Toni Brodelle (Wycombe)
X: @ToniBrodelle. More here.
"As a human being, mother, Liberal Democrat and a member of the House of Lords task group on Human Rights and the Middle East, as well as a member of Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine, I am deeply committed to advocating for justice, human rights, and adherence to international law in relation to the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank. This is a position I have consistently held throughout my decade of working on Palestine and 15 years of working on the cases of Palestinian refugees through my work on Syria.
Here is how I would address the key issues raised:
- Right to Self-Determination: I firmly support the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes. This right has been consistently affirmed by the UN General Assembly and Security Council, and I believe it is crucial for any lasting peace. In parliament, I will advocate for policies that recognize and uphold these rights, ensuring that our government supports the principles of self-determination and justice for Palestinians. I would also continue to advocate for the recognition of the state of Palestine by our government.
- Immediate Ceasefire and Addressing Genocide Claims: The violence must end immediately to prevent further loss of life and suffering, including during the ground invasion of Rafah. This must end immediately, and unfettered humanitarian access must be allowed to ensure swift entrance and distribution of aid. The International Court of Justice has highlighted the plausibility of genocide claims, which necessitates urgent and comprehensive action. I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our government pushes for an immediate ceasefire and supports thorough investigations into these serious allegations. Accountability is essential for justice and peace.
- Opposition to Apartheid: The system of apartheid imposed by Israel, as defined by Palestinian civil society and numerous human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and B’Tselem, is deeply unfair. These organizations have provided compelling evidence of systematic discrimination and oppression. I will advocate for our government to oppose these practices unequivocally and to work towards dismantling such systems of inequality and injustice.
- Implementation of International Law and Prosecution of War Crimes: Upholding international law is fundamental to maintaining global justice and accountability. I will support measures to ensure the consistent application of international law, including the prosecution of those responsible for war crimes. This includes supporting international mechanisms that hold violators accountable and advocating for our government to take a strong stand in international forums.
As Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Wycombe, and as a member of the House of Lords task group on Human Rights and the Middle East, I am dedicated to working towards these goals. I believe that our policies - both now and in the future - should reflect a commitment to human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
To publicly demand and actively work to ensure an immediate, complete, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Response: Yes
To stand up for the rights and dignity of Palestinian refugees by supporting the immediate and full restoration of UK funding to UNRWA and ensuring it can fulfil its mandate.
Response: Yes
To support a comprehensive two-way embargo on the trade in weapons, components, and military technology with Israel to ensure that Britain and its citizens are not complicit in aiding and abetting crimes including genocide.
Response: Yes
To support moves by the ICJ and ICC to hold Israel to account for breaches of International Humanitarian Law and the outcomes of those processes including by insisting that Britain must uphold any arrest warrants issued by the ICC.
Response: Yes
To support the suspension of the 2030 Road Map for UK-Israel bilateral relations and negotiations towards an enhanced trade agreement in response to grave violations on international law, and the immediate imposition of a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements.
Response: Yes
To uphold the freedom to advocate for Palestinian rights through the democratic process and in academic, cultural and educational spaces including by defending the right to protest and opposing any attempt to prevent public bodies from divesting or choosing not to procure from companies shown to be complicit in Israel’s violations of international law.
Response: Yes