Thoughts for Thursday.

Today began cloudy but has turned a little brighter - not what you would call sunny but the clouds have become thinner. It is quite nice to be able to run round the village without getting rained on. 

Now, time for a selection of stuff I’ve seen online, 

From today’s Guardian;

“Former supreme court judges say UK arming Israel breaches international law

Exclusive: More than 600 prominent lawyers sign letter that calls for end to exports as a ‘measure to prevent’ genocide

Three former supreme court justices, including the court’s former president Lady Hale, are among more than 600 lawyers, academics and retired senior judges warning that the UK government is breaching international law by continuing to arm Israel.

In a letter to the prime minister, the signatories, who also include former court of appeal judges and more than 60 KCs, say that the present situation in Gaza is “catastrophic” and that given the international court of justice (ICJ) finding that there is a plausible risk of genocide being committed, the UK is legally obliged to act to prevent it.”

Back in December 2023, Zarah Sultana said this:

“Israel’s war on Gaza is not the first time British-made weapons have been used for war crimes, but it must be the last.”

From March 27th 2024 - in the Jewish Chronicle

“The United Kingdom could be closer to halting arms exports to Israel over the war in Gaza after more than 130 parliamentarians signed a letter urging Whitehall to cut off weapons sales.

A letter sent to Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch says that the scale of violence committed by Israel is "vastly more deadly" than previous conflicts in 2009 and 2014.

British defence exports to Israel totalled £42 million ($53 million) in 2022, according to Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.

Labour Party MP Zarah Sultana co-ordinated the letter, which was signed by 107 MPs and 27 peers.”

A friend posted this from Richard Burgon Labour Party MP cor Leeds East:

“Today I spoke at the national demonstration for Gaza. 

I said our Government must take urgent action against the Israeli Government's refusal to respect the UN ceasefire vote and the International Court's rulings. 

It should start by ending arms sales to Israel.

Ceasefire Now!”

Yesterday Zarah Sultana MP posted this:

“Gaza starved & a convoy of international aid workers killed, incl 3 British citizens. 

Ak Shifa hospital destroyed & doctors executed. 

32,000 people slaughtered & a “plausible” case  of genocide at the ICJ.

What will it take for our government to act and ban arms sales to Israel?}

 But not all Labour MPs feel that way. I can’t remember where I  found this:

“Shadow minister Pat McFadden is clear - Israel is an ally, Labour aren't calling for a ban on arms sales to them, & if Labour win the next election they'll continue selling arms to them.”

Ah well, we should console ourselves that we will soon be able to do a tour of Balmoral castle … for a mere £150! Where does the money go to.

I also heard this

“Each summer Buckingham Palace opens to tourists, offering a glimpse into the lives and work of royals past and present. And this year, for the first time, visitors will be able to get a behind-the-scenes-view of those iconic balcony appearances.

Buckingham Palace’s East Wing will be open to the public for special guided tours during July and August. The tours will include the Centre Room, which leads out on to the balcony and, as such, is where the family gathers before and after balcony appearances. Tourists will not, however, be able to stand on the balcony itself.”

Surely the whole point for selfie-loving loyal royalists would be to snap a selfie waving from the balcony!

That’ll do for now.

Life goes on. Stay safe and well, everyone!