On 18th October Barry was one of the signatories of Early Day Motion 1685 “Protecting civilians in Gaza and Israel” which called for a complete cessation of hostilities.
The full text can be read here: Protecting civilians in Gaza and Israel - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament
Below is a copy of the letter that Barry sent out to concerned constituents:
15th October 2023
Dear Constituent
Israel-Gaza War
Thank you for writing to me.
I share your anger and despair. Each day new horrors are coming to light. More stories of babies and young children murdered, innocent civilians, grandparents forced to flee but with nowhere to escape. This is criminal violence with whole generations of families destroyed.
Many of my own friends have relatives and loved ones in both Israel and Palestine who have been caught up in this appalling conflict. They have been on their phones desperately seeking information.
Yours is one of a great number of letters I have received. Please understand that whilst I have made sure to read every single one, it is simply impossible to respond to every individual point that over 450 people have made. Please accept this response which I am sending unchanged to everyone who has written to me, irrespective of their own view of the violence and the politics which underlie it.
Many people have asked me what I think. I think it is more important first to set out what I have done, and what I will be doing as the local member of parliament. Then I will set out the principles which guide me in the positions I hold and the actions I take.
You will be aware that locally, there have been a heightened number of racist incidents in the past week. These have been both Islamophobic and antisemitic in nature. For this reason, I have been in daily contact with the police, the local council, and faith leaders to ensure the security of all communities here in Brent and to try and stop the conflict from poisoning the positive community relations we enjoy in the Borough.
I have welcomed the leadership by Brent’s Multifaith Partnership and am pleased to have been asked by our progressive faith leaders to engage with them in a public vigil for peace and understanding.
As home to the largest Jewish School in Europe, the safety and well-being of those children has been a major concern, and I am grateful to the Met Police for the reassurance they have provided to the children and their families at JFS and also at Sinai, that has enabled them to have the confidence to continue travelling to school. Some Jewish schools elsewhere had closed their doors out of fear for the children’s safety. Fortunately, that has not happened in Brent North. As a proud diverse and multi-faith community, we want all our children to be able to be educated free from fear.
As I write this, parliament is about to resume after the conference recess. There will be a statement about the war and I hope to be able to contribute. If the Speaker does call me, I will put up any contribution on my website which I would encourage you to visit at www.barrygardiner.com
There are a number of principles which I apply when seeking to chart a way to understand this conflict – a conflict that has been raging for longer than I have been alive.
· All people have the right to self-determination.
· All countries have the right to defend themselves.
· Support for a people does not imply support for the actions of their government.
· No political goal can justify acts of terrorism.
· No military or political goal can justify war crimes.
· All countries and putative governments must act within international law.
· All life is precious, but special care must be taken to protect children from harm.
These principles seem to me to be self-evident and lead me to make the following judgements about the current situation.
Ø The 7th October attack on the Kibbutz and the music festival by Hamas fighters was a vile act of terrorism.
Ø In defending itself, Israel does not have the right to prevent Palestinians in Gaza from having access to food, medicines and water.
Ø The hostages should be released immediately as demanded by the Secretary General of the UN.
Ø An international humanitarian corridor should be established so that humanitarian aid including water, food and medicines can reach Palestinians fleeing their homes in Gaza.
Ø The government of Israel’s actions in encouraging the illegal settlement of Palestinian land over many years and the forcible possession of Palestinian homes, has deliberately and systematically undermined progress towards a just settlement.
Ø Establishment of a separate Palestinian State as part of the “Two State Solution” has been set back by Hamas’s action.
As a former Minister in Northern Ireland, I recognise that peace does not come though the barrel of a gun. Ultimately it comes from people sitting down and talking – more than talking – listening, trying to understand how to accommodate to the other. Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation precisely because its founding charter rules out such an accommodation and declares its determination to eliminate the State of Israel. As such I agree with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority that Hamas does not and cannot represent the Palestinian people. It does not seek a negotiated solution, it seeks a total annihilation.
Some of the letters I received seemed to believe that the ongoing conflict was a straightforward one where one party was clearly right and the other wrong. I do not believe that is the case. Both the Israeli people and the people of Palestine have had disastrous leadership in my view. The instability of the Netanyahu government means it relies on a coalition with the extreme religious right who have insisted on establishing more and more illegal settlements and the confiscation of more and more Palestinian land. And the instability of Hamas and their feud with Fatah and the Palestinian Authority has led them to rely for funding and support on Iran and morph into an ISIS style criminal terror organisation that hides behind the human shield of its own children. It is innocent people whose communities and families are destroyed. And the tragedy of this current phase of the conflict is that it is further deepening hatred between the people themselves.
Many years ago, I was able to visit both Jerusalem and Gaza. I was privileged to sit down with people like Ehud Barak, Shimon Perez, Saeb Erekat and Yasser Arafat. It was a time just after the tragic assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and before the second intifada, when it was still possible to envisage the shape of peace and how it might come about. It was a time when the political extremists were not yet dominant on either side. Over the next few days, as The Israeli Army begins its invasion of Gaza, the world must reiterate its caution about an absolute respect for international law and the requirement not to mete out collective punishment on the people of Gaza for the terrorist crimes of Hamas. The ability to regain any basis for future dialogue and trust will be determined by the level of restraint the Israeli armed forces are able and willing to show. A failure to do so will only drive people further to the extremes and the prospect of peace yet further into the future.
Yours sincerely
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me. I share your concern about the recent events in Jerusalem. I want to make it clear that I am sending this letter in exactly the same form to all constituents who have contacted me whatever side they support in the current conflict
As my Muslim constituents observed the holy month of Ramadan and my Jewish constituents prepared to celebrate Passover, the violence at the al-Aqsa mosque was both unnecessary and inexcusable. Religious sites should be treated with the utmost respect – especially in Jerusalem, where the holy sites occupy such a special place for so many religious traditions.
I strongly condemn the use of violence against worshippers gathered at the al-Aqsa mosque and whilst I consider the erecting of internal barricades was designed to be a provocation, it did not justify such an assault by the Israeli forces. The indiscriminate terror attacks which have killed innocent Israeli citizens of all faiths have heightened tensions which need to be reduced.
According to rights groups, 2023 has already been the deadliest start to the year in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank in two decades. There must be a renewed focus on negotiating a solution to the hostilities that would allow for both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. The nature of the coalition government in Israel which is dependent on the extreme religious right, is making such a solution ever more difficult.
I believe that the UK must step up in its role as a world leader and become more involved in the Middle East peace process. I was disappointed that the 2030 roadmap for UK-Israeli Bilateral Relations contained no reference to a two-state solution. It is clear from the vast amount of correspondence my office has received on this topic that my constituents are desperate for an end to the violence. Unfortunately, I do not believe that currently either side of the conflict is actively working for this to happen.
It is often the case when discussing issues as complex and deeply engrained as this, that peace seems unattainable. Nevertheless, we must all continue to work and pray that justice and peace will prevail.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Thank you for contacting me about buffer zones around abortion clinics. I have received representations from both sides of this debate and want to assure you that I am sending the same letter setting out my own views to everyone equally.
I supported the new clause on buffer zones at Report Stage of the Public Order Bill on 18 October because I support the right for everyone to access healthcare without fear of intimidation. I believe the same principles for buffer zones outside of abortion providers should apply outside of vaccine centres. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right and we must safeguard it.
The clause was voted for in the House of Commons with cross-party support. Its aim is to prevent the kind of behaviour we have seen where both patients and staff have been subjected to harassment and intimidation when they access medical care or go to work. I am aware the Government is raising some concerns, and I welcome the statement made by my colleague in the House of Lords that the Opposition will work with the Government on a cross-party basis to support the clause and ensure it delivers the protections intended.
We must make sure that when we legislate in these areas we do so with care, because in a democracy people need the freedom to speak out against authority and make their views heard. However, I also believe no one has the right to threaten, harass or intimidate others.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue and for sharing your views.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me about the location of the British Embassy in Israel. I have received representations from both sides of this debate and want to assure you that I am sending the same letter setting out my own views to everyone equally.
As you know, the British Embassy in Israel is in Tel Aviv. I was concerned by reports that the former Prime Minister, Liz Truss, initiated a review of the location of the embassy. However, you will be aware that the new Prime Minister has since abandoned the moves initiated by his predecessor.
I believe President Trump’s decision in 2017 to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem dealt a serious blow to hopes of securing a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
I am opposed to Israel’s continued occupation of East Jerusalem. The final status of the city should be determined by a negotiated settlement between Israel and Palestine.
I do not believe there should be any prospect of moving the embassy until the final status of Jerusalem has been determined.
These issues serve to remind us of the importance of securing a peaceful and lasting two-state solution. To that end, I believe the Government should finally acknowledge the need to recognise Palestinian statehood, as nearly 140 other countries have done.
I will continue to follow any developments on this issue closely. Thank you once again for contacting me.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me recently about Jagtar Singh Johal.
I share the concerns you raise about the circumstances of Mr Johal’s continued detention in India – the detention of any British citizen abroad should always prompt a careful investigation by the UK Government.
As you are aware, Mr Johal was arrested in 2017 after travelling to India for his wedding where he was tortured into making a so-called ‘confession’ to charges carrying the death penalty. He has now been detained for nearly five years and I can only imagine how distressing this has been for Mr Johal and his family.
I know that Mr Johal’s family has persistently raised his case with the Government. Mr Johal’s case has also reportedly been raised with the Indian Prime Minister on several occasions. However, it is clear that more must be done.
When a British national has been so gravely mistreated, with no legal basis, the Government must act decisively to negotiate their release. To exert maximum pressure and to ensure a coordinated approach, I support cross-party efforts towards securing Mr Johal’s release. I echo the Leader of the Labour Party’s call on for the Prime Minister to officially request Mr Johal’s release.
I am aware of recent allegations, including claims of potential collusion by British intelligence services in Mr Johal’s detention. These allegations are deeply worrying. I believe it is vital that the veracity of these claims is investigated as soon as possible to find the truth. I also believe we need a clear answer on whether the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson authorised the sharing of intelligence when he was Foreign Secretary that could have led to Mr Johal’s detention.
As a first principle I believe it is the duty of the Government to look after every British national. The Government must therefore use its contacts at the highest level of the Indian Government to press for Mr Johal’s release without further delay. Ministers and officials should continue to raise Mr Johal’s case with their Indian counterparts, calling for his release.
Representations should also continue in relation to Mr Johal’s reports of torture, delays to legal proceedings, and the importance of Mr Johal’s right to a fair trial. It is also essential that Mr Johal’s family continue to be informed about his welfare and any developments.
Thank you once again for contacting me. I can assure you I will continue to follow Mr Johal’s case, and the Government’s response, closely.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me about trophy hunting. I note your request for me to sign EDM 50, which called for a ‘Ban on trophy hunting imports’. Unfortunately, as this EDM fell at the end of the previous parliamentary session, I am unable to oblige this request. Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my views on this important subject.
Killing animals to display their heads, horns, antlers or hides as ‘trophies’ is cruel and unjustifiable. This is why I endorsed the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, and have consistently voted to ban all forms of hunting in Parliament. Trophy hunting can also be used as a cover for illegal poaching as traffickers pass off illegal wildlife products as legal. It only helps push endangered wildlife closer to extinction and brings unnecessary suffering to animals.
A report by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2016 found that at least 1.7 million animal ‘trophies’ were traded between countries over the previous decade. Of this number, 200,000 trophies were from threatened species.
I support ending the import of wild animal trophies from threatened species, and any ban should cover all species above ‘least concern’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. This would include species classed as vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, and extinct in the wild. I further believe that hunting holidays should not be legal.
Currently, the import of hunting trophies is legal if the animal is licensed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, the trade is exacerbating the decline of threatened species and causes unnecessary suffering to animals.
Following a consultation on options to restrict the import and export of hunting trophies into the UK, which closed on 25 February 2020, the Government announced in December 2021 that it intends to ban the import of hunting trophies from nearly 7,000 endangered, threatened, and near-threatened species. It also stated it will introduce legislation to deliver this.
I am aware of media reports surrounding the future of this legislation and the Government’s reiteration of its commitment to ban trophy hunting. No legislation has yet been published but I will continue to follow developments closely.
Thank you once again for contacting me and sharing your views. I can assure you that I will continue to press for urgent action to be taken to ban these imports.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me about a wealth tax, public ownership of energy and other utilities, and more broadly, the cost-of-living crisis.
I appreciate that there have been several calls for a wealth tax in recent months and years. For example, in April 2021, the UN Secretary General called for governments to consider “a solidarity or wealth tax” on those who have profited during the pandemic, to reduce extreme inequalities. In October 2021, meanwhile, a group of 30 UK millionaires called on the Chancellor to tax them and the wealthy more in order to tackle inequality and address crises such as the pandemic and the climate emergency.
As you will know, the Government has not only repeatedly rejected calls for a wealth tax, but recently announced a tax cut for the UK’s highest earners. I welcome the Government’s sharp U-turn on this unconscionable policy. Nevertheless, it is clear that much needs to be done to make the tax system fairer, ensuring that the tax burden does not continue to fall just on the wages of working people, while the wealthiest, those making their money from large property portfolios and from buying and selling stocks and shares, remain untouched.
It is for this reason that I support a major review of tax breaks, too many of which simply provide loopholes for those who can afford the best advice. For example, I believe that we should abolish non-dom status and crack down on the use of hidden offshore trusts that allow individuals to avoid paying tax here in the UK.
On public ownership, I believe in a pragmatic approach that addresses the situation we face and ensures public money is spent wisely on the priorities of the country. With regards to energy companies, I believe our absolute priority in the current national emergency must be for every penny we spend to go on reducing bills for families and individuals. Nationalisation would require vast sums of money being spent on compensating shareholders – money that could otherwise be going directly to helping people who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Therefore, I do not believe that nationalisation is the right solution to the immediate problems we are facing when it comes to energy bills.
I have seen first-hand the desperation and uncertainty that people are facing. That is why I have supported calls for an energy price freeze and for an expanded windfall tax on the eye-watering profits oil and gas companies are making. Unfortunately, while the Government has now announced measures to limit – but not freeze – energy price rises, I am concerned that it has chosen to leave the vast profits being made by energy producers on the table and instead let working people pick up the bill. I can therefore assure you that I will continue to support efforts to press it on this issue.
Thank you once again for contacting me.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me about the impact of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing on trees and wildlife.
The proposed Lower Thames Crossing would see a new tunnel built east of Dartford linking Essex and Kent under the River Thames. The project aims to improve people’s journey times and boost the economy of the Thames Estuary region. However, these economic benefits must not be sought at the expense of wildlife and trees in the area.
As you are aware, the proposed crossing threatens several hectares of the large Shorne and Ashenbank ancient woodland complex. These woods are home to veteran trees and rare wildlife, including woodpeckers, great crested newts and dormice, and are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Nationally notable invertebrates also live here, along with over 300 species of fungi. I agree that the loss of such irreplaceable habitats would be unacceptable, and would have a detrimental impact on air quality in and of itself. I am also concerned that National Highways has not disclosed details of which environmental features will be affected by the proposed development.
To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C – as called for in the Paris Agreement – emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Transport remains the largest emitting sector in the UK, with the vast majority of this from road transport.
To meet emissions targets, the Government must prioritise investment in sustainable forms of transport. Capacity must be freed is freed up on the rail network, allowing us to get freight off the road, and move goods around the country in a cleaner way, and convenient and affordable public transport solutions for passengers must be created, enabling them to choose less polluting forms of travel.
Thank you once again for contacting me. I can assure you I will continue to monitor progress on this matter closely.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me about the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). I note that you previously wrote to me about this issue in June. Please accept my apologies for the failure to respond to that email, which resulted from staff sickness and shortages.
I share your concerns about the IRGC’s destabilising activity, including its political, financial and military support to a number of militant and proscribed groups in Lebanon and Syria, including Hezbollah, militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen.
I am aware of calls for the IRGC to be proscribed in the UK, especially since the horrific attack on Salman Rushdie. As you know, the law allows for an organisation to be proscribed in the UK if it is currently concerned in terrorism, within the meaning of the Terrorism Act 2000.
I believe it is for the Government to objectively decide which groups and organisations are proscribed in the UK based on the latest intelligence and clear evidence available to Ministers. The Government has said that it does not routinely comment on intelligence or specific threats. These matters should of course be kept under review.
I support the UK sanctions in place that work to constrain the IRGC’s destabilising activity, including the Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which apply to the IRGC in its entirety. The Government should ensure it continues to take action to address threats from Iran to the UK, our interests, and our allies including Israel.
Thank you once again for contacting me. I can assure you I will continue to monitor progress on this matter closely.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me about the plight of mortgage prisoners.
I appreciate the concerns you raise. In recent years, the UK experienced a period of historically low interest rates. However, mortgage prisoners have been stuck on high standard variable rates (SVRs), with little or no ability to switch to the competitive mortgage rates available to others. As a result, mortgage prisoners have been left paying thousands of pounds more a year than they otherwise would.
The Conservatives’ chaotic leadership and disastrous mini-budget has put a lasting premium on people’s mortgages, with uncosted borrowing sending people’s mortgage rates spiralling. This has placed an even greater burden on mortgage prisoners than ever before.
I therefore believe the Government must act urgently to ensure that those who are stuck on high SVRs through no fault of their own can have access to more of the mortgage products available on the market that could make such a difference to their finances and to their lives. It was for this reason that last year, I supported an amendment to the Financial Services Bill that would have capped mortgage prisoners’ SVRs and ensured their access to fixed-rate interest deals under certain circumstances. Unfortunately, as you know, this was voted down by Government MPs and removed from the Bill, with no alternative amendment proposed. I was disappointed that the Bill was not therefore able to provide the meaningful progress on this issue that mortgage prisoners need.
In November 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority’s Mortgage Prisoner Review found that the measures introduced so far to provide switching options had had a limited effect, with only around 200 borrowers being directly helped to switch to a new deal. In response, the Government said it would look for any practical and proportionate solutions to this issue, but only after “the Treasury has had sufficient time to examine the review’s findings and consider any options available to address this complex issue”.
Mortgage prisoners need action now. Therefore, I support UK Mortgage Prisoners’ call for an amendment to the Financial Services and Markets Bill, to force all lenders to free mortgage prisoners by offering fixed rates.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me about fireworks regulations.
I appreciate and share the concerns you raise. Indeed, I have been a longstanding campaigner on this issue. I introduced a private member's bill on the subject many years ago that and eventually led to the tightening of controls, and have since written to the Trading Standards commission regarding the use of excessively loud fireworks, especially over the bonfire night and Diwali period.
I believe that fireworks displays run by local charities and organisations can provide a safe and organised way for people to enjoy fireworks, while promoting community cohesion and raising funds for local causes. However, it is necessary to look at how we can better protect people, animals and the planet from the misuse of fireworks, and the stress and anxiety it can cause to smaller children, older people and those who suffer from mental health issues, as well as to pets and livestock.
Since January 2005, the sale of fireworks to the public has been prohibited, except for from licensed traders. However, fireworks can be sold by unlicensed traders for Chinese New Year, Diwali, Bonfire Night celebrations and new year. On the use of fireworks, under the Fireworks Regulations 2004, it is an offence to use fireworks after 11pm and before 7am without permission, except on permitted fireworks nights, when the times are extended. The regulations also allow fireworks use by local authority employees to put on displays permitted by the local authority, or for a national public celebration.
I believe it is clear when it comes to our firework regulations, that the law has not kept pace with developments, and the Government should look at them to determine the changing impact of fireworks and whether any changes are needed. For example, it needs to address the growing calls for fireworks use to be permitted only in public displays or at certain times of year, as well as to look at what can be done to bring the current decibel level cap down.
However, unless these laws are enforced, they are largely meaningless. I am concerned that a decade of cuts to local authorities, including for example to their trading standards and environmental health teams, has left them without the resources to tackle rogue traders or those breaking the rules. If the Government is serious about protecting the public, animals and the environment from the negative aspects of fireworks, I believe we need to see investment that allows for a proper enforcement of existing legislation.
Thank you once again for contacting me. I will continue to monitor developments on this issue.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me about reforms to the private rented sector.
I have long supported calls for more rights and better protections for tenants, including an end to section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. I want the balance of power to be tilted towards renters, but I am concerned the Government is not acting with the urgency required, despite committing to introducing reforms to the private rented sector three years ago.
As you know, the White Paper on Renters’ Reform was published in June, including plans to abolish ‘no fault’ evictions. There has been some uncertainty of late about whether the Government would be going ahead with its proposed ban, but it has confirmed that it remains committed to repealing section 21.
I support calls on the Government to avoid delay and bring forward the Bill as a matter of urgency. I understand that it is currently analysing feedback from a public consultation it ran on one of its proposals in the White Paper. While I appreciate that reforms need to be considered and properly scrutinised, I believe tenants need protections now.
That is why I am supporting calls for emergency legislation to abolish ‘no fault’ evictions. I am also supporting calls for a Renters’ Charter that would end automatic evictions for rent arrears; introduce a national register of landlords; make deposits fairer and more flexible; permit pets; allow tenants to make reasonable alterations to their home; require landlords to give four-month notice periods; and give tenants the right to request speedy repairs.
More widely, I have serious concerns that private renters continue to face rising rents alongside other increased costs of living. I want to see a serious plan from Ministers to keep people in their homes. The White Paper includes proposals to remove rent review clauses and limit rent increases to once per year, but I do not believe these measures are good enough.
I assure you I will continue to press Ministers on protections for private renters.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me about tax on beer and pubs. I appreciate the importance of this issue, with pubs having been hit so hard, first by COVID-19 and now by the energy crisis.
Pubs are a vital part of our high streets and social fabric in communities throughout the country. They also play an important role in our national economy. Indeed, before the pandemic, the sector was supporting 900,000 jobs, generating £23 billion in economic value and providing £13 billion in tax revenues. I am aware though that pubs face a range of tax pressures, including beer duty, business rates and VAT. Even before the pandemic, they were under severe threat, with a 15% fall in their number from 2010 to 2020.
I note Long Live the Local’s proposed tax reforms. As you will know, the Government has frozen beer duty, as well as proposing reforms to alcohol duties from 2023 that would reduce rates on draught beer, as well as some lower strength beers. However, the Government has said it has no plans to reintroduce a reduced VAT rate for tourism and hospitality. I can assure you that I will monitor developments on these issues.
On business rates, meanwhile, the Government has rejected changes to the tax or the basis of valuation. I believe it has missed an opportunity for fundamental reform – in the long term, we need to scrap the current system and replace it with one that provides a level playing field and takes more of the burden off of small high street businesses such as pubs.
More immediately, I am concerned that treasured community pubs risk going to the wall because the Government has failed to get to grips with the energy crisis. For some time now, I have supported calls for a plan that would bring down costs for small businesses by cutting their business rates – saving high street firms thousands – paid for by fairly taxing the most profitable global tech companies. Yet throughout this time the Government has delayed taking action, and while it has now announced an energy support package, it has yet to provide details on this and the scheme may not be in place before November.
Our pubs cannot afford this hold-up. I can therefore assure you that I will continue to support efforts to press the Government on this issue.
Thank you once again for contacting me.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North
Thank you for contacting me about Palestinian civil society organisations.
I am very concerned by the October 2021 decision of the Israeli Defence Minister to designate six Palestinian civil society organisations as ‘terrorist’. I believe this move is an attempt to silence peaceful defence of Palestinian rights. I join the United Nations and Israeli human rights organisations in condemning these designations and I call on the Israeli Government to rescind its decision.
To designate civil society bodies as terrorist, without providing any evidence, is unacceptable. These organisations represent prisoners, children and women and as such provide invaluable support to Palestinians. Their work is respected internationally.
I am very concerned by the raids on the offices of these organisations, which took place on 18 August. Civil society is vital for the two-state solution. We must continue to support civil society and stand by international law.
I will continue to advocate for a negotiated, diplomatic settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that ensures a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. There will not be a just and lasting peace until the occupation is brought to a permanent end and both Palestinians and Israelis enjoy security, dignity and human rights.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner Member of Parliament for Brent North