More than 800 lawyers and legal scholars in the United Kingdom — including former Supreme Court justices Lord Sumption and Lord Wilson — have signed an open letter calling on the British government to impose sanctions on Israeli officials and consider suspending Israel’s UN membership. The unprecedented move is framed as a moral and legal imperative, citing the UK’s obligations under international law to prevent genocide and uphold justice.

Published by The Guardian on Tuesday, the letter expresses grave concern over Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, which the signatories say constitutes war crimes, crimes against humanity, and severe violations of international humanitarian law. The letter welcomes recent statements by Labour leader Keir Starmer and others, but urges immediate, concrete action to stop what they describe as “the destruction of the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

The letter highlights statements from Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s call to “erase what remains of the Gaza Strip,” as evidence of genocidal intent. It underscores that under international law, Britain must act decisively to prevent atrocities, stop arms sales, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The legal experts argue that the UK’s continued inaction — despite mounting evidence — not only fuels a culture of impunity but also threatens the integrity of the entire international legal system. A previous legal document cited the UK's arms trade with Israel as a breach of international law.

Although Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently announced a suspension of the free trade agreement with Israel, the signatories insist this is not enough. They call for broader sanctions targeting Israeli ministers and institutions responsible for the ongoing atrocities and restrictions on humanitarian aid.

With growing international momentum — including a joint warning from the UK, France, and Canada — this legal initiative stands as a powerful indictment of British complacency and a demand for justice before it is too late.