Gavin Shuker, MP for Luton South and Shadow International Development Minister, travelled to the West Bank last week as part of a MAP-Caabu delegation. During the trip we caught up with him to get his impressions.
-Why did you come out on this delegation?
It's an issue of real interest and should be for anyone working on Foreign Policy and justice. I've got responsibility for the Middle East and International Development for the Labour party and I think it's important, to travel, to learn and to understand not just maps but people.
-What have been your impressions from the visit?
It's clear that there is a viable Palestine state if the politics is resolved. Also what an important moment this is today. It seems vital that we shore up a 2-state solution and the International Community has a role to play here.
-Could you tell us about your visit with the MAP mobile clinic to Area C
We travelled with MAP into one of the hardest to reach areas for basic services such as health. Interestingly it was offering not just health care but a sense of connection and a means of engagement with civil society. The clinic was not just offering health but offering hope
-What action points will you be taking back to the UK with you?
This visit will help shape our policy toward International Development to the region. It has secured in me a sense that this is the right time to do what we have been doing in the Labour party - to go further in terms of recognition in terms of supporting the 2-state solution and finally to encourage colleagues that this is a key moment right now.