Tom Morrison MP: “We must stand with the people of Gaza and uphold international law”

Tom Morrison MP has spoken out strongly on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, describing the scale of devastation as “a moral outrage” and calling for the UK Government to take urgent action to uphold international law and secure a lasting peace.

In a powerful statement to constituents, Tom said he has been “angry, heartbroken, and deeply disturbed” by what he has witnessed unfold. “Entire neighbourhoods have been flattened, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, children are buried beneath rubble, hospitals have been bombed, and humanitarian aid has been deliberately blocked,” he said. “This is collective punishment of a civilian population and must be named for what it is – a grave violation of international law.”

Since the conflict escalated in 2023, Tom has received more than 1,200 emails from residents across Cheadle urging action – and says he has been doing all he can, both in Parliament and beyond, to reflect that strength of feeling.

From the outset, Tom has called for a permanent and immediate ceasefire, the suspension of all UK arms exports to Israel, and the formal recognition of a Palestinian state as steps toward achieving peace, justice, and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.

In Parliament, he has:

• Delivered speeches and submitted questions calling for humanitarian aid access, accountability for war crimes, and enforcement of international law.
• Called for sanctions on Israeli ministers inciting violence and expansion into occupied territories.
• Backed the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in investigating alleged war crimes.
• Advocated for restoring funding to UNRWA, the UN agency central to delivering aid in Gaza.

In addition, Tom has signed or tabled over a dozen Parliamentary motions on Gaza, including:
EDM 11: Peace in Israel and Gaza – Advocating for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution. 
EDM 58: Arms Exports to Israel – Calling for the suspension of arms sales to ensure the UK does not contribute to actions contravening international law. 
EDM 207 & EDM 208:  Conflict and Peace in the Middle East – Highlighting the need for international cooperation to address regional challenges. 
EDM 338: Israeli Knesset decision to ban UNRWA – Calling for humanitarian aid into Gaza 
EDM 563: The EU and the arms trade, human rights, and the Israel-Gaza conflict 
EDM 601: Detainment of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya – Condemning attacks on Kamal Adwan Hospital and the release of Dr Abu Safiya 
EDM 757: Proposals to forcibly displace and ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza
EDM 763: US Proposal for Gaza – Calling on the UK Government to condemn President Trump’s proposals 
EDM 856: West Bank – Condemning the deployment of Israeli military in the the West Bank.
EDM 1050: Israeli Defence Force attacks on Humanitarian Workers
EDM 1186: Blockade of aid to Gaza – calling for immediate aid access and the reopening of humanitarian routes.
EDM 1230: Gaza occupation proposals
EDM 1266: Import of goods from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
EDM 1385: Gaza (No.2) 
EDM 1392: Madleen Flotilla Freedom Ship
EDM 1451: Recognition of the state of Palestine – urging the UK to show moral and political leadership.

In May 2025, he directly challenged ministers to sanction members of the Israeli Cabinet, suspend arms trade, and recognise Palestine. He described the UK Government’s current stance as “morally inadequate” in the face of overwhelming evidence. “The International Court of Justice warned in January 2024 of a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza. Since then, the situation has only worsened. What we are now seeing amounts to ethnic cleansing,” Tom warned, citing recent plans by the Israeli Defence Minister to confine Gazans to a new compound near Rafah.

While unequivocal in condemning Hamas’ terrorist attacks on 7 October 2023 and supporting the unconditional release of hostages, Tom emphasised that all sides must be held to the same legal and moral standards. “The actions of the Israeli Cabinet constitute collective punishment – a war crime. The rule of law cannot be applied selectively,” he said.

He reiterated his support for:

1. A two-state solution, based on 1967 borders.
2. The protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and the urgent delivery of aid.
3. An end to illegal settlements and the import of goods from them.

Tom concluded by expressing solidarity with those in Cheadle personally affected by the crisis: “I will continue to speak out, amplify our community’s call for justice, and do everything I can to ensure the UK is on the right side of history.”