The Global Sumud Flotilla was the largest civilian-led aid mission to Gaza to date. 500 participants from over 44 countries sailed to try and break Israel’s illegal blockade, part of its stranglehold that has so effectively cut off aid to the territory. I raised the question of what the government will do to protect British humanitarians sailing to deliver food, medicine and baby formula multiple times in Parliament, including in a question to the Prime Minister.

Over Conference Recess, I coordinated a letter to the Foreign Secretary, seeking further clarification about whether the government would act to protect British citizens on the flotilla. This was signed by over 80 MPs and peers but we did not receive a reply. When Israel illegally intercepted activists in international waters, the government failed to condemn this or explain whether ministers were doing anything to secure their release.

Their silence on this issue only suggested they were more concerned about upsetting Israel than upholding the safety of British citizens, let alone international humanitarian law.