The Rt Hon. Dame ARichTeaBiscuit LT LD LP GCB OM GCMG PC MP

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Downing Street 10

London SW1A 2AB

21 October 2023

Dear Prime Minister,

The Conservative Party is appalled by the Foreign Secretary’s statement in the press. He chose to inform the press before he informed Parliament through the usual channels. Especially, when it comes to such a delicate situation as the current war between Israel and Hamas we must uphold our own democratic institutions. The Foreign Secretary has shown a disregard for those institutions by going directly to the press instead of first informing the House or his counterpart about the Government’s plans. This can only be described as a bad beginning for this new government and a harbinger of the rough times ahead for this country.

Furthermore the Foreign Secretary’s words also show a lack of caution. They have given Israel an ultimatum or otherwise face sanctions. Israel, the country that was brutally attacked by Hamas, with baby’s being beheaded, will be given sanctions by the UK Government. This just shows that this government doesn’t care about what is the right thing to do, but only cares about forcing through their ideology. This government should be ashamed of itself and its new Foreign Secretary.

The Conservative Party supports Israel in its right to defend itself and denounces Hamas and its actions. We support reminding both sides through diplomatic channels to uphold the rules of war. We must remind Hamas that hiding among and using civilians as human shields goes against the Geneva convention. We also urge Israel to only attack military objectives and minimise the impact on the civilian population of Gaza. The Conservative Party will always support reasoning, diplomacy and dialogue above all else.

Yours faithfully,

The Right Honourable meneerduif PC MP

Chair of the Conservative and Unionist Party