allies, with a
tarnished international reputation, and reduced influence in the
world.
"It doesnt have to be this way. The UK is home to cutting edge
technology and services, world leading universities, vibrant
cultural industries, and it has the potential for unparalleled
global connections.
"That's why Labour's foreign policy will prioritise reconnecting
Britain, for security and prosperity at home. A confident
country, outside of the EU, but a leader in Europe once again. A
reliable partner, a dependable ally in NATO. A leader in
development and at the vanguard of climate action, driving
forward the industries of the future for Britain. With the right
priorities, the right partnerships, and the right values, Britain
can, and will, thrive."
On the Israel-Hamas war, Lammy said:
"Short pauses are a first step, but on their own won't make the
impact needed to relieve this humanitarian crisis. The damage to
water pipelines and other infrastructure to hospitals need to be
rebuilt, and that requires a longer pause. The aid getting into
Gaza is still completely insufficient. It is unacceptable that
israel still has not lifted the siege conditions.
"We need a full and immediate humanitarian pause in the fighting
across the whole of Gaza to alleviate the suffering of
Palestinian civilians and for Hamas terrorists to release the
hostages. The full pause must start now to get sufficient food,
water, electricity, medicine, and fuel into Gaza and address the
ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.
"Far too many Palestinian civilians and children have been killed
and there has been far too much civilian suffering over the past
month. Hamas must release the hostages and stop using civilians
as human shields and Israel must take urgent, concrete steps to
protect civilians.
"All parties must uphold international law. Allegations of
breaches of international humanitarian law should always be
treated with utmost seriousness. Assessing specific allegations
is the proper task of lawyers and competent international courts.
Labour supports the independence of the international criminal
court and recognises its jurisdiction to address the conduct of
all parties in Gaza."
