Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

David Simmonds Excerpts
Monday 25th March 2024

(7 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Simmonds Portrait David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) (Con)
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10. What steps his Department is taking to assist in the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Will Quince Portrait Will Quince (Colchester) (Con)
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18. What steps his Department is taking to assist in the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Grant Shapps Portrait The Secretary of State for Defence (Grant Shapps)
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There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. The UK, including the Ministry of Defence, is working collectively with allies, partners and international organisations to deliver desperately needed aid to the Gazan population.

David Simmonds Portrait David Simmonds
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My constituents are rightly proud of the work that our armed forces are doing to facilitate the delivery of aid, to prevent a colossal humanitarian catastrophe. What further steps can be taken to ensure that British aid finds its way to civilians in need, rather than into the hands of Hamas fighters?

Grant Shapps Portrait Grant Shapps
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That is one of the greatest challenges in the current situation. We are working with the British Red Cross, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme, the Egyptian Red Crescent and others to ensure that aid gets to the right places. That is extremely challenging, and has slowed down aid delivery.