Thank you for contacting me about Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh, who was recently killed while reporting in the West Bank city of Jenin and EDM 34
Parliamentary Private Secretaries do not, by convention, sign any Early Day Motions, as doing so is likely to breach the Ministerial Code’s rules on collective responsibility. However,
I share your shock and sadness at her tragic death. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
The UK is a longstanding champion of media freedom globally. The work of journalists across the world is vital and it is essential that they are protected in order to carry out their work. I join my ministerial colleagues from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in urging for a rapid and thorough investigation.
Ministers are concerned by ongoing tensions in Israel and across the West Bank and are encouraging all parties to work to de-escalate the situation and avoid provocation. I am further assured that British officials in our Embassy in Tel Aviv and our Consulate General in Jerusalem have been engaging with the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to support them in restoring calm.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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