20 December 2023 09:53
THERE was no commitment given from the government yesterday (Tuesday) in response to calls from Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael for the UK to urge Israel to become a state party to the International Criminal Court.
The Orkney and Shetland MP spoke in parliament about the “desperate” situation in Gaza following months of attacks.
Parliament time had been secured by Carmichael’s party colleague Layla Moran.
Members of her extended Christian Palestinian family are among those who have been trapped inside the Holy Family church complex in Gaza City for 60 days.
Urging the UK Government to support a bilateral ceasefire, the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon told the Commons: “There are tanks outside the gates, there are soldiers and snipers pointing into the complex shooting at anyone who ventures out, and the convent was bombed.
“On Saturday two women were shot. They were simply trying to get to the toilet. There is no electricity, there is no clean water, and the update that I had last night was that they are down to their last can of corn.”
Carmichael added: “Will the UK government urge the Israeli government to ratify the Rome Statute and thus become a state party to the International Criminal Court?”
Responding for the government, minister for development Andrew Mitchell MP said: “He will know that Britain is a signatory to the International Criminal Court because we think that it is a vital piece of the international architecture, but it is for all countries to make a decision in that respect, and he will know that a number of countries including the US have so far declined to join.”
Carmichael however urged the government to take a stronger line on international law in light of the desperate situation in Gaza.
“If we believe in the international rule of law then we should not be afraid to stand up for it. That is true with our friends just as much as with our enemies,” he said.
“The reports coming out of Gaza currently – particularly those highlighted by my friend and colleague Layla Moran – are only becoming more desperate as time goes on.
“The government must take a stronger line on international law and push for a durable ceasefire and political solution.”