Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer made a statement to the House of Commons on Gaza Yesterday
Mr Speaker,
Yesterday, alongside partners, the UK convened a meeting of the UN Security Council in response to the intolerable civilian suffering and humanitarian need in Gaza.
As I told this House yesterday, Israel’s denial of aid is appalling.
Tonnes of food are currently sitting rotting at the Gaza/Israel border, blocked from reaching people who are starving.
Israeli Ministers have said Israel’s decision to block this aid is a “pressure lever”.
This is cruel and it is indefensible.
Overnight yet more Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes.
This must end.
The message yesterday was clear.
The world wants Israel to stop and change course immediately.
With our allies we are telling the Government of Israel: lift the block on aid entering Gaza now. Enable the UN and all humanitarians to save lives, now. We need an immediate ceasefire, now.
Humanitarian aid must never be used as a political tool or military tactic. And the UK will not support any aid mechanism that seeks to deliver political or military objectives or puts vulnerable civilians at risk.
“The only thing children are seeing coming into Gaza are bombs and missiles.” – UNICEF Spokesperson @1james_elder
The International Court of Justice case on genocide is ongoing.Mr Speaker, We support the ICJ. We support its independence.
The ICJ issued a set of provisional measures in this case and we support those measures.
Israel has an obligation to implement them.
It is the UK government’s long-standing position that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent court, and not for governments or non-judicial bodies.
The UK is fully committed to upholding our responsibilities under domestic and international law.
And we have at all times acted in a manner consistent with our legal obligations, including under the Genocide Convention.
The devastation from this conflict must end.
Our complete focus is on lifting Israeli restrictions on aid, On freeing the hostages held by Hamas, On protecting civilians, And on restoring the ceasefire.
We will work urgently with our allies and partners on further pressure to make Israel change course.
Yesterday (6th May 2025), Edinburgh North and Leith Labour MP Tracy Gilbert, urged the UK government to officially recognise the state of Palestine, warning that any further delay could result in the loss of a viable Palestinian state, that includes Gaza.
The call followed announcements from the Israeli Security Cabinet over the weekend to expand and intensify Israel’s military operation across the entire Gaza Strip, potentially leading to a full military occupation.
In a statement made in the House of Commons by the Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP, Gilbert said, “Now I fear that if we do not recognise a Palestinian state, there will be no Palestinian state that includes Gaza left to be recognised.”
Ms Gilbert’s position has been reinforced by her visits to Israel and Occupied Palestine, which have deepened her belief in the urgency of recognition as part of the process to secure a ceasefire and lasting peace through a two-state solution.
Palestine Red Crescent Society teams and volunteers provide first aid services and psychological first aid to families returning on foot to northern Gaza. PRCS volunteers are also distributing water and leaflets to raise awareness about unexploded objects.
Following the statement, Tracy Gilbert MP said, “I know that the actions of the Israeli government in this conflict have alarmed my constituents.
“I have seen first-hand the state of ruin that large parts of Gaza are now left in. And after two months of blockading vital aid, essential supplies of food and medicine are low, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
“Recognising the state of Palestine is an essential step in helping to bring about the conditions for a ceasefire and long-term security through a two-state solution. I will continue to urge the UK government to recognise Palestine immediately and to place further pressure on the Israeli government to bring them to the negotiating table.”
Britain has continued to step up global leadership on Ukraine during 2024, with billions of pounds worth of military, economic, and humanitarian support pledged and delivered.
As the government’s ironclad support continues into 2025, £4.5m is being announced today (Sunday) to aid Ukraine’s efforts in seeking justice for war crimes committed during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The funding is designed to support Ukraine’s documentation, investigation and prosecution of war crimes, and complements the UK’s work with US and EU partners via the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group.
Since the start of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and our support will continue to reach Ukrainians who need it most. On 4 February 2025, the Home Office will open applications for eligible Ukrainian visa scheme holders to remain in the UK for an additional 18 months under the new Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.
Those eligible can apply online, and the scheme will provide the same rights and entitlements as the existing Ukraine Schemes, to access work, benefits, healthcare and education.
Since the government took office, the UK has continued to step up support and international leadership on Ukraine, including a commitment to provide £3bn of military support to Ukraine every year for as long as it takes.
The government has accelerated the delivery of critical military support, provided crucial funding to help meet the Ukrainian people’s most urgent needs, trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops, and boosted international capability coalitions to provide equipment to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s illegal invasion.
The UK has now provided Ukraine with more than 400 different types of military capabilities. These include the delivery of the first 100 of a package of 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (announced in September) in recent days, as well as advanced maritime equipment through the UK-Norway co-led Maritime Capability Coalition to bolster Ukraine’s naval capabilities, which have proved critical in denying the Russian navy access to the western Black Sea and enabling Ukraine to restart grain exports.
Through the UK-Latvia-led drone capability coalition, the UK has enhanced Ukraine’s uncrewed surveillance and attack capabilities, with work ongoing to provide more drones enabled by a further £7.5m investment announced in November for the latest drone technology.
During a visit to Kyiv on 19 December, the Defence Secretary announced a new £225M military package with a mix of funding from the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine and the UK’s own funding. The new package will increase Ukraine’s military capability with air defence systems, new maritime drones and boats, counter-drone technology, and munitions.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Throughout 2024, the fierce courage of the Ukrainian people has continued to inspire the world. As we enter 2025, the UK’s resolve to reinforce support for Ukraine is unwavering.
“I’m proud of UK leadership on Ukraine. From delivering cutting-edge equipment to training tens of thousands of troops, we have shown the UK stands with the Ukrainian people in the face of Putin’s brutal, illegal invasion. Because the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine.
“This is underpinned by our £3 billion funding promise for Ukraine, next year and every year, for as long as it takes to enable the Ukrainians to defend themselves and restore their sovereignty, security and freedom.”
The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: “While in Kyiv, I saw first-hand the inspirational bravery of the Ukrainian people. I’m immensely proud of the support this government is providing them as they resist Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion.
“The atrocities we have witnessed in Ukraine are unspeakable – there can be no lasting peace without accountability, and UK support will help Ukraine as it pursues justice for the victims and survivors of these crimes.
“As we look ahead to 2025, our message is clear: we will stand with you in war, we will stand with you in peace, and we will stand with you as you fight for your security and that of all of Europe.”
In the final week before the Christmas recess, the House of Commons passed the Third Reading of the Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill, which will enable the delivery of a further £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine, to be paid back by profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets.
The UK’s £2.26 billion loan is earmarked as budgetary support for Ukraine’s military spending, enabling the Ukrainians to invest in key equipment to support their efforts against Russia. It comes on top of the UK’s existing £3 billion a year military aid for Ukraine.
In July, the UK and Ukraine signed the Defence Industrial Support Treaty, expanding cooperation and enabling military equipment procurement through £3.5 billion in UK Export Finance-guaranteed loans.
Additionally, the UK administers the International Fund for Ukraine, which has seen over £1.3 billion pledged by international partners to date. This funding has enabled the rapid procurement of military equipment, including a £300 million artillery ammunition order.
The UK-led Operation Interflex also passed the milestone last month of having trained over 50,000 Ukrainian recruits since its launch in 2022. The programme, supported by 12 nations, has been extended throughout 2025, ensuring Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills before being deployed to the front line.
Alongside military aid, the UK Government has responded to the most urgent needs of the Ukrainian people and committed over £282m in bilateral funding to support humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, recovery and reconstruction programmes over the 2024-25 financial year.
This includes £70m allocated for the Ukrainian energy sector as it endures relentless Russian strikes and at least £120m in humanitarian assistance through to the end of the financial year, complementing the UK’s facilitation of a further $1bn in World Bank lending for Ukraine.
The FCDO funding will provide Ukrainian authorities with Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) training, helping to ensure investigations and prosecutions take a survivor-centred approach. UK funding will also equip Ukrainian prosecutors and law enforcement officials with vital open-source information gathering skills, allowing them to more effectively collect evidence and build comprehensive legal cases.
This new funding will build on a range of existing UK-backed initiatives designed to support accountability efforts in Ukraine. To date, UK support has enabled hundreds of police officers, investigators, prosecutors and judges to work more confidently and effectively on complex investigations and forensic responses.
The new support package announced by the Defence Secretary John Healey on 19th December includes:
£39m to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint-procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Explosive charges to propel more than 90,000 155mm artillery rounds, which can be used by the dozens of AS-90 self-propelled artillery guns the UK has previously provided.
A £186m package of key military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine, including:
£92m for equipment to bolster Ukraine’s navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones, directly supporting the maritime coalition co-led by the UK and Norway.
£68m for air defence equipment including radars, decoy land equipment, and counter-drone electronic warfare systems.
£26m to provide support and spare parts for critical systems previously delivered to Ukraine.
The Defence Secretary has also set out the five priority areas for UK defence support in 2025, underlining the government’s commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
The UK’s continued leadership on the war in Ukraine throughout 2025 will see an increase to Ukraine’s military capability; build on the success of Operation Interflex by enhancing the training offered to Ukraine; strengthen defence industrial cooperation; increase cooperation with our allies to support Ukraine; and increase pressure on Russia.
The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary have all been clear that the UK’s defence starts in Ukraine, and that providing military support is essential to promote both the UK’s national security and stability in Europe.
The Prime Minister has stressed that defending the country is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change.
Join the national demonstration in Glasgow this Saturday 23 Novemberagainst Israel’s escalating war in the Middle East!
The UK Labour Government continues to support Israel despite condemnation at the United Nations and the massive anti-war movement on the streets around the world.
We need to make this protest as big as possible to say Not in Our Name and put pressure on the Scottish government to implement a policy of divestment and end financial support to companies in Scotland which supply the Israeli war machine. We demand that our leaders do everything they can to stop the ongoing escalation of this war.
The demonstration, scheduled for 23rd of November in Glasgow, has been called jointly by Stop the War Scotland, Scottish CND and the Scottish Trade Union Congress.
It will bring together communities, trade unions, faith groups, and peace activists from across Scotland to stand united against the genocide in the Middle East under the following slogans:
– Stop All Arms Sales to Israel – Hands off Gaza and Lebanon – No war with Iran – Welfare not Warfare
The demonstration will be assembling from 11.30am at the Mclennan Arch at Glasgow Green following a route through the city centre and returning to Glasgow Green for the main rally where we will be hearing from a range of speakers from across the movement.
Speakers include:
Jeremy Corbyn – Independent MP and Deputy President of Stop the War Coalition Lynn Jamieson – Chair of Scottish CND Aamer Anwar – Human Rights Lawyer Dave Moxham – STUC Deputy General Secretary Richard Leonard – Scottish Labour MSP Chris Nineham – Vice Chair Stop the War Coalition
Marking a year since Israeli forces began their ground invasion of Gaza, First Minister John Swinney said: “The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is now entering its second year. The horror, suffering and killing we have watched unfold in Gaza in real-time, on such a devastating scale, has now spread across the region.
“The need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is at the heart of reaching wider peace in the Middle East, and we must see the unconditional release of all hostages.
“International recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine, as part of a two-state solution, is also a fundamental pillar upon which we can build lasting peace.
“There have been repeated breaches of international law and violations of human rights since the conflict began, and Israel must stop blocking essential humanitarian aid from reaching wounded and starving civilians who are surviving in nightmarish conditions.
“I repeat the Scottish Government’s calls for an end to all UK arms sales to Israel.
“Tens of thousands of lives have been lost, and millions more have been directly affected by this catastrophe.
“I stand with our communities in Scotland who have lost loves ones and face the daily torment of not knowing if their family members will make it through the day.”
The Prime Minister met President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States yesterday in Berlin.
The leaders condemned Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, discussed their plans to provide Ukraine with additional security, economic, and humanitarian assistance, including leveraging the extraordinary revenues of immobilized Russian sovereign assets – as decided at the G7 Summit, discussed President Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan, and reiterated their resolve to continue supporting Ukraine in its efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaders also discussed events in the Middle East, in particular the implications of the death of Yahya Sinwar, who bears responsibility for the bloodshed of the October 7th terrorist attack, for the immediate necessity to bring the hostages home to their families, for ending the war in Gaza, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians.
The leaders also reiterated their condemnation of Iran’s escalatory attack on Israel and coordinated on efforts to hold Iran accountable and prevent further escalation. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and agreed on the need to work towards full implementation of UNSCR 1701 and a diplomatic resolution that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely home.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s speech in Berlin:
I’ve just had a very productive meeting with President Biden, Chancellor Scholz, and President Macron.
We focused on two issues.
Firstly, the situation in the Middle East.
Let me start by saying that no one should mourn the death of the Hamas Leader Sinwar.
On his hands is the blood of innocent Israelis.
Killed on the 7th of October and over years of terror.
And also the blood of the Palestinian people.
Who suffered in the chaos and violence that he sought and celebrated.
We continue to support Israel’s right to self-defence.
Particularly in the face of the attacks by the Iranian regime.
Allies will keep working together.
To de-escalate across the region.
Because we know there is no military-only solution here.
The answer is diplomacy.
And now we must make the most of this moment.
What is needed now is a ceasefire in Gaza.
The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Immediate access for humanitarian aid.
And a return to the path towards the two-state solution.
As the only way to deliver long-term peace and security.
The dire humanitarian situation cannot continue.
And I say once again to Israel, the world will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance.
Civilians in northern Gaza need food, now.
The UK strongly supports UNRWA in the vital work it does in Gaza, across the OPTs and the region.
UNRWA must be allowed to continue its life saving support.
The suffering must end, including in Lebanon, where we need a ceasefire to implement a political plan based on UN resolution 1701.
That empowers the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Strengthens UNIFIL.
And allows communities on both sides of the border to return to their homes.
That delivers humanitarian and economic support to the people of Lebanon.
Supports democracy and bolsters the Lebanese State.
Second, we discussed the war in Ukraine.
Building on the conversation I had with President Zelenskyy at Downing Street last week.
We remain united in our support for Ukraine.
We have always said that it is for the Ukrainian people to decide their own future.
So we’re clear, together with President Zelenskyy, that the only acceptable outcome is a sovereign Ukraine, and a just peace.
We want to see Ukraine thriving and secure.
And we’ll work together to make it happen.
And while the situation is incredibly tough.
It’s also true that Russia is getting weaker.
This war is soaking up 40% of their budget.
Last month Russia suffered the highest daily casualty rate so far.
So we discussed how to speed up our support for Ukraine.
And the UK is delivering.
95% of the equipment that we promised to fast track in July is now in Ukrainian hands.
And together with the G7 we’re working to send $50 billion of further support to Ukraine.
Drawn from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.
So as Ukraine enters a difficult winter it’s important to say.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy yesterday gave a statement to the House of Commons on UK policy on arms export licenses to Israel:
With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on the Middle East.
On taking office, in July, I told this House that this government’s priority in the region would be to advance the cause of peace.
This continues to be our mission, on every front.
In Israel, in the West Bank, in Lebanon, in the Red Sea, and of course in Gaza, where we need an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the immediate release of all hostages, and more aid getting into Gaza.
Over the summer, we were faced with the prospect of full-scale war breaking out between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel.
On each of the three visits I have made to the region, including alongside my Right Honourable Friend the Defence Secretary and my most recent joint visit with the French Foreign Minister, I have urged Lebanese Hizballah, the Lebanese government, and Israel to engage with the US-led discussions to resolve their disagreements diplomatically and to reach a peaceful solution through the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701.
As we continue to work with our allies and partners to push for a diplomatic solution we nonetheless stand ready for the worst-case scenario including the potential evacuation of British nationals. And our message to those still in Lebanon remains clear: leave now.
Mr Speaker, our common goal of peace in the Middle East will never be lasting until there is safety, security, and sovereignty for both Israel and a Palestinian state.
We must all keep at the forefront of our minds the pain, anguish, and horror this conflict has caused for so many ordinary civilians.
The victims of the October the seventh atrocity. the hostages and all those still enduring unimaginable suffering, whether they are hoping to see their loved ones again…or mourning their loss, as the tragic events of this weekend illustrate, as the bodies of six murdered hostages were recovered.
The Israeli people still living under rocket fire not only from Hamas but from other hostile actors explicitly dedicated to Israel’s annihilation, fighting an enemy in Hamas whose appalling tactics endanger countless civilian lives.
And the innocent Palestinians, tens of thousands killed in the fighting – their numbers growing by the day, including distressing numbers of women and children, many mothers so malnourished they cannot produce milk for their babies,families struggling to keep their children alive, disease and famine looming ever larger.
Heroic humanitarians putting their lives on the line to help others, like the brave aid workers I met from United Nations agencies,and from the Palestine Red Crescent Society warehouse I visited alongside France’s Foreign Minister last month.
Indeed, last Thursday, the UK led a session at the UN Security Council, encouraging a continued global focus on the protection of civilians in Gaza, including the need for action on polio.
And now, deeply worrying escalation in the West Bank as well as in Gaza with many communities facing rising settler violence amid an ongoing occupation.
And so many on either side of this terrible conflict convinced that the world does not grasp the reality of Israel’s predicament or the depth of Palestinian suffering.
Throughout my life, I have been a friend of Israel – a liberal, progressive Zionist, who believes in Israel as a democratic state and homeland for the Jewish people which has both the right to exist and defend itself but I believe also that Israel will only exist in safety and security if there is a two-state solution that guarantees the rights of all Israel’s Israeli citizens and of their Palestinian neighbours who have their own inalienable right to self-determination and security.
Mr Speaker, as concern at the horrifying scenes in Gaza has risen. many in this House as well as esteemed lawyers and international organisations have raised British arms export licensing to Israel.
After raising my own concerns from opposition, on taking office, I immediately sought an up-to-date the review. And on my first appearance as Foreign Secretary in this House …I committed to sharing the review’s conclusions.
We have rigorously followed every stage of the process which the previous Conservative government established. Let me first be clear on this Review’s scope.
This Government is not an international court. We have not – and could not – arbitrate on whether or not Israel has breached international humanitarian law.
This is a forward-looking evaluation, not a determination of innocence or guilt. And it does not prejudge any future determinations by the competent courts. But facing a conflict such as this, it is this Government’s legal duty to review export licences.
Criterion 2C of the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria states that the Government will “not issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law”.
It is with regret that I inform the House today, the assessment I have received leaves me unable to conclude anything other than that for certain UK arms exports to Israel there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
I have informed my Right Honourable Friend, the Business and Trade Secretary. And he is therefore today announcing the suspension of around 30, from a total of approximately 350 to Israel, as required under the Export Controls Act.
These include equipment that we assess is for use in the current conflict in Gaza, such as important components which go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as items which facilitate ground targeting.
And For transparency, this government is publishing a summary of our assessment.
Today, I want to underline four points about these decisions.
First, Israel’s actions in Gaza continue to lead to immense loss of civilian life, widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure, and immense suffering.
In many cases, it has not been possible to reach a determinative conclusion on allegations regarding Israel’s conduct of hostilities, in part, because there is insufficient information either from Israel, …or other reliable sources to verify such claims.
Nevertheless, it is the assessment of His Majesty’s Government, that Israel could reasonably do much more to ensure lifesaving food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza – in light of the appalling humanitarian situation.
And this government is also deeply concerned by credible claims of mistreatment of detainees which the International Committee of the Red Cross cannot investigate after being denied access to places of detention.
Both my predecessor and all our major allies have repeatedly and forcefully raised these concerns with the Israeli government. Regrettably, they have not been addressed satisfactorily.
Second, there can be no doubt that Hamas pays not the slightest heed to international humanitarian law and endangers civilians by embedding itself in the tightly concentrated civilian population and in civilian infrastructure.
There is no equivalence between Hamas terrorists and Israel’s democratic government – or indeed, Iran and their partners and proxies.
But to licence arms exports to Israel, we must assess their compliance with international humanitarian law notwithstanding the abhorrence of their opponents’ tactics and ideology.
Third, this is not a blanket ban. This is not an arms embargo. It targets around 30 approximately of 350 licenses to Israel in total for items which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza.
The rest will continue.
Neither will the action we are taking have a material impact on Israel’s security.
This suspension only covers items which might be used in the current conflict. There are a number of export licences which we have assessed are not for military use in the current conflict and therefore do not require suspension.
These include items that are not being used by the Israel Defence Forces in the current conflict, such as trainee aircraft or other naval equipment.
These also include export licences for civilian use – covering a range of products such as food-testing chemicals, telecoms, and data equipment.
Nor will it prejudge the international collaboration, global F-35 programme that supplies aircraft for more than twenty countries – and that is crucial to wider peace and security.
Indeed, the effects of suspending all licences for the F-35 programme would undermine the global F35 supply chain that is vital for the security of the UK, our allies, and NATO.
Therefore, the Business and Trade Secretary has exempted these licences from his decision.
Fourth, the Government will keep our position under review.
Commitment to comply with international humanitarian law is not the only criterion in making export licensing decisions.
We will continue to work with our allies to improve the situation. And foreign policy of course involves tough choices.
But I will always seek to take such decisions in line with our principles – and I will keep this the House updated, in line with my previous commitment.
Mr Speaker, we do not take this decision lightly, but we note that on previous occasions Ministers from all sides of this House – Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat – chose not to licence exports to Israel.
In 1982, Margaret Thatcher imposed an arms embargo and oil embargo on Israel as they fought in Lebanon. onflicts in Gaza prompted Gordon Brown to suspend five licences in 2009 and Vince Cable chose not to issue new licences while conducting a review in 2014.
Like them, this government takes seriously its role in applying export licensing law reflecting the published criteria and the specific circumstances.
But let me leave this House in no doubt. The UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law.
In April, British fighter jets intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, preventing significant loss of civilian life.
We supported robust action against the Iranian backed Houthis in Yemen, who have attacked Israel directly as well as Israeli-linked shipping.
And Iran should be in no doubt of our commitment to challenge their reckless and destabilizing activity, in the region and across the world.
We will continue to work hand-in-glove with our international partners, to stand up to Iranian aggression and malign activity – wherever it is find and whenever we see it.
We continue to hold Iran to account – including though extensive use of sanctions. And today, we are doing so again.
We are announcing new sanctions on four IRGC-Quds Force targets who have a role in supporting Iranian proxy actions in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
Through the UK’s dedicated Iran sanctions regime we have sanctioned over 400 Iranian individuals and entities.
And through our work with partners, we are exposing and containing Iran’s destabilizing weapons development, where soon, we will be introducing further regulations to bolster existing bans on the export of goods and technology significant to Iran’s production of drones and missiles.
So let me be clear – we will continue to work with Israel and our partners to tackle the threat from Iran across the region.
This government will continue to stand for Israel’s security. And we will always do so in a manner consistent with our obligations to domestic and international law.
Mr Speaker, I commend this statement to the House.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews commented last night:
ATTEMPT TO CLARIFY SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT POSITION ON ISRAEL
Following a meeting with the Israeli UK Deputy Ambassador, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Two weeks ago, I met the new Israeli UK Deputy Ambassador at their request.
“We anticipated the Deputy Ambassador would raise concerns about antisemitism, as well as other issues.
“It was rightly for me to decide whether to take the meeting, however, as is normal practice, the First Minister was made aware before the meeting happened.
“My view was that given the Israeli UK Deputy Ambassador had requested a meeting it was an opportunity to express the Scottish Government’s clear and unwavering position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and I did exactly that.
“No one intended that this meeting be presented as legitimatising the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. The Scottish Government has been consistent in our unequivocal condemnation of the atrocities we have witnessed in Gaza.
“The reality, however, is that this meeting has been taken by many to represent a normalisation of relations between the Israeli and Scottish Governments.
“As such, it is clear that it would have been better to ensure that the meeting was strictly limited to the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the appalling loss of life in the region. I apologise for the fact that this did not happen.
“Going forward, it is clear that, having now spoken direct to the Israeli Government and making them aware of our position on an immediate ceasefire, it would not be appropriate to accept any invitation for a further meeting.
“This will remain our position until such time as real progress has been made towards peace, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance is provided and Israel cooperates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes.
“The Scottish Government does not support any normalisation of its relations with the Israeli Government during this period.
“The Scottish Government will never hold back in expressing support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, an end to UK arms being sent to Israel, and the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state within a two-state solution.”
David Lammy and his French counterpart Stéphane Séjourné write for The Observer on how a ceasefire could enable progress towards a two-state solution – the only long-term route to safety and security:
This is a perilous moment in the Middle East. Israel’s actions in Gaza continue to lead to intolerable loss of civilian life. Hostages taken by Hamas terrorists remain in chains, 316 days since the 7 October attack. There are French and British citizens among them.
Fighting between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah has intensified. Iranian threats of further escalation mean the risks of a full-scale regional war are rising.
What we are witnessing is a destructive cycle of violence. One miscalculation, and the situation risks spiralling into an even deeper and more intractable conflict. This cycle, with its tendency towards escalation, is making progress towards a political solution harder.
Our response is to reconnect – using the joint strengths of our diplomacy to press a common message. We, the foreign ministers of France and the United Kingdom, travelled together last week to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
By making the first joint visit by a British and French foreign minister for well over a decade, we are showing our commitment to working ever more closely together in a new spirit of cooperation, in the interests of our national security, Europe’s security and the Middle East’s security.
Our countries have a strong record of working together to tackle today’s challenges and, 80 years on from the D-day landings and the liberation of France, we must continue to exercise global leadership in an era of renewed geopolitical instability.
The UK and France are united behind a common set of messages which we delivered to Israelis and Palestinians, including in meetings with Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, and the Palestinian Authority’s prime minister, Mohammad Mustafa.
As UN security council permanent members, we share not only a common interest, but a common responsibility to play our part in the security of Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the stability of the region as a whole.
All sides should focus on the recently restarted negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. These talks offer a vital opportunity to secure an immediate ceasefire that ends the horrendous conflict in Gaza. A route to securing the release of all the hostages still cruelly held by Hamas. And a pathway to restoring stability to a region already under immense suffering and facing the prospect of far worse.
Our visit to a Palestine Red Crescent Society warehouse was a stark reminder of the toll of this conflict, which is unacceptable. Without progress towards a ceasefire, this will only worsen. Brave healthcare workers across humanitarian organisations are racing to prevent an all-out polio outbreak but they can only start vaccinating if it’s safe to do so.
It’s never too late for peace. An all-out conflict across the region is in nobody’s interests. All parties need to show restraint and invest in diplomacy. Any Iranian attack would have devastating consequences, not least in undermining current Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
The UK and France are not alone in highlighting the urgency of diplomacy to avoid further conflict. Both of us have talked to counterparts across the region and beyond, who share our desire to see a de-escalation in the current tensions. American, Egyptian and Qatari mediators are playing a particularly valuable role in coordinating the negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage deal.
And our engagement reinforces our conviction that urgently securing such a deal is in the interests of Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region. Only a deal can relieve civilian suffering. Only a deal can restore communities’ sense of security. Only a deal can open up the space for progress towards a two-state solution – the only long-term route to safety, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
There can be no delays or excuses. We must all come together. Reconnect in the interests of peace.
Only a political solution can deliver the peace we so desperately need. That’s why we want not just a ceasefire in Gaza but why we are urging Israel, Hezbollah and Lebanon to engage with the US-led discussions to resolve their tensions diplomatically, based on the principles set out by UN security council resolution 1701.
Lammy has been criticised for removing a yellow pin badge expressing solidarity with Israeli hostages when meeting the Palestinian prime minister.
The Foreign Secretary and Stephane Sejourne, his French counterpart, wore the symbols on their suits as they met with Israel Katz, the foreign minister of Israel, on Friday.
