JJP lobbies the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

On 12 April, JJP wrote to the FCDO requesting a meeting with the Secretary of State, Lord Cameron, to discuss UK policy towards Israel and the Palestinians, both with regard to the Gaza war and in the long term.

Our letter is below:

12 April 2024

Charles King

Head, Israel Palestine Task Force

Serena Stone, Deputy Head, Israel Palestine Task force

Dear Mr. King,

We are writing to request a meeting with the Secretary of State, Lord Cameron, to discuss UK policy towards Israel and the Palestinians, both with regard to the Gaza war and in the long term.

It is clear that Lord Cameron is appalled by Israel’s offensive on Gaza. As he said, far too many Palestinians have been and are being killed. Yet he has not acknowledged that is because Israel is flouting the principles of proportionality and distinction which are central to protection of civilians in time of war, which leads directly to the conclusion that Israel is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, no less than Hamas did in its attack on October 7 and taking of hostages.

We read with dismay Lord Cameron’s comments that the Government wants to see a humanitarian pause in the war, but would nevertheless not be suspending arms exports to Israel. Based on Israel’s past behaviour, we find it hard to believe that Israel will stop its massive bombing campaign as long as its suppliers keep replenishing its stocks of shells, bombs and weapons parts. Granted that UK exports far less than the United States or Germany, nevertheless a UK initiative would encourage the others.

In the long term, a way must be found to end Israel’s occupation and grant the Palestinians their right to self determination as the only way to create the conditions for peace.

Very soon after the October 7 attack, almost all western leaders, including Lord Cameron, acknowledged that. In February, American Secretary of State Blinken spoke of “a concrete, time-bound and irreversible path” to a Palestinian state. But the question remains: Will the United Kingdom and other influential countries be willing to apply the necessary diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel if a future Israeli government continues preferring domination and periodic major violence to peace?

We hope to hear from you shortly to arrange a meeting.

Yours sincerely,

Arthur Goodman
Parliamentary and Diplomatic Liaison Officer