Some Conservative politicians as well as business and charity leaders have said they will boycott the government’s Eid event over its support of Israel.
The annual event, hosted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is set to take place in Downing Street on Monday. The BBC understands some invitees will not go in protest of Israel’s military action in Gaza. A government spokesperson said it understood humanitarian concerns regarding Gaza.
Sources in Downing Street have privately expressed concern at the number of people who might boycott the reception. The BBC understands Baroness Warsi is one of the Conservative politicians planning to boycott the event, along with at least two Tory MPs.
She quit as Foreign Office Minister in David Cameron’s cabinet in 2014, saying the government’s policy over Gaza was “morally indefensible”Asif Ansari, a leading businessman and charity fundraiser, said: “As a Muslim, I think it’s very important for the Muslim community to have good relations with the British government. However, I feel very, very strongly this year with the position that the British government is taking.
“They are supporting Israel who stand accused of genocide, they stand accused of war crimes, the deprivation of water and food to women and children has left many starving and lastly, the killing of three British aid workers – after which Lord Cameron has said the UK would continue to supply arms to Israel – was an absolute red line.”
One person from a charity who has decided to attend, said they were going because “I believe it is important to engage with the government at this time of conflict”.
Ramadan protest
Earlier this month the prime minister faced growing pressure over UK arms sales to Israel, after the killing of seven aid workers by an Israeli strike in Gaza.
At the time he said the UK had a “very careful” arms licensing regime and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron later confirmed UK arms sales to Israel would not be suspended.
Source: BBC
In other news – Hillsborough: Minute’s silence marks 35th anniversary of disaster
A minute’s silence will be held in Liverpool later to mark the 35th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. Ninety-seven men, women and children died as a result of a crush at the FA Cup semi-final on 15 April 1989.
The silence will be observed at Exchange Flags near the Town Hall at 15:06 BST, the time the match was halted 35 years ago. Read more
