Thank you for your email about the horrific killing of veteran war correspondent Shireen Abu Aqla.

I absolutely share your outright horror and my heart goes out to all of Shireen’s friends and family.

The footage that has surfaced from Shireen’s funeral, showing Israeli police firing teargas at mourners and attacking them with batons, was deeply disturbing and utterly appalling. I strongly condemn this violence and clearly action is needed to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

This attack was not only on an individual, but on the freedom of the media and the right to report on the human rights abuses in Palestine. Journalists like Shireen play a crucial role in reporting conflicts, seeking truth and telling the stories of the oppressed.

International law and human rights must be upheld, and I therefore stand with all those demanding accountability for the killing of Shireen Abu Aqla. There must be an urgent, independent and impartial inquiry to secure that.

Therefore I have written to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to express the strong feeling within Sheffield Heeley for a proper inquiry and swift action from our Government. Please see a copy of this letter below.

More broadly I am a firm supporter of Palestinian rights and a firm advocate for a two-state solution. The situation facing many Palestinians is dire and there are, unfortunately, huge barriers to achieving peace.

I have written extensively about this topic in the past, and feel passionately about ending violence in the region. Please visit my website to see updates on this ongoing situation: https://www.louisehaigh.org.uk/foreign-affairs/

I can assure you that I will follow this case closely and will urge the Government to take urgent action on this matter.