schemes for pestmasters compensation schemes for postmasters and mistresses caught up in the horizon it scandal. we are streaming it nonstop today on the bbc iplayer. just navigate to the bbc news channel page to see our live streams. on the post office at scandal, mps are questioning the compensation paid to victims and we will shortly hear from the former chair of the post office, henry staunton. we are also streaming the coronavirus inquiry as it sits in cardiff, looking at how the pandemic was handled in wales. that is on tv, online, or on the iplayer app. first, more on that breaking news that we brought you, that the bbc hasissued that we brought you, that the bbc has issued an apology over the way it handled the complaint about presenter huw edwards, who was suspended lastjuly. our suspended last july. our correspondent suspended lastjuly. our correspondent is in the newsroom.

what more can you tell us? it's important to emphasise that this report, which has come from deloitte, which has looked at the issue over the last few months is not about the substance of the complaint made against huw edwards of the family by a young individual, it is looking at the bbc �*s complaints processes, and it says they have apologised that basically it was not escalated quickly enough. the initial complaint was made in mid—may 2023, but was not escalated to senior management until nearly two months later. it says it has identified areas where the bbc can improve their processes. it says that in this case, things were not logged properly and there was no consistent approach across the bbc �*s complaints processes, and that the bbc has now responded by saying that it has accepted some of the findings of this report. it has already made changes into how it handles complaints, to make sure there is better consistency across

there is better consistency across the corporation. it is also worth saying that these relate to non—editorial complaints, so complaints about the behaviour of bbc staff, say. the report also had an interesting paragraph and it says that although it was not actually part of its overall remit to look at the culture of the bbc, nevertheless some of the individuals they spoke too well they were putting this report together did say that they felt nervous about raising complaints. these employees said that they have lower levels of confidence in how robustly a complaint will be handled if it is a grievance relating to another member of staff or talents, particularly where there is an actual power discrepancy between the complainant and the subject of the complaint. since these allegations were made backin since these allegations were made back in july since these allegations were made back injuly publicly, huw edwards has not commented on the bbc has not

commented on anything further regarding any investigation into those complaints or the substance of them. but looking at the overall bbc complaints procedures, it has said it is now making changes because mistakes were made in how the complaint was actually handled. thank you. now, let's return to westminster, where the current chief executive of the post office and other bosses are giving evidence to mps about compensation, or sub—postmasters or mistresses in the horizon it scandal. stunning, trying to emulate what he did in europe. this affects our economy, our security. we i am very sorry to hear that feedback. we are listening. what i would say, and this is not defensive, please do not take this as such, it is a pro process. the

process might be long, that might be wrong, but all the decisions in hss have been made by an independent panel, so the point around causation of bankruptcy, that is not a post office decision. that decision has been made by an independent panel looking at what they have been presented with. i encourage mr huddle to bring whatever he can, including witness statements, for the panel to reconsider that position. this is an independent panel. fist position. this is an independent -anel �* i. .. . position. this is an independent anel. . panel. at your convenience, could ou let panel. at your convenience, could you let the _ panel. at your convenience, could you let the committee _ panel. at your convenience, could you let the committee know - panel. at your convenience, could you let the committee know when j panel. at your convenience, could - you let the committee know when this cap on— you let the committee know when this cap on legal— you let the committee know when this cap on legal aid was taken off? i've not heard _ cap on legal aid was taken off? i've not heard any sub—postmasters that are aware _ not heard any sub—postmasters that are aware of it but what i have heard — are aware of it but what i have heard is — are aware of it but what i have heard is sub—postmasters tell me that they— heard is sub—postmasters tell me that they are fighting against one of the _ that they are fighting against one of the biggest law firms in the country— of the biggest law firms in the country in _ of the biggest law firms in the country in an inequality of arms that they— country in an inequality of arms that they are unlikely to win. this raises _ that they are unlikely to win. this raises the — that they are unlikely to win. this raises the question that if we look at claims — raises the question that if we look at claims that were settled between

2020 and _ at claims that were settled between 2020 and 2022, i think at that stage it was_ 2020 and 2022, i think at that stage it was not— 2020 and 2022, i think at that stage it was not clear that people could take 80% — it was not clear that people could take 80% of the offer and continue... that is correct. does that— continue... that is correct. does that mean— continue... that is correct. does that mean that claims settled between 2020 and 2022 need to be re—examined? between 2020 and 2022 need to be re-examined?_ re-examined? well, if they are settled- -- _ re-examined? well, if they are settled... but _ re-examined? well, if they are settled... but often _ re-examined? well, if they are settled... but often they - re-examined? well, if they are settled... but often they could | re-examined? well, if they are i settled... but often they could not afford to fight _ settled... but often they could not afford to fight on. _ settled... but often they could not afford to fight on. but _ settled... but often they could not afford to fight on. but since - settled... but often they could not afford to fight on. but since then l afford to fight on. but since then they could — afford to fight on. but since then they could take 80% of the claim... and another— they could take 80% of the claim... and another good reason why there should be an appeals process. so we ma need should be an appeals process. so we may need to — should be an appeals process. so we may need to look _ should be an appeals process. so we may need to look at _ should be an appeals process. so we may need to look at these _ should be an appeals process. so we may need to look at these claims - may need to look at these claims again _ may need to look at these claims again if— may need to look at these claims a . ain. , , may need to look at these claims aaain. , , ., ., again. if they feel they have not had a fair outcome, _ again. if they feel they have not had a fair outcome, absolutely. | again. if they feel they have not - had a fair outcome, absolutely. our recommendation, which the advisory board have made to the minister, and the minister recognised that in the house the other day, then it is for an appeals process. that house the other day, then it is for an appeals process.— house the other day, then it is for an appeals process. at the moment there is no — an appeals process. at the moment there is no standard _ an appeals process. at the moment there is no standard tariff _ an appeals process. at the moment there is no standard tariff for - there is no standard tariff for calculating things like reputational

damage _ calculating things like reputational damage or distress and inconvenience. this makes it very difficult _ inconvenience. this makes it very difficult for — inconvenience. this makes it very difficult for sub—postmasters to put a claim _ difficult for sub—postmasters to put a claim together. how are we going to resolve _ a claim together. how are we going to resolve that? are you able to publish — to resolve that? are you able to publish some kind of standard tariff, — publish some kind of standard tariff, or— publish some kind of standard tariff, or a _ publish some kind of standard tariff, or a guide to how people can construct _ tariff, or a guide to how people can construct the right number to apply for? we _ construct the right number to apply for? ~ , ., , , for? we rely on the expertise because this _ for? we rely on the expertise because this is _ for? we rely on the expertise because this is principle - for? we rely on the expertise i because this is principle -based. for? we rely on the expertise - because this is principle -based. it because this is principle —based. it is all built on principles, and actually, the people who make these calls are people who do make these decisions all the time. these are eminent kc!— decisions all the time. these are eminent kc! ., , , eminent kc! dot-macro but the people a- -l in: are eminent kc! dot-macro but the people applying are not. _ eminent kc! dot-macro but the people applying are not. and _ eminent kc! dot-macro but the people applying are not, and therefore - eminent kc! dot-macro but the people applying are not, and therefore they i applying are not, and therefore they need a _ applying are not, and therefore they need a standard tariff to understand what they— need a standard tariff to understand what they should be applying for. -- kcs. what they should be applying for. kcs. we what they should be applying for. -- kcs. we don't want is the turret to be restrictive in any way. he. kcs. we don't want is the turret to be restrictive in any way.— kcs. we don't want is the turret to be restrictive in any way. no, but a tariff nonetheless _ be restrictive in any way. no, but a tariff nonetheless would _ be restrictive in any way. no, but a tariff nonetheless would help - be restrictive in any way. no, but a i tariff nonetheless would help people -et tariff nonetheless would help people get their— tariff nonetheless would help people get their claim numbers in the right place _ get their claim numbers in the right place. would you say it would? yes,

it would _ place. would you say it would? yes, it would so — place. would you say it would? yes, it would. so would you undertake to produce _ it would. so would you undertake to produce one? i can. have you been told at _ produce one? i can. have you been told at any— produce one? i can. have you been told at any stage by anybody to try told at any stage by anybody to try to bear— told at any stage by anybody to try to bear down on the value of claims? never~ _ never. mr reid, do you believe you have change _ mr reid, do you believe you have change the — mr reid, do you believe you have change the culture _ mr reid, do you believe you have change the culture of— mr reid, do you believe you have change the culture of the - mr reid, do you believe you have change the culture of the post. change the culture of the post office — change the culture of the post office since _ change the culture of the post office since taking _ change the culture of the post office since taking on - change the culture of the post office since taking on the - change the culture of the postl office since taking on the role? change the culture of the post - office since taking on the role? yes and there is — office since taking on the role? and there is plenty still to do. office since taking on the role? yes and there is plenty still to do. you| and there is plenty still to do. you will have heard _ and there is plenty still to do. you will have heard from the witnesses earlier, _ will have heard from the witnesses earlier, and — will have heard from the witnesses earlier, and the _ will have heard from the witnesses earlier, and the chair— will have heard from the witnesses earlier, and the chair actually- will have heard from the witnesses earlier, and the chair actually in. earlier, and the chair actually in the house — earlier, and the chair actually in the house yesterday— earlier, and the chair actually in the house yesterday quoted - earlier, and the chair actually in. the house yesterday quoted from minutes — the house yesterday quoted from minutes of— the house yesterday quoted from minutes of march _ the house yesterday quoted from minutes of march 2023 _ the house yesterday quoted from minutes of march 2023 which - the house yesterday quoted from | minutes of march 2023 which said hoard _ minutes of march 2023 which said board members— minutes of march 2023 which said board members lamented - minutes of march 2023 which said board members lamented that. minutes of march 2023 which said | board members lamented that the board _ board members lamented that the hoard was— board members lamented that the board was tired _ board members lamented that the board was tired and _ board members lamented that the board was tired and constantly- board was tired and constantly distracted _ board was tired and constantly distracted lry— board was tired and constantly distracted by historical- board was tired and constantly distracted by historical issuesl board was tired and constantly. distracted by historical issues and short-term — distracted by historical issues and short—term crises. _ distracted by historical issues and short—term crises. it _ distracted by historical issues and short—term crises. it doesn't - distracted by historical issues and i short—term crises. it doesn't sound like they— short—term crises. it doesn't sound like they have _ short—term crises. it doesn't sound like they have learnt _ short—term crises. it doesn't sound like they have learnt lessons - short—term crises. it doesn't sound like they have learnt lessons of - short—term crises. it doesn't sound like they have learnt lessons of the past, _ like they have learnt lessons of the past, does — like they have learnt lessons of the past, does it? _

like they have learnt lessons of the past. does it? i— like they have learnt lessons of the past. does it?— past, does it? i think the specific oint that past, does it? i think the specific point that was — past, does it? i think the specific point that was being _ past, does it? i think the specific point that was being referenced i point that was being referenced there in that minute was the board were keen to get the right balance between the strategic direction of business and compensation as well. we had 64 board meetings in 2022 which is why the business, i think the comments around tiredness might well have come in. 6st the comments around tiredness might well have come in.— well have come in. 64 board meetings does not make — well have come in. 64 board meetings does not make up _ well have come in. 64 board meetings does not make up for— well have come in. 64 board meetings does not make up for people - well have come in. 64 board meetings does not make up for people who - well have come in. 64 board meetings| does not make up for people who have spent _ does not make up for people who have spent seven— does not make up for people who have spent seven months _ does not make up for people who have spent seven months in— does not make up for people who have spent seven months in prison, - does not make up for people who have spent seven months in prison, or- spent seven months in prison, or years, _ spent seven months in prison, or years. such — spent seven months in prison, or years. such as— spent seven months in prison, or years, such as one _ spent seven months in prison, or years, such as one previous - spent seven months in prison, or years, such as one previous man| spent seven months in prison, or- years, such as one previous man had to flee _ years, such as one previous man had to flee the _ years, such as one previous man had to flee the country _ years, such as one previous man had to flee the country in _ years, such as one previous man had to flee the country in order— years, such as one previous man had to flee the country in order to - to flee the country in order to protect— to flee the country in order to protect his _ to flee the country in order to protect his family— to flee the country in order to protect his family as - to flee the country in order to protect his family as well - to flee the country in order to protect his family as well as l protect his family as well as himseif— protect his family as well as himself and _ protect his family as well as himself and he _ protect his family as well as himself and he has - protect his family as well as himself and he has then - protect his family as well as . himself and he has then come protect his family as well as - himself and he has then come back to seek a _ himself and he has then come back to seeka claim, — himself and he has then come back to seeka claim, to— himself and he has then come back to seek a claim, to then _ himself and he has then come back to seek a claim, to then have _ himself and he has then come back to seek a claim, to then have some - seek a claim, to then have some hogus— seek a claim, to then have some lrogus mortgage _ seek a claim, to then have some bogus mortgage payment- seek a claim, to then have some bogus mortgage payment so- seek a claim, to then have some - bogus mortgage payment so someone -ot bogus mortgage payment so someone got that— bogus mortgage payment so someone got that figures — bogus mortgage payment so someone got that figures from _ bogus mortgage payment so someone got that figures from somewhere. - bogus mortgage payment so someone got that figures from somewhere. is l got that figures from somewhere. is the post— got that figures from somewhere. is the post office — got that figures from somewhere. is the post office investigating - the post office investigating someone _ the post office investigating someone who _ the post office investigating someone who has _ the post office investigating someone who has now- the post office investigating someone who has now put. the post office investigating i someone who has now put in a the post office investigating - someone who has now put in a claim, where _ someone who has now put in a claim, where has _ someone who has now put in a claim, where has this— someone who has now put in a claim, where has this figure _ someone who has now put in a claim, where has this figure come _ someone who has now put in a claim, where has this figure come from? - someone who has now put in a claim, where has this figure come from? it i where has this figure come from? it seems _ where has this figure come from? it seems is _

where has this figure come from? it seems is that— where has this figure come from? it seems is that mythical, _ where has this figure come from? it seems is that mythical, made - where has this figure come from? it seems is that mythical, made up, . where has this figure come from? it| seems is that mythical, made up, or someone _ seems is that mythical, made up, or someone is — seems is that mythical, made up, or someone is trying _ seems is that mythical, made up, or someone is trying to _ seems is that mythical, made up, or someone is trying to dig _ seems is that mythical, made up, or someone is trying to dig up - seems is that mythical, made up, or someone is trying to dig up dirt - seems is that mythical, made up, or someone is trying to dig up dirt on l someone is trying to dig up dirt on peopie _ someone is trying to dig up dirt on peopie that — someone is trying to dig up dirt on people that ultimately _ someone is trying to dig up dirt on people that ultimately have - someone is trying to dig up dirt onl people that ultimately have already been victims — people that ultimately have already been victims of _ people that ultimately have already been victims of this _ people that ultimately have already been victims of this process. - people that ultimately have already been victims of this process. i- been victims of this process. i don't — been victims of this process. i don't care _ been victims of this process. i don't care if— been victims of this process. i don't care if there _ been victims of this process. i don't care if there are - been victims of this process. i don't care if there are 64- been victims of this process. ii don't care if there are 64 board meetings, _ don't care if there are 64 board meetings, maybe _ don't care if there are 64 board meetings, maybe give - don't care if there are 64 board meetings, maybe give yourself| meetings, maybe give yourself christmas _ meetings, maybe give yourself christmas day _ meetings, maybe give yourself christmas day off— meetings, maybe give yourself christmas day off as _ meetings, maybe give yourself christmas day off as a - meetings, maybe give yourself christmas day off as a treat, . meetings, maybe give yourself christmas day off as a treat, in order— christmas day off as a treat, in order to — christmas day off as a treat, in order to come _ christmas day off as a treat, in order to come up _ christmas day off as a treat, in order to come up with - christmas day off as a treat, in order to come up with answersj christmas day off as a treat, in i order to come up with answers for these _ order to come up with answers for these peopie _ order to come up with answers for these peopie who _ order to come up with answers for these people who have _ order to come up with answers for these people who have suffered . order to come up with answers for - these people who have suffered more than they— these people who have suffered more than they should _ these people who have suffered more than they should have _ these people who have suffered more than they should have and _ these people who have suffered more than they should have and are - these people who have suffered more than they should have and are still. than they should have and are still waiting, _ than they should have and are still waiting, as — than they should have and are still waiting, as the _ than they should have and are still waiting, as the chair— than they should have and are still waiting, as the chair has _ than they should have and are still waiting, as the chair has pointed l waiting, as the chair has pointed out, _ waiting, as the chair has pointed out, for— waiting, as the chair has pointed out, for some _ waiting, as the chair has pointed out, for some form _ waiting, as the chair has pointed out, for some form of— waiting, as the chair has pointed out, for some form of redress, i waiting, as the chair has pointed - out, for some form of redress, which is what _ out, for some form of redress, which is what we _ out, for some form of redress, which is what we should _ out, for some form of redress, which is what we should all— out, for some form of redress, which is what we should all be _ out, for some form of redress, which is what we should all be calling - out, for some form of redress, which is what we should all be calling it, i is what we should all be calling it, no longer— is what we should all be calling it, no longer compensation, - is what we should all be calling it, no longer compensation, as- is what we should all be calling it, no longer compensation, as alanl no longer compensation, as alan bates— no longer compensation, as alan bates pointed _ no longer compensation, as alan bates pointed out. _ no longer compensation, as alan bates pointed out. henry- no longer compensation, as alan i bates pointed out. henry staunton, the former— bates pointed out. henry staunton, the former post _ bates pointed out. henry staunton, the former post office _ bates pointed out. henry staunton, the former post office chair- bates pointed out. henry staunton, the former post office chair said - the former post office chair said the former post office chair said the management— the former post office chair said the management culture - the former post office chair said the management culture of- the former post office chair said the management culture of the| the former post office chair said - the management culture of the post office _ the management culture of the post office is— the management culture of the post office is "toxic— the management culture of the post office is "toxic and _ the management culture of the post office is "toxic and mistrustful- the management culture of the post office is "toxic and mistrustful of. office is "toxic and mistrustful of sub—postmasters". _ office is "toxic and mistrustful of sub—postmasters". whether- office is "toxic and mistrustful ofi sub—postmasters". whether these sub— postmasters". whether these remarks _ sub—postmasters". whether these remarks accurate _ sub—postmasters". whether these remarks accurate in _ sub—postmasters". whether these remarks accurate in that _ sub—postmasters". whether these remarks accurate in that regard? i sub—postmasters". whether these i remarks accurate in that regard? no, i don't remarks accurate in that regard? no, i don't believe _ remarks accurate in that regard? i don't believe they are. i remarks accurate in that regard? fit, i don't believe they are. i think remarks accurate in that regard? i don't believe they are. i think we have _ i don't believe they are. i think we have made — i don't believe they are. i think we have made a — i don't believe they are. i think we have made a lot of progress, certainly _ have made a lot of progress, certainly since 2019, to try and change — certainly since 2019, to try and change the culture of the organisation. don't get me wrong, this is— organisation. don't get me wrong, this is a _ organisation. don't get me wrong, this is a scandal that has gone on the 25_ this is a scandal that has gone on the 25 years, there is an enormous amount— the 25 years, there is an enormous amount to — the 25 years, there is an enormous amount to change and it won't change

overnight. _ amount to change and it won't change overnight, but we have made progress _ overnight, but we have made progress. this can be seen from the performance of the network and our postmasters during the crisis of coronavirus, and indeed as we have come _ coronavirus, and indeed as we have come out _ coronavirus, and indeed as we have come out of— coronavirus, and indeed as we have come out of that as well, i think there _ come out of that as well, i think there is— come out of that as well, i think there is no— come out of that as well, i think there is no question about the post office _ there is no question about the post office and _ there is no question about the post office and its role in the infrastructure of our country. no cuestion infrastructure of our country. question at infrastructure of our country. no question at all. on mistrust, you were _ question at all. on mistrust, you were advised _ question at all. on mistrust, you were advised by— question at all. on mistrust, you were advised by an _ question at all. on mistrust, you were advised by an external- question at all. on mistrust, youl were advised by an external legal adviser— were advised by an external legal adviser that — were advised by an external legal adviser that the _ were advised by an external legal adviser that the vast _ were advised by an external legal adviser that the vast drug - were advised by an external legalj adviser that the vast drug dealing were advised by an external legal. adviser that the vast drug dealing a majority— adviser that the vast drug dealing a majority of— adviser that the vast drug dealing a majority of convicted _ adviser that the vast drug dealing a majority of convicted people - adviser that the vast drug dealing a majority of convicted people are . majority of convicted people are "guilty — majority of convicted people are "guilty as— majority of convicted people are "guilty as charged _ majority of convicted people are "guilty as charged and - majority of convicted people are "guilty as charged and safely. "guilty as charged and safely convicted"~ _ "guilty as charged and safely convicted". why— "guilty as charged and safely convicted". why did - "guilty as charged and safely convicted". why did he - "guilty as charged and safely convicted". why did he write | "guilty as charged and safely- convicted". why did he write this letter— convicted". why did he write this letter to— convicted". why did he write this letter to you? _ convicted". why did he write this letter to you? we _ convicted". why did he write this letter to you?— convicted". why did he write this letter to you? we did a number of thins 18 letter to you? we did a number of things 18 months _ letter to you? we did a number of things 18 months ago, _ letter to you? we did a number of things 18 months ago, when - letter to you? we did a number of things 18 months ago, when we i things 18 months ago, when we realise — things 18 months ago, when we realise that, and it's important i set realise that, and it's important! set the — realise that, and it's important! set the record straight here, 18 months — set the record straight here, 18 months ago we were struggling to understand why postmasters were not coming _ understand why postmasters were not coming forward. we had a trace system, — coming forward. we had a trace system, we had involve the ccr sea,

we had _ system, we had involve the ccr sea, we had written to postmasters and expressed — we had written to postmasters and expressed a real desire for people to come _ expressed a real desire for people to come forward. 18 months ago we asked _ to come forward. 18 months ago we asked peterson peters and two eminent— asked peterson peters and two eminent kcs to do a desktop exercise and say— eminent kcs to do a desktop exercise and say is _ eminent kcs to do a desktop exercise and say is there any way we can proactively _ and say is there any way we can proactively and pre—emptively go out to victims— proactively and pre—emptively go out to victims and say, do you know what? _ to victims and say, do you know what? we — to victims and say, do you know what? we are not going to stand on your way _ what? we are not going to stand on your way. we are going to make sure that your— your way. we are going to make sure that your conviction is overturned and we _ that your conviction is overturned and we do — that your conviction is overturned and we do not need to stand in the way _ and we do not need to stand in the wa . ~' and we do not need to stand in the wa . ~ , ., and we do not need to stand in the wa. ., way. think you will appreciate that the reason people _ way. think you will appreciate that the reason people mistrust - way. think you will appreciate that the reason people mistrust the - way. think you will appreciate that i the reason people mistrust the post office _ the reason people mistrust the post office is— the reason people mistrust the post office is because _ the reason people mistrust the post office is because they— the reason people mistrust the post office is because they have - the reason people mistrust the post office is because they have been - office is because they have been privately— office is because they have been privately convicted, _ office is because they have been privately convicted, and - office is because they have been privately convicted, and they - office is because they have beenl privately convicted, and they had spurious— privately convicted, and they had spurious claims— privately convicted, and they had spurious claims made _ privately convicted, and they had spurious claims made against- privately convicted, and they had i spurious claims made against them. many— spurious claims made against them. many have _ spurious claims made against them. many have been _ spurious claims made against them. many have been rendered _ spurious claims made against them. many have been rendered bankrupt, and the _ many have been rendered bankrupt, and the money— many have been rendered bankrupt, and the money could _ many have been rendered bankrupt, and the money could well— many have been rendered bankrupt, and the money could well have - many have been rendered bankrupt, j and the money could well have gone towards _ and the money could well have gone towards the — and the money could well have gone towards the bonuses _ and the money could well have gone towards the bonuses of— and the money could well have gone towards the bonuses of board - towards the bonuses of board executives _ towards the bonuses of board executives. on _ towards the bonuses of board executives. on top _ towards the bonuses of board executives. on top of - towards the bonuses of board executives. on top of that, i towards the bonuses of board i executives. on top of that, the towards the bonuses of board - executives. on top of that, the idea that people — executives. on top of that, the idea that people are _ executives. on top of that, the idea that people are having _ executives. on top of that, the idea that people are having to _ executives. on top of that, the idea that people are having to spend - that people are having to spend years _ that people are having to spend years fighting _ that people are having to spend years fighting to _ that people are having to spend years fighting to get _ that people are having to spend years fighting to get convictions overturned. _ years fighting to get convictions overturned, and _ years fighting to get convictions overturned, and then _ years fighting to get convictions overturned, and then years - years fighting to get convictions overturned, and then years to l years fighting to get convictions . overturned, and then years to get the paper— overturned, and then years to get the paper work— overturned, and then years to get the paperwork in— overturned, and then years to get

the paper work in progress. - overturned, and then years to get the paper work in progress. i- overturned, and then years to geti the paper work in progress. i don't blame _ the paper work in progress. i don't blame people _ the paper work in progress. i don't blame people for— the paper work in progress. i don't blame people for not _ the paper work in progress. i don't blame people for not coming - the paper work in progress. i don't i blame people for not coming forward. when _ blame people for not coming forward. when i _ blame people for not coming forward. when i read _ blame people for not coming forward. when i read letters— blame people for not coming forward. when i read letters like _ blame people for not coming forward. when i read letters like this, - blame people for not coming forward. when i read letters like this, where l when i read letters like this, where he write _ when i read letters like this, where he write to — when i read letters like this, where he write to you _ when i read letters like this, where he write to you saying _ when i read letters like this, where he write to you saying guilty - when i read letters like this, where he write to you saying guilty as - he write to you saying guilty as charged. — he write to you saying guilty as charged. and _ he write to you saying guilty as charged, and then— he write to you saying guilty as charged, and then let's - he write to you saying guilty as charged, and then let's go - he write to you saying guilty as charged, and then let's go to. he write to you saying guilty as i charged, and then let's go to your letter, _ charged, and then let's go to your letter, to— charged, and then let's go to your letter, to the _ charged, and then let's go to your letter, to the secretary— charged, and then let's go to your letter, to the secretary of- charged, and then let's go to your letter, to the secretary of state i letter, to the secretary of state forjustice, _ letter, to the secretary of state forjustice, the _ letter, to the secretary of state forjustice, the lord _ letter, to the secretary of statej forjustice, the lord chancellor, where _ forjustice, the lord chancellor, where you — forjustice, the lord chancellor, where you have _ forjustice, the lord chancellor, where you have called - forjustice, the lord chancellor, where you have called a - forjustice, the lord chancellor, - where you have called a "significant number— where you have called a "significant number of— where you have called a "significant number of prosecutions— where you have called a "significant number of prosecutions which - where you have called a "significant| number of prosecutions which raises acute _ number of prosecutions which raises acute political, — number of prosecutions which raises acute political, judicial— number of prosecutions which raises acute political, judicial and - acute political, judicial and communication _ acute political, judicial and communication challengesj acute political, judicial and - communication challenges against bypassing — communication challenges against bypassing the _ communication challenges against bypassing the normal— communication challenges against bypassing the normal appeals - bypassing the normal appeals process". _ bypassing the normal appeals process". and _ bypassing the normal appeals process", and it _ bypassing the normal appeals process", and it feels - bypassing the normal appeals process", and it feels like - bypassing the normal appeals - process", and it feels like reading that letter— process", and it feels like reading that letter you _ process", and it feels like reading that letter you are _ process", and it feels like reading that letter you are lobbying - process", and it feels like reading that letter you are lobbying the l that letter you are lobbying the government— that letter you are lobbying the government and _ that letter you are lobbying the government and i'm _ that letter you are lobbying the government and i'm happy- that letter you are lobbying the government and i'm happy fori that letter you are lobbying the i government and i'm happy for you that letter you are lobbying the - government and i'm happy for you to correct _ government and i'm happy for you to correct me. — government and i'm happy for you to correct me, lobbying _ government and i'm happy for you to correct me, lobbying the _ government and i'm happy for you to| correct me, lobbying the government do not _ correct me, lobbying the government do not go _ correct me, lobbying the government do not go through— correct me, lobbying the government do not go through with _ correct me, lobbying the government do not go through with this _ do not go through with this legislation— do not go through with this legislation in— do not go through with this legislation in order- do not go through with this legislation in order to- do not go through with this legislation in order to givel do not go through with this - legislation in order to give people clarity— legislation in order to give people clarity and — legislation in order to give people clarity and get _ legislation in order to give people clarity and get rid _ legislation in order to give people clarity and get rid of— legislation in order to give people clarity and get rid of convictions. i clarity and get rid of convictions. not at _ clarity and get rid of convictions. not at all — clarity and get rid of convictions. not at all i— clarity and get rid of convictions. not at all. ., , ~ clarity and get rid of convictions. notatall. ., , ~ ~. ., not at all. i am sure mr mcdonald has an opinion _ not at all. i am sure mr mcdonald has an opinion on _ not at all. i am sure mr mcdonald has an opinion on it _ not at all. i am sure mr mcdonald has an opinion on it as _ not at all. i am sure mr mcdonald has an opinion on it as well. - not at all. i am sure mr mcdonald has an opinion on it as well. but i has an opinion on it as well. but what _ has an opinion on it as well. but what on — has an opinion on it as well. but what on earth _ has an opinion on it as well. but what on earth would _ has an opinion on it as well. but what on earth would your- has an opinion on it as well. but i what on earth would your intention be in _ what on earth would your intention be in sending— what on earth would your intention be in sending this _ what on earth would your intention be in sending this letter— what on earth would your intention be in sending this letter to- what on earth would your intention be in sending this letter to the - be in sending this letter to the lord _ be in sending this letter to the lord chancellor? _ be in sending this letter to the lord chancellor? [— be in sending this letter to the lord chancellor?— lord chancellor? i have an obligation _ lord chancellor? i have an obligation to _ lord chancellor? i have an obligation to make - lord chancellor? i have an obligation to make sure i lord chancellor? i have an i obligation to make sure that lord chancellor? i have an - obligation to make sure that when a decision— obligation to make sure that when a decision has been made by the government, they are made with the full information, and that is the

full information, and that is the full information, and that is the full information that we have, the evidence — full information that we have, the evidence that we have, and the work that we _ evidence that we have, and the work that we have done. mr ramos was clear. _ that we have done. mr ramos was clear. in — that we have done. mr ramos was clear, i'm not a lawyer but i can see this — clear, i'm not a lawyer but i can see this was _ clear, i'm not a lawyer but i can see this was significant note and it was important and the ministry of justice _ was important and the ministry of justice have that information. i was clear— justice have that information. i was clear in— justice have that information. i was clear in that — justice have that information. i was clear in that letter and you can read _ clear in that letter and you can read it. — clear in that letter and you can read it. i— clear in that letter and you can read it, iwas clear in that letter and you can read it, i was clear that we are making — read it, i was clear that we are making no— read it, i was clear that we are making no value judgments here. i've been clear. _ making no value judgments here. i've been clear. i— making no value judgments here. i've been clear, i want people to get through— been clear, i want people to get through this process, and if mass exoneration is the right thing, then let's make — exoneration is the right thing, then let's make sure that we get right legislation in place to deliver that — legislation in place to deliver that it — legislation in place to deliver that. it was unsolicited. it arrived in the _ that. it was unsolicited. it arrived in the post — that. it was unsolicited. it arrived in the post. mrvan that. it was unsolicited. it arrived in the post. mr van moss is happy to come _ in the post. mr van moss is happy to come and _ in the post. mr van moss is happy to come and explain that, to write to the department as to why he did that _ the department as to why he did that in— the department as to why he did that. , ., , , ., that. in your letter, why did you sa "we that. in your letter, why did you say "we would _ that. in your letter, why did you say "we would be _ that. in your letter, why did you say "we would be bound - that. in your letter, why did you say "we would be bound to - that. in your letter, why did you i say "we would be bound to oppose that. in your letter, why did you - say "we would be bound to oppose an appeal— say "we would be bound to oppose an appeal because"~ _ appeal we say "we would be bound to oppose an a . ea . ., ., say "we would be bound to oppose an aueat . ., ., ., say "we would be bound to oppose an as ea ~ ., ., .,, ., ., ., appeal we have an obligation to the courts not appeal we have an obligation to the courts rrot to _ appeal we have an obligation to the courts not to concede _ appeal we have an obligation to the courts not to concede unless - appeal we have an obligation to the courts not to concede unless the i courts not to concede unless the hamilton— courts not to concede unless the hamilton principles are involved.

the lawyer is better placed to explain — the lawyer is better placed to explain but it's clear that's an obligation we have. when this letter arrived, _ obligation we have. when this letter arrived, i_ obligation we have. when this letter arrived, i am also very clear that it is of— arrived, i am also very clear that it is of significance and it was important _ it is of significance and it was important therefore that the ministry ofjustice were aware of that, _ ministry ofjustice were aware of that, and — ministry ofjustice were aware of that, and if! ministry ofjustice were aware of that, and if i may, if! ministry ofjustice were aware of that, and if i may, if i go back, we shared _ that, and if i may, if i go back, we shared this— that, and if i may, if i go back, we shared this information with the advisory— shared this information with the advisory board back in july and again— advisory board back in july and again in— advisory board back in july and again in september, and with the department. so this is not new information that has just emerged. department. so this is not new information that hasjust emerged. | information that hasjust emerged. i think people are surprised by the way you — think people are surprised by the way you put— think people are surprised by the way you put it _ think people are surprised by the way you put it. understood. - think people are surprised by the way you put it. understood. butl think people are surprised by the - way you put it. understood. but your answer— way you put it. understood. but your answer is _ way you put it. understood. but your answer is that — way you put it. understood. but your answer is that you _ way you put it. understood. but your answer is that you are _ way you put it. understood. but your answer is that you are following - way you put it. understood. but your answer is that you are following a - answer is that you are following a court _ answer is that you are following a court sanctioned _ answer is that you are following a court sanctioned judgment. - answer is that you are following a court sanctioned judgment. yes. i court sanctioned 'udgment. yes. we heard from _ court sanctioned judgment. yes. we heard from mr _ court sanctioned judgment. we heard from mr crespo court sanctioned judgment.“ we heard from mr crespo earlier court sanctioned judgment._ we heard from mr crespo earlier on that you had made a phone call to him about henry staunton as chair, and that allegedly in that phone conversation, i will let you clarify, you said there were board

members willing to go if mr staunton remained in place. is that accurate? yes, it is. i spoke with mr cresswell— yes, it is. i spoke with mr cresswell and _ yes, it is. i spoke with mr cresswell and i— yes, it is. i spoke with mr cresswell and i explained | yes, it is. i spoke with mr. cresswell and i explained to yes, it is. i spoke with mr- cresswell and i explained to him concerns— cresswell and i explained to him concerns that _ cresswell and i explained to him concerns that i _ cresswell and i explained to him concerns that i had _ cresswell and i explained to him concerns that i had heard - cresswell and i explained to him concerns that i had heard from i cresswell and i explained to him - concerns that i had heard from board members _ concerns that i had heard from board members and — concerns that i had heard from board members and from _ concerns that i had heard from board members and from senior— concerns that i had heard from boardj members and from senior executives about— members and from senior executives about henry— members and from senior executives about henry staunton _ members and from senior executives about henry staunton 's _ about henry staunton 's behaviour, and i_ about henry staunton 's behaviour, and i pass— about henry staunton 's behaviour, and i pass that _ about henry staunton 's behaviour, and i pass that information- about henry staunton 's behaviour, and i pass that information on- about henry staunton 's behaviour, and i pass that information on as i and i pass that information on as the senior— and i pass that information on as the senior independent- and i pass that information on as the senior independent director. | and i pass that information on as i the senior independent director. 50 the senior independent director. fl: you the senior independent director. you understand how it's hard to understand if the post office culture has changed if the chairman is engaging in such behaviour as you felt the need to contact mr cresswell to say board members on the verge of quitting if mr staunton remains in his position as chair? i remains in his position as chair? i think it is the other way round, which — think it is the other way round, which is — think it is the other way round, which is that _ think it is the other way round, which is that if— think it is the other way round, which is that if somebody, - think it is the other way round, which is that if somebody, no i think it is the other way round, - which is that if somebody, no matter how senior— which is that if somebody, no matter how senior they— which is that if somebody, no matter how senior they are, _ which is that if somebody, no matter how senior they are, is _ which is that if somebody, no matterj how senior they are, is misbehaving, or not— how senior they are, is misbehaving, or not behaving — how senior they are, is misbehaving, or not behaving in _ how senior they are, is misbehaving, or not behaving in a _ how senior they are, is misbehaving, or not behaving in a way— how senior they are, is misbehaving, or not behaving in a way consistent l or not behaving in a way consistent with their— or not behaving in a way consistent with their role, _ or not behaving in a way consistent with their role, then _ or not behaving in a way consistent with their role, then it _ or not behaving in a way consistent with their role, then it will- or not behaving in a way consistent with their role, then it will be - with their role, then it will be dealt — with their role, then it will be dealt with— with their role, then it will be dealt with in _ with their role, then it will be dealt with in the _ with their role, then it will be dealt with in the post - with their role, then it will be dealt with in the post office i with their role, then it will be j dealt with in the post office is with their role, then it will be - dealt with in the post office is big enough _ dealt with in the post office is big enough to— dealt with in the post office is big enough to be _ dealt with in the post office is big enough to be able _ dealt with in the post office is big enough to be able to _ dealt with in the post office is big

enough to be able to deal- dealt with in the post office is big enough to be able to deal with i dealt with in the post office is big i enough to be able to deal with that. it is enough to be able to deal with that. it is highly— enough to be able to deal with that. it is highly unfortunate, _ enough to be able to deal with that. it is highly unfortunate, and - enough to be able to deal with that. it is highly unfortunate, and it- it is highly unfortunate, and it causes. — it is highly unfortunate, and it causes. in _ it is highly unfortunate, and it causes, i'm sure, _ it is highly unfortunate, and it causes, i'm sure, an- it is highly unfortunate, and iti causes, i'm sure, an enormous it is highly unfortunate, and it- causes, i'm sure, an enormous amount of concern — causes, i'm sure, an enormous amount of concern to — causes, i'm sure, an enormous amount of concern to all— causes, i'm sure, an enormous amount of concern to all of— causes, i'm sure, an enormous amount of concern to all of you, _ causes, i'm sure, an enormous amount of concern to all of you, and _ of concern to all of you, and everybody _ of concern to all of you, and everybody who _ of concern to all of you, and everybody who watches i of concern to all of you, and everybody who watches the i of concern to all of you, and i everybody who watches the post office _ everybody who watches the post office and — everybody who watches the post office and wants _ everybody who watches the post office and wants to _ everybody who watches the post office and wants to see - everybody who watches the post office and wants to see it - everybody who watches the post i office and wants to see it succeed, or at— office and wants to see it succeed, or at least— office and wants to see it succeed, or at least do — office and wants to see it succeed, or at least do what _ office and wants to see it succeed, or at least do what it _ office and wants to see it succeed, or at least do what it should - office and wants to see it succeed, or at least do what it should be i or at least do what it should be doing — or at least do what it should be doing i— or at least do what it should be doing i am _ or at least do what it should be doing. i am acutely— or at least do what it should be doing. i am acutely conscious i or at least do what it should bel doing. i am acutely conscious of that _ doing. i am acutely conscious of that let's — doing. i am acutely conscious of that. let's been _ doing. i am acutely conscious of that. let's been in _ doing. i am acutely conscious of that. let's been in no _ doing. i am acutely conscious of that. let's been in no doubt, i doing. i am acutely conscious of i that. let's been in no doubt, when a senior— that. let's been in no doubt, when a senior individual— that. let's been in no doubt, when a senior individual is _ that. let's been in no doubt, when a senior individual is doing _ that. let's been in no doubt, when a senior individual is doing somethingl senior individual is doing something they should — senior individual is doing something they should not _ senior individual is doing something they should not have _ senior individual is doing something they should not have been- senior individual is doing something they should not have been doing, i senior individual is doing something i they should not have been doing, the system _ they should not have been doing, the system worked — they should not have been doing, the system worked and _ they should not have been doing, the system worked and the _ they should not have been doing, the system worked and the information i system worked and the information was conveyed _ system worked and the information was conveyed. (an _ system worked and the information was conveyed-— was conveyed. can you give details about the allegations _ was conveyed. can you give details about the allegations regarding i about the allegations regarding henry staunton? $5 about the allegations regarding henry staunton?— about the allegations regarding henry staunton? about the allegations regarding hen staunton? ~ , ., henry staunton? as you heard, there is an investigation _ henry staunton? as you heard, there is an investigation under— henry staunton? as you heard, there is an investigation under way, - henry staunton? as you heard, there is an investigation under way, and i l is an investigation under way, and! am not _ is an investigation under way, and! am not going — is an investigation under way, and! am not going to— is an investigation under way, and! am not going to comment- is an investigation under way, and! am not going to comment on- is an investigation under way, and! am not going to comment on that i am not going to comment on that because _ am not going to comment on that because it — am not going to comment on that because it is _ am not going to comment on that because it is confidential, - am not going to comment on that because it is confidential, but i i because it is confidential, but! can tell— because it is confidential, but! can tell you _ because it is confidential, but! can tell you what _ because it is confidential, but! can tell you what i— because it is confidential, but! can tell you what i told - because it is confidential, but! can tell you what i told mr i can tell you what i told mr cresswell. _ can tell you what i told mr cresswell, which - can tell you what i told mr cresswell, which is- can tell you what i told mr cresswell, which is what l can tell you what i told mri cresswell, which is what he can tell you what i told mr i cresswell, which is what he told you _ cresswell, which is what he told you there _ cresswell, which is what he told you. there were _ cresswell, which is what he told you. there were a _ cresswell, which is what he told you. there were a number- cresswell, which is what he told you. there were a number of. you. there were a number of concerns, _ you. there were a number of concerns, the _ you. there were a number of concerns, the most- you. there were a number ofi concerns, the most significant you. there were a number of- concerns, the most significant of which _ concerns, the most significant of which were — concerns, the most significant of which were that _ concerns, the most significant of which were that henry— concerns, the most significant of which were that henry stauntonl concerns, the most significant of. which were that henry staunton was obstructing — which were that henry staunton was obstructing investigations, - which were that henry staunton was obstructing investigations, and i obstructing investigations, and particularly _ obstructing investigations, and particularly the _ obstructing investigations, and particularly the investigation i obstructing investigations, and l particularly the investigation into him, _ particularly the investigation into him. the — particularly the investigation into him, the whistle—blowing - him, the whistle—blowing investigation _ him, the whistle—blowing investigation into- him, the whistle—blowing investigation into him, i him, the whistle—blowing i investigation into him, and him, the whistle—blowing - investigation into him, and he had taken _ investigation into him, and he had taken steps — investigation into him, and he had taken steps to _ investigation into him, and he had taken steps to circumvent - investigation into him, and he had taken steps to circumvent the - taken steps to circumvent the shareholders _ taken steps to circumvent the shareholders position- taken steps to circumvent the shareholders position in-

taken steps to circumvent the . shareholders position in relation taken steps to circumvent the - shareholders position in relation to the appointment _ shareholders position in relation to the appointment of— shareholders position in relation to the appointment of my _ shareholders position in relation to l the appointment of my replacement. shareholders position in relation to - the appointment of my replacement. ii the appointment of my replacement. final question, you said you have been meeting with a number of victims, but do you have a number of how many you have so far met? i victims, but do you have a number of how many you have so far met? i have met 33. how many you have so far met? i have met 33- and — how many you have so far met? i have met 33- and i — how many you have so far met? i have met 33. and i have _ how many you have so far met? i have met 33. and i have met _ how many you have so far met? i have met 33. and i have met 49. _ how many you have so far met? i have met 33. and i have met 49. how - met 33. and i have met 49. how reuularl met 33. and i have met 49. how regularly are _ met 33. and i have met 49. how regularly are those _ met 33. and i have met 49. how regularly are those meetings - met 33. and i have met 49. how i regularly are those meetings taking place, how often do you send out invitations to meet yourselves? we are clear that we are open for any victim _ are clear that we are open for any victim to — are clear that we are open for any victim to come forward. straight to the house of commons, where the foreign office minister andrew mitchell is making a statement on gaza. let andrew mitchell is making a statement on gaza.- andrew mitchell is making a statement on gaza. , , , statement on gaza. let me begin by reiteratin: statement on gaza. let me begin by reiterating israel _ statement on gaza. let me begin by reiterating israel 's _ statement on gaza. let me begin by reiterating israel 's right _ statement on gaza. let me begin by reiterating israel 's right to - reiterating israel 's right to defend itself against hamas. we condemn the violence perpetrated on the 7th of october 2023. hamas use of civilian areas, their continued failure to release hostages, and their ongoing launch of a taxi from

israel, we are equally concerned by the humanitarian situation in gaza, with tens of thousands of innocent civilians killed and injured. thousands of innocent civilians killed and injured. the most effective way to end the fighting in gaza, the absolute focus of our diplomatic efforts right now is to agree to immediate humanitarian pause to ensure the safe release of hostages and a significant increase in the aid going to gaza. it would also provide a vital opportunity to establish the conditions for a genuinely long—term and sustainable ceasefire without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life. that is the position shared by our close partners. it is an outcome that we believe is in reach right now and we urge all sides to seize it. many may ask including some in

this house why call for a pause but not an immediate ceasefire? we do not an immediate ceasefire? we do not believe that doing so, hoping it somehow becomes permanent is the way forward. simply calling for a ceasefire will not make it happen. a different and better way to the fighting permanently, to push for a pause and in that pause secure the sustainable ceasefire that can hold for the longer term without a return to the fighting. the british government has set out the vital elements to achieve lasting peace. the release of all hostages, the removal of hamas was my capacity to launch attacks against israel. —— hamas's capacity. the formation of a new government for the west bank and gaza accompanied by an international support package and a political horizon which provides a credible

and irreversible pathway towards a two—state solution. once we secure a pause, we will need to take action on all of these elements to create irreversible momentum towards peace. i want to stress that britain and our partners continue to do all we can to alleviate the suffering. we have trebled our aid commitment this financial year and we are doing what we can to get more aid in. last week, britain and jordan airdropped life—saving aid to a hospital in northern gaza. for tonnes of vital supplies were provided including medicine, fuel and food for hospital patients and staff. the hospital set “p patients and staff. the hospital set up by patients and staff. the hospital set up by thejordanian armed forces is located in gaza city and has treated thousands of patients since the start of the crisis. women are bearing the brunt of the desperate humanitarian situation in gaza

today. many thousands are pregnant and will be worrying about delivering their babies safely. that's why over the weekend we also announced £4.25 million in new funding for the united nations sexual and reproductive health agency in response to an appeal for the occupied palestinian territories. this new uk funding will help make giving birth safer and improve the lives of mothers and their newborn babies. it's clear, however, that the flow of aid needs to be rapidly and significantly scaled up. we have reiterated the need for israel to open more crossing points into gaza and other areas to be open for longer and for the un to distribute aid effectively across the whole of gaza. the foreign secretary's representative for humanitarian affairs in the occupied palestinian territories, mark bryce and richardson, is based in the region and is working

intensively to address the blockages preventing more aid reaching gaza. we urge israel to continue to limit its operations to military targets and avoid harming civilians and destroying homes. we have expressed our deep concern about the prospects of a military incursion into rafah and its consequences. over half of gaza's population are sheltering in the area including more than 600,000 children, they have nowhere to go. the rafah crossing remains vital to ensure aid can reach the people who so desperately need it. the path to a long—term solution will not be easy. ultimately, a two—state solution is the best way to ensure safety and security for both israelis and palestinians. the foreign secretary underlined this at the 620 foreign secretary underlined this at the g20 foreign ministers meeting in rio last week and the prime minister

and all ministerial colleagues will continue to press for this in engagement with regional partners including with prime minister netanyahu. we welcome the prospect of further normalisation agreements between israel and arab partners. we are committed to supporting their enduring success and supporting efforts to ensure normalisation delivers benefits for the palestinians as well. our long—standing position remains that we will recognise a palestinian state at a time that is most conducive to the peace process. the palestinian authority has an important long—term role to play and will need continued support from us and our partners but it must also take concrete steps on reform. the palestinian people need a technocratic and effective administration that can win the confidence of the people of gaza. we stand ready to support the palestinian authority to achieve

this aim, following the announcement of the prime minister and previous set of ministers' resignation yesterday. we also remain concerned about the situation in the west bank and have taken action in response to extremist settler violence. let me end by repeating our commitment to finding a lasting resolution to this conflict that ensures israelis and palestinians can live in the future with dignity and security. the goal of diplomacy in the middle east is to see an end to the fighting and create a permanent peace based on a new political horizon for the region. we will continue working tirelessly to make this happen. tote tirelessly to make this happen. we come to the shadow secretary of state _ come to the shadow secretary of state |_ come to the shadow secretary of state. . ~ ~ . come to the shadow secretary of state. . ~ ~ , ., state. i thank the minister for advance sight _ state. i thank the minister for advance sight of _ state. i thank the minister for advance sight of his _ state. i thank the minister for| advance sight of his statement state. i thank the minister for - advance sight of his statement but once again, i know with

disappointment that given the current seriousness of the geopolitical environment, the foreign secretary's is absent from scrutiny from members of all sides of this house. since the minister's last statement, it's been another month of intolerable civilian death, famine and disease in gaza. another month of hostage families in israel living in anguish. another month of worsening regional escalation, another month of war that cannot and must not go on. unlike the government, labour has always been clear that israel must comply with the icj's orders. the icj said israel must take measures to ensure humanitarian access but last week,

the world food programme suspended its aid operation in northern gaza. medicins sans frontieres said, we no longer speak of the humanitarian scale up, we speak of how to survive without even the bare minimum. and the association of international development agencies tell me that visas for 100 humanitarian workers in gaza and the west bank have expired or are about to expire. with no humanitarian visa renewals since the outbreak of this war, leaving humanitarian workers facing deportation where the palestinian people need them most. will the minister tell the israeli government that humanitarian visas must be renewed now? that aid into gaza must flow unimpeded now and that israel must comply with all measures set out by the icj now. it is with modesty that we debate gaza in this house because it is through

diplomacy, not debate in westminster, that we will ultimately secure an end to this war. over the weekend in paris, there appears to have been progress so can the minister update the house on the dealfor minister update the house on the deal for involving a truce in exchange for hostages? can the minister say whether he is optimistic that it will be achieved by ramadan? we all fear the work continuing into ramadan —— the water continuing into ramadan —— the water continuing —— the war continuing. and can he be clear that the offensive on rafah must not go ahead? i understand that calling for ahead? i understand that calling for a ceasefire will not make one happen but neither were calling for a pause which confuses our shared desire to haveit which confuses our shared desire to have it stop, not restart. should

there be an immediate humanitarian ceasefire now? does he disagree that both sides should stop the fighting now? does he disagree that all hostages should be released now? does he disagree that we should be unimpeded in terms of aid flowing into gaza? does he disagree that britain should work with international partners to recognise the palestinian state now? or does he disagree that we should work together to establish a diplomatic process to deliver a two—state solution? i respect the honourable member opposite greatly and i strongly suspect he agrees with every word of labour's position, and i suspect the foreign secretary does as well, so can we speak together as we have on ukraine? our words bring pressure and send a powerful signal that for once we can put the political gains aside, meet as the government and the official opposition to put out a shared

statement calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire now. minister. '- minister. i thank the shadow foreign minister. — i thank the shadow foreign secretary for what he has said. i do have to say to him that in the house last week in the debate, i set out at some length the government's position in the amendment which we tabled. listening to him with great care today, i have to say that his position on behalf of the official opposition is incredibly close to what the government set out in the amendment last week. he asks me to set out clearly our position, which is very clearly set out in that amendment. i am warmed by the fact that his position appears to be almost identical today. is the position of the government and we have been very clear, we are trying to negotiate full stop he

asks me whether i agree with him, an immediate pause to get the hostages out and get incredibly badly needed aid in, leading to a sustainable ceasefire. he raises the position on humanitarian visas and humanitarian workers. there is nothing between us on that. we are doing everything we can to advance that position. he asks me about the recent humanitarian entry position. i can tell on that on sunday the 25th, 94 trucks got in bed on the 22nd of february, moore got in. that was the highest number since january the 17th and those figures show that it is possible to get this vital humanitarian need in. we must do everything we can to make sure that those higher levels continue. finally, he asked me about the

hostage negotiations.