Falkirk MP leads westminster debate on israel-palestine conflict
Falkirk MP, Mr Leishman, has successfully brought the Israel-Palestine conflict to the forefront of discussions at westminster by securing a debate on the International court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. The debate took place in westminster hall on wednesday, 12 february.
The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the united nations, issued a landmark advisory opinion in July last year, stating that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is in violation of international law. Although the UK’s ambassador to the UN acknowledged the central findings of the opinion, Britain abstained during a general assembly vote on 18 september, where a vast majority of nations called for Israel to end its illegal occupation.
Calls for UK action
Speaking ahead of the debate, Mr Leishman urged the UK Government to reassess its position in light of the ICJ’s findings.
“The hard truth is the UK needs introspection and self-reflection in light of the ICJ opinion. For decades, we have looked away and ignored the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he stated.
He called for a comprehensive review of the UK’s diplomatic, political, trade, economic, and military relations with Israel to identify any areas that may be contributing to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.
Mr Leishman argued that the UK must demonstrate international and moral leadership by banning the importation of goods from illegal Israeli settlements, as permitting such trade legitimises their existence. He also advocated for an immediate cessation of all arms sales to Israel, stating that continued military support enables Israel’s persistent violations of international law.
A demand for justice
The Falkirk MP went further, insisting that the UK align its policies with the ICJ advisory opinion and exert diplomatic and economic pressure to compel Israel to withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories.
“This includes the evacuation of all of its settlers from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip while paying reparations to the Palestinian people for damages caused,” he asserted.
He also highlighted the ICJ’s declaration that all states have a duty to avoid aiding or assisting illegal occupation, urging the UK Government to ensure compliance with international law.
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“Will the UK Government side with an apartheid state that has displaced and contained people in an open-air prison while committing genocide, or will we join states that recognise Palestine and call for justice for its indomitable people?” he challenged.
Support from fellow MPs
Mr Leishman was joined in the debate by other MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn, Hamish Falconer, and Richard Burgon. The discussion underscored the urgent need for the UK to adopt a more assertive stance on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and to take concrete steps in support of Palestinian rights.
The debate highlighted growing pressure on the UK Government to rethink its diplomatic approach and align itself with international legal standards.
As discussions continue, Mr Leishman and his colleagues are expected to push for further scrutiny of UK-Israel relations and advocate for policies that prioritise justice and accountability in the region.
The debate has reignited calls for the UK to formally recognise Palestine as a state and to take stronger action in ensuring that international law is upheld in one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.
