Caabu organised a parliamentary delegation to Lebanon from 6-10 October 2025.
On the delegation were Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP, the Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley and former Transport Secretary, Colum Eastwood MP, the SDLP (Social Democratic and Labour Party) MP for Foyle in Northern Ireland and former leader of the party, and Justin Madders MP, the Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, and former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade. They were accompanied by Caabu's Head of Parliamentary Affairs, Joseph Willits.
Over the course of the few days, the delegation was able to meet with Lebanese politicians and political figures, including an official meeting with the Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, as well as with other analysts, commentators, thinktanks and NGOs. The delegation also met with the British Ambassador and Lebanese Ambassador designate to the UK, with Lebanese MPs.
The delegation learnt about the current situation in Lebanon, looking at the impacts of the economic crisis, Beirut port explosion, and particularly with regards to Israel’s continued war on Lebanon and occupation of its territory, and the impact of what is happening in Syria. The delegation visited the Bekaa Valley with the ICRC to see the work they are doing with internally displaced Lebanese as a result of Israel’s strikes, and those recently displaced from Syria – as well as the local community in the Hermel area, close to Lebanon’s border with Syria. They also met with members of the Lebanese Red Cross who spoke of their experiences as volunteers during the war.
The delegation also looked at the situation for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, and visited Shatila refugee camp with both UNRWA and Association Najdeh. The delegation was visiting the camp at the same time that a ceasefire was announced in Gaza. They heard from NGOs working inside Shatila and also young Palestinians living in Shatila, about the challenges and experiences in the camp, including the inability to work in the majority of sectors. They were able to get some sense of what conditions are like in Shatila, and for Palestinians in Lebanon more broadly.
In Bourj Hammoud, they also visited the work of Basmeh and Zeitouneh, particularly with refugees from Syria, including classes for children and also legal support.
A meeting was also arranged with family members of those killed and injured in the Beirut port explosion on 4 August 2020, who spoke about their battle for justice and accountability for their loved ones.
It is vital that Caabu organised this delegation to Lebanon, and give UK parliamentarians the opportunity to witness the current situation here right now .
Update: 28 October 2025
Following the delegation Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP asked this at Foreign Office questions
