I have this evening voted in favour of a ceasefire in the Middle East, in line with my previous call in the Chamber of the House of Commons. Our amendment this evening sought to have the UK join the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire. We did not win the vote, but the number of MPs of other parties who voted with us is important, and speaks to a widespread desire for the suffering to stop.
This is a hugely worrying and very serious subject. People will have different views on what should happen. However, I have no doubt we are all deeply concerned for the innocent civilians caught up in the horrific aftermath of the Hamas terror attack on 7th October. The Israeli hostages must be freed. The Gazan population must be spared further siege and bombardment.
I have made the point in the Commons that we must see far greater focus on securing peace in this area of the world. It’s not good enough that we turn our heads away until there is a crisis such as the tragedy we are seeing unfold.
At home people are sick with worry because of a shocking rise in antisemitism and islamophobia. Whatever our views on the Middle East, it is always unforgivable to spread hatred, and it is vital that we collectively stand up against this.

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