Petition for public inquiry into UK’s ‘complicity’ in Gaza hits 100,000 signatures

Petition for public inquiry into UK’s ‘complicity’ in Gaza hits 100,000 signatures The Chilcot-style inquiry would explore ‘British involvement in Israeli operations in Gaza, including the sale, supply or use of weapons, surveillance aircraft and Royal Air Force bases’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A petition demanding a full public inquiry into Britain’s role in Gaza has hit 100,000 signatures in little over a fortnight, clearing the threshold to be formally considered for a parliamentary debate. Launched on 23 October by Your Party chair Jenn Forbes, it comes after ministers blocked a private member's bill put forward by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn that would have mandated an independent, judge-led investigation into UK involvement in Israeli military operations. The Chilcot-style inquiry would explore “British involvement in Israeli operations in Gaza, including the sale, supply or use of weapons, surveillance aircraft and Royal Air Force bases”. But crossing the six-figure threshold does not guarantee a debate, nor does it compel ministers to launch an inquiry. Backing the campaign, Mr Corbyn said: “One hundred thousand people have signed this petition because they want the truth about Britain’s complicity in genocide. They deserve answers, and the Palestinian people deserve justice.” The parliamentary leader for Your Party has pressed the government to release details of decision-making taken since the October 2023 Nova festival massacre. More than 75,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since this period, according to humanitarian monitors. “What weapons were supplied to Israel? What intelligence was gathered over Gaza, and how was it used? What legal advice did ministers receive, and what decisions did they take?” Mr Corbyn asked. “Parliament must now make time for this debate. But our demand remains a fully independent public inquiry with the power to question those responsible and expose the full extent of Britain’s involvement.” He added: “One day, there will be an inquiry. Does this government want to be remembered for getting in the way? It’s not complicated: if the Government had nothing to hide, then it would not block our efforts to expose the truth. “Delaying scrutiny will not make questions of complicity disappear. This issue is not going away – and we are not going anywhere until we have exposed the truth.” Britain’s military relationship with Israel has faced sustained criticism, intensifying after a United Nations committee concluded that Israeli actions in Gaza are consistent with those of genocide in 2025. While the government previously suspended 30 arms export licences to Israel over risks of international humanitarian law breaches, a specific exemption was carved out for British-made components supplied to the global F-35 stealth fighter jet programme. The UK manufactures roughly 15 per cent of every F-35 jet worldwide. These jets have been consistently used by the Israeli Air Force in bombing campaigns across the Strip. 90 per cent of all residential infrastructure in Gaza has been damaged by such bombing, according to the UN. Andy Burnham’s government has sought to harden its diplomatic rhetoric – condemning civilian casualties and placing trade restrictions on settlement goods. However critics argue the details of Britain's ongoing role in assisting Israel remain unclear. While the Petitions Committee will consider the submission in the coming weeks, the government is now required to publish a formal written response after the petition cleared the preliminary 10,000-signature hurdle. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments