As your constituent, it is of utmost importance to me that the United Kingdom re-establishes its commitment to upholding International Criminal and Humanitarian Law.

I am deeply concerned that both the Government and Opposition have failed to demonstrate that commitment or even to indicate a proper understanding of International Law in the context of Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank.

I am horrified by our Government’s refusal to acknowledge the humanitarian impact of Israel’s assault on Palestinians. Israel has resumed its relentless, horrific violence against Palestinians in Gaza. As of 4th December, more than 15,899 Palestinians including 6,150+ children have been murdered by Israel (since October 7th). With the continuation of Israel’s atrocities, this number will very sadly rise. 40% of those killed in Gaza are children, with Unicef chillingly describing Gaza as ‘a graveyard for thousands of children’. According to Save the Children, more children have been killed in Gaza during the last three weeks than the total killed in conflicts around the world in every year since 2019.

I am concerned at the alarmist and exclusionary rhetoric adopted by senior figures in the Government when discussing British citizens’ support for Palestinians.

I consider it an indictment of the present state of British politics that neither the Government nor the Opposition has supported calls for an immediate ceasefire by Israel; this includes the United Kingdom abstaining from a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a “humanitarian pause” to deliver life-saving aid to millions in Gaza, and voting against a United Nations General Assembly resolution for a humanitarian truce.

To me, this is unacceptable.

Any prospective candidate’s position on this issue will be the critical issue that decides my vote at the General Election next year, in 2024.

I will not vote for a candidate that does not publicly and immediately call for the following:

1. An immediate ceasefire, including directly calling on Israel to cease air and ground assaults on Gaza;

2. Immediate and unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza; and

3. An end to Israel’s siege on Gaza, including lifting all restrictions on movement and resources into and out of Gaza.

Please confirm, without delay, that you will join the international community and humanitarian NGOs all over the world by publicly stating your support for the three points above.

I would like to emphasise that your response to this request will be the deciding factor in whether you (or your successor) receive my vote in the General Election next year. I sincerely hope your response is a positive one, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,