Speeches by Gilbert.

“Minister, you set out four essential shifts for the introduction of a development reset. What does that mean in the context of energy access?”

“From this plan to the next one, what do you think we could do differently to improve the outcomes for the next national plan?”

“In the context of the cuts, will you continue to monitor specifically how those cuts have impacted on those underrepresented groups?”

“Finally on this point, again in the context of the cuts, how can we continue to ensure that we have that local expertise and that it is included in the decision making, and that that knowledge is preserved within the Department?”

“In terms of future direction and opportunities, when we learn lessons from UK-led projects, how are they identified and how is that shared to shape future programmes and policy?”

“How are those projects identified?”

“On the national action plan, going forward, do you think there will be more of a domestic focus for us in the UK?”

“The plan looking towards internal UK.”

“In that engagement with local communities, can you give us reassurance about what is taken into account in similar projects for other groups, such people with disabilities?”

“I have many views on it, but we don’t have time to go into it. It is interesting for us that the Government manifesto, in terms of violence against women and girls, is determined to fix these things, but with the Supreme Court judgment there is quite a lot of work to be done.”

“To circle back a bit, you touched earlier on energy projects and the impacts they have on specific groups. I think you mentioned women and cooking. In the context of the cuts to the aid budget, how will the Government ensure that the focus on gender equality and inclusion in energy projects remains at the centre of the…”

“I have a few questions moving on to women and girls and, in particular, the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan. We are about to mark the 25-year anniversary. What successes and milestones can we celebrate for women and girls that have been delivered through the UK’s Women, Peace and Security National Action…”

“Over the summer recess, I met the Shore collective: a group of hospitality businesses in my constituency that have come together—it includes Tapa, which recently won the best local restaurant award in The Scotsman’s 2025 scran awards. Many businesses like Tapa are struggling with rising energy and raw ingredient costs.…”

“I welcome the sanctions that the Government have put in place on the Israeli Government, as in their current form they are not a reliable or trusted partner. Has the Foreign Secretary ordered a review of the UK’s relationship with the Israeli Government over the last 13 months? If not, why not?”

“I must congratulate and thank my hon. Friend for securing this important debate. This debate should be difficult to listen to, but it still does not compare to the violent impact of pornography on women and girls. Does she agree that the upcoming violence against women and girls strategy should explicitly recognise and…”

“The ground invasion of Deir al-Balah is the latest to add to the daily attacks on Gazans, and it is further evidence that the conflict has gone too far. Israeli Foreign Ministers have already rejected the joint statement signed by 31 countries, including ours. Can the Foreign Secretary outline what additional specific …”

“I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement. One of my constituents, who is now in her 80s, cared for her husband, who was a victim of unethical research in Edinburgh. Her son now fears that she will die before receiving recognition or redress for what she endured. Does my right hon. Friend recognise that there is a…”

“Hi, Foreign Secretary. To move on to Gaza, with another 20 civilians killed today, how are you working with international partners to improve aid access in Gaza and to end the violence at the distribution centres?”

“How certain are you that no UK bombs and bullets are injuring aid workers and civilians while they are queuing for aid?”

“For the record, for me it is not about symbolism; it is about hope for the Palestinian people and what they told us when I was on a visit to Israel and Palestine. It is also about leadership from the UK. For me, it is not about symbolism. I absolutely accept the point that you make, and for decades prior to being in th…”