Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will press the EU to raise the restrictions placed by the government of Israel on access for humanitarian aid and

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reconstruction materials into Gaza at the next discussion of the Middle East Quartet; and if he will make a statement. [1193]

Alistair Burt MP; Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear in his public statement on 5 June 2010, we continue to press the Government of Israel to lift Gaza's closure. The Foreign Secretary is also discussing these issues urgently with our international partners-including during his ongoing visits to EU capitals. We welcome Quartet discussion of these issues.