palestine – Saddleworth Liberal Democrats

20Sep 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Lib Dems call for radical new approach to Israel/Palestine conflict

The Lib Dems have called for more trade with Palestine and Israel, more resources for peace and upholding of international law by ceasing trade with illegal settlements. Liberal Democrat members have today passed a motion at party conference calling for a new approach to the Israel/Palestine conflict. The motion, the first on Israel/Palestine at Lib Dem conference since 2017, reaffirms the party’s call for immediate recognition of the state of Palestine alongside calling on the UK Government to commit further resources to peace. The Liberal Democrats have become the first UK political party to formally support the creation of a peace fund for the region to build trust between Israeli and Palestinian communities, modelled on similar schemes previously used in Northern Ireland. The motion sees party members call for increased…

21May 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Israel and Hamas ceasefire welcomed but underlying issues must now be addressed

Parliamentary news

Following reports that a ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas has now been agreed, Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs commented: “Sixty six children have died since the outbreak of violence last week. Every death was totally preventable. And while a ceasefire is welcome, we cannot afford yet another return to a status quo which will only lead to more innocent deaths in the future. “The potential evictions, demolitions and settlement expansions in the West Bank - which are breaches of international law – must be stopped. The status quo arrangements in Jerusalem must be restored. It is vitally important that the Palestinians are able to fulfil their democratic aspirations through new elections including all Palestinian parties. In this context, Hamas, as well as the Israeli…

12May 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

UK Government urged to do all it can to avoid war following Israel-Palestine violence

Parliamentary news

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran has urged the Government to help de-escalate the growing unrest between Israel and Palestine in an Urgent Question in the House of Commons. Ms Moran made clear that the Government must work with the international community to halt the violence and avoid the situation escalating towards war. Following the Urgent Question, Layla Moran MP said: “Last night, the UN Special Envoy to the Middle East Peace Process warned that the situation in Israel and Palestine is “escalating towards a full scale war”. “It is therefore vital that the UK Government plays our full part through international diplomatic efforts to call for de-escalation, now, today. One would hope that that could be through the Security Council but we also cannot wait for the United States. “I…

11May 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Jerusalem: UK Government must intervene to de-escalate situation

Parliamentary news

Responding to the rising tension in Jerusalem, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Layla Moran MP said: “I am alarmed by the growing unrest and violence in Israel and Palestine. “First and foremost, we need to recognise that Israel has broken international law with its evictions in Sheikh Jarrah and ignited a tinderbox. “The Israeli Government’s decision to use airstrikes in Gaza will only make this conflict worse. Children have died. "Violence only begets violence. Hamas also needs to stop its attacks. "It has to stop. Enough is enough. “I call on the British Government to intervene in the strongest possible terms. We need an urgent de-escalation of this situation, now. I urge the Foreign Secretary to work with our international partners to help facilitate that. “My thoughts are with…

29Nov 2018 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Liberal Democrat Leader seeks establishment of Greater Manchester Business Forum to encourage trade with Palestine

Borough news

The Leader of the Opposition and of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has written to Councillor Sir Richard Leese, Deputy Mayor for the Economy in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Leader of Oldham Council asking them to organise high-level events in Greater Manchester and in Oldham to enable the Palestinian Trade Representative in the UK to meet local business people to discuss British - Palestinian trade. The date is especially auspicious as 29 November is in fact the United Nations Day for International Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Councillor Sykes is backing the ‘1% initiative’ launched by the UK Government and the Palestinian Authority earlier this year. This seeks to promote Palestinian information technology businesses as prospective partners to UK businesses needing their services; it…