I have been contacted by constituents who are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and the effect it has had on antisemitism here in the UK.
Please be assured that my colleagues and I remain convinced of the need and determined to return the remaining Israeli hostages home, bring about a sustainable ceasefire leading to a permanent end to hostilities and enable a significant scaling up of much-needed humanitarian aid getting into Gaza.
Longer-term, I hope that all parties will enter into a proper, negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. I know that the UK has long encouraged the parties to progress towards a negotiated two-state solution.
While I understand that the current governing party’s 2024 General Election Manifesto committed to recognise a Palestinian state, I strongly believe that the UK should only recognise a Palestinian state at a time when it best serves the objective of peace. We must avoid premature declarations which would serve to vindicate the use of violence and terrorism as legitimate methods to achieve political goals. I will continue to encourage the Labour Government to act in accordance with this principle.
Regarding concerns around the current UK Government returning funding to UNRWA, I can confirm that ministers in the previous Conservative Government had been waiting for the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services’ report investigating the veracity of Israel’s claim against 19 UNRWA staff members. However, in line with the current Labour Government’s announcement, my colleagues and I will continue to make the case that taxpayers' money destined to help those most in need must never end up in the hands of terrorists. We will hold the Labour Government to account in making sure that UNRWA implements all the recommendations made by the Colonna report so that this situation will never arise again. You can read more here: UK to restart funding to UNRWA - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
On a domestic basis, please be assured that I absolutely, unequivocally condemn all acts of antisemitism in the strongest possible terms. Any discrimination or intimidation based on religion or race is deplorable and must not be tolerated.
My colleagues and I are firmly committed to tackling the scourge of antisemitism in whatever form it emerges. I am very proud that the United Kingdom was the first country to formally adopt the working definition of antisemitism as set by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, setting an example that I hope the rest of the world will follow. Please be assured that I will continue to speak out in Parliament about the importance of tackling antisemitism in all its forms.
We should not forget that education is a vital tool in the fight against antisemitism and I support action which has been taken to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten. The last Conservative Government brought forward the Holocaust Memorial Bill which will facilitate the building of a National Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre next to the Houses of Parliament in Victoria Tower Gardens. This memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust and other victims of Nazi persecution. It will also help educate future generations about where, if unchecked, antisemitism and hatred can lead. A carry-over motion was passed so that this Bill can continue its progress and I am pleased that the new Labour Government has re-introduced the Bill into Parliament.