Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway: “Over the past year I have
seen the growing outrage over the Israeli government's actions towards Palestinians
in Gaza. Harrowing images flood social media and television: maimed and starving
civilians, parents mourning their dead children, communities clawing through
rubble.
"My constituents are rightly furious and demand action. This frustration
echoes in Parliament. For months, statements and urgent questions about the
Middle East have drawn packed chambers, with MPs across party lines expressing
rising outrage. Yet asking these questions has been anything but easy.
"Members of smaller opposition parties are almost guaranteed a spot, while
Labour MPs face stiff time constraints. Despite repeated attempts, I’ve only
been called once to speak on this issue. Many colleagues now share deep disappointment
over the government’s tepid response.
"What was once seen as a leftist cause now unites MPs across the political
spectrum in demanding recognition of a Palestinian state — a position I’ve consistently
held since protesting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and standing in solidarity
with Palestine two decades ago.
"It is therefore difficult not to feel angry that the Prime Minister, the
leader of my party, continues to equivocate on Palestinian statehood. This is
not a bargaining chip in negotiations. This is not a trade deal. This is a genocide.
"Our attempts at constructive diplomacy have failed. We’ve not even managed
to get food to the starving. The Likud-led coalition, propped up by extremists,
has shown a disregard for human life that will leave a lasting stain on Israel’s
history. Our government must act decisively.
Broad sanctions — not symbolic gestures. A full suspension of military and intelligence
support. A boycott of Israeli goods. An international coalition to control the
flow of aid. And immediate recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state, as
pledged in the Labour Party manifesto and promised to those who elected me.”