Latest news with #LFI
The National
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
UK Government panned for refusal to address pro-Israel group concerns
The National previously reported on LFI – the party's most prominent pro-Israel group – after its chair attacked the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu. Jon Pearce said in a column for The Jerusalem Post in March that his organisation believes that the ICC warrant is 'morally suspect [and] legally dubious'. The Labour MP further said that LFI opposes the [[UK Government]]'s decision to suspend 30 out of around 350 weapons export licences to Israel, and tacitly criticised Labour for restoring funding to UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. READ MORE: Scottish Water hits back at UK minister's 'inaccurate' pollution comments In the aftermath of that story – on April 28 – SNP MP Chris Law (below) wrote to both Pearce and Keir Starmer looking to clarify if the comments were made in his own capacity or if they reflected the viewpoints of LFI. He also expressed concerns over a UK MP appearing to 'cast doubt on an independent court' and raised the question of whether ministerial support or membership of LFI – if the comments did reflect the group's viewpoint – is compatible with collective responsibility. (Image: Getty Images) According to a list The National reported on in April which is no longer on the LFI website but can be viewed through the Internet Archive, some of Labour's most senior ministers were members of the group. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, and Crime Minister Diana Johnson were all LFI vice-chairs before last July's General Election. Former Labour Friends of Israel vice-chairs, now UK Government ministers (from left) Peter Kyle, Diana Johnson, Rachel Reeves, Pat McFadden, and Jonathan Reynolds (Image: PA) But asked at the time if those ministers still supported LFI and backed Pearce's criticism of the ICC, all five of their respective UK Government departments refused to comment. Several months after sending the letter, Law has still received no response. This led to a subsequent written question asking when he could expect a response, to which the UK Government recently responded: 'There are no plans to respond to the letter'. Now, he has hit out at the silence and called it 'astounding'. 'Amidst Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza, Jon Pearce's comments contrary to the position of the [[UK Government]] make it clear that membership of Labour Friends of Israel and membership of the [[UK Government]] are incompatible,' he told The National. 'Despite donating to over half the cabinet and increasing its lobbying efforts amongst backbench MPs, Labour Friends of Israel does not disclose its funding. READ MORE: Anger as Scottish energy bills to rise to pay for English nuclear plant 'The Government's refusal to respond to my letter is astounding yet it is somewhat characteristic of the cowardice they have demonstrated since the start of the war when it comes to answering awkward questions on their relationship with Israel.' Law added: 'The Cabinet Office recognises that the right of MPs to write to Ministers and receive a timely and accurate reply is 'an essential part of representative democracy'. 'The Government is hiding from its responsibility to be accountable to MPs and their constituents, just as it failing to fulfil its obligation to stop Israel's genocide in Gaza.' The UK Government and Jon Pearce have been approached for comment.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Hero Motorcorp launches HF Deluxe Pro at Rs 73,550; Check key features
Hero MotoCorp has launched the feature-rich HF Deluxe Pro across India, priced at Rs 73,550. This model boasts segment-first LED headlamp, digital console, and refreshed design. Powered by i3S technology and a low-friction engine, it promises best-in-class mileage, combining style, efficiency, and advanced features for the modern rider. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New HF Deluxe Pro Bold New Design Refreshed body graphics add dynamism and flair Chrome accents enhance its premium appeal Contemporary, sharp, and edgy design for standout presence Segment-First LED Headlamp Crown-shaped high-intensity position lamp Enhances visibility and road presence Horizon Digital Console Advanced digital speedometer for real-time riding data Integrated Low Fuel Indicator (LFI) for practical fuel planning Adds a modern touch to the ride Enhanced Safety and Comfort Practical features ensure a worry-free and comfortable ride Designed with safety at its core India's leading two wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp , introduced the feature-packed HF Deluxe Pro , with the model being available Hero MotoCorp dealerships across the country at a price of Rs 73, HF Deluxe Pro reflects Hero MotoCorp's commitment to providing dependable and efficient mobility solutions. With segment-leading features, striking design, and superior fuel efficiency, the new HF Deluxe Pro adds excitement to the entry-level motorcycle by advanced technologies like i3S (Idle Stop-Start System), low-friction engine, and specially engineered tyres, it delivers an impressive best-in-class mileage. The HF Deluxe Pro is built for effortless daily rides and unmatched HF Deluxe Pro is available at Hero MotoCorp dealerships across the country at a price of ₹73,550/- (Ex-showroom Delhi).Commenting on the launch, Ashutosh Varma, Chief Business Officer – India Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, 'With the new HF Deluxe Pro, we have taken the trust forward, by introducing a bolder design, advanced features, and enhanced fuel efficiency – all tailored to the needs of the new-age Indian rider."Hero MotoCorp will launch operations in Germany, France, Spain, and the UK in Q2 FY26, marking a bold step in its global expansion strategy, PTI reports. Chairman Pawan Munjal confirmed the move in the company's FY25 annual report, highlighting the company's commitment to 'mobility without boundaries.'In FY25, Hero saw a 43 per centYoY growth in international markets, driven by solid traction in South Asia and Latin America. Munjal said the company is now ready to scale in Europe, backed by engineering excellence and innovation.
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
New Gaza-bound aid boat leaves Italy
Several dozen people gathered to cheer the boat's departure with cries of 'Free Palestine'. (EPA Images pic) SYRACUSE : A Gaza-bound boat carrying pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian aid left Sicily on Sunday, over a month after Israel detained and deported people aboard a previous vessel. The Handala, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, left the port of Syracuse shortly after 12pm, an AFP journalist saw, carrying about fifteen activists. Several dozen people, some holding Palestinian flags and others wearing keffiyeh scarves, gathered at the port to cheer the boat's departure with cries of 'Free Palestine'. The former Norwegian trawler – loaded with medical supplies, food, children's equipment and medicine – will sail for about a week in the Mediterranean, covering roughly 1,800km, in the hope of reaching Gaza's coast. In early March, Israel imposed a total aid blockade on Gaza amid an impasse in truce negotiations, only partially easing restrictions in late May. The boat will make a stop at Gallipoli, in southeastern Italy, where two members of the hard-left France Unbowed party (LFI) are expected to join. The initiative comes six weeks after the departure of the Madleen, another ship that left Italy for Gaza transporting aid and activists, including Greta Thunberg. Israel authorities intercepted the Madleen about 185km west of Gaza's coast. 'This is a mission for the children in Gaza, to break the humanitarian blockade and to break the summer silence on the genocide,' said Gabrielle Cathala, one of the two France Unbowed party members set to board the boat on July 18. 'I hope we will reach Gaza but if not, it will be yet another violation of international law' by Israel, she added. The war was sparked by Hamas's Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel that led to 1,219 deaths, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Out of 251 people taken hostage that day, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 that the Israeli military says are dead. Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry says that at least 57,882 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed in Israel's military reprisals. The UN considers the figures reliable.
L'Orient-Le Jour
5 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Georges Abdallah hails 'mobilization' that led to decision to release him
Georges Abdallah, whose release was ordered Thursday by the French judiciary, hailed the "mobilization" of his supporters, which he saw as decisive, during an interview in his cell with a lawmaker that AFP was able to attend. "If they agreed to release me, it's thanks to this mobilization, which is growing," said the pro-Palestinian Lebanese activist during an exchange with LFI [radical left] lawmaker Andrée Taurinya, during a visit by the parliamentarian to the Lannemezan prison [south], where he is being held. In his 11-square-meter cell adorned with a portrait of Che Guevara and posters supporting the Palestinian cause, the 74-year-old detainee, who is set to be released on July 25, said that it was not the length of his imprisonment that finally secured a release. "Time spent behind bars for 'political' prisoners doesn't matter; whether you spend five years, 20 years, 30 years, 40 years, that's not actually the reason for release," Abdallah said. "A broader movement prompts release: If the political prisoner or activist who is incarcerated manages to be part of the momentum of struggles on the outside, it's the mobilization of men and women outside that gets him out. It's essentially thanks to that," he added. The Paris Court of Appeal on Thursday ordered that Georges Ibrahim Abdallah be released on July 25, "on condition he leaves the national territory and does not return," according to the court's ruling seen by AFP. Convicted in 1987 for complicity in the assassinations of American and Israeli diplomats, he had denied this at his trial, asserting that he was "nothing but an Arab fighter." He became one of France's longest-serving prisoners and has never expressed any regret. "Forty years is a long time, but you don't feel it when there's a dynamic of struggle ... If I am standing before you today, it's because I fight; otherwise, 40 years would rot your brain," said the septuagenarian. By late Thursday afternoon, in front of the Lannemezan prison, several dozen supporters had gathered to celebrate the decision by the Paris Court of Appeal.
The National
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Labour politicians fail to declare all-expenses-paid trip to Israel
Five MPs, alongside Labour peer Luciana Berger, were taken on an all-expenses-paid trip to Israel and Palestine in May by the lobbying group Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) where they posed for a photo with Israeli president Isaac Herzog, who has backed the genocide of Palestinians. Speaking at a press conference 10 days after the Hamas attack of October 7, Herzog said: 'It is an entire nation out there that is responsible.' The group of politicians also met Israeli deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel, leader of the opposition Yair Lapid and IDF reserve major general Yair Golan, according to Declassified UK. READ MORE: 'Humanitarian city' will be concentration camp, says ex-Israel prime minister Two of the MPs who took part – Jon Pearce and Mark Sewards – have registered the trip and put its value at £2600. Peter Prinsley, Kevin McKenna and Cat Eccles have all failed to do so. This week, an LFI parliamentary delegation visited Israel & Palestine as we marked 600 days since 7 Oct 2023. We called for a renewed ceasefire & hostage deal, unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gazans, an end to Hamas rule, and progress towards a two-state solution and regional… — Labour Friends of Israel (@_LFI) May 30, 2025 In a statement following the visit, Pearce, chair of the LFI, said: 'It's more important than ever for British Members of Parliament to visit Israel and Palestine to show solidarity and hear directly from people on the ground.' He added: 'We left the region more convinced than ever of the need to secure the release [of] the remaining 58 hostages, massively increase humanitarian aid into Gaza, and see Hamas relinquish control of Gaza.' READ MORE: Six children among 10 people killed by Israel at water collection point It comes as pressure mounts on Israel over brutal war crimes in Palestine, as it emerged this weekend that Israeli soldiers killed six children who were collecting water at a humanitarian aid point. Elsewhere, fury is mounting – including within Israel itself – over plans to force Palestinians into a concentration camp on the ruins of the city of Rafah. Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert told The Guardian: 'If they [Palestinians] will be deported into the new 'humanitarian city', then you can say that this is part of an ethnic cleansing.' In a post on social media, the LFI set out how it visited Jerusalem, Ramallah and Tel Aviv and Kibbutz Kfar Aza in the south of the country as well as the site of the massacre at the Nova music festival. The Kibbutz was among the places which came under attack from Hamas on October 7.
