Responding to the latest developments in the war on Iran, Dr Ellie Chowns, Parliamentary Green Party spokesperson on foreign affairs and MP for North Herefordshire, said:
“The human cost of the illegal attack by the US and Israel on Iran is becoming clearer every day. The UK Government must stand unequivocally against this reckless war and use every available lever to press for a peaceful solution.
“The Iranian regime’s human rights abuses are intolerable, and the Green Party stands in complete solidarity with the citizens of Iran and the pursuit of justice for the those who have been targeted and killed by the horrific regime. We also recognise that the illegal US-Israeli strikes on Iran have not and will not ensure the safety of Iranian civilians, nor further the pursuit of nuclear de-escalation.
“Since the strikes on Iran began, more than 1,200 people in the country have been killed, with many more injured and 13 verified attacks made on health infrastructure. Conflict has escalated throughout the region, with civilians paying a heavy price. Just yesterday Israeli forces launched massive airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, only hours after issuing an evacuation order for the over 500,000 people living there.
“This displays an utter disregard for civilian lives. We saw these patterns in Gaza – it cannot happen again in Lebanon.
“No nation should be able to break international law with impunity – civilians and healthcare facilities must be protected and those responsible for illegal attacks held to account.
“The Prime Minister has stated he believes the best way forward is through a negotiated settlement, yet he has not condemned the initial attacks made by the US and Israel in the midst of those very negotiations, and has allowed the US to use UK military bases for defensive action.
“This is a clear error; not only was this permission given without a parliamentary vote, but the Prime Minister has offered no clear assurances regarding how the UK can be certain of the defensive or offensive nature of any US action launched from our bases. At this moment, the UK stands at great risk of being dragged further into another illegal war in the Middle East, forsaking the lessons of past involvements.
“It is one reason why, with cross-party support, I brought a Bill to Parliament earlier this week that would require the UK government have a viable objective, legal basis, and the backing of MPs before military deployments can be made.”
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