Iqbal Mohamed an MP for Dewsbury and Batley, told in his maiden speech and urged the government to halt the genocide in Gaza by calling for an immediate ceasefire. he delivered his appeal in the commons on Tuesday, where he deeply talked about what he called ‘ double standards’ among politicians who condemn Russian aggression in Ukraine yet’’ defend the most heinous crimes of Israel’.
He revealed that the genocide that was going on in Palestine was a significant factor in his elections in July general elections. he observed that’’ when the prime minister endorsed the rights of the Israeli government to cut off water and electricity to the people of Gaza, people of Dewsbury and Batley replied,’ not in your name ‘.
Mohamed is one of four pro-Palestinian independent MPs elected after unseating Labour MPs, partly due to the party’s response to the Middle East crisis, which intensified following the Hamas attack on Israel last October. He has since joined MPs Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, and Adnan Hussain in forming a parliamentary group led by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
In his speech, Mohamed emphasized that “most British people want an immediate ceasefire” and an end to what he called ‘the UK’s complicity.’ He stated, “People are tired of the double standards, with politicians condemning Russian actions in Ukraine yet defending Israel’s most heinous crimes. Compassion for Palestinian lives should not be less than for Israeli lives every life is equal, and so should be our compassion.’
Mohamed further called on the government to ‘end the genocide and the 76-year-old, unlawful occupation.’ Reflecting on his roots, he expressed pride in being ‘the second locally born MP for Dewsbury’ and shared his childhood wish to either become a parliamentarian or a Blue Peter presenter, humorously adding he’s still open to a Blue Peter guest appearance.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and an urgent increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.