- Westminster must not “give the green light” for collective
punishment
The SNP has written to MPs ahead of a vote expected today
(Wednesday) on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.
In an open letter, Stephen Flynn urged MPs to “show moral
leadership” - arguing “the only way to stop this humanitarian
disaster, the only way to stop the killing of thousands more
children, is to use all our influence to press for an immediate
ceasefire.”
The SNP Westminster Leader also warned of the consequences of not
voting for a ceasefire, telling MPs "by refusing to join the UN
in calling for an immediate ceasefire Westminster would be
disregarding international law, condoning collective punishment
and giving the green light to the continued bombardment of Gaza,
which has seen thousands of innocent children and civilians
killed."
In the letter today, SNP Westminster Leader writes:
"Dear Member of Parliament,
"As you may know, the SNP parliamentary group has
lodged an amendment to the King’s Speech calling on
the UK government to join with the international
community in pressing for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and
Israel. That amendment has now been signed by multiple members,
across multiple parties, in the Commons.
"It is now over a month since Hamas launched its horrific
terrorist attacks on the people of Israel. The viciousness of
that violence and the taking of hostages was a crime against
humanity. Our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas remains as strong
today as it did on October 7th.
"Equally though, it is only right that we condemn the response
and retaliation that has unfolded since. The cutting off of
electricity, of medical supplies and of clean water is collective
punishment of the Palestinian people. New-born babies have died
because they can’t be given that most basic of things, oxygen. A
humanitarian disaster is unfolding before the watching world in
Gaza.
“The only way to stop this humanitarian disaster, the only way to
stop the killing of thousands more children, is to use all our
influence to press for an immediate ceasefire.
“It is now time to finally join with the growing momentum in the
international community - from the United Nations and its aid
agencies, to most recently the French President and the former
Foreign Secretary – in pressing for an
immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
"As Members of Parliament, it is also important to be crystal
clear in terms of what failing to vote for a ceasefire means.
Because by refusing to join the United Nations in pressing for an
immediate ceasefire, Westminster would be disregarding
international law, condoning collective punishment
and giving the green light to the continued bombardment of
Gaza, which has seen thousands of innocent children and civilians
killed.
"People understand that the conflict in the Middle East is full
of complexity. But amidst all that complexity, they also
recognise a very human truth. People know that what we are all
watching in Gaza is wrong and they want their MPs to do the right
thing, show moral leadership and press for an immediate
ceasefire.
"This is about upholding our values and I hope you will join
us in doing the right thing on Wednesday by voting for an
immediate ceasefire.
"Yours sincerely,
SNP Westminster Leader"
