Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran speaks out about personal loss and urges for a ceasefire in Gaza

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran has revealed in the House of Commons that a family member has tragically died in Gaza, describing it as the “most difficult day” of her parliamentary career. Moran, the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, who has previously spoken about her Palestinian heritage, shared the devastating news that her relative, who had been trapped in Gaza, passed away due to health complications, likely exacerbated by a lack of food and medical care.

Moran explained that her family member did not die as a result of direct violence, such as bombing, but rather from the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with limited access to hospitals and basic necessities. She went on to explain the importance of backing calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting that the situation was not about party politics but about humanity.

“I wanted to vote for peace today,” she said, calling for a two-state solution and an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering for both Palestinians and Israelis. Moran emphasised the need for an end to the cycle of violence, urging her colleagues to consider the personal and human impact of the conflict.

Moran also expressed her frustration with the language used by some MPs, referring to the Prime Minister’s earlier comments about not being on the side of Israel. She urged MPs from all sides to recognise that the issue at hand was far beyond political differences.

In response to her emotional statement, Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans extended his condolences, though he reminded Moran that her point of order was not a matter for the chair and subsequently cut her off.