A group of 80 UK MPs and peers has written to the new British prime minister asking him to impose sanctions on Israel, including a full arms embargo and a ban on trade that supports Israel’s settlements.
The letter, led by MP Kim Johnson, urges the government to "decisively change its stance in order to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people and to prevent Israel's continued violation of international law."
It notes that, last month, the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry report "confirmed Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza" and urged the government to recognize this finding.
The letter also draws on the Genocide Convention, which requires all signatories - including the UK - to take action to prevent genocide as soon as they become aware of a risk.
"The previous administration has willfully ignored the rulings of international courts. It has still failed to issue a formal response to the July 2024 International Court of Justice judgment [...] which requires Britain to cease all actions that aid or assist [Israel's] grave violations of international law."
