On 16 September 2025, Liberal Democrat MPs and Peers met with Arab Barghouti, the son of popular Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, who has been unlawfully imprisoned by Israel since 2002.

Arab spoke movingly about the systematic abuse and ill treatment his father faces, warning of the increasing threat to Marwan’s life while he remains in Israeli custody. He also highlighted the plight of the thousands of Palestinians who have been seized and detained by Israel, often held without trial, denied access to legal representation, and subjected to degrading conditions amid credible reports of torture.

Arab called on the international community to step up its response, apply meaningful pressure on Israel through sanctions, and work towards ending Israel’s unlawful system of arbitrary detention while urgently pressing for Marwan’s immediate release.

The meeting was hosted by Lord Alderdice in collaboration with Lib Dem Friends of Palestine.