26/04/2024
We have sent this letter to our MP Robbie Moore today.
As members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Keighley we are writing to you again to raise our concerns about the Israel Gaza conflict and the current rise in tension throughout the world.
Since the 17th century when Quakers declared to King Charles II "We utterly deny all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretence whatsoever" we have campaigned for peace. For this reason, we continue to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, and ask the British Government to do its best to promote this.
It is our belief that a ceasefire will allow hope in through the door through the release of hostages, a meaningful flow of aid and the reinstatement of the human rights and begin what will be a slow process of rebuilding. No one could have imagined in October 2023 that so much suffering could have been inflicted on the area in 6 months.
The devastation, injuries and starvation of the Palestinian people in Gaza is a crime which could have been prevented if the western powers had been unequivocal in their criticism of Israel in the early days of the conflict. You as our elected representative of the governing party of this country bear some responsibility for this.
On 12th April Quakers around the world issued a statement about the situation in Gaza which you can read at www.quaker.org.uk
A ceasefire must lead to more than a cessation of hostilities. It is well known that Britain sells arms to Israel worth many millions of pounds each year. Furthermore, Israel has its own arms industries which are selling around the world and to Britain. It is entirely possible that Israeli arms are being trialled in Gaza. The arms trade is a deeply corrupt activity and by promoting and investing in it the British Government corrupts and degrades its calls for peace in other countries. We ask the British government to cease its investment in these pernicious industries.
There is a very real risk now of this war spreading to other countries in the middle-east. Once again, we need our government to call for peace. As nuclear states are involved this becomes a threat of a nuclear attack. Instead, our Prime Minister has now announced that defence spending will increase to 2.5% of our national income. This is at a time when our health service, social care services and education sector are crying out for additional funding. It is our firm belief that our country would be stronger and better able to help other nations if we invested in our own communities instead of increasing our defence spending.
Quakers are a faith group committed to working for equality and peace. We try to live in truth, peace, simplicity, and equality, finding God in ourselves and those around us. Our meetings offer a welcoming opportunity for spiritual exploration.
