LETTER SENT TO THE UK GOVERNMENT (13th November 2023)
Dear Prime Minister,
We are twelve Trustees who govern a Halifax (West Yorkshire) community centre which specialises in supporting people fleeing war and persecution. This letter draws on our many years of experience of working with people who are traumatised by forced displacement.
We are greatly saddened by the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. We recognise the longstanding history of the Israel-Palestine region and acknowledge that this is deeply complex situation.
Palestinians have long been caught in a desperate refugee crisis and the war in Gaza has made the situation immeasurably worse for many thousands of civilians. We mourn every death, especially the many children, who have lost their lives on both sides of this conflict.
Set against this fraught background, we are writing to you to implore you to take immediate and decisive action to uphold international law and human rights.
In line with our charitable purpose we are calling on the Government to do everything within its power to provide a humanitarian response to the escalating crisis.
We stand with partner organisations such as the Refugee Council, City of Sanctuary and Doctors of the World in condemning the violence in Israel and Gaza and other parts of Palestine and call for a cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire to protect all civilians in the region.
Specifically, we are calling on you and your government to take urgent steps to ensure that the UK complies with its obligations under the Geneva Convention, which compels signatories not to encourage, aid, or assist violations of international law.
We call upon you to use your influence to press for an immediate ceasefire and the unimpeded passage of vital humanitarian aid, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies to Gaza.
For those seeking refuge from the crisis in the region, we urge the UK Government to establish safe routes for people to travel to the UK, including the implementation of a functioning resettlement scheme.
The government should also issue a clear statement on the process for applying for asylum for Palestinians already in the UK, irrespective of their status, and expedite the granting of protection status. Additionally, the government should facilitate the reunion of Palestinians in Gaza with their family members in the UK.
We know only too well the unbearable toll that is taken by war, violence and forced displacement. Please act with clarity and compassion and protect innocent civilians and children from further suffering.
We look forward to your response,
The Board of Trustees, St Augustine's Centre
This letter was also sent to:
rishi.sunak.mp@parliament.uk (Prime Minister)
james.cleverly.mp@parliament.uk (Home Secretary)
shappsg@parliament.uk (Defence Secretary)
craig.whittaker.mp@parliament.uk (MP for Calder Valley)
LETTER SENT TO THE LABOUR LEADERSHIP (13th November 2023)
Dear Keir Stamer,
We are twelve Trustees who govern a Halifax (West Yorkshire) community centre which specialises in supporting people fleeing war and persecution. This letter draws on our many years of experience of working with people who are traumatised by forced displacement.
We are greatly saddened by the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. We recognise the longstanding history of the Israel-Palestine region and acknowledge that this is deeply complex situation.
Palestinians have long been caught in a desperate refugee crisis and the war in Gaza has made the situation immeasurably worse for many thousands of civilians. We mourn every death, especially the many children, who have lost their lives on both sides of this conflict.
Set against this fraught background, we are writing to you to implore you to take immediate and decisive action to uphold international law and human rights.
In line with our charitable purpose we are calling on the Labour leadership to do everything within its power to put pressure on the UK government to provide a humanitarian response to the escalating crisis.
We stand with partner organisations such as the Refugee Council, City of Sanctuary and Doctors of the World in condemning the violence in Israel and Gaza and other parts of Palestine and call for a cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire to protect all civilians in the region.
Specifically, we are calling on you and your team to take urgent steps to ensure that the UK government complies with its obligations under the Geneva Convention, which compels signatories not to encourage, aid, or assist violations of international law.
We call upon you to use your influence to press for an immediate ceasefire and the unimpeded passage of vital humanitarian aid, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies to Gaza.
For those seeking refuge from the crisis in the region, we urge the UK government to establish safe routes for people to travel to the UK, including the implementation of a functioning resettlement scheme.
We also urge you to call on the government to issue a clear statement on the process for applying for asylum for Palestinians already in the UK, irrespective of their status, and expedite the granting of protection status. Additionally, the government should facilitate the reunion of Palestinians in Gaza with their family members in the UK.
We know only too well the unbearable toll that is taken by war, violence and forced displacement. Please act with clarity and compassion and help protect innocent civilians and children from further suffering.
We look forward to your response,
The Board of Trustees, St Augustine's Centre
This letter was also sent to:
keir.starmer.mp@parliament.uk (Leader / Deputy Prime Minister)
angela.rayner.mp@parliament.uk (Deputy Leader / Shadow Deputy Prime Minister)
david.lammy.mp@parliament.uk (Shadow Foreign Secretary)
john.healey.mp@parliament.uk (Shadow Defence Secretary)
holly.lynch.mp@parliament.uk (Opposition Deputy Chief Whip)