UK Parliament / Open data

Situation in the Red Sea

Proceeding contribution from John Healey (Labour) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 24 January 2024. It occurred during Debate on Situation in the Red Sea.

What do I think? Well, it would be helpful to have access to the sort of classified information that the Defence Secretary has in order to make these decisions. It is his responsibility to do so, and it is our responsibility in this House to challenge and hold him to account when he makes those decisions—and, of course, if he fails to make decisions.

Perhaps I might return to the Red sea and the theme and focus of this debate. We now have around 2,500 military personnel in the middle east, and I begin by recognising their special service. Many were deployed at short notice—most were away from their families over Christmas—helping to supply essential aid for Palestinians in Gaza, working to reinforce regional security and reduce the risk of wider escalation, and, in cases such as those of the crew of HMS Diamond and the pilots of the Typhoons and air tankers, operating under great pressure and threat. They undertake their tasks with total professionalism. We thank them and are proud of them.

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
744 c354 
Session
2023-24
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
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