I know many will share my deep concern regarding the conflict across the Middle East following the US-Israeli war with Iran.
My thoughts are with the civilians who have been caught in the crossfire and the UK nationals who have been stranded in the region.
In the House of Commons, I have urged the Prime Minister to redouble efforts to work with our allies in the EU and Middle East to bring an end to the conflict and a return to diplomatic negotiations to secure peace, security and the protection of civilian lives.
The conflict in Iran and across the region has already caused devastating humanitarian consequences, with thousands of people killed and many more injured and displaced.
The Prime Minister has been clear on this Government’s priority: protecting British nationals while preventing a wider war that leads to more human suffering.
The Government has supported thousands of British nationals in returning home on commercial and government flights.
Our Armed Forces are working 24/7 to intercept Iranian attacks and defend UK interests, our people and our allies in the region.
I have supported the Prime Minister’s decision not to join the offensive against Iran, rooted in the principle that our actions must be ethical and legal.
As the Prime Minister rightly stated: "We don’t believe in regime change from the air."
It is right that the UK did not rush headlong into a war without a plan for what comes next. Instead, we are focused on a negotiated agreement that brings peace to the region.
I know many are worried about the impact here at home on bills and finances.
We have capped energy bills until June to save households £117, extended the fuel duty cut until September, and provided £53 million for vulnerable heating oil customers.
The Prime Minister has also announced a legal direction to the energy companies - to ensure every penny of the savings we delivered through last year’s budget is passed onto consumers.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has vowed to deliver economic support to those who need it most, should energy bills rise because of the domestic impacts of the US-Israeli war with Iran.
More widely, the Labour Government is investing £90 billion in clean British power to break our reliance on volatile foreign oil and gas markets.
A prolonged conflict will have catastrophic humanitarian consequences and cause further damage to the world economy.
It is vital that further escalation is prevented and there is a return to a diplomatic process to secure peace, security and the protection of civilian life.
- Rushanara Ali is Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney.
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