British parliament to debate Israeli influence on UK politics: What we know

The UK’s parliament is expected to debate the need for an inquiry into Israeli influence on British politics on Monday. This debate, which will be broadcast on the parliament YouTube channel, was triggered after a petition gathered more than 118,000 signatures. Recommended Stories list of 3 items end of list Launched on January 28 this year, the petition raises concerns “about reported Israeli state-linked and pro-Israel lobbying activity in UK politics. We believe it is important to determine the scope and impact of any such influence campaigns”. It adds: “We feel that the horrific devastation in Gaza, the ongoing suppression of Palestinians in the West Bank, and the UK’s political response underline the urgent need to scrutinise how pro-Israel organisations, networks, and lobbying efforts may shape government decisions, party policy, and public debate.” The petition has gained 118,306 signatures so far. Petitions which gain more than 100,000 signatures are automatically put forward for parliamentary debate. The country’s Labour government has said it does not support the petition. …