ON Monday the Foreign Secretary delivered a statement to the House on Iran. An agreement has been signed that will mean Iran will stop enriching uranium beyond five per cent and it will “neutralise” its stockpile of uranium enriched beyond this point.

Iran will give improved access to inspectors, including daily access at the Natanz and Fordo nuclear sites. In return, the international community has undertaken not to impose new nuclear-related sanctions for six months if Iran sticks by the accord. Iran will also receive sanctions relief worth about £4.3bn on sectors including precious metals.

I am cautiously hopeful about this announcement but I do believe that progress needs to be monitored closely as a broader agreement is negotiated.

On Tuesday morning I chaired the All Party Group for Global Uncertainties, where we heard from a number of experts on the Syrian Refugee Crisis. The appalling news that 11,000 children have now died in the conflict – some of whom showed signs of torture – demonstrates how vitally important it is the UK leads in making its humanitarian input align to the broader development efforts required in the region.

On Wednesday, the Palestinian Solidarity Group had its annual lobby, when I welcomed some of its Salisbury supporters to Parliament to discuss the conflict in Israel and Palestine.

I am often asked why the UK does not intervene further and issue strong sanctions on Israel that would back up the statements of condemnation.

I remain in favour of an open approach to foreign affairs – constructive dialogue remains the key tool in the UK’s diplomatic arsenal and we continue to engage with both sides.

It is important to recognise that progress has been made: the level of humanitarian aid reaching the people of Gaza is up this year and, crucially, the Israeli Prime Minister has cancelled plans to build 20,000 homes this month.

Finally, I will be spending Friday in Westminster supporting the EU Referendum Bill again – in the hope that the people of this country can have their say on our future in (or out) of Europe.