Oral Answers to Questions

Rushanara Ali Excerpts

Wednesday 10th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I thank the right hon. Member for his question. I also particularly thank him and all leaders in Northern Ireland who have urged calm, particularly before what happened last night. Standing together with that common message was very powerful. I am very happy to meet the right hon. Member and other MPs from Northern Ireland, as he requests, and I think that a slot has been identified after Prime Minister’s questions. It is important that we meet at the first opportunity.

We are all sickened by this attack, but we need to be clear that the scenes of violence and disorder have no justification. Of course there are questions that need to be answered, but destroying communities, destroying homes and driving people out of their homes is not, and will never be, the right way to respond to such an attack. I look forward to working with the right hon. Member and others to ensure a calm response and that the police are given the space that they need to deliver justice.

[Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Stepney) (Lab)]

Q4. I associate myself with the Prime Minister’s remarks about the horrific situation in Northern Ireland.The Mildmay hospital in my constituency, established in 1877, has been a pioneer for HIV and AIDs care since the 1980s. Diana, Princess of Wales made 17 visits to this unique charitable hospital, breaking through the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. Today, Mildmay also provides care for patients with other complex needs, relieving pressure on the NHS, yet it is at risk of closure because of commissioning issues in the NHS. Ahead of the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death next year, will the Prime Minister lend his support to this iconic hospital, which was so close to her heart, so that it can survive and thrive?

[The Prime Minister]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising the Mildmay hospital, which is synonymous with extraordinary care and compassion as she describes. I will ensure that she meets the relevant Health Minister to discuss the concerns I know she has in relation to it.