Israel and Palestine

What is your position on the conflict in Gaza?

The situation in Gaza is devastating, and I have been clear throughout: Hamas is a terrorist organisation, and I condemn their actions unequivocally. I am equally clear that, in light of recent evidence including findings by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, the Israeli Government is committing crimes in Gaza - including deliberate starvation and preventing civilians from fleeing. As Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said, the UN's authoritative findings require a clear response, and those with influence must act.

My commitment is to work for the safety, dignity and rights of all people in the region, and to ensure the UK plays its full part in ending the cycle of violence.

What are you calling on the UK Government to do?

I have written to the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister calling for urgent action, including:

An immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations to free any hostages and protect civilians

Full, safe and sustained humanitarian access via a UN-sponsored corridor with all crossings open

UK recognition of the State of Palestine

Sanctions on Prime Minister Netanyahu and relevant Cabinet Ministers for obstructing aid and escalating military action

Suspension of all UK arms exports to Israel, including F-35 components

A ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Reversal of illegal settlement expansion

Suspension of the 2030 UK-Israel Roadmap until humanitarian access is restored

What have you done in Parliament?

I have been active on this issue across a number of fronts. Together with all 72 Liberal Democrat MPs, I signed a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to press President Donald Trump to take meaningful action, including reversing his decision to block Palestinian officials from the UN General Assembly. I also co-signed a cross-party letter with more than 200 MPs from nine parties calling for the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state.

I have signed eleven Early Day Motions covering the humanitarian situation, the aid blockade, attacks on humanitarian workers, mental health care in Gaza, and related issues. I also raised civil liberties concerns in Parliament during the Urgent Question on Palestine Action's proscription, pressing Ministers to commission an independent review of the use of terrorism legislation against peaceful protesters.

What about humanitarian access and aid?

Reopening humanitarian corridors into Gaza under UN auspices is urgent and essential. The blockade is causing further devastation and breaches international law. I have written directly to the Foreign Secretary pressing the UK Government to apply real pressure on the Netanyahu Government to lift it without delay.

I also co-signed a letter to the Home Secretary about the urgent visa and biometric barriers facing students from Gaza who hold UK university offers, as the effects of this humanitarian crisis do not stop at Gaza's borders.

What is your vision for a lasting peace?

Like many, I believe the only sustainable path forward is a two-state solution rooted in the 1967 borders - a safe and secure Israel living alongside an independent Palestinian state. The UK must work urgently with international partners to secure humanitarian access and support a just and lasting peace. I continue to receive regular updates from the Council for Arab-British Understanding and meet with partners across Parliament to stay closely informed as the situation develops.