The government has committed the UK to foreign policies in key areas which they have no mandate for
Their Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Palestine policies should be subject to individual UK referendums.
By Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
On February 24th 2022, Russia commenced its special military operation in Ukraine and almost immediately the UK government took sides in this conflict.
This involved military support for the Zelensky government and a programme of sanctions against Russia which have increased on a regular basis since then.
These policies of support for the side of Ukraine have involved over £12bn of taxpayers’ money for military and other aid so far.
At the same time the government’s policies of sanctions have rebounded against the UK, with huge rises in energy and other living costs.
Inflation has increased as have mortgage rates and rents. The inflationary effects on government finances have meant that cuts have had to be made in local and national services, and there has been increases in national and local taxation.
The Zelensky government has shut down opposition parties and media and even a major Orthodox Church.
They have also “postponed” elections until after the conflict finishes.
It is estimated that there have been over 1.3 million Ukraine casualties, and UK government policies have resulted in pointless deaths on both sides.
The government was either clueless and did not understand what the consequences of their actions could be, or they fully did, but were dishonest with the public about what could happen.
The reality is that to this day, despite these consequences staring everyone in the face, the government has continued with their failed policies and indeed the lies to perpetuate these failed policies.
All this has happened and continues, with absolutely no mandate from the public.
The situation is made worse by the Opposition parties supporting the government, yet they have no mandate either.
It is now increasingly necessary for the public to have their say on these policies as they are harming the interests of the UK and the public.
Democracy is being undermined by this autocratic form of government.
A new petition has been launched to facilitate the people deciding on this matter:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/655150
The petition also refers to another foreign policy area ( mentioned below) where the public must have their say on.
It is vital to sign and share this petition widely to put pressure on the government to bring about referenda on these issues.
This other key foreign policy decision on the petition, has come to light since October 7th 2023. This was was when the Hamas terrorist organisation launched an attack on Israel from Gaza.
The UK government, instead of pursuing a more moderate line of bringing about peace, has taken sides again, this time with the extremist minority government currently in power in Israel.
The situation has gone from Israel defending itself to punishing the 2.1 million population of Gaza, by invading and striking of the civilian infrastructure, resulting in huge numbers of casualties. These are 28,473 Palestinians and 1410 Israelis to date.
The UK government have not only failed to condemn such actions, but they have also taken part in or supporting bombing raids in Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, which have all been supportive of the Israeli government.
These aggressive acts have associated the UK with the USA’s diminishing reputation in the Middle East, and this caused reputational damage to the UK.
They have also increased the risk of UK citizens at home and abroad being subject to terrorist attacks.
Here is the wording of the Parliamentary Petition:
Referendum for UK to be neutral on Israel/Palestine and Ukraine/Russia conflicts
The UK Government is spending billions on armed conflicts which we believe are against British interests. In both conflicts the Government is prioritising one side, which we believe is against the interests of world peace. We want referendums on whether the UK should be neutral in these conflicts.
More details:
The Government’s foreign policies should be based on the UK’s best interests. The UK public have suffered economically because of imposing sanctions on Russia. The UK has committed ongoing support for Ukraine totalling £12bn to date, which we believe has only caused more suffering. This money is desperately needed by UK citizens to help with rising costs of living and energy prices, improve local and government services, infrastructure, NHS and much more. Referendums give people the final say.
Referenda is the best way forward to achieve real change in policies.
It does matter if there is not agreement on every word in the petition.
It is the principle that the public must have their say on these issues.
Some people may not want to be neutral.
However, being neutral does mean that UK government stops supporting one side and strives for peace.
Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
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