A cross-party group of British MPs has called on the UK Government to disclose whether it has conducted any internal assessments on the risk of genocide in Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The call, made through an open letter coordinated by Layla Moran MP, comes amid growing international concern over alleged violations of international law during Israel’s military operations.
Published on Tuesday, 21 May 2025, the letter urges Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron and senior officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to clarify whether legal advice was sought or received on the possibility that actions in Gaza may amount to crimes under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The MPs argue that transparency on this matter is not only in the public interest, but also a legal and moral imperative.
Why This Matters
The Genocide Convention—ratified by the UK in 1948—places obligations on governments to prevent, punish, and not be complicit in genocide. With more than 35,000 Palestinians reportedly killed since the conflict escalated in late 2023, aid agencies and legal experts have raised serious concerns about the conduct of the Israeli Defence Forces and the scale of civilian casualties.
“Britain has a responsibility to ensure it is not complicit in international crimes. If assessments have been made about the risk of genocide, they must be shared with Parliament and the public,” said Layla Moran MP, whose Palestinian heritage and outspoken stance on the conflict have made her a prominent voice in the debate.
The letter has been signed by MPs across political lines, including members of the Labour Party, SNP, Green Party, and Liberal Democrats. It reflects a growing unease within Parliament over the UK’s arms exports to Israel and whether continued support undermines international humanitarian law.
What the Government Says
As of now, the FCDO has not publicly confirmed whether such genocide risk assessments exist. Government spokespeople have maintained that the UK consistently urges all parties to adhere to international law, but critics argue this stance lacks clarity and accountability.
In January 2024, South Africa filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging violations of the Genocide Convention in Gaza. While the court has not yet ruled on the full case, its preliminary findings acknowledged that the accusations are "plausible," further heightening pressure on allied nations—including the UK—to review their positions.
Calls for Official Disclosure
Human rights groups such as Amnesty International UK and Human Rights Watch have joined calls for the UK to publish any internal legal advice or documentation on the risks of genocide. Legal experts argue that failing to act on credible risks could amount to a breach of the UK's own international obligations.
“This is not just about foreign policy—it’s about the rule of law,” said Clive Baldwin, senior legal adviser at Human Rights Watch. “The public deserves to know whether their government is acting in accordance with its legal and moral duties.”
What Happens Next
With Parliament set to debate the UK’s military and diplomatic relations in the Middle East in early June, pressure is likely to mount on the Government to respond formally. Campaigners hope that full disclosure of any risk assessments or legal consultations will lead to a reassessment of arms export licences and a stronger push for a humanitarian ceasefire.
The official petition for parliamentary debate can be followed via the UK Parliament’s e-petitions site and updates on this campaign will continue to appear on official.gov.uk and trusted news platforms.