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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East

@lfpme.bsky.social
811 followers 121 following 101 posts

🌹🤝🇵🇸 Campaigning for Palestinian human rights, upholding international law, and a two-state solution. RT≠endorsement 📍www.lfpme.co.uk

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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The decisive action taken by the UK government, alongside our allies, sends a clear message to the Israeli government that adherence to international law matters, that freedom and self-determination matter and that ‘Britain will not be silent in the face of injustice’. (Ends)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Today, the Foreign Secretary gave practical meaning to the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine, by outlining measures against actions that threaten that recognition and the viability of a two-state solution, which is essential to achieving a just and lasting peace. (5/6)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The International Court of Justice’s July 2024 Advisory Opinion further makes clear that all states have an obligation not to recognise as lawful, or assist in maintaining, the illegal situation arising from Israel’s occupation. (4/6)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
UN Security Council Resolution 2334 is clear: Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and constitute a flagrant violation of international law. (3/6)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Today’s announcement puts those values into practical action, reaffirming the UK's commitment to international law and the two-state solution. (2/6)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
LFPME welcomes Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's statement today. We are proud to support a Labour Government committed to justice, peace and equality. (1/6) 🧵
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Congratulations to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. As Labour Leader, he led the 2014 vote to recognise Palestine, demonstrating the principled leadership and moral conviction that have defined his career. We welcomed him to our xmas reception and look forward to working together. 🌹
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Congratulations to @andyburnham.bsky.social on becoming Prime Minister. We look forward to working together on our shared commitment to the rule of law and ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination through a safe, sovereign, and viable two-state solution. 🇬🇧🤝🇵🇸
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Ministers and Deputy Leader Lucy Powell met students from Gaza with scholarships to study in the UK. Our theme - "The Future of Palestine" - could not be better summarised than by the talent and resilience of these individuals.
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Thank you to Yvette Cooper, @lucympowell.bsky.social, Hamish Falconer, Husam Zomlot and the PLP for joining our annual Summer Reception last night, and to our co-Chairs @sarahowen.org.uk and @jamesasser.bsky.social. We re-affirmed our commitment to peace, accountability and a two-state solution.
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Lucy Powell MP @lucympowell.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Good to be with so many friends and colleagues tonight at @lfpme.bsky.social The Labour Party’s commitment to justice, freedom and security for Palestinians is unwavering.
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
LFPME welcomes the measures announced yesterday - but they must be followed up with robust enforcement measures to ensure no UK entity is complicit in supporting illegal settlements.
LFPME welcomes yesterday's package of measures to tackle the unacceptable and illegal increase in settler activity across the West Bank. 
 
Settler violence is a tool used to dispossess Palestinians, seize land, expand settlements, and undermine the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
 
The UK Government has long acknowledged that illegal settlements are a major obstacle to peace and to a viable two-state solution; in the months since recognising the State of Palestine, Israel has accelerated settlements, obstructed humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza and expanded its war to destabilise the region. The government of Israel has made clear its total disregard for international law and multilateral efforts to secure peace and accountability.

The UK must ensure that British companies, banks, investment funds, charities, and public institutions are not complicit in activities that sustain or benefit from illegal settlements. Anything less risks undermining both international law and the UK's commitment to uphold it.
 
If the international community is serious about defending a rules-based international order, there must be clear legal, financial, and diplomatic consequences for those who support, enable, or profit from settlement expansion and the ongoing occupation.

The government should not rule out further sanctions if necessary to protect the survival of a two-state solution which remains the only path to a sustainable peace.
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Melanie Ward MP @melanieward.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
We are deeply concerned at the vast rise in violent Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians, and at settlement expansion, which forces Palestinians off their land. The Israeli government itself is clear this is designed to prevent a 2 state solution ever being realised. (2/2)
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Melanie Ward MP @melanieward.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Together with almost 140 fellow Labour MPs, I have written to the Foreign Secretary to call for a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Our group includes every Labour select committee chair. It’s time to be clear that settlements have no viable economic future (1/2)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Words of condemnation have so far done little to deter ongoing violations. We must now act to pressure Israeli authorities to adhere by the terms of the October ceasefire, protect international law, increase aid and humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and uphold accountability.
Statement that reads:


"Netanyahu’s announcement yesterday of an order to seize 70% of the Gaza strip is an act that violates the ceasefire agreed in October, breaks international law, and critically undermines any future for Palestinian statehood.

Since the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine, increasing settler activity and violence in the West Bank, including the E1 plan, has put the two-state solution at enormous risk. If Israel is allowed to expand its de-facto annexation to Gaza, we will be as far as ever from the possibility of peace.

The UK government must increase the range of sanctions, and extend those already placed on violent settlers and extremist politicians, to stand up for the viability of the state it has recognised, and the rule of international law.

Words of condemnation have so far done little to deter ongoing violations. We must now act to pressure Israeli authorities to adhere by the terms of the October ceasefire, protect international law, increase aid and humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and uphold accountability.

This is the only way to preserve the viability of the State of Palestine and thus the two-state solution to which we are committed."
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and those across the UK from the Jewish community who are understandably feeling fearful.
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
LFPME are deeply saddened to see another violent attack targeting the Jewish community in London. Antisemitism should have no place in the UK and these latest attacks are abhorrent.
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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 28/04/2026
Israel's E1 settlement plan is a particular concern - it undermines the viability of a Palestinian state and is a direct breach of international law. I will continue to take this matter up at the highest levels.
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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 28/04/2026
It was a pleasure to meet with Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan HE Manar Dabbas, to discuss shared concerns about the escalating situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and peace in the region more generally. 🇬🇧🇯🇴
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Full statement:
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Alongside cuts to international aid announced last year, the sudden closure of this unit risks further limiting the UK’s position and contribution to the world stage, and undermines our ability to react quickly and compliantly to breaches of IHL in the Middle East. (5/5)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
It has recently levelled large parts of southern Lebanon. Both the ICJ and ICC have made clear that IHL has been repeatedly violated in Gaza. (4/5)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
The Foreign Secretary has rightly made it her goal to stand up for the rule of IHL that is in retreat across the world. In both Gaza and the West Bank, Israel has by the government’s own analysis failed in its obligations as an occupying power. (3/5)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Whatever the reason for this decision, it is vital that the essential work - establishing the UK government’s obligations under IHL and tracking any breaches in Gaza and Lebanon - continues and is not lost. We ask the Government for urgent, cast iron guarantees on this. (2/5)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
LFPME is deeply concerned that the FCDO is closing the international humanitarian law (IHL) cell. The cell did essential work establishing the UK government’s obligations under IHL and tracked breaches in Gaza and Lebanon. (1/5) 🧵
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Full statement 👇 (5/5)
Statement that reads: LFPME welcomes the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon yesterday. We ask the international community to use every diplomatic channel to hold all parties to this agreement.

Since the escalation of Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, more than 2,100 people have been killed and 2.1million displaced. Entire villages have been levelled in tactics that Israeli ministers themselves compare with the razing of Rafah and Beit Hanoun in Gaza.

This 10 day ceasefire must pave the way to further talks and peaceful negotiation. The £5million in humanitarian relief provided by the UK government to Lebanon is welcome, and it must continue to make it clear to the Israeli government that violence targeting civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable and in breach of international humanitarian law. 

We must continue to support the structures of international law and call for accountability of violations. No Palestinian, Lebanese or Israeli citizen is made safer by violent escalation.
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
This 10 day ceasefire must pave the way to further talks and peaceful negotiation. We must continue to support the structures of international law and call for accountability of violations. No Palestinian, Lebanese or Israeli citizen is made safer by violent escalation. (4/5)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
The £5million in humanitarian relief provided by the UK government to Lebanon is welcome, and it must continue to make it clear to the Israeli government that violence targeting civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable and in breach of international humanitarian law. (3/5)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Since the escalation of Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, more than 2,100 people have been killed and 2.1million displaced. Entire villages have been levelled in tactics that Israeli ministers themselves compare with the razing of Rafah and Beit Hanoun in Gaza. (2/5)
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
LFPME welcomes the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon yesterday. We ask the international community to use every diplomatic channel to hold all parties to this agreement. (1/5)
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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 08/04/2026
“We call upon all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.” A key and important sentence in a welcome joint statement from our government, European countries, Canada and Japan.
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
The E1 settlement plan is a flagrant breach of international law and critically threatens the viability of a Palestinian state.
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Yesterday alongside @caabu.bsky.social & the Britain-Palestine APPG we hosted the Ambassadors of Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan & Saudi Arabia, and representatives from Qatar & the Arab League, for a briefing on the US-Israel war in the Middle East and its impact on the region.
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
LFPME Statement on military escalation in the Middle East 👇
Statement that reads: Unilateral military action by the USA and Israel, and retaliatory strikes by Iran, have set off a regional conflict, leading to mass instability and civilian casualties across the Middle East. We welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to refrain from further UK involvement without lawful justification, a viable plan and Parliamentary agreement. It remains crucial that we focus on de-escalation and negotiation with allies committed to peace, security and the rule of law. 

We must learn from history that military escalation leads only to long-term instability.  The Iranian regime brutally repressed and murdered its own people, and the death of Ayatollah Khamenei will not be mourned. 

The United Nations Secretary General and our European allies have warned that this military action risks violating international law and have called for de-escalation and the resumption of diplomatic talks. It is crucial we work with them and our regional allies to prioritise peace and stability, not more violence.

We urge the government to ensure that any further UK involvement does not breach international law or threaten the security of the UK and its citizens.
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
LFPME welcomes @jamesasser.bsky.social, who is taking on the role of co-Chair alongside @sarahowen.org.uk from this month. 🌹🤝🇵🇸
Picture of James Asser MP with the title "co-Chair: LFPME"Picture of Sarah Owen MP with the title "co-Chair: LFPME"
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Building a strong and lasting peace in Gaza must be led by existing international bodies and within existing frameworks of international law, and must involve Palestinians.
Statement that reads: 

*LFPME Statement on Gaza “Board of Peace”*

Building a sustainable and lasting peace in Gaza must be led by existing international bodies and within existing frameworks of international law. 

The US President’s “Board of Peace”, which has been widely criticised by UN member states, is not a solution. It includes no Palestinian representation. In including Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for violations of international law, and whose government and ministers oppose a two-state solution, the Board has shown that it cannot be a vehicle of peace. 

Netanyahu’s government continues to undermine the UN, recently demolishing UNWRA buildings in East Jerusalem and de-registering international NGOs distributing humanitarian aid. 

A path forward must respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, a two-state solution, and prioritise alleviating the enormous suffering still present in Gaza. It must be rooted in international law and uphold the principles of equality and human rights. Trump’s “Board of Peace” undermines these goals and those working to achieve them.

The UK government must redouble its efforts to work with our allies to achieve a genuine and lasting peace that involves representation from Israelis and Palestinians.
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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 09/01/2026
Winter in Gaza is making the need for aid even more urgent - yet the Israeli government has de-registered key NGOs that provide this aid. I have written to the Middle East Minister alongside our members, to ask what more the UK is doing to ensure innocent civilians urgently get the aid they need.
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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 11/11/2025
Today, we honour the memory of all who gave their lives in service to our country, and extend heartfelt thanks to the courageous personnel who continue to serve. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 25/10/2025
Congrats to @lucympowell.bsky.social! You’ve got the guts and the fight in you to help us win again. 🌹 Time to unite, be bold and true to our Labour values. We're the party that built the NHS, the minimum wage and equal pay. Labour wins not despite our progressive values, but because of them.
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Lucy Powell MP @lucympowell.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Really delighted to have the support of Labour Friends of Palestine @lfpme.bsky.social Thank you.
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Following a decision of our Executive Committee, LFPME is endorsing Lucy Powell to be Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. You can read Lucy’s statement to us here ⬇️ @lucympowell.bsky.social
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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 09/10/2025
This morning’s news of a deal being reached for the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza is a moment of hope at a time when endless violence felt inevitable.
Statement from Sarah Owen MP that reads: 

This morning’s news of a deal being reached for the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza is a moment of hope at a time when endless violence felt inevitable.

It will come as an enormous relief for the millions who have been trapped in Gaza and faced endless bombardment from the Israeli military, famine and forced displacement. It will also come as a relief for the hostages and their families. All have endured unimaginable suffering.

The plan must now be implemented in full. There must be no delay to an end to the Israeli military’s offensive in Gaza, nor to an immediate increase in aid reaching civilians in Gaza. It must also be the start of a longer process, supported by allies in the region, leading to a two-state solution.

May this moment of hope be the start of the end for a war that has caused unconscionable suffering to Palestinians, Israelis and countless others in the Middle East.
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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 07/10/2025
Two years on from the horrific terror attacks of 7th October that resulted in the largest killing of Jewish people since the Holocaust, renewed focus must be placed on peace in the Middle East.
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
We implore everyone to centre their common humanity and decency at this difficult time. We need much more of that in our society, and we will only achieve a better shared future by working together and carefully considering each of our individual roles and contributions. [4/4]
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
This is especially important in light of not only today's events, but also as we approach the second anniversary of the horrific Hamas attacks on October 7th 2023. The Government is right to step up security and do whatever is required to keep Jewish communities safe. [3/4]
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
The surge in antisemitism and antisemitic attacks over the last two years is real and it is unacceptable. When Jewish people tell us they feel unsafe - and what makes them feel unsafe - we must all listen. [2/4]
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
We are sickened by the antisemitic terrorist attack on a synagogue in Crumpsall this morning. We send our condolences to the loved ones of those killed. We are also sending our thoughts and support to Jewish communities here in the UK. [1/4]
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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 02/10/2025
My thoughts are with the victims of the horrendous attack in Crumpsall today, and the whole Jewish community in Manchester and across the UK on Judaism's holiest day, Yom Kippur. There must never be any place for this sickening violence in our country.
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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 30/09/2025
Day 2 at #Lab25 involved… A meeting with the British Deaf Association to discuss their work on access to BSL 🧏🏻‍♀️ Speaking to @lfpme.bsky.social as we mark our recognition of Palestine 🇵🇸 Celebrating the contributions of British Muslims with Equi 🎂 Looking forward to more today! 🌹
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Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East @lfpme.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Palestinians are facing an existential moment, and we are under no illusions that this solves everything, not least the suffering in Gaza. We will continue to work with the Government on other levers it can use to do so. [7/7]
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