Like so many people in Hornsey & Friern Barnet, I have watched the news in horror over recent months.  The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical and deteriorating.  More than a million Palestinians are facing starvation.

This must end now.  We need an immediate ceasefire, the release and return of all hostages, an end to settlement expansion and settler violence, and full humanitarian access to Gaza to help innocent Palestinians, many of whom are now without food, water, and medicine.  UNRWA funding must be restored.

In Parliament, many months ago now I put my name to Labour’s motion calling for an immediate ceasefire, for Israel to comply in full with the ICJ ruling of Friday 26 January 2024 and supporting recognition of Palestine as a contribution to, rather than an outcome, of a two-state solution.  You can read the full text of Labour’s motion here.

Now that we have a Labour Government, new Foreign Secretary David Lammy has already reiterated our calls for an immediate ceasefire and that responding to the grave situation in Gaza will be one of our top international priorities.  In one of his first calls as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer reiterated to Prime Minister Netanyahu the need for a clear and immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians.

On Friday 19 July, the Foreign Secretary made a statement in Parliament which you can read in full here and which confirmed that the government has ended the funding pause on UNRWA effective immediately.  This begins with £21m to support the humanitarian response in Gaza, provide essential services for refugees across the region, and alleviate the suffering of civilians.

Prior to Labour forming the government following the General Election, I updated my website regularly on the actions we were taking from opposition.  Click here to see the actions Labour took since Hamas’ attack of 7 October to make the case for peace.  The road to peace is through a two-state solution: a viable Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.  Labour is absolutely committed to this and to the recognition of the state of Palestine, which Gaza must be part of.

As the MP for Hornsey & Friern Barnet, my own focus since 7 October has also been on the impact these events are having right here in our own community.  I have been appalled and deeply saddened that the Community Safety Trust and the Metropolitan Police have reported a steep increase in anti-Semitic incidents, including abuse and assaults. Tell Mama has reported a tripling of cases to their services, including reports of Islamophobia threats, abuse, and assaults.

There is understandable concern within our community about safety right here on our streets, and I have met with Jewish and Muslim leaders locally to offer my support.  I am also in close, regular contact with Haringey Police and Haringey Council, and in my new constituency am arranging meetings with Barnet Council and Barnet Police.   You can view my statement here on the community reassurance work taking place locally as well as details of how to report any concerns.