The Situation in Gaza
Over the past year I have received an exceptionally high volume of correspondence in relation to the abhorrent situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
I feel it is prudent to share a publicly available and comprehensive response, outlining both my own and the Liberal Democrats’ position, and addressing the many concerns that constituents have raised. Please click the subheadings/links/pages below for statements on specific issues.
Situation Update (Posted 9th October 2025)
***News of a ceasefire deal in Gaza brings real hope - for the millions of Palestinians whose lives have been devastated by this war, for the hostages who've been held in brutal captivity by the Hamas terrorists, and for the hostages' families.
At this critical moment, the UK and our allies must do all we can to get the hostages home, secure a full reopening of aid routes into Gaza under the auspices of the UN to alleviate the suffering of starving Palestinians, and finally secure a permanent end to the horrific violence.
This must be the first step towards a two-state solution and a lasting peace, including for the West Bank and East Jerusalem. That's the only solution which will provide peace, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis.***
With tens of thousands of Palestinians killed and 90% of the population displaced, the humanitarian situation has reached catastrophic proportions. The systematic nature of the destruction, combined with the blocking of essential aid and targeting of civilian infrastructure, raises serious concerns about violations of international law, including actions that constitute genocide and crimes against humanity under the definitions established in international legal frameworks.
Across the region, there are many families mourning loved ones, and many displaced who want to return to their homes. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened, we’ve been the most vocal party in pushing the Government to apply more and genuine pressure to Netanyahu’s Cabinet. We continue to call for a return to a state of ceasefire, a release of the remaining Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity, ensure unhindered access for aid to enter and be distributed to those desperately in need of it in Gaza, to let displaced people return to their homes, and to continue to promote the conditions that would allow for a two-state solution that secures the long-term peace and coexistence of Israel and a Palestinian state.
In June 2025, all 72 Liberal Democrat MPs called for the recognition of Palestine – as a means to stop illegal settlements in the West Bank and the destruction of Gaza, and to show the UK’s commitment to Palestinians right to self-determination. In July, we co-signed Sarah Champion’s letter in relation to UK recognition of a Palestinian state. We therefore greatly welcome the UK’s official recognition of Palestine on 21st September 2025 as a great step forward but recognise this needs to be followed through by the Government to secure a ceasefire, end the continuous cycle of violence, and to ensure a two-state solution, all of which are the only ways to ensure a permanent end to the conflict.
We continue to call on the Government to:
- End the export of all weapons, including F-35 parts to Israel.
- Sanction Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Ministers for supporting the ever-expanding military campaign in Gaza.
- Introduce a law prohibiting trade between the UK and illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
- Reopen all humanitarian aid routes into Gaza immediately, to address the worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
- Put pressure on regional actors (in particular the government of Qatar) to influence Hamas to release the hostages immediately and unconditionally.
The current trajectory of this conflict serves no one's interests and only deepens suffering on all sides. The UK has both moral obligations and diplomatic capabilities that must be deployed urgently to help end this catastrophe and establish a pathway to just and lasting peace.
I am committed to ensuring that the UK plays a constructive role in ending the humanitarian crisis and supporting the legitimate aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis for security, dignity, and peace.