Today, together with Sharon Hodgson MP, Nicola co-chaired a panel discussion on Hamas' barbaric use of sexual violence during the 7th October terrorists attacks on Israel.
Participants included Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch MP, and Dame Margaret Hodge MP representing the Labour party. Attendees heard first-hand testimony from a delegation who had come from Israel to share what they saw and had to deal with during those terrorist attacks.
They included a member of the team who had to process bodies as those who where murdered, as well as Ashley Waxman Bakshi whose cousin is tragically still held in captivity in Gaza after being taken hostage by Hamas. The testimony explained in graphic detail how the terrorists used rape and sexual violence as part of their attacks.
Members of Parliament stood together on a cross-party platform to call out these appalling acts.
Commenting, Nicola said: "Today Parliament was witness to evidence of crimes against humanity, in particular the use of rape in war. Hamas sought to destroy the dignity of women through rape, mutilation, death and destruction. They sought to dishonour women and girls in their final moments, in the cruelest way possible.
"So many came to hear these testimonies, so we can continue to call on others to recognise these crimes. We can give a voice to the women who no longer have theirs. We can tell the world that rape was used as a weapon of war. And we must call for the return of all hostages."