A senior Conservative MP has publicly withdrawn his support for Israel in a powerful speech to the House of Commons, urging the British Government to “stand up for life” and be on “the right side of history” amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Mark Pritchard, the long-serving MP for The Wrekin, made the emotional intervention during a parliamentary session on Tuesday as Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer updated MPs on the worsening situation in the Middle East. Pritchard, a consistent supporter of Israel for over two decades, said he could no longer back the state’s actions, describing the humanitarian cost in Gaza as “unconscionable”.
The speech came amid growing alarm over Israel’s latest military plans, which include the continued occupation and control of the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials confirmed this week that cabinet ministers had approved a strategy to seize and maintain a presence in Gaza for an indefinite period, further fuelling tensions in the region.
Addressing the Commons, Mr Pritchard said: “Of course, Israel is an important security, trade and democratic partner, but that doesn’t give it a blank cheque. The fact is that 13,000 children have been killed. Some 25,000 have been injured, maimed, wounded, orphaned — some of them.”
He added: “For 20 years, I have supported Israel in this House. But today I want to say that I got it wrong. I condemn Israel for what it is doing to the Palestinian people in Gaza and in the West Bank. I withdraw my support for the actions of Israel — what they are doing right now is indefensible.”
Pritchard emphasised the equal value of all human life, stating: “The life of a Palestinian child is as precious as the life of a Jewish child. Let’s stand up for all children, not just Jewish children.”
The MP’s remarks were met with nods of agreement across the chamber, highlighting a growing cross-party shift in tone towards Israel’s conduct during the conflict. Mr Pritchard called on the UK Government to show “moral courage” and push back against United States policy, asking: “Can the minister stand up to our friends and allies in the United States and make a strong stand for humanity?”
Minister Falconer acknowledged Mr Pritchard’s “powerful intervention” and promised to “endeavour to stand up on the international stage” with similar conviction. He confirmed that the UK had suspended the sale of components for F-35 fighter jets where the final destination is known to be Israel.
The debate saw mounting pressure from across the political spectrum. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called for an immediate end to all arms sales to Israel, claiming the bombing of Gaza was equivalent to “five times the power” of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He urged the Government to halt “weapons, cooperation, and support” until lives were protected in both Gaza and the West Bank.
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Plaid Cymru MP Ben Lake raised the idea of humanitarian air drops into Gaza, to which Mr Falconer responded: “We are speaking with regional partners and not ruling them out. But let’s be clear — air drops would only meet a fraction of the scale of the need we’re facing.”
Labour MPs also voiced frustration at what they described as Government inaction. Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby) said history would judge Parliament for its “failure of the Palestinian people”, while Stratford and Bow MP Uma Kumaran insisted the UK would have taken stronger action if any other country were responsible.
Liberal Democrat MP Lee Dillon added to the growing chorus, declaring: “From the Father of the House to the 2024 intake, MPs are pleading with the Government to take action. The message is clear — we need our Government to recognise the Palestinian state.”
The debate marks a significant turning point in public discourse around Britain’s role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, with pressure mounting on ministers to shift course amid global calls for an immediate ceasefire and lasting political resolution.
