Commons Chamber

Tuesday 14th October 2025

(began 3 hours, 45 minutes ago)

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None Portrait Q2. What plans he has to assess land use changes in applications for new energy infrastructure. (905782)
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There. Agreed. Question number two. Mr Speaker. Minister. Thank you, Mr Speaker. We are
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None Portrait Q3. What steps his Department is taking to tackle fuel poverty in Greater Manchester. (905783)
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. Number three. Please, Minister. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Ensuring
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None Portrait Q6. What steps Great British Energy is taking to help public services use more renewable energy. (905788)
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Katrina Murray.
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None Portrait Q8. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of his Department's net zero policies on the manufacturing industry. (905790)
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Good stuff. Mr Speaker, for me. Minister. the despatch box is a question for my hon. Friend on a topic that. last.
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None Portrait Q10. What steps he is taking to ensure the forthcoming carbon budget delivery plan includes measures to financially support people on low and middle incomes. (905792)
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Please, Mr Speaker. Just to welcome. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the honourable lady for her
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None Portrait Q12. What steps he is taking to increase cooperation with other countries to tackle climate change. (905794)
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Tom Hayes Mr Speaker. So stay. Mr Speaker, with your permission, I'll answer questions 12 and 18 together. In the best traditions of
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None Portrait Q14. What steps his Department is taking to support breweries to reduce carbon emissions. (905796)
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will come, we will come back to you on P4 413. Will foster. We'll tell you, Mr Speaker. For the start. Thank you, Mr Speaker. We want to
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None Portrait Q15. What steps he is taking to support green energy companies to build onshore wind turbines. (905797)
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Invited to do so. question. Number 15, Minister. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The
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None Portrait Topical questions: Energy Security and Net Zero
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. T Walmsley said. Mr Speaker, since the last oral questions in July, we've reached
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None Portrait Speaker's statement
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I just wanted to say a few words before we start statements about to a former colleague. Like pitching better known as meaning to us, who died during conference recess. Meeting was used universally, light and respected across the House, regardless of People's Party allegiance. Unflappable, kind principle. Incredibly active and held with great esteem by all parties. Being a chief success as an Olympian, a lawyer, and as a formidable politician in both Houses of Parliament, as well as leadership of the Liberal Democrats.

He was one of Westminster's most authoritative voices on foreign affairs, particularly in articulating his party's opposition to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. On a personal level, Meng was a loyal friend to me and my family. He served with my father on Trade and Industry Committee, where they conducted many inquiries, both notably the Iraq supergun affair. The two often vented their frustration. The efforts to get ministers and officials, or even fellow members to appear before the committee, were thwarted.

Despite this, their pursued requires inquiry fiercely in order to get the truth. How some things have never changed. I know Ming was hit especially hard by the death of his wife, Elspeth, and of course they were married for more than 50 years. Courage, wisdom, integrity were Ming's hallmarks. We have lost a dear colleague and for many of us, a wonderful friend. Our thoughts were with Ming, his family, his friends, is our lives across the political parties.

I their no point
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Ed Davey Portrait Rt Hon Ed Davey MP (Kingston and Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)
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To our. Dear friend Ming, and I want to Campbell.

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Campbell. He was. Obsessed with sport. As you might expect from someone

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As you might expect from someone who was the captain of the. Scottish men's.

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Team at the Commonwealth Games. I remember Ming talking about how he'd been captivated by the 1948 London Olympics at the age of seven, listening to it with his mother, and how he'd.

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Decided back then that he wanted to run. At a future Olympics. It's a dream of so many young boys and girls. But men, thanks to his determination, drive and work ethic, determination, drive and work ethic, actually made it happen. He represented our country at the Tokyo represented our country at the Tokyo Games in 1964. For a man once known as the Flying Scotsman, who set a new British hundred metres record at 10.2 seconds and who was probably the fastest person ever elected to this House.

Ming was never one to brag about his sporting accomplishments. In fact, he was such a gentleman. So adverse to boastfulness that could be hard to get him to talk about them at all. I get him to talk about them at all. I remember when Wayne Rooney broken metatarsal in his foot ahead of the 2006 World Cup. Ming had told us a story about he had, how he had suffered an injury before the 1964 suffered an injury before the 1964 Olympic Games and how hard he'd work to overcome it.

We were all begging him to go on the radio and tell that him to go on the radio and tell that story and encourage Wayne Rooney, a rare chance for the Liberal Democrat leader to break into the biggest leader to break into the biggest sports day story of the of the day. But Ming wouldn't do it. I have to admit, it was frustrating at the time, but it was also a mark of why he was so respected and admired. That level of modesty is rare in anyone, especially in a politician.

But those of us who knew Ming knew that was simply the kind of man that he was. It says a lot about Ming's many and varied accomplishments that his extraordinary sporting achievements being Britain's fastest man and represent his country at the Olympics won't be what he's most remembered for, nor will he be most remembered for his law career, though he excelled at that too. He was even offered the chance to become a judge on Scotland's High Court in 1996. But he turned it down because by then, as he put it, politics had got into his blood.

And so what Ming will most be remembered for is his enormous contribution to British politics, a parliamentary career spanning spanning five decades, including 28 years representing North east Fife. I got to know him early during his first Parliament, when I was the party's economics advisor, based in our Whip's Office. Even then, he already had so much gravitas. He was so charming, so thoughtful and so respected. Ming was among those few MPs who was genuinely a grandee from the first day they were elected.

But his calmness, reasonableness and intense decency masked a radical politician, a man who never forgot his roots. Growing up in a Glasgow tenement and who was driven by deep commitment to social justice. A man who said it was his role and the role of the Liberal Democrats to rattle the cage of British politics. And he did, especially as you said, Mr Speaker, when it came to foreign affairs and defence, on which he led for our party for over 18 years, including, of course, in the lead up to and after the Iraq War.

I remember how difficult the decision it was for us to oppose that war. It felt like we were going not just against the government, but taking on the full might of the British state and the United States. Two. The way Ming tackled it with his typically steady, forensic, lawyerly approach gave us both the confidence and resolve to speak up strongly for what we believed. He made our position firmly rooted in respect for international law, at a time when the world was in turmoil following those horrific terrorist attacks of September the 11th.

Ming provided principled leadership with his trademark combination of morality, courage and wisdom, and he continued to do so whether as leader of our party. A respected member of the Intelligence and Security Committee and the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, and in the other place. I benefited greatly from Ming's advice and guidance over more than 30 years, and turned to him often about foreign affairs in my own time as leader. I will miss his wife counsel, as I know many of us will.

But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend, a colleague with such generosity and humour. He called his late wife Elspeth his rock, and she was always by his side, mostly with a cigarette. And they were such good fun and such great company. It was once said of Ming that he runs the risk of giving politicians a good name. Well, he certainly did that. His passing is a moment for us to consider how we are all viewed as politicians, and what changes we could make, both individually and collectively, to further the cause of good, decent, hopeful politics something that Ming embodied entirely.

Ming Campbell was a dedicated public servant, a tireless champion for Fife, Saint Andrews and the United Kingdom, and a true liberal giant. I know all of us in the Liberal Democrat family and across this House will miss him

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terribly. But for the Prime Minister.
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Keir Starmer Portrait Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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But for the Prime Minister. Thank you, Mr Speaker. On a point of order. Everyone in this House knows. What an honour it is. To represent.

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To represent. Our country. But for most of us. That appreciation.

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That appreciation. position. On. These benches, not from the. International running track, where International running track, where Lord Campbell of Pittenweem first represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

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In 1964. He remained quick. On his feet, Mr Speaker, as a

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On his feet, Mr Speaker, as a barrister before becoming an MP, where I'm. Told. He made the most of his talents

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He made the most of his talents by sprinting door to door. Whilst canvassing. Ultimately. Of course, he became a respected

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voice on. Foreign and defence. Affairs, becoming leader of the Liberal Democrats. This was despite many overtures from one of my predecessors, his old Glasgow predecessors, his old Glasgow University friend John Smith, to join the Labour Party as a young join the Labour Party as a young man. No Ming, as many came to know him, was determined and he knew his

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him, was determined and he knew his own mind. And he was authoritative. On the subjects that he was passionate about. So it was no wonder that he had the respect and admiration of colleagues across the admiration of colleagues across the House who recognised his wisdom and unfailing kindness. Over 28 years of unfailing kindness. Over 28 years of service as a member of this Parliament, today we remember his Parliament, today we remember his commitment to Scotland in particular, of course, to Fife, championing its industries from championing its industries from fishing to, in his case, flying, as well as becoming Chancellor of Saint Andrew's University, where he spoke of his joy at meeting students and young people full of hope for the future, a future he had done so much to shape.

Mr Speaker, it was a full life well-lived. Alongside Elspeth, his beloved wife.

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Of more than 50 years. We are all. Enriched by his sense of duty and

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Enriched by his sense of duty and commitment to this country. He stands in the finest traditions of stands in the finest traditions of this House. And so, Mr Speaker, it is a privilege on behalf of these benchers to pay tribute to the benchers to pay tribute to the Flying Scotsman. May he rest in peace.
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Wendy Chamberlain Portrait Wendy Chamberlain MP (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)
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of order, I stand here both as a friend of men's, but also as the current representative of his seat. It's. I know how much he felt the privilege of being elected to this House for 28 years as the representative for North East Fife. And I also know the very high regard in which he was held in the constituency. All I've had both myself and the MSP for the constituency, Willie Rennie, who was previously a member of this place, is very kind. Thoughts from constituents and stories about men as well, which we have taken to our hearts.

And he was first stood for Parliament in Greenock in 1974. Greenock is my home town. I was quite reassured when I was first engaging with men that we at least had something in common, and I think it was right what the Prime Minister said, that he had the opportunity to switch to other parties, but he chose not to. And although he first did in 1974, it took until 1987 that he was elected in north east Fife and showed the spirit and determination that he had as an individual, but also in the work that he did to build the constituency and build the local party there.

And I've had lots of thoughts from the local party too, and one of them, I thought would be worth sharing with the House, which was shortly after his election, which was a closely a close contest against the sitting Conservative MP. They decided to take a celebratory boat trip out to the Isle of May to see the puffins. Unfortunately, the boat broke down and the we and Elspeth kept everybody calm, and it was interesting that even people who didn't vote for him came out and rescued the boat, and that was the respect in which he was held.

Now, in his tributes to Willie Rennie, my constituency colleague said that men had had three careers in politics, in law and obviously in sport. He was a parliamentarian, he was a cake, he was an Olympian, he was a companion of Honour. And if any of us can aspire to the great heights that it reached, is worth aspiring to. And the Prime Minister also mentioned his chancellorship of the University of Saint Andrews, which he held for 19 years. And I know that the University are very sad at his loss and passing, and indeed the Right Honourable member for Kingston and Surbiton and I visited the university last week to meet with them and to discuss something.

I'll finish with just some personal memories. He was a great support to me, but I do remember when I was running for this election in 2018, there was a constituency luncheon North East Fife and one of the members who was supportive of my candidacy made sure that I was sat at the same table as Elspeth because I was assured that if I could get Elspeth on site, they would surely follow. But since I was elected, we would meet a every so often, every month in the Pugin room.

We would have a cup of tea, we'd have a scone, and he'd tell me all the things that I needed to be doing. And although the Secretary of Defence is not here, he would always ask me, right up until the last time I saw him about Leuchars and about what the Strategic Defence Review meant and how important defence was for him and the constituency. There is no doubt that the loss of Elspeth was devastating, and he was never quite the same, since. I think everybody would accept that when you saw him here.

But really up until those last weeks, he, although very frail, was absolutely still there and we had many great conversations. I saw him just the week before he died and it did feel like a goodbye conversation. I know that he will be much, much missed across this House, and I'm very grateful to all the tributes have been paid to him. Thank you.
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Alec Shelbrooke Portrait Rt Hon Sir Alec Shelbrooke MP (Wetherby and Easingwold, Conservative)
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Point of order sir Alex.

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saying that Mr. Campbell was a good friend of mine. There's a body called the NATO. Parliamentary Assembly, which hasn't been mentioned yet today and hasn't been mentioned yet today and for over 30 years, min. Campbell was a member of the parliamentary Assembly, indeed, only really Assembly, indeed, only really pausing when he had become leader of the Liberal Democrats. And when I the Liberal Democrats. And when I joined that body in 2015, it becomes apparent almost immediately of the respect that Min.

Campbell was held with across the entire alliance. with across the entire alliance. Indeed, with so many partner countries almost across the world, it didn't matter if we were meeting presidents, prime ministers or even royal families. Men would come into the room and greet the King of the room and greet the King of Spain. Maybe in the same way he would greet somebody in the tea room, and that respect shone room, and that respect shone through. I remember very clearly when he was chairman of some of the several committees, and sometimes several committees, and sometimes there are allies who maybe don't quite see eye to eye and got into some really heated arguments within the committee.

Mings simply hit the the committee. Mings simply hit the table and said enough. And the silence fell. That was the level of silence fell. That was the level of respect he had, and that was the level of respect he was dealt with. He, during the coalition years, was able to be appointed as leader of the United Kingdom delegation to the Assembly. When I had the honour of taking on that role, I don't think many weeks passed where I didn't telephone me on his mobile phone and say, Ming, I need some advice on this difficult situation that was happening, especially during the Covid years when we were trying to work out how we were going to make the annual assemblies and spring assemblies work online.

Ming was always there with sage advice on how to lead our delegations. But doing international bodies. One thing which is true, I'm afraid, is that we spend an awful lot of time in airports, especially when flights are delayed. I mean, always had a story and they were genuinely fascinating. And it's been mentioned about his legal career and one particular story I like because it showed his quick wit. He's able to move swiftly on his feet, which I understand for a Rea QC as he was, was quite important being able to quickly adapt.

And he said he'd been prosecuting a defendant who had caused a fray for drunk and disorderly, and he said he put the question so how much had you drunk. And apparently the defendant said, oh, about only 8 or 9 points. You said he paused. He said, are you meaning to tell this court that you drank a gallon of beer, and you don't consider that to be very much? He said. At that point, he said, I knew I had him and he would tell so many stories.

And not least, Mr Speaker, he was very proud of his time in San Francisco, where he was training to be a top sprinter. He said academically, it didn't go quite as well as it should have done, he said. I think I've just spent far too much time at the track. Mr Speaker, he was enormously respected across the world. As I've said, he was a great friend to me. He was a great sage. His politics were clear, but his party allegiances didn't matter when it came to important roles of state and the intellectual rigour, there had to be brought to some of these important issues.

Mr Speaker, I will miss him. I know a great number of people in this House will miss him. He truly was a giant of British

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politics. But for the Stephen Gethins. Mr Speaker, Mr Speaker, I had the
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Stephen Gethins Portrait Stephen Gethins MP (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, Scottish National Party)
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Mr Speaker, Mr Speaker, I had the distinction of succeeding Glen Campbell in this place. And whereas Campbell in this place. And whereas you probably wasn't unhappy that I'm not as current successor highly.

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Of his current successor. I have to say how highly I thought of him. But more importantly thought of him. But more importantly than that, I've heard so many nice stories today about his role globally. But I'm sure as the member for North East Fife.

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Has already. Reflected so beautifully. He was so highly regarded locally and when I took over from him, it was difficult to go to any of one of the 99 communities in his constituency

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99 communities in his constituency where there was not a story or there Also. As a colleague at the.

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As a colleague at the. University of Saint Andrews, he was an outstanding Chancellor and colleague. So I wanted to pay a tribute to somebody that I may not tribute to somebody that I may not have agreed with. But when we have that precious commitment, that precious relationship between constituency and. Member of Parliament, no one better replicated that in his day to day work. I

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that in his day to day work. I wanted to pay tribute to a European. And internationalist. But more than that, an outstanding local representative.

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outstanding local representative. Yeah. Point of order Tim Farron. Mr Speaker, on a point of order.
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Tim Farron Portrait Tim Farron MP (Westmorland and Lonsdale, Liberal Democrat)
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Mr Speaker, on a point of order. I would wish to add my. Words of tribute to my friend Ming Campbell, who had an impact. On me long. Before I.

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On me long. Before I. Met him. 1987 was the first general election I was active in, and no offence to any Liberal MP at the time when there none of them here present. Very impressed. Ming Campbell struck me as not being like other Liberal MPs. He looked like he could actually run the country and

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had a gravitas. Not how it took. This is a man

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Not how it took. This is a man not talking. I'm pretty sure that's what I said to my mother in the early hours. Whenever he walked, you know, when it was.

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know, when it was. On the 12th of June, I think Fife. From. The conservatives.

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The conservatives. You look the real deal. You look incredibly competent. And of course, in. The. Years that. Followed.

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Followed. He demonstrated. That. We've talked about. The Iraq war. But what Ming Campbell did, yes.

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Campbell did, yes. Applying his legal expertise and his insight into. International law as well as the law of this land, was a connection

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law of this land, was a connection this. Is esoteric. rights. About human duties. It's about.

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About human duties. It's about. Making sure that nobody is above the law, no Prime Minister and no president. And he made that clear.

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president. And he made that clear. And indeed cross over into public. Consciousness in. remarkable.

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remarkable. And I then realised I had a connection with him when I met my wife in the 90s, it turned out that wife in the 90s, it turned out that her now sadly late father, Mark Cameron. Opened the bowling with me

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at Glasgow Hillhead and they hadn't spoken to each other for like 30 odd years until Ming came to do a talk. At the University at Ambleside

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At the University at Ambleside when I was shortly after I'd been. Selected. And the two of them continued a

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Mark's. Passing. Just two years ago. In 2005, when I was elected to the late, great

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I was elected to the late, great Charles Kennedy was. Meant to be doing the constituency visit to Westmoreland. His son was born the night before His son was born the night before Ming got drafted in and at the last minute did two visits for me. And when you win by 267 votes, every single thing counts. I have him to thank for that. He became leader in 2006, and I had the honour of serving as his PPS during that time. And what insight and again to that, And what insight and again to that, the fact that he would obsessed with sport and with running, and despite the fact that this is a man who the fact that this is a man who could run 100m in 10s, he was incredibly generous in hearing the stories of somebody who was a 10th stories of somebody who was a 10th rate fell runner.

And so and as in my time as leader, he was a great source of advice, great source of source of advice, great source of wisdom. And then after that time, he, he and his wife Elspeth, who he mentioned would regularly come on mentioned would regularly come on holiday on Ullswater and they'd always make a point of coming to do always make a point of coming to do a visit in Westmoreland, whether we asked them or not. And. I and my recollection, we mean talking to the recollection, we mean talking to the local newspaper or the local TV and Elspeth, not only with a fan but

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with a with a pink cigarette holder and looking every bit what Lady Penelope Thunderbird would have looked like. In.

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Real life. And it is. Said, I remember. One of our. Joe.

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Joe. Drummond, once said that the best liberal candidate should dress to liberal candidate should dress to the right and talk to the left, and Ming Campbell bore all the airs of

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Ming Campbell bore all the airs of being an establishment figure, and was a radical to. His dying breath.

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He was kind, wise, decent, talented, loyal. He was my friend and I miss him. Yeah. But for Mr. Julian Lewis.
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Julian Lewis Portrait Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)
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But for Mr. Julian Lewis. Thank you, Mr Speaker. On a point of order, I would like to state that Sir Ming Campbell, as he then was. Was the perfect example of how it's possible to disagree with another parliamentarian on a key issue and yet work side by side on other issues without any rancour or any reservation. My dealings with him didn't get off to the best start. We were generally on opposite sides of

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a debate about the. Replacement of Trident. Submarines and the replacement of

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Submarines and the replacement of continuous at sea deterrence by part time patrols. Nevertheless, once we time patrols. Nevertheless, once we got to know each other better on the Intelligence and Security Committee, we found ourselves making common we found ourselves making common cause on such issues as the safeguarding of the vital BBC safeguarding of the vital BBC monitoring service for the future, the need to enhance spending on the need to enhance spending on defence with an improved defence budgeting priority, and above all, budgeting priority, and above all, of the folly that could have happened of Britain militarily happened of Britain militarily intervening in the Syrian Civil War.

In short, men brought courtesy, In short, men brought courtesy, style, courage and grace to public life to the benefit of society as a

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whole. Before the Christine Jardine. Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. On a point of order.
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Christine Jardine Portrait Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)
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On a point of order. I would also like to pay tribute. To Main Campbell.

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To Main Campbell. personally. In later years, his political. Influence has hung over my entire adult life.

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adult life. As an 18 year old student at. Glasgow University, I heard about these three great figures.

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Of British. Politics who had studied together and been. Great friends. Donald Dewar, who became the.

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became the. Scotland. John Smith. Whose legacy as leader. Of the Labour.

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Of the Labour. Party is well. Respected. And of course, men. Campbell. And

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it was. His persona, his. Influence, his attitude to politics, his. Integrity.

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Integrity. Which I found. Influenced. Me was one of the things which which pulled me.

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things which which pulled me. Towards the Liberal Party is that there was. But the first time. I came across him personally, it

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I came across him personally, it was years later, about a year after he had. Stepped down as leader, when.

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I had to make my. Maiden speech to the Scottish Conference and discovered that I was speaking on a motion being proposed by Main motion being proposed by Main Campbell. It was, of course, and it comes as no surprise to many about

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comes as no surprise to many about Leuchars. ADF Leuchars is future and what we. Need to do to defend it, and that

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Need to do to defend it, and that was a kind of thread that ran through it. But then in 2017, when I was standing in Edinburgh West, he came and launched my campaign, helped me up a Chair so that everybody could see me and was just everybody could see me and was just there to be supportive. And I learned a lot about his kindness and thoughtfulness. A few weeks later, when my husband died and many took the time to take me aside and make

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sure I was all key and that I had the. Support I needed to get through

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Support I needed to get through the campaign. Most of all, though, I enjoyed my chats with them and a Monday in the departure lounge at Edinburgh Airport. He always had a tale to tell and he always had a tale to tell and he always had a kind word from my Scotsman column and my team and The Office were and my team and The Office were endlessly amused by how pleased I was that Lynn Campbell had even read it, never mind agreed with that.

He it, never mind agreed with that. He was in many ways, with that integrity, kindness, thoughtfulness.

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integrity, kindness, thoughtfulness. Everyone spoken about an example that we should all live up. To and trying to aspire to. There

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To and trying to aspire to. There was a certain restaurant in Pimlico, which I'm sure many of my colleagues are aware. Of.

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That we were, many of us introduced to by men, Campbell, and think of him every time we go there, think of him every time we go there, and I think we will the next time as well. We may make a point of going there and raising a glass to someone there and raising a glass to someone who's not just an example of what we should be, but perhaps what the world needs now more than ever

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amongst us politicians. Yeah. Gavin Robinson much, Mr Speaker. And a point of order. I think it
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Clive Jones Portrait Clive Jones MP (Wokingham, Liberal Democrat)
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Will have been. Delighted with the tributes paid to him today by the Prime Minister. My right honourable friend.

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My right honourable friend. For Kingston and Surbiton. And many others. And just. As importantly. Elspeth will.

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As importantly. Elspeth will. Have. Been equally delighted and she will have been raising a glass

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she will have been raising a glass of champagne in celebration. Megan is. Remembered as a brilliant.

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Remembered as a brilliant. And successful athlete and an accomplished, distinguished advocate. He was a real fixture in this House, completely authoritative on foreign policy and defence matters for more than two decades. Less well remembered is that it took him three three elections and a decade to get elected to represent Bath, which he held then for 28 years. So he was. Sympathetic and hugely supportive of my similarly numerous efforts to win in Wokingham.

For all that patrician charm he deployed to win over judges in court. He was also a savvy street campaigner who could be underestimated by his opponents at their peril. On one of his. Many visits to Wokingham, he was asked by a local journalist why do you visit Wokingham so often? His reply was I man.

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And it was only ten years ago. I am determined to see that he is

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I am determined to see that he is successful and he was delighted when that investment paid off last July. He was very generous with his time and his advice. He was a very warm and generous friend to me, to my and generous friend to me, to my family and to many colleagues and many, many friends that he made in many, many friends that he made in Wokingham. Along the way, he will be fondly remembered by everybody who fondly remembered by everybody who knew him well and by wide agreement.

Meeting is probably one of the

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Meeting is probably one of the nicest people to ever lead a political party in the UK. We put welcome. Thank you, Mr.
13:10
Calum Miller Portrait Calum Miller MP (Bicester and Woodstock, Liberal Democrat)
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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On a. Point of order, it's an honour to follow the tributes of so many

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across the House. Min Campbell was an inspiration to me and to many courtesy. And tenacity.

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And tenacity. I was lucky to have known Meng all my life, and I know how much his death will be felt by his family and death will be felt by his family and the many friends who loved him. I shared their grief. Ming's athletic achievement showed a man determined to work hard and make sacrifices to push himself to the limits. His international success has already been mentioned, but I also remember him in his mid 40s at that point saying with some feeling that the annual school sports day had become a major focus since he was the one the other dads wanted to beat in the father's race.

Behind that gracious facade, there was a true competitor. Ming was one of those remarked that remarkable generation of Glasgow University debaters from all parties who strove for a better society across a lifetime. In politics, he maintained close friendships with those of other parties. Yet he was clear on his politics. Ming's tenacity was shown in his dedication to Scottish liberalism, working hard to win the North East Fife seat on his fifth general election, and Ming served our party for many years as foreign affairs spokesperson.

With his distinctive, eloquent delivery and his disarming courtesy, mien could easily be underestimated by some as an orator, not an actor. Yet his principled approach to the Iraq War demonstrated his courage and steel. He did not shirk from doing the right thing. For Ming, international liberalism was not an abstract ideal, but a set of practical moral obligations. As we say goodbye to a much loved parliamentarian, we also remember a private man. Ming's marriage to Elspeth was the anchor of his life.

The last time I saw Ming, he spoke with love and feeling about Elspeth. He was continuing his life's work in Parliament, but it was clear that he felt acutely that he was continuing it without his life partner. Theirs was a truly devoted partnership. Ming Campbell lived an incredible life as an athlete, advocate, political leader and loving husband. He was a lifelong liberal whose principles drove his choices. He is rightly remembered with admiration and affection. Today, across the

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House. He will be sorely missed. And that completes the tributes.
13:12
None Portrait Ministerial statement: Middle East
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And that completes the tributes. We now come to the statement, Prime Minister.
13:12
Keir Starmer Portrait Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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Minister. But thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I update the House on the peace. Process in the Middle. East and my trade visit to India, I want to put on record in this House my utter condemnation. Of the vile anti-Semitic terrorist attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, which killed two Jewish men, Adrian Dalby and Melvin Kravitz. Mr

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Speaker, anti-Semitism is not a new hatred here in Britain. Jews have had to deal. With the shameful.

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With the shameful. Reality that their buildings, their way of life, their children

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their way of life, their children need extra protection. We must. Also be crystal clear that while

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Also be crystal clear that while this was an attack on Jews because. They were.

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They were. Jews, the Islamist extremism that motivated this sick individual is a. Threat to.

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Threat to. Every citizen of this country. An attack on British values, British

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attack on British values, British security and the British decency. That holds. Our communities together.

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Our communities together. Moreover, Mr Speaker, we can see clearly that anti-Semitism is on the clearly that anti-Semitism is on the rise in Britain once again say we. provide.

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provide. For Jewish people. We will set. Out. New measures to prevent. Hatred. Abuse.

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The democratic right to protest. We will. Stop at nothing. To root out.

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To root out. Anti-Semitism. And. Mr. Speaker, the same. Applies to the arson attack. On the Peacehaven. Mosque.

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Mosque. An attack. On British Muslims. Is also an attack. On us all.

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So we condemn this. Despicable crime and the poison

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Despicable crime and the poison of anti-Muslim hatred. We will fight against. Hate in

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We will fight against. Hate in all its forms. Mr Speaker. Let me now. Turn to the Middle East and words I have long to say in this House for a very long time. The this House for a very long time. The surviving hostages are free. The surviving hostages are free. The bombardment of Gaza has stopped. And desperately needed. Aid is starting desperately needed. Aid is starting to enter as a result of the peace plan led by President Trump.

We have the chance, and it is a chance to bring a terrible chapter in history finally, to a close. Mr Speaker, it's a moment of profound relief.

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it's a moment of profound relief. For this. House, for this nation, indeed

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House, for this nation, indeed for the whole world. But it is tempered, of course. By the.

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Knowledge that for the hostages and their families, for the loved ones of those killed on October 7th,

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ones of those killed on October 7th, and for the innocent civilians in Gaza, the dead, the. Bereaved.

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The starving. This has been two

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The starving. This has been two years of living hell. I think of Avenatti and all who has family ties Avenatti and all who has family ties to the United Kingdom returned at last to his family and to his

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girlfriend, Noah. Avenatti and Noah were taken from that music festival two years ago.

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that music festival two years ago. The footage of their abduction. Filmed by Hamas. Evil committed

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Filmed by Hamas. Evil committed to camera. I've met Avenatti and to camera. I've met Avenatti and family and heard for myself the agony that they suffered for two.

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agony that they suffered for two. Long years, waiting for him to come home. His frail condition, come home. His frail condition, shocking evidence of the appalling treatment he must have endured. Mr treatment he must have endured. Mr Speaker, we await the release of the deceased hostages. Those families deceased hostages. Those families need the chance to grieve. And so we demand that their return to their demand that their return to their families immediately. Mr Speaker, my thoughts are also with the people of Gaza, almost all of whom will have Gaza, almost all of whom will have lost family members, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters.

And of course, worst of all, sons and daughters. Over 20,000 children killed. I think of people like Yara Yagi, who I met a year ago, 17 years old. She was studying at college in Hertfordshire. She had lost 44 members of her family, 44. A pain that cannot be erased. Even as we welcome the peace today. But, Mr Speaker, mercifully, the killing and destruction has now stopped and aid is beginning to enter Gaza. But to be clear, we urgently need to see more aid and faster.

All restrictions must now be lifted. The need for food, sanitation, health care and shelter are still acute. While the signing yesterday was historic. What matters now is implementation and getting help in as quickly as possible. The UK is providing £20 million in additional humanitarian support to get water, sanitation and hygiene products to tens of thousands of billions across Gaza. That is in addition to the support that we're already providing at two field hospitals in Gaza, have already seen 600,000 patients.

And earlier this month, Mr Speaker, we evacuated the third group of sick and injured Palestinian children to the United Kingdom, and they are now being treated by the NHS. And we will work with the UN and our partners to go further and faster, to provide the aid that is so desperately needed. And, Mr Speaker, let no one be any doubt that none of this would have been possible without President Trump. This is his peace deal, delivered, of course, with President Sisi of Egypt, the Emir of Qatar and President Erdogan of Turkey.

Alongside our partners, we have also offered the UK's full support to these efforts. Mr Speaker, we've worked behind the scenes for months with the US, Arab and European nations to help deliver a ceasefire, get the hostages out, get aid in and secure a better

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future for Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. I'm proud of our. Contribution.

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Contribution. And, Mr Speaker, we are in a position to play this role precisely because of the approach this because of the approach this government takes. And, Mr Speaker, that does include our decision to recognise the State of Palestine, because this move, taken alongside because this move, taken alongside our allies France, Canada, Australia and others, helped lead to historic and others, helped lead to historic New York Declaration, where for the first time, the entire Arab League

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first time, the entire Arab League condemned the atrocities of October the 7th, urged Hamas to disarm and. Crucially.

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Crucially. Demanded that they end their rule

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Demanded that they end their rule in Gaza. But, Mr Speaker, let me be very clear. While we celebrate the very clear. While we celebrate the relief of peace today, making that peace last will be no less difficult peace last will be no less difficult a task. Along with our allies, an absolute focus in the days and weeks absolute focus in the days and weeks ahead is the relentless implementation of this peace plan. implementation of this peace plan. That is no small challenge.

And so we stand ready to deploy our diplomacy and expertise in three key areas. First, to support the reconstruction of Gaza. It is an immense task. The devastation defies description, and it will require a truly international effort. But we are ready to play our part, starting with a conference here in the United Kingdom this week hosted by my Honourable friend, the Minister for the Middle East. Second, to support transitional governance arrangements in Gaza. We will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority on the vital reforms that they need to make.

And third, to help ensure security in Gaza for a ceasefire monitoring process. Planning for the International Stabilisation Force. And, Mr Speaker, drawing on our experience in Northern Ireland, we stand ready to play a full role in the decommissioning of Hamas weapons and capability because, as this House knows, there can be no viable future for Gaza, no security for Israel. If Hamas can still threaten bloodshed and terror. So we will work to put

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that threat out of action. For good. Because, Mr Speaker, this is the

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Because, Mr Speaker, this is the first real chance we have had at a two state solution since the Oslo two state solution since the Oslo Accords over three. Decades ago. So we are fully committed to this, we are fully committed to this, because a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian alongside a viable Palestinian state, is the only way to secure lasting peace for the Middle East. lasting peace for the Middle East. And I've been clear all along, Mr Speaker, that must be our goal.

So we will work now to follow through we will work now to follow through on the 20 point peace plan and deliver it in full, including by supporting a dialogue to agree on a political horizon for peaceful political horizon for peaceful coexistence. Finally, Mr Speaker, I want to update the House on my discussions with Prime Minister Modi

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discussions with Prime Minister Modi last week in Mumbai. India is a track. To have the third.

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To have the third. Largest economy by 2028. So in addition to the bond we already addition to the bond we already share, the living bridge of family and history. We are also united by and history. We are also united by the future and the incredible opportunities that we see before us. That's why back in July, we signed a historic trade deal, opening up new opportunities for British businesses in India. And that's why last week I led the biggest British trade

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delegation to India ever. We announced that more. British universities are opening

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British universities are opening campuses in India, making us their leading international education provider. We're deepening the UK India Technology Security Initiative to boost opportunities for our to boost opportunities for our brilliant tech sector, and we announced new deals and investments, including an advanced manufacturing, defence, car production and Bollywood Bollywood filmmaking here Bollywood Bollywood filmmaking here in the United Kingdom. These investments into the United Kingdom

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investments into the United Kingdom Speaker. They will create. 10,600 jobs. This is real change

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10,600 jobs. This is real change that people will see in their communities up and down the country.

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I set this out, Mr Speaker, because it again speaks. To our. Approach on the world stage as to

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our deals with the United States and the EU. And the. Approach we. Bring to crises and conflicts as

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Bring to crises and conflicts as well, because instead of threatening to walk away. Or indulging in the to walk away. Or indulging in the cheap political theatre that comes from castigating our allies. Allies that we need to deliver peace and that we need to deliver peace and economic stability in a dangerous, volatile world, we stay in the room.

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We trust in diplomacy. And we back. The reputation, talent and pride

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The reputation, talent and pride of this country to change the world to the benefit of the British

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to the benefit of the British people. A politics of national rather. Than against them.

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Than against them. That solves problems rather than exploits them, and that believes our

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openness to the world is what helps us take control of our future. Rather than.

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Shutting the door and hoping for the best. That is how. This government delivers. For Britain. Mr Speaker, and I

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For Britain. Mr Speaker, and I commend this statement to the House. Leader of the opposition can be
13:25
Kemi Badenoch Portrait Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)
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better. Thank you, Mr Speaker. And I'm grateful to the Prime Minister for grateful to the Prime Minister for advance sight of his statement. I remember almost two years ago meeting three mothers whose children had been stolen from them on October 7th and held captive in terror tunnels. They were living a nightmare unimaginable for any parent. Many of us on these benches have met hostages. Their families heard their stories and supported them. Yesterday, it was truly momentous to finally, finally see the return of the 20 living hostages who are now back home in Israel.

After over 730 days in terrorist captivity, the hostages released yesterday showed superhuman endurance in the face of evil. And we sent every best wish to them and their families as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives. Yet we also mourn those hostages killed by Hamas and continue to call for all their bodies to be returned to their families. Mr Speaker, we must never forget what happened on the 7th of October, 2023, the abduction of men, women and children was a calculated cruelty to break body, mind and soul.

After after inflicting the mindless horror of rape and murder. There is no cause, no grievance that can ever justify what happened that day. I, for one, will never forget. And the response from some in the West, the equivocation, the indulgence in what about free and the drawing of false equivalence shows how far moral clarity has eroded. And we have got a job to do. Here at home, Mr Speaker, to fix this. So on these benches we stand alongside Israel in our shared fight against Islamist terror.

The conflict could have ended a long time ago if the hostages had been returned. So many Palestinian lives have been needlessly lost because of this war. Mr Speaker, Hamas is a genocidal terrorist organisation. A sustainable end to the suffering of civilians in Gaza means the complete eradication of Hamas and the dismantling of its terrorist infrastructure. Even now, we know that Hamas is still killing Palestinians in Gaza. The initial phase of the US backed peace plan represents a significant breakthrough.

I want to thank the US administration, President Trump and regional mediators for having secured this outcome. They put in the hard yards and found solutions, making clear that all progress would depend on the release of the hostages, a condition that some other governments forgot. Mr Speaker, with this peace deal, there is much to be hopeful for in the Middle East. If the Abraham Accords are expanded. A new age of peace will have arrived. We will see diplomatic normalisation of Israel with the Arab world, something many of us have longed to see.

And it saddens me that the Prime Minister's statement does not appear to show that the UK was at the heart, at the heart of any of these efforts specifically. It is quite clear that UK relations with Israel have been strained by the actions of this government. Their view, and they have stated publicly, is that it looks like, under pressure from his own backbenchers, the Prime Minister has taken the wrong decisions time and time again, diminishing our influence in the region. They can shout shame as much as they want you, Mr Speaker, within weeks of Labour coming into power, they decided to restore funding to honour.

We haven't forgotten an organisation, they say. Yes, that's an organisation whose members assisted in the kidnapping of these hostages. The release, which we are celebrating today. Relations with Israel have been so damaged that when Israel launched strikes against Iran, a country that has been a direct threat to us for years, the UK was out of the loop. They may not like it, but it is the truth. And then, in a move praised by Hamas, Labour decided to recognise a state of Palestine with no condition to release the hostages still held in the tunnels of Gaza, rewarding terrorism.

They made chanting from a sedentary position. I will remind them of what the former British Israeli hostage, Emily Damari, said. She called it a moral failure. I'm surprised to hear the Prime Minister say in his statement that it was a contribution to this peace deal. We all know that the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, condemned this recognition, saying it had made ceasefire negotiations harder. That is what the US said. The truth is, as historic events have unfolded in the Middle East, Britain has been out of step with the US.

The US ambassador to Israel even called the government's claim that it played a key role in the ceasefire. Delusional, something Israeli foreign ministers agreed with. Mr Speaker, I welcome the Prime Minister's promise to scale up protection for Jewish people in our country. Britain has always been a sanctuary for British Jews. But after the tragic murder of two British Jews outside a synagogue in Manchester, the government must now do everything it can to eradicate anti-Semitism. The anti-Israel protesters who have turned our streets into theatres of hate, have been relatively silent about the good news of a ceasefire and hostage return, showing us their real motivation.

The Prime Minister mentioned in his statement the Palestinian Authority. Can he tell us whether the government's preference for the Palestinian Authority to take the reins in Gaza, if they have committed to end the pay for slay policies, the reward families of terrorists for killing Israelis? Will it deal with anti-Semitism in education? And are they demonstrating any Democratic progress? Mr Speaker, there are also domestic implications. We need to strengthen our borders. Hamas is still running Gaza. Those who would be allowed to leave can only do so with Hamas's approval.

We should not be bringing anyone to Britain with links to extremism, anti-Semitism or to Hamas and other terrorists. So can the Prime Minister confirm whether he intends to bring people from Gaza to study for healthcare or for other purposes? And what measures are in place to ensure we are not importing extremism, anti-Semitism or anyone linked to Hamas and other terrorists? Mr Speaker, Britain is a great country and still a powerful one. We still have agency to shape the world around us.

The government must do better and show it has the backbone to use Britain's power to make a better world.

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I have no. Can I thank her for the.
13:32
Keir Starmer Portrait Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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Words she said about the hostages? Just a moment ago. And I hostages? Just a moment ago. And I know how heartfelt they are. I was surprised and saddened that she spent more time attacking what we actually did to help the process, than even mentioning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, without setting out, in terms, the number of people that have been killed, that are starving, been subjected to denial of aid when the immediate task for any serious governments to work with allies to get that aid in at speed, I would have expected at least an acknowledgement of that terrible situation.

It shows, yet again just how far her party's slid from serious states, person approach to diplomacy. This is not the time for a fight about what role any individual played. I am proud, I am proud of what Steve Whitcomb said about our national security adviser. He he was negotiating this. He knows absolutely the role we played. And this House should be proud that we played that role. We played that role only because of the relationship that this government has with the Trump administration.

We are a trusted partner, working both before this, a peace deal and afterwards. And yes, I did discuss recognition of Palestine with President Trump when he was over here. That is what grown up, responsible partners do. Unlike the discussion here, and I stand by my words that the first time in New York was the first time that other countries in the region were clear in their condemnation of Hamas. That was a key and important aspect of what has now happened in relation to her questions.

She will know from the reforms that have already been committed to that the Palestinian Authority and any elections will not tolerate any election or of individuals or parties that are not committed to a peaceful process. That is an absolute red line. It is part of the agreement. It's what we've been talking to other allies about for a very, very long time on health care cases. Yes. As I reported, we have had health care cases coming to the United Kingdom and students.

And of course, we are extremely careful in the checks that we carry out on everybody that comes to this country, but I return, Mr Speaker, to the fact that this is a historic deal. It is important for the region. It is important for the world. It is to be celebrated across this House because of the relief it brings to the hostages and their families in particular, and to the many thousands of people in Gaza. And I was, as I say, surprised and saddened that she overlooked what to me is a really important part of the resolution of this conflict.



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Should have been, and I still don't committed, Sir Richard. Thank you.
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Ed Davey Portrait Rt Hon Ed Davey MP (Kingston and Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)
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Minister for advance sight of his statement, and I start by joining him in condemning the evil anti-Semitic. Terrorist attack that killed Adrian Dalby and Melvin. Kravitz at their synagogue in Manchester. Anti-Semitism must be stamped out, and British Jews must be able to feel safe. In our country. Mr Speaker, after horrific Hamas terror attacks of October the 7th and two years of appalling death and destruction since the cease fire in Gaza comes as an enormous relief to us all.

It finally offers a moment of hope, but it is only the beginning, and there is a lot of work to do. Already today, we can see how precarious the situation is with Israeli forces killing Palestinians. They say cross the yellow line and both sides accusing each other of violating the cease fire. So the immediate priority must

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be to ensure the ceasefire does hold. As well. As to make sure that life saving

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As to make sure that life saving food, water and medicine reaches all those facing starvation and disease. those facing starvation and disease. So can I ask the Prime Minister to set out in more detail what the UK set out in more detail what the UK is doing to get aid into Gaza as quickly as possible, and ask him to keep updating this House on those vital efforts. Madam speaker, it was so moving to see the images so moving to see the images yesterday of families weeping with joy as hostages were reunited with joy as hostages were reunited with their loved ones.

But does the Prime Minister share my anger and the anger bereaved families, that Hamas anger bereaved families, that Hamas has still not released the bodies of all deceased hostages? These terrorists captured innocent people, held them hostage and killed them. And even now, they deny their And even now, they deny their families the chance to bury them and mourn them properly. Palestinian families are starting to return home

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families are starting to return home to, but for many, their homes are now rubble. And the process.

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Of rebuilding will be long and difficult. A ceasefire is not the same as a lasting peace. Only a two state solution can deliver that. So welcome the Prime Minister's decision to finally recognise Palestine last month. And could I ask him what work he's doing with partners to help build a viable Palestinian state that can live peacefully, peacefully alongside Israel? And has he spoken to President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to make clear that the expansion of illegal Israeli Israeli settlements in the West Bank must stop?

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Yeah. Israelis and. Palestinians have suffered unimaginable trauma. Much suffered unimaginable trauma. Much of it will never be healed. But today they can at least begin to hope that their children will go free of their this. Appalling cycle
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Keir Starmer Portrait Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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free of their this. Appalling cycle of violence. Well, can I thank him for the content and tone of his response in relation to his questions? We are working with others on getting aid into Gaza. Until recently there have been mainly airdrops. Obviously what we really need is trucks going in and that's what we've been focusing on, in particular in the practical work that we were doing yesterday whilst we're in Egypt, and we will continue to do so, and I will take up his invitation to update the House in relation to that.

I do personally think that in these early days, it is probably one of the single most important things that we need to absolutely focus on because yes, it was a historic day, but implementing this is really important that any misstep, any step backwards, would have the potential to undermine what actually happened yesterday in relation to the bodies. I absolutely agree they must be released. Those poor families need to be able to grieve properly and they cannot do so. And it is cruel that they've been held so long, and they must be immediately released in relation to the two state solution.

Look, this is necessarily and rightly the long term objective, because I do not believe there will be lasting peace. And without a two state solution, a safe and secure Israel, which we do not have, or a viable Palestinian state which we do not have. And so that must be the end goal. And we're working with others to ensure that that remains the goal. Along the way, there has to be the work on the governance, the security and the reconstruction in Gaza.

And I have to say, once the media are fully into Gaza, I think we will be having quite some debate in this House when the full horror of what has happened there and devastation is finally seen in relation to illegal settlements. Yes, I absolutely have made clear in relation to the West Bank what must happen or not happen, I should say, in relation to the illegal settlements. And it's important that we ensure that this is a process that leads to a lasting peace for Israel, for Gaza, and of course, for the West Bank as well.
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Keir Starmer Portrait Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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and violence. That sounds like the old Tory party I used to know, and I'm really party I used to know, and I'm really pleased to hear it, because it is only in a sense, by uniting across this House in the face of a conflict that's gone on for far too long, and being clear eyed about the only way there can be peace that is lasting, that we will be able to play a full part as our country in bringing that about.

And I welcome the old tone and the old content that I just heard. Melanie Ward. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The emotional scenes in recent days in Palestine and Israel are proof that only politics and never violence, can bring security to the people of the bring security to the people of the region, and accountability for the heinous killing that has taken place heinous killing that has taken place must be part of the future. To. As someone who, as a then aid worker, stood in a hospital in Gaza last stood in a hospital in Gaza last year, I know that the UK can play a key role in rebuilding Gaza's decimated health system.

Will the decimated health system. Will the Prime Minister meet me to discuss this, and will he convey the thanks of these benches to the national of these benches to the national security adviser, who has played a truly vital role in making this ceasefire happen? Not for the first time. The leader of the opposition has no idea what she's talking about, and her backbenchers know it as well. OK. the role that national security adviser played. And it's important. It's a typical UK role, which is quiet behind the scenes, diplomatic but bringing around really helpful steps towards the desired end.

I

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will make sure she gets a meeting with the relevant minister on the other issues. Sir Andrew Mitchell.
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Kit Malthouse Portrait Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP (North West Hampshire, Conservative)
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Deputy Speaker, setting aside the fact that we find ourselves in a situation where conditions have been placed upon the cessation of the annihilation of entire people, or the strange delineation between hostages on one side and prisoners

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held in administrative detention on the other. We should, of. Course. All. As the Prime Minister said, expressed profound relief at the end expressed profound relief at the end of the killing, not least of one child, every 45 minutes for two years. Isn't the lesson, though, of years. Isn't the lesson, though, of the last two years that when the UK finally moves on from empty rhetoric finally moves on from empty rhetoric to take concrete action, that there is movement in the parties to a conflict like this, and that conflict like this, and that therefore we should be thinking about what more concrete action we can take, and in particular in three areas.

First of all, can we please have concrete steps to deter Israeli territorial ambition in the West Bank, including a ban on settlement goods? Now that we've. Officially goods? Now that we've. Officially recognised that territory? Secondly, could we have a reassertion of UK

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support for international law and the institutions which support it? And in. Particular, if he could use his. Relationship with.

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Relationship with. President Trump to have the sanctions on individuals at the UN and the International Criminal Court lifted. And finally, if we are to lifted. And finally, if we are to support or participate in an International Stabilisation Force, could we please insist that it also covers areas B and C of the occupied Palestinian territories where the

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Palestinian territories where the IDF? I'm afraid. Too. Often acts as cover for incidents

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of Israeli terrorism. Well. I thank him for his question of
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Keir Starmer Portrait Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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**** Possible New Speaker ****

Him for raising this. Firstly, let's be clear it is not flooding in today. It is beginning to go in today. It needs to flood in, but it's not flooding in yet and so we do need to get it in. He's absolutely right that then the distribution becomes a critical next issue. And that's why we're working with others on what the security arrangements need to be in place as soon as possible in Gaza to ensure that aid gets to where it needs to get to.

So volume, speed and effective distribution are absolutely key in relation to this. And we're working with others to ensure that we play our part in that. Apsana Begum September last year, the government announced data suspended 30 export licenses to suspended 30 export licenses to Israel, with around 350 licensed licences remaining active. The government has repeatedly said it was blocking the sale of items to be was blocking the sale of items to be used in Israel's military assault in Gaza, yet a new channel four report Gaza, yet a new channel four report has found Israel importing nearly £1 million worth of UK munitions in the first nine months of this year, with first nine months of this year, with a total of 110,000 items categorised as bullets from the UK to Israel.

In August alone, with the Prime Minister confirm what the UK made. The munitions were used in Israel's military assault in Gaza. And does military assault in Gaza. And does he agree with me that a world for justice and with peace that is lasting must be one without these lasting must be one without these bullets and these bombs?
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