On 17th August 2025, Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine hosted a panel event at the Young Liberals Summer Conference, bringing together a range of experts working in different areas to address the Israel-Palestine conflict from here in the UK. The discussion explored the devastating realities of daily life in Gaza and the West Bank, the urgent need for UK action, and the role that young people can play in driving change.
Marwan Yaghi, Head of the Political Department at the Palestinian Mission to the UK, underlined the concrete steps the UK must take to end its complicity in Israel’s atrocities, including expanded sanctions, a full arms embargo, and immediate recognition of Palestine as a crucial step to right historical wrongs and provide a foundation for equal peace negotiations. “Non-recognition at this stage is not impartiality, it is a political decision. It is an endorsement of the extremists in Israel that seek the erasure of Palestinian identity and policies that keep Palestinians subjugated under apartheid,” Marwan warned.
Raphael Kober Hoffman, Research and Policy Manager at Yachad, discussed his organisation’s work as a British Jewish group advocating for a political resolution to the Palestine-Israel conflict. He explained how Yachad engages with Jewish communities, parliamentarians, and students to challenge polarisation, foster dialogue, and equip people with the confidence and knowledge to advocate for peace. Raphael emphasised the power of young people’s voices, noting the influence they can have in shaping debate, holding leaders accountable, and raising awareness within their communities.
Will Forster MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, reflected on his recent visit to Israel and Palestine, where he witnessed the destruction in Gaza, spoke with aid workers struggling to deliver what little relief they could, and saw first-hand the daily horrors of life under occupation in the West Bank. He described how these experiences reinforced his determination to act as a “critical friend” to Labour and use his platform to push for stronger action in support of peace, justice and accountability. Will also encouraged young people to make their voices heard within the political sphere, stressing that grassroots pressure is essential to shifting political will.
The panel was chaired by Lucia Messent, Policy Officer for Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine. It was broadcast live by the Young Liberals and can be watched here at 4 hours 21 minutes.