As tensions in Parliament deepen over the UK’s foreign and domestic policy, Jeremy Corbyn delivered a scathing speech accusing successive British governments of complicity in war crimes in Gaza. His remarks came during a Commons session that also saw sharp exchanges over winter fuel payments, the Chagos Islands deal, and child benefit caps.
Corbyn demanded a public inquiry into Britain’s role in what he unequivocally described as a “genocide” in Gaza. He detailed harrowing scenes: families wiped out, children eating dirt, and doctors operating without anaesthetic—atrocities he claimed were not only known to the UK government, but enabled through continued arms sales. "Home by home, hospital by hospital, generation by generation, we are not just witnessing; we are witnessing a genocide – this time, live-streamed all over the world," he declared.
Citing the supply of F-35 components and intelligence cooperation, Corbyn argued that Britain is not a bystander but an active participant in the destruction of Gaza. He criticised both Conservative and Labour governments for licensing weaponry used in Israeli military operations, even after the foreign secretary acknowledged potential violations of international humanitarian law. “They know full well the implications… our government is admitting its complicity in what are quite clearly war crimes.”
Corbyn’s intervention added to growing dissent within Parliament. Former attorney general Jeremy Wright also broke ranks, urging the UK to urgently recognise the State of Palestine. He cited the escalating annexation in the West Bank and the increasingly open rhetoric from Israeli officials about isolating Palestinians.
Meanwhile, domestic issues took centre stage at Prime Minister’s Questions. Kemi Badenoch attacked Keir Starmer over his government’s partial U-turn on winter fuel payments, demanding clarity on how the reversal would be funded. Rachel Reeves confirmed that while a universal payment will not return, eligibility will be expanded to reach more pensioners.
Elsewhere, tensions rose within the Cabinet as Foreign Secretary James Cleverly indirectly criticised Badenoch’s decision to abandon net zero targets, branding her allies as “neo-luddites” resistant to green innovation.
As MPs from across the political spectrum call for greater moral clarity on Gaza, and public discontent simmers over economic policy shifts, the UK government finds itself cornered—challenged not only by its opposition, but from within its own ranks.
Source : Safa News