Commenting on the agreed framework deal to end the Iran war, which mediator Pakistan says will be signed on Friday in Switzerland, Dr Ellie Chowns MP, leader of the Green parliamentary group, said:

“The peace deal between the US and Iran will provide welcome relief for civilians across the region, too many of whom have borne the brunt of escalating violence and instability in order to further an illegal war.

“The urgent task must now be to ensure this agreement is the first step to a truly just and lasting peace. The UK must use every available lever to support these efforts, including in the pursuit of nuclear de-escalation and in holding those in the Iranian regime responsible for human rights abuses and persecution of the Iranian people to account. The UK must also insist on full respect of the peace deal by Israel in its operations – the people of Lebanon must not be left to suffer further attacks and occupation.

“Furthermore, the UK must acknowledge that this war should never have been started in the first place. It is clear that the United States and Israel entered into conflict illegally, with no credible long-term plan, and with no real regard for the stability of the wider region or the catastrophic consequences for ordinary people. This is utterly unacceptable. The UK Government must finally stand up for international law on the global stage and make clear to Trump and Netanyahu that Britain will not permit any country, ‘ally’ or adversary, to breach it with impunity. The Prime Minister must stand firm on these points as he represents the UK at the G7 summit.

“At home in Westminster, the UK Government must learn from the harsh lessons of this war and urgently invest in our nation’s energy security. While the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz may ease the strain on British households facing surging energy costs right now, it will do nothing to safeguard against future price shocks caused by our continued dependence on oil and gas. It is only through accelerating investment in renewable energy that we will secure the cheap, clean, homegrown energy the UK needs, strengthening our national security and bringing down bills for good.”

Reacting to the announcement by Keir Starmer of a ban from social media for under-16s, a Green Party spokesperson said:

“The Green Party welcomes action to address the harms social media can cause to young people. The impact on mental health and online safety is well documented as is the huge concern among parents, teachers and many young people themselves. Stronger safeguards are clearly needed. We also need to guard against potentially more dangerous platforms setting up.

“However, organisations including the NSPCC and the Molly Rose Foundation have warned that a blanket ban could leave some young people, particularly disabled and LGBTQIA people, more isolated and cut off from support. We also need to see real investment in youth services and creative activities for young people to fill the void that will be created by this ban.

“Social media companies that profit from addictive algorithms targeted at children must not be let off the hook. We need stronger regulation, better digital safety education, and tougher action to hold these platforms and their billionaire owners accountable.”