Parliament returned in a sombre mood after the atrocities and suffering in Israel and Gaza. 

I condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel. My thoughts are with the innocent victims and their loved ones. I am also concerned by the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We must remember Hamas terrorists are not the same as the Palestinian people and do not represent their legitimate right to dignity, freedom, justice, and self-determination. There must be humanitarian access to Gaza, for food, water, medicines and electricity. Leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer MP, pressed the Government on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza at the most recent Prime Minister’s Questions, see here.
 
There have also been instances of antisemitism and Islamophobia – I've been working with community leaders in Hackney to ensure hate does not spill onto our streets.

Earlier this week, I challenged the Secretary of State responsible for housing, Michael Gove, on the Government's woeful record in delivering new homes (see here). We desperately need new social and properly affordable housing in Hackney. The Government has already revised its targets for new affordable homes downwards and is failing to meet even these lower targets. This is not good enough. A decent, secure, and stable home is vital for people's quality of life.