A year has passed since the awful attacks on Israel on October 7 and the taking of hostages. The events of that day have been followed by a relentless and devastating campaign of destruction in Gaza. Having heard first-hand testimony from those who have travelled to the region to provide medical support, humanitarian crisis that has unfolded remains a cause of great concern to me as the MP for Bolton West.
Earlier this week, I met with the Foreign Office Minister responsible for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP, to discuss work he is doing to alleviate the situation for those in Gaza. Fresh from his visit to Egypt, Minister Falconer re-assured me that ensuring the free flow of aid into Gaza remains a priority for the government. Since the general election , the UK government has lifted the pause on UK funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) with immediate effect.
The UK is playing a leading role in helping to alleviate the suffering in Gaza and is providing significant funding. It has already provided over 1.3 million items of medicine, but there remains much more to be done - especially ahead of winter.
Mr Brickell with Palestinian ambassador Dr Husam Zomlot (Image: Office of Phil Brickell MP) We discussed the importance of upholding international law, including respecting the independence of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Since July, the government has taken both of these crucial steps, ensuring that those .
