Thank you for contacting me about the tragic murder of Tom Hurndall and the recent anniversary. 

April 2023 marked twenty years since Tom was shot whilst helping children reach a point of safety in Rafah, Gaza. His killing was appalling and my thoughts are with Tom’s family at this time of remembrance.

As you have stated, Tom’s anniversary presents us with an important reminder of how little the situation in Palestine has progressed, particularly in the last eight years.

Unfortunately because of parliamentary convention I am restricted from signing any EDMs due to my position as Shadow Secretary of State for Transport .However I will continue to press the Government on this matter and raise your concerns in Parliament. 

I have raised issues around Palestinian rights and the Occupied Territories on many occasions as the Vice Chair of Labour Friends of Palestine.

This has been one of the deadliest years for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Tragically, as of April this year, 98 Palestinians, including 17 children, and 17 Israeli civilians have been killed in the ongoing violence, including three British-Israelis.

We cannot deny that the ongoing occupation of the Palestinian territories has led to significant human rights violations against the Palestinian people. The UK must be a strong and consistent advocate for justice, human rights and international law in this conflict. Escalating violence and human rights violations leave us further than ever from a thriving and prosperous Palestinian state, alongside a safe and secure Israel.

The solution to these problems must be a two-state solution. I will continue to strongly oppose all actions that make this harder to achieve, including rocket attacks, the expansion of illegal settlements, settler violence and evictions and demolitions, and all acts of terrorism.