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The Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
221 MPs call for Britain to recognise Palestinian state amid starvation in Gaza
Some 221 MPs from across different political parties have joined forces to call on the Government to recognise a Palestinian state. The MPs urge the Government to take the step ahead of a United Nations conference in New York next week. This follows France's announcement on Thursday evening it will formally recognise Palestine at a UN summit in September. The MPs' letter, co-ordinated by Sarah Champion – Labour chairwoman of the International Development Select Committee, said: 'We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality.' Parliamentarians from Labour, the Conservatives, Lib Dems, SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP and independents are among those who signed the letter. Senior signatories include Labour select committee chairs Liam Byrne, Dame Emily Thornberry and Ruth Cadbury, the Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, as well as Tory former minister Kit Malthouse, and Sir Edward Leigh, Parliament's longest-serving MP. The majority of those who have signed, 131, are Labour MPs. Rotherham MP Ms Champion acknowledged 'recognition alone will not end the suffering in Gaza or the rapid expansion of settlements and settler violence in the West Bank'. But she said it would be an important step on the path towards a two-state solution to end the war. The Labour MP added: 'Recognition would send a powerful symbolic message that we support the rights of the Palestinian people, that they are not alone and they need to maintain hope that there is a route that leads to lasting peace and security for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people.' Ministers have faced growing calls to recognise a Palestinian state immediately amid mounting global anger over the starving population in Gaza. Sir Keir Starmer said on Friday evening that such a move needed to be part of the 'pathway' to peace in the Middle East, which he and allies are working towards. 'That pathway will set out the concrete steps needed to turn the ceasefire so desperately needed, into a lasting peace,' the Prime Minister said. He added: 'Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis. The PM also said: 'The appalling scenes in Gaza are unrelenting. 'The continued captivity of hostages, the starvation and denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, the increasing violence from extremist settler groups, and Israel's disproportionate military escalation in Gaza are all indefensible. In a statement released on Friday alongside the leaders of France and Germany, the Prime Minister urged 'all parties to bring an end to the conflict by reaching an immediate ceasefire'. Sir Keir, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also called for Israel to stop restricting the flow of aid into Gaza. Charities operating in Gaza have said Israel's blockade and ongoing military offensive are pushing people there towards starvation, warning that they are seeing their own workers and Palestinians 'waste away'. Israel says it allows enough aid into the territory and faults delivery efforts by UN agencies, which say they are hindered by Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of security. As he left for Scotland on Friday, US President Donald Trump suggested that Mr Macron's announcement that France would recognise Palestinian statehood was unimportant. 'What he says doesn't matter', Mr Trump told reporters at the White House. Sir Keir will meet the US president during his five-day private trip to Scotland, due to kick off on Friday. US-led peace talks in Qatar were cut short on Thursday, with Washington's special envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of a 'lack of desire to reach a ceasefire'. The deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up and the two sides would hold negotiations on a lasting truce. Hamas-led militants based in Gaza abducted 251 people in the October 7 attack in 2023 that triggered the war and killed about 1,200 people. Fewer than half of the 50 hostages still in Gaza are believed to be alive. Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It does not distinguish between militants and civilians.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
221 MPs call for Britain to recognise Palestinian state amid starvation in Gaza
Some 221 MPs from across different political parties have joined forces to call on the Government to recognise a Palestinian state. The MPs urge the Government to take the step ahead of a United Nations conference in New York next week, following France's announcement it would recognise Palestine at the gathering. Their letter, co-ordinated by Sarah Champion – Labour chairwoman of the International Development Select Committee, said: 'We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality.' Parliamentarians from Labour, the Conservatives, Lib Dems, SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP and independents were among those who signed the letter. Senior signatories include Labour select committee chairs Liam Byrne and Ruth Cadbury, the Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, as well as Tory former minister Kit Malthouse. Ministers have faced growing calls to recognise a Palestinian state immediately amid mounting global anger over the starving population in Gaza. Sir Keir Starmer said on Friday evening that such a move needed to be part of the 'pathway' to peace in the Middle East. 'That pathway will set out the concrete steps needed to turn the ceasefire so desperately needed, into a lasting peace,' the Prime Minister said. He added: 'Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis. In a statement released on Friday alongside the leaders of France and Germany, the Prime Minister urged 'all parties to bring an end to the conflict by reaching an immediate ceasefire'. Sir Keir, French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz also called for Israel to stop restricting the flow of aid into Gaza.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lib Dem leader urges the public to 'buy local' - as he makes pasta in Dorset
THE leader of the Liberal Democrats called on the Government and the public to back a campaign to support Dorset businesses - as he visited a bakery in Dorchester. Sir Ed Davey tried his hand making pasta at Peppina's Bakery off Peverell Avenue East in Poundbury during a county visit to support local businesses. He was accompanied by West Dorset MP Edward Morello. CEO of Peppina's Angelo Fichera gave the pair a tour of his bakery before both took on the challenge of making pasta types from scratch. Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP being toured in Peppina's in Poundbury (Image: Alfie Lumb) Earlier in the day Sir Ed made bath bombs at the Lush factory in Poole with another Dorset MP, Vikki Slade. Speaking to the Echo, Sir Ed said: 'We really want people to think about buying Dorset first. We have this appalling American president who is undermining trade, putting up tariffs, hitting our economy, and the Liberal Democrats are saying people can fight back. People can figure out what they can do themselves." He added: 'There's some amazing produce made in Dorset and we've just been shown how you can make pasta here in Poundbury. 'Dorset's one of those amazing counties that has got a brilliant population, but a bigger population during the tourist season and it would be brilliant to get them buying Dorset as well. It will be really good for the economy." Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP in Poundbury (Image: Alfie Lumb) When asked what needs to be done to help support local businesses, Sir Ed said: 'The government has to stop making mistakes. The jobs tax and increase in National Insurance Employers Contributions has hit so many businesses – like Angelo's – he hires 19 people here. "The unemployment figures are going up and small businesses are struggling." Sir Ed continued: 'You have to make it easier to trade. I was speaking to Lush and they were saying how difficult and expensive it was to operate around the world and found Brexit very difficult. "We're saying let's have a special bespoke customs union. A way of making it easier to trade. Lots of businesses and farmers would welcome that." Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP being toured in Peppina's in Poundbury (Image: Alfie Lumb) Sir Ed has links to Dorset, as he explained: 'I come to Dorset at least once a month and my mother-in-law lives in Shillingstone. 'When I met my wife, Emily, she was living in Shaftesbury and was the Liberal Democrat candidate for North Dorset. So I have come to Dorset many, many times." He added: "I came to meet Edward (Morello) and we were delighted when he pulled off this amazing victory in west Dorset. We fielded candidates in local elections and people have turned to us for a party based in the community and which understands local people's problems. Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP trying pasta (Image: Alfie Lumb) "People know you can't solve everything, we haven't got a magic wand and it's still a tough climate but if you have politicians who really understand and care about the community that's a big start and we can rebuild that trust that people have lost.' Mr Morello said: 'Farmers are getting assaulted from all sides by a government that doesn't understand rural Britain - the family farming tax is outrageous. Farmers need confidence to make the decisions when investing in our food. "We have to increase our food security by producing more for farmers to plant the food and make sure there's a market for them where buying locally wherever possible." Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP making pasta (Image: Alfie Lumb) Mr Fichera said: "We opened two years ago and it was a test in the beginning but we have been welcomed by the community. 'Supporting local businesses is very important. We were in a very difficult moment because of Brexit for staff and goods as we import a lot from Italy. It's not been easy." Pasta made by the pair (Image: Alfie Lumb) Speaking about the pasta making experience, Sir Ed joked: 'I'm not sure if Angelo would take me on but he was very generous. It was one of those Blue Peter moments of 'here's one we've made earlier'." Echo reporter Alfie Lumb trying pasta made by Edward Morello MP and Sir Ed Davey MP (Image: Alfie Lumb) Mr Morello added: "I feel I have done a disservice to my Morello ancestry - I have been so poor at making pasta but I also believe that I will take these skills away and work on them.'
Western Telegraph
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
No 10 defends Healey amid accusations he misled Commons over Afghan data leak
Number 10 said the Defence Secretary's statement to the Commons, in which he said that 'to the best my knowledge' no serving armed forces personnel were put at risk by the breach, was 'accurate'. Opposition critics have demanded the minister 'correct the record' after it emerged days later that MI6 spies and members of the SAS were among those affected. Asked whether Mr Healey had misled MPs, a Number 10 spokesman said: 'I believe it was an accurate statement.' He said the Government is 'committed to transparency' and 'in terms of security of our personnel, we take take that extremely seriously, particularly those in sensitive positions.' On Thursday, it emerged that details of more than 100 Britons, including those working for MI6 and in special forces, were included in a spreadsheet sent out 'in error' by a defence official in February 2022. Defence sources have said information relating to personnel was included in the spreadsheet after they had endorsed Afghans who had applied to be brought to the country. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey urged the Defence Secretary to come back before Parliament An injunction over the breach was sought by then defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace, and a wider-ranging superinjunction, which prohibits disclosure not just of the information but of the order itself, was granted in 2023. The initial breach saw a dataset of 18,714 people who applied for the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme released via a file that was emailed outside authorised government systems. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) became aware of the blunder only when excerpts from the dataset were posted anonymously on a Facebook group in August 2023. The leak also led to the creation of the secret Afghanistan Response Route, which is understood to have cost about £400 million so far, with a projected final cost of about £850 million. The gagging order was granted by the High Court in an attempt to prevent the Taliban finding out about the breach, and lifted on Tuesday. Speaking to the Commons following the revelations, Mr Healey said: 'To the best of my knowledge and belief, no serving member of our armed forces is put at risk by the data loss.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'Three days ago John Healey claimed no-one serving in the armed forces was put at risk by the data breach. Today we found out that appears to be false. 'We need to know if any serving members of the armed forces were impacted – and the Defence Secretary must urgently come before Parliament to answer the question of whether he knowingly misled MPs and the public.' Lib Dem MP Ian Roome said: 'It is really important to restore public trust that he now clarifies his remarks. It is the least that our brave armed forces personnel along with the thousands of Afghans impacted deserve.' The Lib Dems said Mr Healey should 'urgently come to Parliament and correct the record.' Meanwhile, Tory ex-ministers have sought to distance themselves from the handling of the breach after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said members of the previous government had 'serious questions to answer' over the episode. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick said he and former home secretary Suella Braverman had 'strongly opposed' plans for the Afghan Response Route in 'internal meetings'. Ex-defence secretary Sir Grant Shapps said he had kept the superinjunction in place in order to 'save lives' and err 'on the side of extreme caution.' But speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday, the ex-MP for Welwyn Hatfield said: 'I would do the same thing all over again. I would walk over hot coals to save those lives.' Asked whether he supported calls from the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) for the publication of an intelligence assessment which formed the basis of the superinjunction, he said: 'Yes, I would.' He added he knew the committee 'won't like' the fact the incident had been kept secret but 'it was just so sensitive that if anything had got out at all, it would put those lives at risk'. Despite having kept the order in place during his tenure as defence secretary, which lasted just under a year, Sir Grant said he was 'surprised' it had remained for 'so long'. He added: 'I don't think it should have carried on as long as it had. I'm surprised that it has. Those questions are for others. 'But I came in, the problem was there, I dealt with it, and as a result I think that we saved lives.' Meanwhile, the chairman of the ISC said the previous government had ignored the usual process whereby the committee is able to see sensitive information to ensure there is scrutiny. Lord Beamish told BBC Radio Scotland: 'I think there are serious constitutional issues here.' A total of about 6,900 people are expected to be relocated by the end of the relocation scheme. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch apologised on behalf of her party (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The official responsible for the email error was moved to a new role but not sacked. The superinjunction was in place for almost two years, covering Labour and Conservative governments, before it was lifted on Tuesday. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has apologised on behalf of the Conservatives for the leak, telling LBC: 'On behalf of the government and on behalf of the British people, yes, because somebody made a terrible mistake and names were put out there … and we are sorry for that.' Former armed forces minister James Heappey, himself an ex-Army officer who served in Afghanistan, said ministerial colleagues offered no 'fierce opposition' to the relocation scheme. Mr Heappey also said claims he had backed a 'new entitlement' for people affected by the breach but not eligible for other schemes were 'untrue'. Ms Braverman has said there is 'much more that needs to be said about the conduct of the MoD, both ministers and officials'. Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer claimed he had 'receipts' regarding the previous government's actions in relation to Kabul, and has described the handling of the breach as 'farcical'. Sir Ben has said he makes 'no apology' for applying for the initial injunction because the decision was motivated by the need to protect people in Afghanistan whose safety was at risk. An MoD spokesperson said: 'It's longstanding policy of successive governments to not comment on special forces. 'We take the security of our personnel very seriously and personnel, particularly those in sensitive positions, always have appropriate measures in place to protect their security.'
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MPs ask Nandy to intervene over Palace demotion
A group of Liberal Democrat MPs have asked the culture secretary Lisa Nandy to intervene over Uefa's "disgraceful" decision to demote Crystal Palace from the Europa League for breaching its multi-club ownership rules. The seven politicians from London - including party leader Sir Ed Davey - wrote to express "deep concern" over what they called "a highly unusual and severe punishment on the club that raises serious questions about fairness and transparency in the governance of English football". The Eagles, who qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup - their first major trophy - in May, were demoted to the lower tier Conference League on Friday. The rules of European football's governing body state that clubs owned, to a certain threshold of influence, by the same person or entity cannot compete in the same European competition. American businessman John Textor owns a stake in Palace and is the majority owner of French club Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League. Uefa's rules set a deadline of 1 March 2025 to show proof of multi-club ownership restructuring - a deadline which Palace missed. In a letter seen by BBC Sport, the group of Lib Dems described the saga as "heart-breaking for fans". "Other clubs seem to go through much more protracted disputes with less severe outcomes," they said. "Many believe that this process has been opaque and disproportionately punitive [and] risks undermining not only the club's achievement but also public confidence in the fairness of football governance." Palace Euro demotion 'biggest injustice in history of football' Why are Forest set to take Palace's place in Europa League? Palace fans protest over Conference League demotion Nandy was urged to ensure "the decision-making process is reviewed for transparency and fairness" and that "the club is given a fair opportunity to appeal or respond to any allegations". Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, are set to replace Palace in the Europa League. On Tuesday, Palace supporters staged a protest against Uefa's decision with hundreds marching to Selhurst Park carrying banners and chanting against European football's governing body. Meanwhile, Palace chairman Steve Parish has confirmed the club will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) over Uefa's decision. "We are still fighting," Parish told the The Rest is Football podcast. "There's an appeal process, so we go to Cas, and we're very hopeful. We think we've got great legal arguments. "We don't think this is the right decision by any means. We know unequivocally that John didn't have decisive influence over the club. "We know we proved that beyond all reasonable doubt because it's a fact." Textor is currently in the process of selling his stake in Crystal Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. Uefa has been approached for comment. Latest Crystal Palace news, analysis and fan views Get Crystal Palace news sent straight to your phone
