UK Foreign Secretary hails tougher stance on Israel and 'settler terrorists'

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a more assertive approach towards Israel and settler terrorists in the occupied West Bank during the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool. Miliband highlighted the British government's readiness to address concerns over its stance on the Gaza war and settler violence. He invoked his family's history as Jewish refugees from WWII to emphasize the need for action against injustice.

Miliband asserted that the Netanyahu government's actions in Gaza constitute a stain on the world's conscience and war crimes may have been committed. He criticized the Israeli government for turning a blind eye to settler terrorism and supporting the forced displacement of Palestinians. The Labour leadership, under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has listened to public outrage and reset its approach.

Miliband underscored the importance of ethics, values, and international law in shaping the government's actions. Middle East Minister Stephen Doughty emphasized that facts on the ground, values, and legal positions should guide policy. Development Minister Kirsty McNeill stated that value-driven policies would lead to significant changes in addressing global atrocities.

Backbench Labour veteran Richard Burgon argued that the pro-Palestinian campaigns had contributed to the downfall of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and advocated for further actions against Israel's illegal settlements.