John McDonnell

John McDonnell

Labour — Hayes and Harlington

Speaking in the House of Commons on 5 December 2024

Debate

Detention of Alaa Abd el-Fattah

Contribution

I want to make it explicit that nobody who has raised this case wants to prevent the UK Government from providing aid and assistance, particularly given the issues that are happening to the Palestinians in Gaza—we are certainly not asking for that. What we are asking for relates to the relationship on trade and on arms sales. I believe there is potential leverage in those areas to enable us to secure Alaa’s release. In addition, the relationship with the Egyptian ambassador also gives us the opportunity to exercise some leverage. Those are the activities that we would like the Government to pursue.

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