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Spectator
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
Letters: The case for recognising Palestine
State of emergency Sir: As someone who spent time undertaking research in Israel and Egypt, living for almost a year on Kibbutz Re'im, one of the communities attacked on 7 October 2023, I find myself in agreement with much of the description in your leading article 'State of denial' (26 July) – but not the conclusions. Many of us are aware that Israeli intelligence knew what was being planned for 7 October, but did nothing to prevent it. Why? The horrors that have happened since have played into the hands of Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters as they seek to create a Greater Israel, with no room left for a Palestinian state. Hence the need for recognition now, while there is still some territory left. Just last year I witnessed first-hand, with my colleagues on the International Development Committee, the 'apartheid' that exists in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This has left Palestinian communities with less and less land, or indeed rights, as the illegal settlements have been given seemingly free rein to proliferate and expand. The spirit of the Balfour Declaration that protected the rights of both the Jewish and non-Jewish people must be respected and this is why I am in favour of recognition of a state of Palestine now, before it is too late. Dr Brian Mathew MP for Melksham and Devizes Enough is enough Sir: I have enjoyed reading your magazine for more years than I care to remember. Sadly, however, your leading article this week displays a profound failure to 'read the room'. Along with most of my friends, my initial reaction to the terrible events of 7 October was to support Israel. After 20 months of hard pounding, that support is difficult, if not impossible, to sustain. You may well be right that it would be a major error to recognise a Palestinian state. You may be right that Hamas uses aid as a weapon to 'reward compliance and punish internal opponents'. Hamas may well regard 'every innocent life lost as another propaganda win'. Nonetheless I cannot condone an article that does not even suggest that enough is enough and that Israel must cease its so-called war on Gaza, which is causing such immense hardship and so many civilian deaths. That is what a true friend of Israel would urge on them. I think you will find that this is the view of many of your readers and of all people with any heart at all. Johnny Cameron Pewsey, Wiltshire Sold down the river Sir: It is good to see The Spectator carry a main article on the predatory vulture funds that have ripped the heart out of so many good UK businesses – often turning their equity into debt, greatly to the disbenefit to both shareholders and employees ('Soul suckers', 26 July). At last there appears to be a wider recognition that the City, by welcoming these rip-offs, has let the nation down. We cannot indefinitely pay for our massive imbalance of trade by endlessly flogging our national assets to overseas buyers. These businesses are often basic utilities that our own risk-averse pension funds have regrettably failed to invest in, when they could have been custodians of the national interest. One could weep. Lord Vinson Roddam, Northumberland Brewing storm Sir: Frinton is not faultless (Diary, 26 July). My great-uncle Ernest played tennis for Bedfordshire but in 1932 he overdid it at Frinton, caught pneumonia and died there. His irascible younger brother took over as chairman of the family brewery in Bedford; it survived Hayward's 20 years, ably managed by yet another brother who for 23 years was also Bedford's MP – and three of whose sons were killed in war service, as was Ernest's. Despite all that, and provided it can also survive Rachel Reeves, the brewery will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026. Mike Wells Ickwell, Bedfordshire Unpopular vote Sir: Rod Liddle is correct to dismiss the government's decision to extend the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds as 'gerrymandering of the very worst kind' ('Raise the age of suffrage to 25', 26 July) Most right-minded people agree that this is not justifiable on the grounds that it recognises what individuals in this group 'already contribute to society', as the Prime Minister claims. Rather, the government's decision is a cynical ploy to increase their vote share by securing the support of an impressionable section of society that they believe is more susceptible to left-wing ideas. Imagine if the next Conservative government were to fiddle the system for their own benefit in a similar way, to allow those of state pension age to cast their vote twice. Like Keir Starmer, they could justify it by stating that this decision is simply to recognise the contribution pensioners have already made to society through their previous political engagement and tax contributions. Would this argument be accepted by those currently stating that we use societal contribution as a justification for extending the franchise? I think not. Andrew Almond Sheffield, South Yorkshire Fruit of the unions Sir: Reference to trade union names (Letters, 26 July) brought to mind the fun that Private Eye had with the names of two print unions I was obliged to join at different times when working in Fleet Street in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Firstly, SOGAT (Society of Graphical and Allied Trades), which became SODIT in the Eye, and then NATSOPA (National Society of Operative Printers and Assistants), which the Eye christened alternatively NOTSOBA, or National Association of Trained Strikers and Overpaid Piss Artists. Jim Gilbert Southwold, Suffolk Write to us letters@
Evening Standard
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Evening Standard
Lammy hints at sanctions for Israeli minister over Gaza camp plans
Mr Lammy told the International Development Committee the GHF system 'must not set a precedent' and was 'outwith of global norms and rules that we all signed up to after the Second World War' as he called for more aid trucks to be allowed into Gaza.
The National
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Commons committee sets out 'concerns' over arms exports to Israel
The International Development Committee sent an eight-page letter to Jonathan Reynolds and Foreign Secretary David Lammy over the decision to exempt components for F-35 fighter jets from suspended arms exports to Israel. The committee raised fears that those weapons components could be used in attacks by Israel on aid workers and humanitarian infrastructure on Gaza. Chair Sarah Champion, Labour MP for Rotherham, wrote: 'As the Committee identified in its report, there are a number of avenues for accountability in response to violations of IHL (international humanitarian law), including the suspension of arms export licences. READ MORE: Patrick Harvie and Angus Robertson face-off over Israel divestment 'I remain concerned that there is a real risk that weapon components, manufactured in the UK, could be used in attacks, including those on aid workers or humanitarian infrastructure.' The MP noted that Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty previously claimed that stopping F-35 exports to Israel would require the 'entire programme' to be suspended as it is 'highly integrated'. However, Champion insisted it was 'fundamental' that the UK Government adheres to international law. 'I am concerned by the decision to exempt F-35 components from the suspension of arms export licences, given your assessment that there are 'clear risks' of serious violations of IHL by Israel in Gaza,' she wrote. The MP then noted the UK's obligations under the Genocide Convention, asking if ministers accepted that the duty to prevent genocide has been triggered. She asked: 'If so, at what point was this duty triggered? If not, why not?' Champion also noted the UK Government's obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) which states that it is 'strictly prohibited' for a state transferring arms where the transfer would 'violate its relevant international obligations under international agreements to which it is a Party'. Exports are also banned if the arms 'would be used in the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, attacks directed against civilian objects or civilians protected as such, or other war crimes,' Champion added. The MP put several questions to ministers, including if it accepts exporting F-35 components is incompatible with its international legal obligations, and if it accepts Israel is using the components to commit war crimes. Another question asks: 'What legal authority does the Government rely upon to support its position that a positive contribution to peace and security is to be balanced against a clear risk of the arms being used to commit serious violations of IHL/IHRL?' READ MORE: YouGov poll predicts result in every Scottish seat – see the full map Champion asked the ministers to reply by July 11. The UK Government has been contacted for comment. It comes as a legal challenge over the UK's arms exports to Israel is currently underway. We told in January how the Labour Government refused to review Israel's access to F-35 parts exported from the UK despite evidence that the planes have been used to bomb 'safe zones' in Gaza. In September 2024, Labour blocked around 30 of 350 UK arms export licences to Israel after accepting that there existed a 'clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law'. However, parts for F-35 fighter jets were specifically excluded – despite media confirmation that the jets had been used by Israel to bomb the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in Gaza in July 2024.
The Independent
05-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Labour MPs warn aid budget cuts could allow greater role for Russia and China
Labour MPs have warned aid budget cuts could result in Britain's departure from the world stage, with Russia and China filling the void. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was also accused of 'taking the axe' to Britain's 'most effective tool for reducing global conflicts' by Labour's Sarah Champion, who chairs the International Development Committee. While several MPs welcomed the Government's decision to increase defence spending to 2.5% of the size of the economy from April 2027, ministers faced calls to reconsider the plan to achieve this by slashing development assistance aid from its current level of 0.5% of gross national income (GNI) to 0.3% in 2027. Speaking during an estimates day debate, Ms Champion told the Commons: 'I urge the Prime Minister to recognise that if we abandon our commitments to the world in this way, we will see greater numbers of people displaced from their own homes as a result of climate disasters, poverty and war. 'More people will lose hope and instead look to extreme ideologies for the answer, and civil societies will no longer have the skills to hold rogue governments to account. 'It concerns me greatly, as it should the whole House, that the Government has yet to carry out an assessment of the impact of their decisions, which is being rushed through without proper scrutiny.' Ms Champion also said a 'scandalously large amount' of official development assistance (ODA) has been diverted to the Home Office and there should be a cap on how much ODA can be spent supporting asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. Labour's Dame Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, said: 'Under this Government we are taking a lead again, so the question is, are we going to step up to this challenge? Which we're more than capable of doing, but we can't just do it on two Chewits, a button and a postage stamp.' She added: 'I am concerned these ODA cuts won't be the last of these challenges, there are also rumours that the Foreign Office will, on top of that, be expecting cuts of between 2 and 11%. In that scenario, it would be selling its businesses, its buildings, will the embassies shrink?' Dame Emily said she hopes there will be an 'enormous amount of work' being done into the details of the cuts, adding: 'I fear we may be looking back at this time and we may say to ourselves, this is when Britain left the world and yet it really should be the time when we're able to say Britain is back, and we're back as a force for good.' Conservative former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell said: 'Who is it who will fill the gap in all of this? It will be China and Russia. And of course it will be music to the ears of the many terrorist organisations which exist across Sub-Saharan Africa.' Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed (Sheffield Central) said UK aid 'makes the world safer and it saves lives', noting: 'Cutting the aid budget will undercut our ability to build global partnerships and alliances. 'When the UK helps countries to adjust to climate change, to grow and to prosper, we build our relationships and our influence. When countries like ours withdraw, China and Russia stand ready to step in.' Labour MP Blair McDougall (East Renfrewshire), who worked in the aid sector for 10 years, questioned what the UK's 'offer to the global south' is now if it is no longer a 'development superpower'. He said: 'We know what Russia's offer is, it's blood for gold, they will come and kill your enemies with mercenaries for you and take precious minerals out of your country. We know what it is for China, it's infrastructure in return for debt that keeps you in their power. 'We can't offer violence, we can't demand subservience, it seems to me for us it's values but values need vehicles to be projected.' Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said: 'Our intent is to get back to 0.7% of GNI as soon as the fiscal circumstances allow and the Prime Minister has been very, very clear about that.' He later added: 'We will continue to play a key role, doing everything we can to move towards rebuilding our capacity and remain committed to working in Sudan, in Ukraine, in Gaza, on tackling climate change, on supporting multinational efforts on global health and challenges like vaccination, of course our commitments to the Overseas Territories, too. 'And I have to really level with the House, and I hope people can see and feel this, but in this dangerous new era, the defence and national security of this country must come first. 'This is not the 1990s. This is not even 2005. 'And I cannot look at what I do every day or indeed other ministers look at every day and not recognise that we have to respond differently to the very, very serious threats facing this country, our continent and the world.'
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Labour MPs warn aid budget cuts could allow greater role for Russia and China
Labour MPs have warned aid budget cuts could result in Britain's departure from the world stage, with Russia and China filling the void. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was also accused of 'taking the axe' to Britain's 'most effective tool for reducing global conflicts' by Labour's Sarah Champion, who chairs the International Development Committee. While several MPs welcomed the Government's decision to increase defence spending to 2.5% of the size of the economy from April 2027, ministers faced calls to reconsider the plan to achieve this by slashing development assistance aid from its current level of 0.5% of gross national income (GNI) to 0.3% in 2027. Speaking during an estimates day debate, Ms Champion told the Commons: 'I urge the Prime Minister to recognise that if we abandon our commitments to the world in this way, we will see greater numbers of people displaced from their own homes as a result of climate disasters, poverty and war. 'More people will lose hope and instead look to extreme ideologies for the answer, and civil societies will no longer have the skills to hold rogue governments to account. 'It concerns me greatly, as it should the whole House, that the Government has yet to carry out an assessment of the impact of their decisions, which is being rushed through without proper scrutiny.' Ms Champion also said a 'scandalously large amount' of official development assistance (ODA) has been diverted to the Home Office and there should be a cap on how much ODA can be spent supporting asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. Labour's Dame Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, said: 'Under this Government we are taking a lead again, so the question is, are we going to step up to this challenge? Which we're more than capable of doing, but we can't just do it on two Chewits, a button and a postage stamp.' She added: 'I am concerned these ODA cuts won't be the last of these challenges, there are also rumours that the Foreign Office will, on top of that, be expecting cuts of between 2 and 11%. In that scenario, it would be selling its businesses, its buildings, will the embassies shrink?' Dame Emily said she hopes there will be an 'enormous amount of work' being done into the details of the cuts, adding: 'I fear we may be looking back at this time and we may say to ourselves, this is when Britain left the world and yet it really should be the time when we're able to say Britain is back, and we're back as a force for good.' Conservative former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell said: 'Who is it who will fill the gap in all of this? It will be China and Russia. And of course it will be music to the ears of the many terrorist organisations which exist across Sub-Saharan Africa.' Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed (Sheffield Central) said UK aid 'makes the world safer and it saves lives', noting: 'Cutting the aid budget will undercut our ability to build global partnerships and alliances. 'When the UK helps countries to adjust to climate change, to grow and to prosper, we build our relationships and our influence. When countries like ours withdraw, China and Russia stand ready to step in.' Labour MP Blair McDougall (East Renfrewshire), who worked in the aid sector for 10 years, questioned what the UK's 'offer to the global south' is now if it is no longer a 'development superpower'. He said: 'We know what Russia's offer is, it's blood for gold, they will come and kill your enemies with mercenaries for you and take precious minerals out of your country. We know what it is for China, it's infrastructure in return for debt that keeps you in their power. 'We can't offer violence, we can't demand subservience, it seems to me for us it's values but values need vehicles to be projected.' Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said: 'Our intent is to get back to 0.7% of GNI as soon as the fiscal circumstances allow and the Prime Minister has been very, very clear about that.' He later added: 'We will continue to play a key role, doing everything we can to move towards rebuilding our capacity and remain committed to working in Sudan, in Ukraine, in Gaza, on tackling climate change, on supporting multinational efforts on global health and challenges like vaccination, of course our commitments to the Overseas Territories, too. 'And I have to really level with the House, and I hope people can see and feel this, but in this dangerous new era, the defence and national security of this country must come first. 'This is not the 1990s. This is not even 2005. 'And I cannot look at what I do every day or indeed other ministers look at every day and not recognise that we have to respond differently to the very, very serious threats facing this country, our continent and the world.'
