According to the BBC, a ministerial aide has been fired for advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Paul Bristow’s remarks “were not consistent with the principles of collective responsibility,” the British government said in a statement of displeasure.
Bristow wrote a letter to the prime minister last week arguing that “a permanent ceasefire” would save further casualties and facilitate the delivery of much-needed relief.
British officials, however, back temporary ceasefires known as “humanitarian pauses” rather than permanent ones.
According to jerrymusa.com Rishi Sunak addressed the continuing crisis in Gaza in a recent session of Prime Minister’s Questions. Sunak suggested “specific pauses” may be implemented to allow more aid to reach the area.
While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defence, he flatly rejected calls for a ceasefire.
The official line from Downing Street is that “Paul Bristow has been asked to leave his post in government following comments that were not consistent with the principles of collective responsibility.”
The term “collective responsibility” is used to describe the common practice of expecting all members of government to openly support government policy despite any misgivings or differences they may have.
Peterborough’s Conservative MP Bristow formerly served as the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Michelle Donelan’s Parliamentary Private Secretary.
Mr. Bristow expressed his and his constituents’ “deep grief” over the “heartbreaking and devastating humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Gaza” in a letter to the prime minister on Thursday.
Thousands of people have been slain, and over a million have been forced to flee their homes.
It’s unclear how this improves anything or increases Israel’s safety.
He went on to say that the war had an indirect impact on some of his people.
According to the most recent census, Muslims make up more than 17% of the population in Mr. Bristow’s Peterborough constituency.
It’s a close race, but he beat out Labour with a 2,580-vote lead in the past election.