The UK government made pathetic gestures yesterday on Gaza, aimed at Israel.
David Lammy, in his role as Foreign Secretary, told the Commons, according to The Guardian, that the further planned major military incursion into Gaza by the Israel Defence Forces was:
“morally unjustifiable, wholly disproportionate and utterly counterproductive”.
But there was no mention of genocide, despite many demands in the Commons by MPs of all sides that this word be used.
And reports by those who track RAF aircraft on social media suggested that an RAF transport plane, that could only have been carrying supplies, landed at Tel Aviv airport yesterday, and reconnaissance flights were flown over Gaza by RAF planes, presumably to provide data to Israel which will, no doubt, support their offensive there.
In that case, so what if Lammy can put on an appearance of being annoyed? The actual sanction is that we are not going to continue talks on a trade deal, as if such a thing has any real consequence. Lammy apparently thinks threatening to give less favourable terms to Israeli avocados is a trade-off with the lives of the 14,000 Palestinian children who are thought to be at immediate risk of death from starvation over the next few days.
What is there to conclude from this? Three things, I suggest.
First, the Labour front bench has suddenly realised that they are at risk of international sanctions and even prosecution if they do not appear to stand up to Israeli war crimes now.
Second, they think a little bluster will get them off the hook.
Third, nothing about their Zionist policy has really changed.
What has been clear since October 2023 is that we would end up in this situation.
I have also been saying since then that Labour's fence-sitting on this issue would get it nowhere.
But, Labour has always fence sat.
It has always resorted to a claim that it supports a two-state solution as a way of doing precisely nothing, whilst simultaneously refusing to recognise Palestine as a state.
And it is still doing nothing, whilst covertly aiding Israel.
Should the Labour leadership be worried about sanctions for war crimes? In my opinion, yes. They have stood aside and let this situation develop. They could see what was happening. And even now, they will not describe what is really going on, or use the appropriate form of words to condemn the actions of those whose next stop should be in the Hague, with life sentences for what they have done.
Yesterday, Labour ministers defended the use of the legal concept of joint enterprise in English criminal law. Joint enterprise, which is also known as secondary liability or complicity, is a legal doctrine where individuals can be held criminally liable for a crime committed by another if they assisted or encouraged that person. This means that someone can be found guilty of a crime even if they didn't directly commit it, as long as they played a role in making it happen. This is what I think Labour ministers can be accused of with regard to the genocide in Gaza by Israel.
Starmer and Lammy should look worried. So should defence ministers. They have aided and abetted Israel. I hope they pay the price for doing so. Justice should be seen to be done when the charge is of assisting genocide.
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Do you mean covertly aiding Israel, 4th paragraph from the end?
Yes
Corrected
Thanks. It is sometimes hard to see your own mistakes, which usally arise because of editing.
As I have said before what has happened in Gaza does nothing for the long term security of the state of Israel.
It isnt only the Palestinians who will benefit from calling off the IDF, but the likelihood of a potential future catastrophe that could destroy Israel is reduced
It isn’t useful focussing on the word “genocide” as it is contentious. But we can focus on what is defined as a war crime, as found in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-migration-network-emn/emn-asylum-and-migration-glossary/glossary/war-crime_en
We need only ask whether such actions have been untaken, and whether they are proportionate. If the UK has facilitated an aggressor, then the government and its representatives are complicit.
Violations include:
* Intentionally directing attacks against civilians or civilian objects
* Attacking humanitarian or peacekeeping missions
* Attacking undefended towns or buildings
* Pillaging
* Rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization
* Wilfully causing great suffering or serious injury
* Extensive destruction of property not justified by military necessity
* Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare
Thanks
My MP (government Junior Minister) got her office to send me the official gov’t statement about how they are really irritated that Israel aren’t listening and have threatened to get even more annoyed in future.
I responded abruptly with the same message about our government’s complicity, and noted that the statement from HMG failed to include the words “genocide” or “war crimes”, and that I regarded her as complicit personally, as a member of the government.
I and many others would donate to a legal crowdfund to bring a legal case if a legal expert started one against HMG.
I wonder what it would take to start a case @ the ICC against Starmer, Lammy and the Tory crew (given it all kicked off when they were in gov). If a case were started, Starmer & co would no longer be able to fly to the EU. Ever.
But who would take it?
IANAL but…
A case against an individual (Starmer as PM, Lammy as For.Sec., John Healey as Defence Sec. and Jonathan Reynolds as Trade Sec. and why not include Lord Hermer KC, as Attorney General? for starters) would have to start in the UK Courts, then when the UK DPP said, “Not likely, mate, I used to work for Starmer, in fact I still do!” then the ICC could be approached. That should only take a year or two.
But the important thing would be to get started, and then every public reference to our dear leaders could include reference to their status before the courts. I don’t think they’d like that.
Of course the deep state might take an interest, and any involved individuals or organisations might find they suddenly acquire a free unsolicited covertly installed copy of Pegasus-like software, and unpleasant unsolicited additions to their digital photo galleries.
Thanks
Isn’t there a case before the High Court at the moment about continuing to supply arms to Israel? Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are involved. If that judicial review is successful the same groups, perhaps joined by other organisations, may be interested in starting a case?
I’m minded to approach …. Deform.
Go after the entire cabinet as war criminals knowlingly assisting genocide and placing UK citizens at risk
(ref: B.Liar, Iraq and the bombs in London that occured not long after – the bombers may have placed the bombs, B.Liar pulled the trigger – metaphorically speaking).
The problem, as always is that the politicos treat politics as a no risk game – if it all goes wrong well not to worry – a directorship calls. The only thing that the current cabinet should be facing (all of them – collective responsibility) is jail time. Its the Charles I option – if you are unable/unwilling to act responsibly – consequences follow. In the past they never have, time they did.
Which leaves the open question: which lawyers would do a pro bono?
Try Jo Maugham
Here are some Lists of the Day about Israeli and, in the interests of balance (one can’t be too careful about these things) Palestinian companies in the UK.
Israeli Companies Operating in the UK
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Subsidiary: TEVA UK Limited
Activity: Supplies generic and specialty medicines to the NHS and private healthcare providers; has operated in the UK since the 1930s.
Amdocs Limited
Subsidiaries: Amdocs Ltd., Amdocs Locations (including a strong UK presence)
Activity: Provides digital and network transformation software and managed services to major UK telecom operators (e.g., Three UK, T‑Mobile UK); employs several hundred staff across multiple UK sites.
NICE Ltd.
Subsidiary: NICE Systems UK Limited
Activity: Delivers customer experience, workforce engagement, and analytics platforms to UK enterprises; acquired UK firms Fizzback and Brand Embassy to bolster local capabilities.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
Subsidiary: Check Point Software Technologies (UK) Ltd.
Activity: Supplies cybersecurity hardware/software to UK businesses and government agencies; headquartered in London.
Elbit Systems Ltd.
Subsidiary: Elbit Systems UK Ltd. (with four wholly owned UK subsidiaries and two joint ventures)
Activity: Manufactures UAV engines (via UAV Tactical Systems joint venture with Thales), aerospace components (Ferranti Technologies), precision systems (Instro Precision), and military training simulators for the British Army; over 680 UK employees.
UK Companies Owned or Partly Owned by Israeli Firms
Travel Management
Norad Travel Group Acquired in 2021 by Israel’s Talma Shlomo Travel Solutions, integrating Norad into its global TMC portfolio.
Blue Cube London‑based travel management company acquired by Talma Travel Solutions, bolstering Talma’s UK footprint.
Transportation
Radio Taxis (London Black Cabs) Acquired by Israeli ride‑hailing app Gett in 2015, combining traditional taxi services with Gett’s app‑based platform.
Telecommunications Software
Cramer Systems Group Ltd. Bath‑based OSS provider for telecom operators; acquired by Amdocs (Israel) in 2006 and integrated into Amdocs’ product suite.
Defence Engineering
Pearson Engineering UK armoured vehicle engineering firm acquired by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in 2022 to expand its UK manufacturing base.
Energy Sector
Ithaca Energy UK‑based oil and gas exploration company in which Israel’s Delek Group held a majority stake; Delek reduced its shareholding in 2024 as part of a UK merger.
Palestinian Companies Operating in the UK
Yaffa Limited Established: 2010 Headquarters: UK Activities: Yaffa imports and distributes Palestinian agricultural products, including Medjoul dates from Jericho, extra virgin olive oil from Nablus and Jenin, and other goods like za’atar and freekeh. The company collaborates with small to medium-sized Palestinian farms, ensuring ethical sourcing and fair compensation for workers.
Zaytoun CIC Established: 2004 Type: Community Interest Company (non-profit)
Activities: Zaytoun imports and markets Palestinian fair-trade products such as olive oil, dates, almonds, and maftoul. Profits are reinvested into supporting Palestinian farming communities through training, equipment provision, and product development.
Gaza Cola Founder: Osama Qashoo Launched: 2023
Activities: Gaza Cola is a soft drink brand introduced in London, aiming to generate profits to rebuild al Karama hospital in northern Gaza, which was destroyed during conflict. The beverage features Palestinian cultural symbols and serves as a statement against corporate investments in armed trade.
Salaam Cola Founder: Aykiz Shah Manufactured in: Turkey
Activities: Salaam Cola is a UK-based soda brand that donates 10% of its profits to Palestinian relief efforts. The brand has gained traction among businesses supporting the Palestinian cause by offering an alternative to major cola brands.
Taybeh Brewing Company Established: 1994 in the West Bank UK Presence: Taybeh beer is exported to the UK and available in select outlets.
Activities: Taybeh Brewery produces Palestinian beer and wine, promoting Palestinian products internationally.
UK Companies with Palestinian Ownership or Partnerships
There is limited publicly available information on UK companies that are owned or partly owned by Palestinian entities. However, collaborations and partnerships exist, particularly in the technology sector.
UK Palestinian Tech Hub Initiative: Supported by the British Consulate-General in Jerusalem
Activities: The UK Palestinian Tech Hub facilitates connections between British and Palestinian tech ecosystems. It supports Palestinian entrepreneurs and tech leaders through events and programmes like iktashef UK, which brings Palestinian tech companies and start-ups to the UK to network and explore business opportunities.
Retailers and Distributors of Palestinian Products in the UK
Several UK-based retailers and organisations distribute Palestinian products, supporting fair trade and Palestinian communities:
Hadeel: A fair trade shop selling crafts from community-based groups in the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon.
Holy Land Handicrafts: Offers ceramics and olive wood crafts from Palestinian artisans.
Olive Co-operative: Engages in responsible tourism and trade, offering Palestinian goods and educational tours.
Paltime: Provides a range of products, including body products, CDs, books, and embroidery from Palestine.
News From Nowhere Bookshop: A not-for-profit community bookshop in Liverpool that stocks Palestinian goods.
Matta’s: An international food store in Liverpool offering Palestinian oil, dates, and other foods.
This situation was entirely predictable. It shows a lack of judgement from those leading Labour.
Thank you and well said, Richard.
It would be interesting to read what the Foreign Office legal opinion published as the Sunak regime ramped support for Israel. That opinion warned of the UK’s culpability.
Yesterday morning, Dominique de Villepin told French TV that the entire Israeli cabinet and senior officials should be in the dock, not just Netanyahu and his close allies. This evening, Villepin addresses students at the Polytechnique and will warn about the culpability of the French government and its nationals* serving in the IOF. The IOF employs a Frenchman, a colonel, as spokesman. His alternate is a younger Frenchwoman and junior officer.
*Yesterday I learnt that the son of a Tory shadow minister and his fiancee are serving in the IOF. One should bear in mind that Brazil has threatened to prosecute its nationals if they return. There are calls in Australia to prosecute theirs.
IOF?
Didn’t the UK pass a law some while ago making it illegal for UK citizens to fight in foreign wars? It was aimed at stopping people joining Islamic State, but it covers all wars.
It was interesting in Lammy’s long Q&A session with MPs following his House of Commons statement on Gaza yesterday he pointedly declined to answer two important questions. One was repeated several times from different MPs, asking him if he will publish the legal advice the Government has received on whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, advice which the Government’s own legal team have mentioned in a current court case on military exports to Israel. The second question was from former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who asked about the purpose of the multiple flights the RAF have made over Gaza from RAF Akrotiri base on Cyprus. Answering either substantively would likely get the Government on the complicity hook over Gaza. The truth will come out. Ministers beware.
As usual Owen Jones is on the ball , suggesting Starmer and co may be beginning to worry they may ultimately be called to account
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/20/judgment-israel-gaza-benjamin-netanyahu-enablers
He also notes that ….”Tory MP, Edward Leigh, stood up last week, declaring himself a member of Conservative Friends of Israel “for over 40 years, longer than anyone here”. His question was direct: “When is genocide not genocide?”….”
65 MP’s have signed an open letter asking for transparency on genocide risk assessment.
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/uk-government-urged-disclose-genocide-risk-assessments-gaza-mp-letter
Starmer and co will probably get away with it as did Blair.
Thanks
Here are another couple of lists, of relevance to the shoppers amongst us who like to make informed choices.
Israeli Consumer Goods Available in the UK
Food & Beverages
Bamba: A peanut butter-flavoured maize snack produced by Osem, widely available in UK supermarkets.
SodaStream: Home carbonation systems allowing users to make sparkling water and soft drinks at home.
Yarden Wines: A range of wines from the Golan Heights Winery, available in various UK wine shops.
Yarden Houmous: A popular hummus brand found in UK kosher and Middle Eastern food stores.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Ahava: Dead Sea mineral-based skincare products, including moisturisers and facial masks, available in UK department stores and online.
Household & Garden
Keter: Plastic outdoor furniture and storage solutions, sold through UK home improvement retailers.
Palestinian Consumer Goods Available in the UK
Palestinian products are accessible through fair trade shops, online platforms, and speciality retailers, often focusing on traditional foods, beverages, and artisanal crafts.
Food & Beverages
Medjoul Dates: Premium dates from Jericho, offered by brands like Yaffa and Zaytoun, available in health food stores and online.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Cold-pressed oils from Nablus and Jenin, sold by Yaffa and Zaytoun, found in fair trade shops and online.
Za’atar: A traditional herb mix used in Middle Eastern cuisine, available through Palestinian Produce and other retailers.
Maftoul: Hand-rolled Palestinian couscous, offered by Zaytoun and available in speciality food stores.
Gaza Cola: A soft drink launched in London to support rebuilding efforts in Gaza, available through select distributors.
Personal Care
Olive Oil Soap: Traditional soap made from Palestinian olive oil, available through Café Palestina and fair trade shops.
Artisanal Crafts
Hand-Blown Glassware: Unique glass items crafted in Hebron, sold through Café Palestina and other speciality retailers.
Embroidery & Textiles: Traditional Palestinian embroidered items, including scarves and bags, available through fair trade outlets.
Israel also exports Tahini – aka ground up seasame seeds – important ingredient in houmous. You need to look very carefully – I now have the policy – if in doubt, don’t buy.
I am warned
Not used much here. Za’atar is though.
Hi Mike,
Thanks. I’ve done a quick search and come up with the following Israeli Tahini Brands available in the UK. One of them is apparently stocked by Ocado and Tesco.
1. Achva Tahini. Achva is a well-established Israeli brand. Available at UK kosher supermarkets such as B Kosher.
2. Al Arz Tahini. Produced in Nazareth. Stocked by speciality retailers like Ottolenghi.
3. Baracke Tahini. Available at major UK supermarkets such as Ocado and Tesco.
4. Jida Jerusalem Tahini. Available directly from their website.
The BBC are party to this apparent realignment, saying this morning that “Starmer and Lammy sound genuinely angry at Israel.” No they don’t. That sound you hear is 100% political calculus, 0% humanity. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgnn6ed32eo)
Yesterday, Caitlin Johnstone had this recent quote from Netanyahu on her blog:
“Netanyahu claimed that international pressure, including from pro-Israel Republican senators and the White House, required the appearance of humanitarian intervention. ‘Our best friends in the world — senators I know as strong supporters of Israel — have warned that they cannot support us if images of mass starvation emerge,’ he said. ‘They come to me and say, “We’ll give you all the help you need to win the war… but we can’t be receiving pictures of famine,’” Netanyahu added. To continue the war of annihilation, he asserted, ‘We need to do it in a way that they won’t stop us.’
https://www.caitlinjohnst.one/p/israeli-officials-explain-balancing
“They cannot support us if images of mass starvation emerge.” That’s what’s going on here, and I think it raises some disturbing questions about why they think pictures of starving children are somehow worse (for them) than endless pictures of bombed and mutilated children.
I would be interested to hear Lammy and Starmer explain what is different now from, say, January 2024. or even January 2025, or April 2025. If Israel’s current actions make the level of suffering in Gaza intolerable (Starmer), why was it tolerable before?
To me it shows how damaging the septic furore over Corbyn’s alleged anti-Semitism was – it created a spillover into to other areas of the conflict that snuffed out anything remotely questioning what Israel was getting up to.
A terrible, catastrophic set of dynamics for Gaza.
And I agree that this rather too late condemnation off Israel smacks of domestic political expediency only.
Ah, the UK government’s latest performance in the Theatre of Moral Ambiguity! David Lammy, our very own Foreign Secretary, has mastered the art of outraged hand-wringing, declaring Israel’s planned Gaza offensive “morally unjustifiable” . How bold! How stirring! And yet, somehow, not a single mention of the G-word — genocide — despite MPs practically playing Scrabble with it in the Commons. But why fuss over vocabulary when you can threaten to… checks notes… suspend trade talks? Ah yes, the avocado embargo: a devastating blow to Tel Aviv’s brunch scene, and surely a fair trade for 14,000 starving children. Priorities, people!
Let’s dissect this masterclass in futility:
The “Oops, We Might Get Sued” Realization: Labour’s sudden panic that their “neutrality” might land them in The Hague’s time-out corner. Turns out, letting allies commit war crimes while you quietly ship F-35 parts and RAF reconnaissance data isn’t a great look! Who knew?. They’ve gone from “strategic ambiguity” to “strategic avocado sanctions” overnight. Progress!
The Bluster Buffet: Lammy’s speech was a Michelin-starred meal of empty calories. “Cruel! Indefensible! Utterly counterproductive!” — all the flair of a Shakespearean soliloquy, but with the impact of a soggy lettuce leaf. Meanwhile, RAF planes continue their Gaza sightseeing tours, because nothing says “condemnation” like free intel for your mate’s bombing campaign.
The Zionist Policy Glow-Up: Labour’s “two-state solution” mantra? A decades-old screensaver they forgot to update. They’ll recognize Palestine… someday… maybe after the next Mars rover mission. Until then, it’s all “both sides”-ing while quietly approving £160m in arms exports. But they, at least they’re consistent!
And let’s not forget Starmer’s legal loophole limbo: defending “joint enterprise” laws while dodging accountability for complicity in Gaza. If aiding genocide were a pub quiz, Labour’s scorecard would read: “Technically Not Liable (But Ethically Rotting)”.
In conclusion: Labour’s strategy is like bringing a water pistol to a thermonuclear war. They’ll tut, they’ll sanction a few settler outposts, and they’ll hope history forgets they spent months as Israel’s awkward cheerleader. But fear not! When the ICC comes knocking, they’ll have a stunning PowerPoint on “Humanitarian Concern™” ready. Slides include: “Why Avocados Matter More Than Children” and “How to Look Angry While Doing Nothing.”
Bravo, lads. Your legacy will be etched in asterisks.
Thank you, Bryan.
Not just sightseeing tours, but, apparently, an RAF plan with supplies was spotted in Tel Aviv yesterday.
Thanks Colonel Smithers
Since the bombing of Gaza began in October 2024, the Royal Air Force (RAF) has been remarkably busy shuttling cargo to Tel Aviv. According to Declassified UK, the UK’s military airbridge to Israel has seen a steady stream of activity. Between October 13 and October 26 alone, the RAF made daily military transport flights from RAF Akrotiri — the UK’s strategically positioned base in Cyprus — to Tel Aviv. In total, there have been at least 33 such flights since Israel launched its strikes on Gaza, and possibly more.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD), ever careful with its phrasing, insists these missions are part of the UK’s “diplomatic engagement” and efforts to help British nationals leave the region. Apparently, diplomacy these days requires a convoy of C-17A Globemaster III and A400M Atlas C1 aircraft — heavy-duty military transporters better suited to carrying armoured vehicles than evacuees or vol-au-vents.
One wonders how much food you can load onto a Globemaster. Or whether a CN-235, spotted flying to Israel on November 5 and 7, was packed with nothing but sandwiches and goodwill. Even the A400 Atlas flight on November 12 might raise an eyebrow or two for those familiar with its cargo capacity. If these planes were indeed ferrying food, it must have been for an extraordinarily well-fed embassy staff.
But the story doesn’t end in the skies over Tel Aviv. From RAF Marham, the UK has also been quietly dispatching F-35 fighter jet components to Israel — seven shipments between November 11, 2023, and August 6, 2024. Six of those were conveniently labelled with Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems as the sender. Presumably, this is all part of Britain’s renowned tradition of humanitarian aid: some people send blankets, others ship stealth fighter parts.
Meanwhile, Members of Parliament hoping to shine a light on what’s really moving through RAF Akrotiri have been politely stonewalled. Questions about military logistics and the base’s role in arming Israel have been brushed aside under the ever-useful cover of “operational matters.”
After all, when military aircraft are involved, what business is it of Parliament — or the public — to know whether they’re loaded with food for starving people, weapons, or both?
Thank you to Cliff above. This is very interesting and useful.
We buy from our parish church.
Teva is a blast from the past. I used to deal with them at HSBC twenty years ago. Awful to work with.
In a quite disgraceful fudging article today the Independent’s political editor ingeniously finds a way to blame Jeremy Corbyn for the government’s delay. If you have a strong stomach, read the article beginning:
“Why Starmer’s government has waited until now to take action on Israel. As David Lammy announces the suspension of trade talks with Israel and new sanctions over the Gaza humanitarian crisis, political editor David Maddox explains why action wasn’t taken sooner.”
Of course, the change of tack has absolutely nothing to do with Starmer getting cold feet about his earlier statement that “I support Zionism without qualification” or his assertion on 11th October 2023 on LBC, in reponse to a question from Nick Ferrari about withholding power and water from the citizens of Gaza , that “I think that Israel does have that right.”
This community may be interested in this cracking defence: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-israel-gaza-starmer-david-lammy-sanctions-trade-b2754928.html. I’m looking forward to that one being used at the Hague.
The convoluted argument by the Independent’s political editor that the anti-semitism rows that embroiled the Labour leadership under Jeremy Corbyn acted as a political break on Starmer& Lammy calling out the Israeli government for its atrociously belligerent and murderous attack on Gaza, is a masterclass in twisted thinking!
There are very many MPs who are supporters of Friends of Israel – Wikipedia lists them as of 2022 and names include Starmer, Reeves, Lammy, Cooper, Streeting, McFadden (and Pearce the current MP for High Peak where I live), and some MPs from other parties too. In 2022 there were not as many Labour MPs, so the list is possibly greatly expanded since. There is also a list of ‘Lords’ who support LFI (Labour Friends of Israel is referred to as LFI). It is worth reading Wikipedia (if accurate). It is alleged that around 2017 a member of Israeli embassy staff, Shai Masot, was recorded “plotting” to take down British MPs who favour recognition of a Palestinian state; links to the Labour Friends of Israel were put under the spotlight, including a reference to the availability of £1m from the Israeli government. Also around that time, it is referenced that the Israeli government made available a fund of £1m for LFI. Earlier last year Declassified UK stated Labour MPs have accepted over £280,000 from Israel lobby and that twenty percent of Labour’s sitting MPs have been funded by pro-Israel groups or individuals – including 15 who have been directly funded by the Israeli state.
All well documented in Al Jazeera documentary series, “The Lobby”, it included takedown of Alan Duncan, Tory junior Foreign Minister, as well for being too pro-Palestine.There are also episodes on “The Lobby – USA”.
The UK episodes include plenty of unambigous covertly filmed video featuring Shai Masot from the Israeli Embassy, and several of the “ordinary” members of Labour who claimed to be victimised and then turn out to be working on behalf of the embassy too.
Once you have seen the level of deception and skullduggery used to destroy people’s reputation it is possible to forget.
Starmer uses ex-IDF cyberspies to police social media for the Labour Party.
Old links to the Lobby films won’t work, there is a vigorous takedown policy to make these hard to find, so I won’t publish them here or via anything other than Signal.
Thanks Richard.
Looking at the Palestinian death toll and endless suffering – I am asking myself, why is there no “coalition of the willing” to help the Palestinians? What happened to “rule of law”? why are there no Palestinian flags at every street corner to show solidarity to the children in Gaza?
Extremely sad , the world appears to have abandoned the Palestinians – I do hope that one day Palestinians will have a land of their own and enjoy peace like all of us.
They have a land of their own. They have been booted out of it.
Why is there no military support for Palestine? Countries support Ukraine so why not Palestine?
Way back on July 19 2024 The UN’s highest Court the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion that is binding on all member states although they do not have the power to enforce it. That judgement required all states to immediately review all diplomatic, political and economic ties with Israel inclusive of business, finance, pension funds, academia and charities. An arms embargo was required along with investigations and prosecutions against those involved in crimes in the OPT particularly dual citizens serving in the Israeli military or involved in settler violence. The courts findings should be widely disseminated to ensure that the illegality of Israel’s presence in the OPT is fully understood at all levels of Gov. and reflected in public documents, education systems, laws and policies that penalize opposition or impede advocacy against Israel’s occupation and apartheid must be rescinded. Targeted sanctions inc. asset freezes on Israeli individuals and entities involved in occupation are also required. The court also made clear that it was no longer necessary for the Palestinians to negotiate with Israel for future independence saying ” Freedom from military occupation, racial segregation and apartheid is absolutely non-negotiable and occupation cannot be converted into annexation. Amazingly/optimistically the court set a date for the end of the occupation at September 17 2025. It ended up by saying ” global norms were established precisely to prevent such horrors Yet as millions protest globally for justice and humanity their cries are muted… the decision is stark….remain passive and witness the slaughter of innocents…. the global conscience has awakened, if asserted despite the moral abyss we are descending into…justice will ultimately prevail. So the rather mild protestations of Carney, Macron and Starmer are pretty pathetic, way too late and leave you wondering if they really meant anything they said or if they have even read the courts verdict.
During yesterday’s questions to Lammy after his hand-wringing statement, the MPs hardly mentioned the occupation nor the court ruling last year.
The legal realities of the decades of Occupation are ignored constantly – for example, the Gaza conflict is not a war (because Palestine is Occupied Territory), and armed resistance to occupation, blockade, forced relocation, and punishment of civilian populations, which is focussed on occupying forces, is not terrorism.
War crimes occur daily in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and have been accelerating recently.
Yet broadcasters and commentators hardly ever correct politicians on these irrefutable facts, perhaps because they know that the Israeli’s will accuse them of antisemitism and hound them from their jobs.
Thanks Richard, and all the commentators here for laying out the sheer hypocrisy of the latest bit of Lammy and Starmer’s mock outrage. In particular, the last two paragraphs, with the concept of joint enterprise and the possible consequences.
Sadly, I think it is unlikely that our despicable leaders will end up in The Hague for their complicity in genocide and they are more likely to be booted out of office for shenanigans with the Winter Fuel Payments. Such is the state of democracy in this sad country.
Phil
I would be happy to see both – they are not mutually exclusive.
Your three points are spot on, and we must make it clear that what Starmer and Lammy have said copper plates their bottoms not one jot. Rather they have, in fact, admitted their own complicity.