UK Campaign Urges Action Over Israeli Death Penalty Law for Palestinians

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has launched a public campaign in response to a new law passed by the Israeli Knesset on 30 March, which allows the death penalty to be applied exclusively to Palestinians.

Human rights groups say the legislation is discriminatory and warn it could further entrench what they describe as an apartheid system.

The campaign is urging you and everyone in the UK to contact government officials and sign a petition opposing the law by clicking here.

Concerns over fairness and discrimination

PSC says the use of the death penalty is especially serious in the context of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

It argues that Palestinians already face significant barriers to fair trials, and warns the new law could be used to expand existing policies of punishment and control.

The organisation is calling on members of the public to write to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, asking the government to take a clear position and consider sanctions in response.

An online form has been set up to make it easier for people to send their details directly to the Foreign Office, with the aim of increasing public pressure on decision-makers in Whitehall.

How public pressure can make a difference

Under the UK system, public engagement can influence how issues are handled at government level.

Judicial review:
Legal challenges against the government often depend on showing that ministers were aware of potential breaches of international law. Public correspondence can help demonstrate that such concerns were raised.

Ministerial correspondence:
Government departments track the number of messages they receive on specific issues. A high volume of correspondence can prompt internal reviews and require officials to reassess policy advice.

Parliamentary questions:
MPs may use messages from constituents to question ministers in Parliament. These interventions can increase scrutiny of government policy.

UK policy on the death penalty

The UK has a long-standing position opposing the death penalty in all cases.

Campaigners say raising this issue with ministers highlights the gap between that policy and the response to the new law, and could influence the UK’s diplomatic stance.

make a change and sign the petition here to oppose the racist and inhumane law that aim to ethnically cleanse Palestinians.

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