South London Residents Urge Ed Davey to Take Stronger Action on Gaza Crisis

Kingston, London – Dozens of residents from Kingston, Twickenham, and Richmond gathered outside Sir Ed Davey’s constituency office, to present a petition urging the Liberal Democrat leader to push for more decisive UK action in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

The petition, signed by 165 local residents, accuses the UK government of “abandoning its moral and legal responsibilities to prevent Israeli atrocities in Gaza.” It calls on Sir Ed to advocate for comprehensive economic sanctions and a full trade embargo on Israel until an immediate mutual ceasefire is implemented and the UK formally recognises the state of Palestine.

While a recent Liberal Democrat motion calling for sanctions on senior Israeli ministers and the recognition of Palestine was welcomed by campaigners, they argue it does not go far enough. They are now urging Sir Ed to support a binding parliamentary vote on stronger measures, including suspension of arms sales and diplomatic pressure for unrestricted humanitarian aid access.

Paul Tippell, who organised the petition, highlighted the urgent need for political action: “By January this year, more than 14,500 Palestinian children had reportedly been killed. Thousands are now suffering from severe malnutrition. These are not just numbers, these are lives, and time is running out.”

The Israeli military launched its campaign in Gaza following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of over 250 hostages. In the months since, Gaza’s health ministry reports over 55,000 deaths. Although Israel eased an 11-week aid blockade in May, the UN Human Rights Office says over 400 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food from private aid hubs, underscoring the severity of the humanitarian conditions.

Earlier this month, the UK imposed sanctions on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, citing incitement to violence. However, residents say the response must go further.

In a statement, Sir Ed acknowledged the petition and confirmed he plans to meet with constituents: “The suffering in Gaza is devastating. While recent sanctions are a step forward, more comprehensive international pressure is urgently needed.”

As public concern intensifies, residents are calling for principled leadership and concrete action to help bring an end to the violence and support a long-term political resolution.