Anniversary of 7 October Attacks: Middle East

The Prime Minister opened the debate by solemnly marking the one-year anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel, which claimed over 1,000 lives and left many hostages still in captivity. He expressed the government's unwavering support for Israel and condemned the attack as a "modern pogrom" and the worst loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. The Prime Minister outlined the government's efforts to provide humanitarian aid and diplomatic support to resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and a long-term political solution based on a two-state framework. The Leader of the Opposition echoed the government's condemnation of the attack and its support for Israel's right to defend itself. He also highlighted the government's role in providing humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and called for steps to build the capacity of the Lebanese state to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing itself. The Opposition Leader reaffirmed the need to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 to deter threats and defend the country's interests. Throughout the debate, members from across the political spectrum expressed their sorrow and solidarity with the victims of the attack, the hostages and their families, and the civilian populations affected by the ongoing conflicts. Numerous speakers emphasized the importance of de-escalation, diplomacy, and a political solution to end the cycle of violence, while also condemning the role of Iran and its proxies in destabilizing the region. Discussions also touched on the need to support the health and humanitarian services in Lebanon, protect media workers covering the conflicts, and address the alarming rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in the UK in the wake of these events. Several members urged the government to take stronger action, including through arms sales restrictions and support for Palestinian statehood, to pressure Israel and hold it accountable for alleged violations of international law. The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to providing humanitarian aid, supporting Israel's right to self-defense, and working with allies to achieve a ceasefire and a lasting political settlement. He acknowledged the immense suffering of all civilian populations and the importance of protecting children and preserving the rules-based international order. Overall, the debate reflected the House's unity in condemning the terrorist attack and the ongoing violence, while also highlighting the complexities and divergent views on the appropriate policy responses to the multifaceted crisis in the Middle East.