The issue continuing to overhang debates and work in the Houses of Parliament is the attack on Israel and the people in Gaza.
During the King's Speech Debate, I reminded the Prime Minister of the ongoing horrific events in Israel and Gaza. I join constituents in calling for restraint. Lives must be saved.
We must keep in our minds that, until they release the hostages, until they can honestly say that they're not going to repeat that kind of attack, and that they're going to recognise a State of Israel, Hamas will be a continuing problem.
It is important that we acknowledge that we can't just close our eyes and hope that an instant, lasting ceasefire will solve all of the problems.
We have to have an end to the violence. War cannot be a means to an end.
There will be plenty of time in the future to discuss and resolve the terrible way that the aggressive settlements have destroyed people's lives in the West Bank and the condition of people in Gaza in the past.
Since the 7th of October, we have to recognise the bigger reality is the deliberate pogrom launched from Gaza by Hamas killers across the Israel border on innocent Israelis of all faiths.
We must seek to bring security to both the people of Israel and to the people of Gaza.
In this country, we have protection for people who are Muslim against hatred, we have protection for people who are Jewish against hatred, everyone needs protection.
The Early Day Motion I signed in Parliament as the leading Government Side MP, backed by colleagues from eight parties, backed the joint statement from 12 leading aid agencies including Oxfam, Christian Aid, CAFOD and Islamic Relief. I remain in support of an immediate ending of hostilities and the urgent provision of necessary humanitarian aid.
Constituents will join me in praying and hoping for peace across Israel and the Palestinian territories.
