Oral Answers to Questions

Joanna Cherry Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab)]

If he will maintain the level of the UK’s funding contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.

[Joanna Cherry (Edinburgh South West) (SNP)]

What recent assessment the Government have made of the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

--- Later in debate ---

[James Cleverly]

The UK Government regard UNWRA as an important partner in support of the people in the OPTs and surrounding areas. We are going through a prioritisation exercise at the moment, the outcome of which will be published in due course.

[Joanna Cherry [V]]

As schools around the world deal with the challenges of the covid pandemic, Palestinian schoolchildren face a further threat. According to the United Nations, 53 Palestinian schools in the occupied west bank are subject to Israeli Government demolition orders. Does the Minister agree that demolishing any school is wrong and that any such action should have consequences?

[James Cleverly]

The UK regularly raises the issue of demolitions and our position on this is clear. We will continue to do so, and we will continue to highlight the importance of education, which remains one of the Government’s priorities.