Nearly 40 MPs, peers call for inquiry into UK's role in Gaza conflict
UK's involvement in conflict, including arms sales, intelligence sharing, and use of Royal Air Force bases in region, warrants thorough investigation, says letter
LONDON
Almost 40 MPs and peers have backed a letter organized by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn calling for an independent inquiry into the UK government’s role in the ongoing war in Gaza.
The letter, signed by 37 lawmakers from a range of political backgrounds, argues that the UK's involvement in the conflict, including arms sales, intelligence sharing, and the use of Royal Air Force bases in the Greek Cypriot Administration, warrants a thorough investigation.
It asserts that the government’s actions may have contributed to breaches of international law, and calls for a comprehensive, public, and independent inquiry with the legal authority to uncover the truth.
Signatories to the letter, which include members from the Labour Party, Sinn Fein, the Greens, Scottish National Party, the Welsh Plaid Cymru, and several independents, urge serving and past ministers from both the former Conservative and current Labour governments to cooperate fully with the proposed investigation.
They argue that the ongoing situation in Gaza demands transparency and accountability from the UK government.
In a Wednesday post on Bluesky, Corbyn shared the letter and stressed growing support for the call.
"Last month, I wrote to the Prime Minister (Keir Starmer) calling for an independent inquiry into the UK’s involvement in Israel’s assault on Gaza. Today, more than 30 MPs have supported that call," Corbyn wrote. "This is not going away. We will campaign for as long as it takes to establish the truth."
Israel’s renewed assault on Gaza
The Israeli army renewed its deadly assault on Gaza on March 18, killing nearly 1,400 people and injuring over 3,400, shattering a January ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to escalate attacks on Gaza as efforts continue to implement US President Donald Trump's plan to displace Palestinians from the enclave.
Over 50,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in a brutal Israeli onslaught since October 2023, most of them women and children.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.
