Newbury MP Laura Farris continues Gaza conversations with David Cameron

Newbury MP Laura Farris has been continuing conversations with David Cameron on Gaza.

She met the foreign secretary last Monday (March 4) to talk about what discussions were being had internationally.

Speaking before the start of Ramadan Mrs Farris said the former Prime Minister stressed the importance of the fighting stopping before the holy month.

“He made himself crystal clear,” she said.

“He said Ramadan is a crucial moment and there has been intense work to get the fighting to stop.

“He is working towards a pause in fighting followed by a sustainable ceasefire. In other words that a pause in fighting will not lead to a resumption in the conflict at a later date.”

She said that there is strong engagement from the UK’s partners, including Qatar and Jordan.

And there are areas of agreement with the US on what a potential political settlement could look like.

Residents in Newbury are still holding silent vigils every Thursday and say they will do so until the war stops.

Mrs Farris added: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is absolutely dire and I believe that an immediate cessation in fighting is imperative to get food, water and shelter in.

“Although Israel has a binding obligation in law to allow the access of aid, the fact is that aid supplies have halved in recent weeks with President Biden announcing an ‘emergency mission’ in his State of the Union address to construct a temporary port that will supply aid direct.

“I have been to see David Cameron about all these issues in recent weeks and believe that now, despite the despicable attacks of 7th October, is the moment when a two-state solution must be determined.

“I recognise of course the practical difficulties but I believe this is the only way to achieve security for Israel and freedom and democracy for the Palestinian people.”