AID TO THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

Early day motion 2303, tabled 6 June 2006 by Michael Moore (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 64 members.

That this House has grave concerns about the decision of the Israeli and other governments, including the UK, to restrict funding to the Palestinian Authority which is creating a desperate situation on the ground for Palestinians; recognises the need for Hamas to renounce violence, to recognise the state of Israel and to accept previous agreements, but notes the assessment of the United Nations that a quarter of the Palestinian population is dependent on Palestinian Authority salaries and that without external funding poverty rates in the Occupied Territories are expected to rise from 56 per cent. to 74 per cent. in two years; welcomes the Quartet decision to establish a temporary international mechanism to provide assistance to Palestinians, but is concerned about the delay in establishing it and that the funds provided may be insufficient in size and duration; and urges all sides and participants to recognise the urgency of the situation and to take steps to create a sustainable future for the Palestinians.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 33, Labour 25, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, Respect 1.