Extract from
PMQs
(Aberdeen South) (SNP): I
think all of us in the Chamber are united in our relief at
reports that hostages are due to be released by Hamas in Gaza,
but we cannot afford to lose sight of what will come at the other
side of the temporary pause in hostilities that we are about to
see. At the end of four days, will we simply see a return to the
killing of children in Gaza every 10 minutes, or will we in this
House choose instead to back a permanent ceasefire?
The Prime Minister: We welcome the agreement reached overnight.
As I said, it is something that we have consistently pushed for
and is a crucial first step as we try to resolve this situation
and, indeed, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Of course, we want
to see all hostages released as quickly as possible, including
British nationals, and I urge all parties involved to deliver the
agreement in full. I also put on record my thanks to Qatar for
its important role. We will continue to work with the United
States and Israel to ensure the
safe return of hostages and maximise the opportunity of this
temporary pause to step up aid to suffering civilians in Gaza. It
is something that we have pushed for, that we have continued to
do and that the UK is playing a leading role in delivering.
: Ultimately, what we need is
not a pause in the killing of children, but an end to the killing
of children, and I can think of no better time than now for the
Prime Minister to advocate a permanent ceasefire. Given that he
will not currently do that, will he instead lay the foundations
for a two-state solution by finally recognising the state of
Palestine?
The Prime Minister: Actually, the agreement that has been reached
demonstrates that it was not right to have a unilateral
ceasefire. What was right was to do as we have done and
consistently push for a pause that would allow not just for aid
to reach the people in Gaza who desperately need it but for
hostages to be released. That is what we have pushed for, and I
am glad that that is now being delivered, versus a unilateral
ceasefire that would have emboldened and strengthened Hamas.
Our position on the middle east peace process more broadly is
clear: we support a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and
secure Israel living alongside
a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. I have spoken to
President Abbas and met him to discuss this issue, and we are
clear about strengthening the Palestinian Authority and
reinvigorating efforts to find a two-state solution. Our
long-standing position is that we would recognise the state of
Palestine when it best serves the interests of peace.
Extract from Autumn
Statement
The Chancellor of the Exchequer ():...Before I start with the
forecasts, I want to express my horror at the murderous attack on
Israeli citizens on 7 October and the subsequent loss of life on
both sides. I will remember for the rest of my life, as I know
many other hon. Members will, being taken to Auschwitz by the
Rabbi Barry Marcus and the remarkable Holocaust Educational
Trust. I am deeply concerned about the rise of antisemitism in
our country, so I am announcing up to £7 million over the next
three years for organisations such as the Holocaust Educational
Trust to tackle antisemitism in schools and universities. I will
also repeat the £3 million uplift to the Community Security
Trust. When it comes to antisemitism and all forms of racism, we
must never allow the clock to be turned back...
Extract from second
reading debate (Lords) of the Pedicabs (London) Bill
(Con):...Now, anytime you
raise this with the department, it says that enforcement of the
law is a police matter. Of course it is, but this is Pontius
Pilate writ large. As we saw last Wednesday night, the Met stood
by and did nothing as a baying mob barricaded MPs and Peers into
Parliament and no arrests were made of any of those demanding the
destruction of Israel and the death of
Jews, so do we seriously think that the Met will devote time and
resources to chasing after hoodlums riding on the pavement? Of
course not, and, to be fair to the Met and any other police
force, dealing with terrorism, rape, robbery, murder,
housebreaking and the frightening new levels of anti-Jewish hate
are far more important than dealing with e-scooters on the
pavement. The Department for Transport knows that, and therefore
the responsibility now falls on it to legislate to save lives
where the police cannot...
