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Dear *|FNAME|*,
This week, events in Gaza have taken on renewed urgency. As Israel’s blockade of food, medicine, water and fuel continued, we saw starving Palestinian civilians gunned down at Israeli aid sites on consecutive days. Medics reported casualties arriving in hospital with gunshot wounds to their heads and chests. Israel has now hijacked Gaza’s aid supplies, turning them into another weapon to carry out its genocide.
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On Wednesday, the government gave a parliamentary statement on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the aftermath of this statement. I spoke during this statement, making it clear that history will not look kindly on those who perpetuated a genocide or those who assisted them.
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Once again, I asked the government to clarify what their red lines are how many more Palestinians have to die before they act? The “serious disagreement” and criticism of Israel’s “conduct” expressed by the minister are not sentiments befitting a genocide. As a bare minimum, the UK needs to stop providing military support, impose sanctions and recognise a Palestinian state.
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Ahead of this statement, I joined thousands of Red Line for Palestine protesters outside Parliament. This demonstration sought to ask the government how many red lines have to be crossed before they take action against Israel?
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I was also proud to support Jeremy Corbyn’s bill calling for an independent public inquiry into the UK’s role in the Gaza genocide. The public deserve to know exactly how the British government has supported Israel for the last 20 months. This Bill technically passed its first reading on Wednesday but would need Government cooperation to reach its next stage. Many worry that this is unlikely.
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Finally, I was thrilled to join Louis Theroux for a parliamentary Q&A on his latest documentary, ‘The Settlers’, which shines a light on Israel’s illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. This film offers a powerful and unsettling insight into the politics and psychology driving the genocidal violence and dispossession we are currently seeing in Gaza and across the occupied Palestinian Territories. It should be compulsory watching.
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Support Local Families with Baby Clothes
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Little Village are a fantastic charity who support local families living in poverty by providing them with good quality second-hand baby clothes and equipment. They are currently in desperate need of:
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Clothes for newborns.
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Clothes for children aged 3-5 years old.
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Toiletries for babies and children: nappies, baby wipes, toothbrushes etc.
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For the next couple of weeks, I am running a pop-up donation point at my constituency office on Brixton Hill. If you can, please help the charity to restock with any of these items by bringing your pre-loved clothing and baby supplies. You can drop these off at the office and contact me via my website or email if you have any questions.
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On Tuesday evening, I took part in a Westminster Hall debate on the case for decriminalising abortion. There have been several investigations and prosecutions of women in recent years for ending their pregnancies, including in cases of pregnancy loss. This approach serves no one well and highlights the urgent need to remove abortion from the criminal law.
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Hearing from Disabled Constituents
About Benefit Cuts
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On Thursday morning, Lambeth MPs heard from disabled constituents about proposed cuts to disability benefit at an event organised by Disability Advice Service Lambeth. It is concerning that the government has chosen not to consult on plans to restrict Personal Independence Payments and the health element of Universal Credit. What I heard this week only deepened my conviction that these cuts are wrong and damaging. Thank you to all who attended to share their views with us.
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Another Step To Tackle Classroom Hunger
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This week, the government made the welcome decision to extend free school meals to half a million children in households on Universal Credit. Free school meals ensure kids’ basic nutritional needs are met, helping them concentrate in class, improving attainment and ensuring families can spend money on other things. Our long-term ambition should be universal provision. If we are going to reduce child poverty, we also need to look at other measures like scrapping the two-child benefit cap.
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Meeting the New Commonwealth
General Secretary
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It was an honour to attend the welcome reception for Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the new Secretary General of the Commonwealth and the first woman from Africa to hold this office. The event, organised by Grow, Unite, Build Africa, and held at Lancaster House brought together leaders and professionals from across the Commonwealth.
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Urgent: Blood Donors Needed in Brixton!
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The NHS has issued an urgent appeal for people to come forwards and give blood in Brixton to replenish falling stocks. A succession of bank holidays and the start of half-term means our local blood donor centre has seen a drop-off in donations. There is a particular need for donors of Black heritage to come forwards to meet the growing need for blood to treat sickle cell, the UK’s fastest growing inherited condition, which predominantly affects Black communities. The NHS needs 12,000 new Black donors every year for this alone.
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