Speeches by Kumaran.

“How exactly has this been raised, Foreign Secretary?”

“When the Minister for the Middle East appeared before us last week, he suggested that you would be able to update us on the envoy for arbitrary detention, who the Foreign Affairs Committee has been asking about throughout this Parliament. Do you have an update for us?”

“The Minister told us last week that “the basic norms of international humanitarian law are being increasingly unadhered to”, and said: “A whole range of questions on accountability remain unanswered.” Yesterday, you will have seen, as we did, EU Foreign Ministers struggling to reach an agreement regarding trade with il…”

“That is welcome news for the Committee. As part of the evidence last week, I asked the Minister for the Middle East questions about Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan hospital, who has been in Israeli detention for 18 months without charge. The UN has determined his detention as arbitrary and called it a fla…”

“Will you be making that point to the incoming Prime Minister?”

“I have two short questions on Sri Lanka. Last summer, I asked your predecessor about horrific mass graves uncovered in Chemmani, in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Since then, over 400 bodies have been excavated and recovered, including those of children and babies. The families of the disappeared and Tamil civil s…”

“We would welcome you writing to us. The Minister told us: “For the question of specific crimes against doctors or anybody else, it is right that those international mechanisms, or indeed Israel’s own accountability mechanisms, take place.” The issue is that the UN has had to wade in on this situation, saying that he is…”

“Thank you. I also want to ask about humanitarian workers. Twenty years ago, in August 2006, 17 members of Action Against Hunger were executed in their office in Mutur, Sri Lanka. They were clearly identified as humanitarian workers by their clothing. There is compelling evidence pointing to the likely responsibility of…”

“Yesterday you made a public statement about Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan hospital. He has been in Israeli detention for 18 months, held without charge. His lawyer has said that there is a tangible danger to life. We know that his case is not isolated. UN experts have told us detention and torture o…”

“A doctor.”

“On the issue of returning residents, there is a huge risk of unexploded ordinance in southern Lebanon. The Mines Advisory Group is doing important work in Lebanon to warn people about the risks and to clear the land. I know that the FCDO has a long-standing partnership with MAG and with the Halo Trust—we heard evidence…”

“So what is our response to such excessive and systemic violations? If we have sanctioned Ministers, what is our response for this?”

“That was a great question, Chair. Minister, I have a final question for you, in the same vein. The UK is penholder on the UN security council resolution 2286 demanding the protection of wounded and sick individuals, medical personnel and humanitarian workers during armed conflict. We have seen doctors rounded up in Gaz…”

“Thank you for continuing to press for his and other aid workers’ and medics’ and professionals’ release, but what possible response could the Israeli authorities provide you with? Strongly worded letters or our representations are not being met. What options do you now have left to further press for his release?”

“Earlier this year I wrote to you about the Israeli death penalty law and the system of legal apartheid that Palestinians are facing. You said in your response to me that the Government are “deeply concerned by the reports of mistreatment of detainees” and you went on to talk about the 1949 Geneva conventions. Since 7 O…”

“Will the hon. Member give way?”

“I could not agree more with my right hon. Friend. For some Members on the right, particularly those representing outer London suburbs, that issue has become the newest punching bag. This should not be about party politics; it should be about cleaning up our polluted air. In just five years, we have seen the difference …”

“Residents in Stratford and Bow tell me that some of their monthly service charges have now reached almost £600. It is driving them to the financial brink, and many of their neighbours are now facing legal threats for falling behind. I have had to intervene on several occasions, calling public meetings with management a…”

“I thank the Prime Minister for his moving statement and the formal apology today. We have heard the heartfelt personal experiences of Members across the House and the experiences of their constituents, and it has been deeply moving. I know that all our thoughts are with the mothers, babies and families separated and wi…”

“The Conservatives in City Hall called the whole of ULEZ “bewildering” and have objected to it at every turn. I read out the statistics earlier: there has been a 40% reduction in nitrogen oxide levels and a huge positive impact in London from ULEZ. The Mayor of London won two decisive elections after its introduction. L…”