Tom Morrison on the latest in Gaza

As the Member of Parliament for Cheadle, I have consistently called for the UK to play a leading role in advocating for peace, justice, and human rights in the Israel-Gaza conflict. That is why I have written to the Foreign Secretary, urging the government to take decisive action following the deeply concerning comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Gaza.

Trump’s description of Gaza as a “demolition site” and his suggestion to “resettle” Palestinians elsewhere are not just reckless—they are dangerous. These remarks seek to legitimise the forced displacement of Palestinians, which is strictly prohibited under international law. Palestinians, as well as the wider international community, will rightly view this as a blatant attempt to erase Palestinian presence from their own land.

In my letter to the Foreign Secretary, I made it clear that the UK must not follow this dangerous trajectory. I urged the government to uphold human rights and international law, and I called for urgent action, including:

• A total arms embargo on Israel to prevent further escalation and harm to civilians.
• A firm commitment to upholding the ceasefire, including securing the release of all Israeli hostages who remain in captivity.
• An unequivocal condemnation of Trump’s statements and a rejection of any proposals that legitimise forced displacement or ethnic cleansing.
• Official recognition of Palestine as a state based on the 1967 borders, as part of advancing a two-state solution.
• Parliamentary time to be allocated for Layla Moran’s Recognition of Palestine No. 2 Bill.
• Ensuring that humanitarian aid is allowed to enter Gaza without restriction.

This is not the first time I have spoken out on this issue. In January, I welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza as an essential step but stressed that true peace must be the ultimate goal. However, there are worrying signs that the ceasefire may not hold, with reports of further violence and breaches of the truce. I also called for an immediate end to UK arms exports to Israel and urged the government to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in desperate need.

In December, I participated in a Westminster Hall debate on the two-state solution, where I urged the UK government to take a leadership role in securing a just and lasting peace. I firmly believe that peace can only be achieved when both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in secure, sovereign, and viable states, free from violence and oppression.

The UK cannot afford to be a passive observer in this crisis. We must take a stand against war crimes, forced displacement, and violations of international law. That is why I will continue to press the government to act decisively and uphold the values of justice, peace, and human rights on the world stage.

You can read my letter to the Foreign Secretary below: