“When Palestine is free, it will be the victory of the Palestinian people. It is our job to support their strength & resilience in getting there.”
Richard Burgon MP
By Ben Liao
A recent Labour & Palestine meeting brought together MPs, trade unionists, activists, and a representative from Palestinian Embassy to demand an end to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. The event focused on the need for political accountability, solidarity from the grassroots, and urgent action from the Labour government.
Jess Barnard opened the meeting by recounting visiting Palestine, describing witnessing apartheid in real time. She emphasised the importance of the work being done by Labour and Palestine, as well as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC). Jess encouraged everyone to sign the petition calling on Starmer and Yvette Cooper to expel the Israeli ambassador.
John McDonnell spoke next, turning to the need for strategic thinking around Gaza and the West Bank. He stressed that the next few months will be critical. McDonnell strongly criticised the appointment of Tony Blair to a new international role, calling it a colonial move and an example of the establishment’s confidence in backing Israel.
Within the Labour Party, he argued, members must ask what role they can play. He pointed out that even some Conservatives are now acknowledging the legal risk of complicity in genocide, referencing figures like David Lammy and Baroness Falkner. McDonnell called this legal vulnerability significant. He emphasised the need to press it alongside the moral arguments. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming Labour Party conference composite motion, stressing that it must include the term “genocide” in order to challenge the government’s denial and highlight their legal exposure.
Jess introduced Steve Witherden MP, who began by describing the UK government’s recognition of Palestine as a step in the right direction, but noted that it should not have taken this long. It should not have had to come at such a great cost. He reminded attendees of the UK’s historical role in the oppression of the Palestinian people and the need for more than symbolic gestures.
Statehood does not return the cities and lives, he said. While settlements expand and suffering continues, UK complicity continues- including the supply of F-35 jet parts used in Gaza. Witherden noted that sharp increase in RAF surveillance flights have coincided with particularly brutal attacks on the people of Gaza. He criticised the government for continuing arms sales despite suspending only a handful of contracts, noting that the volume of weapons has actually increased.
He called for the suspension of the UK-Israel trade deal and a ban on trade with illegal settlements. He rounded out with the powerful message that history will remember this for what it is – genocide.
Sam Browse, speaking on behalf of the TSSA’s General Secretary – Maryam Eslamdoust, reiterated the union’s strong opposition to the genocide. He highlighted that it is being enabled by Western arms and a defence sector prioritised above all else in the British economy. While vulnerable communities in the UK face benefit cuts and policies like the two-child cap, defence spending continues unabated.
He warned of the rise of the far-right, mentioning figures like Tommy Robinson gaining significant popularity. He pointed out that they are strong supporters of Israel and described the genocide as baked into far right ideology. “Our side is still strong,” he concluded. “Palestinians have endured so much, and our solidarity is crucial for their resistance.”
Kim Johnson MP welcomed attendees to Liverpool and called Palestine “a defining issue of our time.” She noted it is the single biggest concern for her constituents and expressed pride in joining national demonstrations in support of Palestine.
She condemned the government’s denial of genocide and its proscription of Palestinian Action, describing the wave of arrests as “shocking.” Johnson said she was disciplined by the Labour Party for calling Israel a fascist and apartheid state and now regrets apologising for it, describing it as a mistake.
She called for public pressure to impose sanctions, saying “Israel is benefiting from apartheid and genocide.”
Marwan Yaghi from the Embassy of Palestine described the West Bank as “shrinking” and Gaza as “under genocide”, with Israel aiming to erase the Palestinian people entirely. While the recent recognition of Palestinian statehood provides some light, he said, “the real work starts now.”
“Accountability means action“, he declared. That includes a full arms embargo, political isolation of Israel, and consequences for its war crimes.
Past peace negotiations failed because Israel was never held accountable. He described Palestinians as having an unalienable right to exist in their homeland. Recognition gives them hope. Action gives them freedom.
He closed by urging international solidarity: “The Palestinian people see you. They take strength from your solidarity.”
Marz Columbini on behalf of Mick Whelan of ASLEF reaffirmed the union’s full support for Palestine. He had visited the West Bank in 2015 and described the devastation since then as “beyond comprehension.”
Trade unions, he said, are fundamentally about people and must play their part: “There is no doubt that this is a genocide. No doubt it is ethnic cleansing.” He encouraged union members to bring motions to their branches and continue pressuring the Labour Party and government.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP called for more action, saying that recognition of Palestine is only the beginning. The government and international community must name what is happening: genocide.
She condemned UK arms exports to Israel as a breach of international law and recognised the bravery of those on the Sumud Flotilla — a civilian peace mission to Gaza. She criticised the UK government’s response to the flotilla, demanding greater protection for the people onboard and more pressure to end the genocide.
Richard Burgon MP called on everyone to think of those on the flotilla, calling them a “beacon for hope.” He praised Bell Ribeiro-Addy for organising Parliamentary support for the Sumud Flotilla. He also thanked Ben Jamal, Director of PSC for his leadership and spirit of collaboration.
He described the raising of the Palestinian flag at the Embassy after recognition as a moment of joy and confirmed continued efforts in Parliament to push for sanctions. “When Palestine is free, it will be the victory of the Palestinian people. It is our job to support their strength and resilience in getting there.”
Hugh Lanning warned that the Labour leadership is trying to silence solidarity with Palestine and suppress the truth about genocide. Recalling his own visits to Palestine, he described the suffering, loss, and the destruction of entire families.
He argued that Israel is dependent on war and that the UK must stop enabling it.
He called for a “massive, wide and inclusive solidarity movement”, warning that the Labour leadership won’t act voluntarily. “They have only allowed a debate because of pressure from below. But time is running out for the Palestinians — we need to up the pressure.”
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