The last week before Parliamentary recess has been dominated by foreign news; the Israeli military strikes in Gaza and the downing of the aircraft over the Ukraine.

For most people, Israel’s latest attacks on the Gaza strip constitute disproportionate use of violence against Palestinians. The death toll passed 500 last week and there is no end in sight. All of us agree the violence, rocket attacks and Israeli military action should stop, now!

Over the last few weeks I have received a record number of e-mails from constituents regarding this situation. I have shared their concerns with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, pressing them to recognise the disproportionality of the Israeli response. I agree with the Labour Party leader that no justification can be found for the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians and together with my party, oppose further military action in this conflict.

In other news, the consultation for river crossings has launched. With the growth of civic and commercial assets like the Olympic Park, the ExCel Centre, the Dome, London City Airport and the forthcoming developments in the Royal Docks, we need to find sustainable ways of coping with additional demands to access the area. It is therefore more important than ever that new bridges and tunnels connecting East and South East London are built. We already have the Silvertown tunnel confirmed and we are looking for another crossing at Woolwich. The Woolwich Ferry service is largely outdated and ineffective. Without a river crossing to replace it, travel over or under the Thames will become an arduous task, costing time, jobs and money. Transport for London are asking Londoners to have their say about a number of new river crossings and you can do so via an online survey on their website tfl.gov.uk/road/river-crossings.

During the August recess my surgery will be running on the 1, 8 and 29. For booking appointments, please call the constituency office on 0207 5360562 or 0572.

Parliament will resume on September 1, and in the meantime, I hope everyone gets a break this summer and enjoys their holidays! I’ll be around the whole time. Read more from Jim Fitzpatrick.