UK lawmakers demand full arms embargo and settlement trade ban on Israel

Eighty Members of Parliament and peers have called on the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister to enact a comprehensive arms embargo against Israel and prohibit trade with Israeli settlements. The lawmakers argue this action is necessary to uphold Palestinian rights and halt Israel's alleged violations of international law.

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decisively change its stance in order to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people and to prevent Israel's continued violation of international law.

In a letter led by MP Kim Johnson, the group urged the government to "decisively change its stance." They referenced a UN Independent Commission of Inquiry report from July 2024, which they stated "confirmed Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza." The letter also invoked the Genocide Convention, obligating signatories like the UK to prevent genocide.

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confirmed Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza

The MPs highlighted the International Court of Justice's July 2024 judgment, which they claim requires Britain to cease actions that assist Israel's "grave violations of international law." They expressed a desire for the new administration to "truly turn a new page" by implementing this ruling and imposing sanctions.

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requires Britain to cease all actions that aid or assist [Israel's] grave violations of international law.

Prominent signatories include MPs Diane Abbott and Jeremy Corbyn, alongside Baronesses Jenny Jones and Warsi. Johnson stated in an op-ed that Palestine represents a crucial test for the Labour Party's adherence to international law. She argued that condemning violations in one region while ignoring them elsewhere undermines the rules-based international order. Johnson asserted that a genuine renewal for Labour must begin with a clear departure from previous policies on Palestine.

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Now is the opportunity for this government and for you, as the new Prime Minister, to truly turn a new page.