Bedford & Kempston MP, Mohammad Yasin (Labour), has used the first session of Prime Minister’s Questions under the new Government, to ask Prime Minister Keir Starmer, what further pressure he can apply to bring about a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
During his election campaign, Mr Yasin committed to constituents that he would continue to raise the issue of Gaza under a Labour Government, as much as he did under the last Government.
He even promised it would be his first question to the new Prime Minster if he was re-elected.
Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, Mr Yasin said: “I’m pleased to see the Government’s swift action in officially calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a rapid increase of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the restoration of funds to UNWRA, the commitment to complying with potential ICC arrest warrants and to recognising a Palestinian State.
“But too many innocent people are being killed every day. There is nowhere safe in Gaza. So, what further pressure can the Prime Minister apply to bring about a ceasefire?”
Responding, the Prime Minister said: “Both the foreign secretary and I have set about the urgent need for a ceasefire to President Netanyahu.
“We want a pathway to a two-state solution, a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable, sovereign Palestinian state and I used my first overseas trip as Prime Minister, particularly at NATO to raise this with world leaders and under a Labour Government this subject will be discussed, negotiated and fought for at the highest levels on the world stage.
“The alternative is standing on street corners protesting. Ultimately, Only one of those will deliver change.”
Following PMQs, Mr Yasin added: “During the election campaign I promised constituents that my first question to the Prime Minister would be on the horrific situation in Gaza so I was very pleased to be able to do that today.
“I will do all I can in Parliament to end the horrific situation in Gaza and it’s great that the new Government has already taken a number of important steps to bring a diplomatic solution to end the suffering.
“As I said in my question, there is no safe place in Gaza and innocent people are being killed every day. The ceasefire is the priority because only then can the suffering begin to end, the aid be delivered, and the path to peace begin.”
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