Tens of thousands of emails have been sent to Parliamentary candidates to find out where they stand on the issue of Palestine.
As May’s General Election approaches, nearly half of all declared candidates from the major parties have received emails asking for their views on issues ranging from Israeli settlements to ending the UK’s arms trade with Israel.
Their answers will be published on the website of Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) at the end of March.
Sarah Colborne, Director of PSC, said: “In this General Election, as never before, Palestine is a key issue.
“Standing MPs and new candidates are being put under the spotlight by supporters of justice for Palestinians, and their views on Palestine will influence the voting intentions of many of their constituents. There is significant public support amongst British voters for Palestinian rights, and that support increased even further as a response to Israel’s lethal assault on Gaza last summer and its continuing brutal blockade. People in constituencies right across the country are calling for a change in British foreign policy, and for an end to Israel’s violations of human rights and international law.”
Ms Colborne added: “In October, more than 57,000 people used an e-tool on PSC’s website to email their MPs and ask them to vote in favour of recognising a Palestinian state. The vote was carried by 274 votes to 12.
“When it comes to Palestine, supporters are passionate, and they’re showing they will make their passion count at the ballot box in May just as they made it count in October’s recognition vote.”
A total of 2,246 Parliamentary candidates have been emailed in 632 constituencies in England, Wales and Scotland using a PSC e-tool. Emails are still being sent on a daily basis and as new candidates are announced.
This media release was sent to national and international media on 10th March
Notes
The questions that have been emailed to Parliamentary candidates can be viewed here: https://palestinecampaign.org/votepalestine/briefing-general-election-questions/
Use PSC’s e-tool to email your Parliamentary candidates now: http://act.palestinecampaign.org/lobby/votepalestine