Speeches by Brandreth.

“Let me begin by drawing attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I support the amendment tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Grantham and Bourne (Gareth Davies). Increasing employers’ national insurance contributions will be hugely detrimental not only to businesses, but to employees i…”

“That is another important point, about yet another group who will be badly impacted by these ill thought-through changes. I urge the Government to think again, and to back these very necessary amendments.”

“That is an important point. These are the unintended consequences that must be considered, and this is why we really must consider the amendment. The impact of the Bill will be felt throughout the economy: it poses the risk of higher inflation, and it will mean fewer employment opportunities. This decision affects busi…”

“My inspirational constituent, Bells Lewers, has terminal bowel cancer. When she was first undergoing treatment, she was initially turned down for personal independence payment, despite the significant impact on her ability to work and carry out basic daily activities. Has the Minister considered incorporating clinical …”

“Thank you, both of you. Professor Sassoli, you touched on this briefly in your answer to Blair about the actions that the UN Security Council could take. I wondered whether you could elaborate on what functions and powers, if any, the UN Security Council has in initiating, guaranteeing and enforcing ceasefires.”

“Dr Baskin, I could see that you wanted to come in on that.”

“Thank you so much. I cannot imagine how difficult the last 431 days have been for you, Sharone, and your family. Do you believe that the UK is doing enough to try to help bring your father home? What action in particular would you like to see from the Government?”

“Dr Baskin, I could see that you wanted to come in on that.”

“Thank you so much. I cannot imagine how difficult the last 431 days have been for you, Sharone, and your family. Do you believe that the UK is doing enough to try to help bring your father home? What action in particular would you like to see from the Government?”

“Colonel Eisen, I am just asking you initially. How do you think community cohesion can be restored between Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs, after the traumatic events of the past year? How important is restoring that cohesion to creating the trust that we need as a basis for any long-term agreement?”

“Thank you so much. I cannot imagine how difficult the last 431 days have been for you, Sharone, and your family. Do you believe that the UK is doing enough to try to help bring your father home? What action in particular would you like to see from the Government?”

“Dr Baskin, I could see that you wanted to come in on that.”

“Colonel Eisen, I am just asking you initially. How do you think community cohesion can be restored between Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs, after the traumatic events of the past year? How important is restoring that cohesion to creating the trust that we need as a basis for any long-term agreement?”

“Colonel Eisen, I am just asking you initially. How do you think community cohesion can be restored between Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs, after the traumatic events of the past year? How important is restoring that cohesion to creating the trust that we need as a basis for any long-term agreement?”

“Those are all topics that we are going to come back to. I just want to think about Lebanon. The ceasefire is an extremely positive sign, and we hope it is indicative of future deals to bring an end to the violence in the region. We need to recognise that Israel is, of course, a country at war, and therefore there will …”

“Absolutely. Do you think that the ceasefire in Lebanon has any bearing on whether we are more or less likely to have a ceasefire in Gaza?”

“Yes, I have a question about that, but I also have a follow-up on this point. Obviously, the US and Israel have an incredibly strong relationship, and under the incoming Administration it is likely that US support and resolve for Israel may get firmer. Are there any steps that the Government could be taking now to work…”

“Absolutely. I am thinking a bit about how we all work towards achieving the goal we want—a ceasefire. The UK often has a role as a convener, and we have been talking a lot in this Committee about soft power. How could the UK use our connections with other countries—such as Jordan, perhaps—who are keen to work towards a…”

“You are saying that you are looking at things like investing in tech, etc. I am asking whether you have considered whether there is a financial aspect to that, or you are simply going to give words but not actually follow through with a financial element?”

“I am hoping that you are going to tell me, as you are the Foreign Secretary.”