Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Richard Graham and Alistair Burt

Wednesday 9th January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con)]

The US decision to stop funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency support to Palestine risks vital education and healthcare services there. I welcome DFID’s decision to increase funding in the short term, but is that sustainable in the longer term?

[Alistair Burt]

We and other donors have moved very rapidly this year to seek to cover a shortfall in UNRWA funding. Work is going on to ensure that, in the long term, UNRWA is sustainable. Ultimately, though, the issue is not UNRWA, but the unresolved situation of refugees.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Richard Graham and Alistair Burt

Tuesday 15th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con)]

The stated position of all British Governments for a long time has been support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the heightened violence on the Israeli-Gaza border and the casualties coming from it now make that possibility look even more remote?

[Alistair Burt]

It may be difficult, and it may be remote, but if it is the right answer we should continue to pursue it, and we will.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Richard Graham and Alistair Burt

Tuesday 27th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Alistair Burt]

I cannot speak in any way for the conduct of Turkish forces or anything of the like. As I said to the House earlier, our aims in Syria are coherent: lasting defeat of Daesh, and political transition to a Government who protect the rights of all, including Kurdish communities and all minority groups. All activity that affects the Kurdish community should remember that the ultimate destination of Syria will depend on Kurdish communities feeling part of it, without the risk of terror across its borders, and that should be considered by all.

[Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con)]

12. What recent assessment he has made of future political and diplomatic opportunities for the Commonwealth.