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Bell’s Newsletter

23rd February 2024

Dear *|FNAME|*,

The military offensive mounted in response to the appalling terror attacks of October 7th has been one of the most devastating of the 21st century so far. It has levelled the majority of Gaza’s homes, displaced millions, cut off essential foodstuffs and medicines, shut down most of Gaza’s hospital capacity, claimed as many as 29,000 lives (18,000 since MPs last voted on a ceasefire), and left many more with life-changing injuries and trauma.

This week brought an ultimatum about the imminent invasion of Rafah, where 1.4 million Palestinians have been driven into an area more densely populated than Paris or Mumbai. A full-on offensive here could mark the deadliest phase yet in an already lethal war. Even after this, the government instructed UK representatives at the UN Security Council to abstain on a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. The US used its veto to block it.

The average age of a child killed in Gaza during this attack is just five. This week’s ceasefire vote was an opportunity for MPs of all parties to send a clear message to the world that we will not tolerate the unchecked onslaught. The circus that unfolded in the House of Commons on Wednesday evening brings shame on Parliament. We must keep pushing for peace.

An Update on the Clapham Chemical Attack

This week, Police reported that they recovered a body from the Thames, which they believe to be that of the Clapham Common chemical attack perpetrator. I am also pleased to report that the victim of this appalling assault is now in a stable position. Our every thought must be with her and her two young children, who were also attacked, as they attempt to rebuild and recover after this incident. We need a whole-society approach to gender-based violence which treats it as a serious crime, works to educate men, and ensures women of all backgrounds get the support they need. 

Clapham Common Post Office March

It was very frustrating to hear the Post Office confirm the closure of our busy Clapham Common branch recently. This decision ignores the thousands of local consultation responses and petition signatures opposing closure. Our community came together once again to try and save Clapham Common Post Office. With the Post Office refusing to listen to our community’s needs, the government needs to step in. They must not let local postal services and jobs become another casualty of the Horizon Scandal. 

IWGB Drivers’ Safety Meeting

Early this week, I hosted the IWGB Union in Parliament for a meeting on driver safety, called in honour of the life of Gabriel Bringye, who was tragically killed while working as a Bolt private hire driver.  Drivers came to tell their experiences of violence and abuse on the job. It is unconscionable that anyone should be denied protections at work and that the gig economy should be exploited by businesses to increase their profit margins at the expense of the people they employ.

Opposing the Tories’ Climate-Wrecking Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill

The Tories’ climate-wrecking Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill was back before MPs this week. I voted against this bill, which won’t make our bills cheaper and is totally incompatible with the fight to cool down our burning planet. Instead of locking us deeper into fossil fuel dependency, we need measures to make the energy we consume more environmentally and financially sustainable. That means ramping up renewables and implementing an ambitious, state-backed home insulation scheme. 

As ever, if you have any questions about the work I’m doing as MP, please get in touch at this address: bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk.

Best wishes,

Bell Ribeiro-Addy,
Labour MP for Streatham

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