Dear CiP,
The UK government this week joined 27 other countries in condemning the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
But while the Foreign Secretary's words are strong, they ring hollow because they are not matched by action.
While ministers speak of peace, British companies are lawfully supplying the engine parts and other supplies used to rain fire on a starving population. While civilians are shot collecting aid, UK-made components are loaded into fighter jets. This is not neutrality, it is complicity.
British companies are profiting from and enabling the mass displacement, starvation and bombardment of civilians and the government is failing to act.
The United Nations has warned that countries supplying arms to Israel, including the UK, may be complicit in genocide.
At the same time, those who speak out against these exports—activists, lawyers, human rights campaigners—are being surveilled, stigmatised, arrested and classified as terrorists for daring to challenge a policy that fuels human slaughter.
This isn’t about being pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli. It’s about being honest about our role in sustaining a war that has shattered every norm of international humanitarian law.
Even our language betrays us. Those who march for peace are labelled “pro-Palestinian” by the media and politicians alike, as if calling for a ceasefire were an act of allegiance rather than conscience. It reduces opposition to war crimes to a question of sides — when in truth, it’s a question of humanity. It equates calls for peace with antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli government's actions with active support for Hamas.
We are long past the point where strong statements alone will suffice.
Parliament has risen for the summer recess, but we will be calling on the Government to act every day while Parliament is in recess and the slaughter continues.
Words aren’t enough. We need action now. Starting with the suspension of all arms exports to Israel. We want no UK complicity in genocide.
If you are on Twitter/X, you can support our call by re-tweeting it now.
If you believe politics must be rooted in compassion—not complicity— please support our work.
In truth and urgency,
Jennifer Nadel
CEO, Compassion in Politics