What I'm doing there - Free Gaza Flotilla - question and motion
In one of my first opportunities to ask a question in Parliament, I asked Foreign Secretary William Hague whether the UK Government would put real action behind its words of holding Israel to account for allowing its troops to fire on the Free Gaza flotilla.
As you probably know, this was a convoy of ships carrying volunteers and essential medical supplies to Gaza.
Several people were killed or wounded.
I asked Hague whether he would back an urgent inquiry into the incident and whether he would consider proposing to his European Union foreign minister counterparts the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement - a political and trade cooperation agreement between the EU and Israel.
There's a human rights clause within that agreement which expressly allows the EU to suspend cooperation in the event of human rights abuses taking place.
So, I asked, would the UK government use its influence and take action rather than just offer mild words of criticism?
In answer to my question Hague said that the UK Government would continue to find 'diplomatic' ways to help solve the dispute.
But diplomacy only works if backed by real action.
Will our government provide it?
Like many, I'm deeply shocked by the brutality of the assault.
My thoughts are with the victims and their families.
I was one of the sponsoring MPs who proposed a Commons motion condemning the attack.
Please see text below.
Gaza Early Day Motion
"That this House is appalled by the loss of life associated with Israel's attack on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Notes that the attack took place in international waters and demands the release of UK nationals and others being held by Israel.
Endorses the call of the United Nations Secretary General for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards.
Recognises that Israel's blockade has destroyed the economy of Gaza, deepens poverty, inflicts widespread suffering and which, by imposing collective punishment on the people of Gaza, is itself contrary to international law.
Therefore calls on the international community to require Israel to end its blockade and to redouble international efforts to secure a lasting settlement with a secure and independent state of Palestine alongside a secure and independent Israel."
Will update more on other items of work I've been involved with soon.
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Comments:
Deborah Fink
06 July 2010
00:26
It is a shame that Sturdy believes the Israeli propaganda version of events. I have heard survivors speak and they said that when they spotted the Israeli helicopters, the Marmara moved deeper into international waters. This gives the lie to the Israel notion that they wanted confrontation. It was the Israel army that fired first, before even landing.
I don't see what Hamas has to do with this and if one is going to talk about terrorism, perhaps one needs to think about who has killed the most people, Hamas or Israel or do only Israeli lives count? Is only Israel allowed to 'defend' itself? Not that this is defence, and nor was their massacre of 1400 Gazans last year.
Well done Caroline for speaking out. I'm a new member of the Green party and very proud to have you as leader.
Jews for Boycotting Israeli Goods.
Nasa
10 June 2010
00:38
Here is Caroline's speech at the London National Protest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZQIhFYCyvA
Please fight for the injustice and dont fall to the bureaucracy of our Government.
Proud of you.
Nasa
B. Sturdy
08 June 2010
21:23
Hello Caroline
Congratulations on your victory in Brighton.
I voted for Dr Derek Chase in City and Westminster and have voted green in the last three elections.
I am disappointed that as the leader of the Green Party and its first British MP you have used one of your first parliamentary opportunities to be a mouthpiece for the Hamas propaganda machine.
There was only violence on the Marvi Marmara, one out of 7 ships in the aid flotilla (including the Rachel Corrie that was boarded the next day). Members of the Marvi Marmara crew were videotaped viscously attacking the IDF boarding party with knives and metal bars. Three IDF soldiers were then taken hostage. This was the shocking behaviour that clearly caused the lamentable loss of life.
One of the crew of the Marvi Marmara, Ken O'Keefe, has made it clear that the attack on the IDF was organised and not spontaneous.
You suggest punishing Israel without reference to Hamas and terrorist extremists, hence fanning the flames of extremism and further preventing a lasting settlement.
David Billings
06 June 2010
19:27
Thank you so much Caroline - it is wonderful to have an MP who is not afraid to speak out when their conscience demands it. I wish you all the best for the future!
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