Bradford Liberal Democrats Support Motions Calling for Justice in Gaza

At the recent full meeting of Bradford Council, the Liberal Democrat group proudly supported two motions condemning the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and calling on the UK Government to take urgent action. We believe Bradford has a duty to stand for international law, human rights, and the protection of innocent lives, values deeply rooted in our identity as a City of Sanctuary.

The motions are used to express the will or views of the council and all councillors vote on whether or not to support them, The motions were titled "Condemnation of Israel’s Genocide in Gaza, Illegal Military Assault in Iran, and the UK Government’s Complicity in War Crimes and Breaches of International Law" and, “Middle East Focus Must Remain on Gaza”

Why We Supported These Motions

In the words of Liberal Democrat councillor Brendan Stubbs during the debate.

“In the face of mass civilian suffering, injustice, and escalating violence, silence is not neutrality. It is complicity.”

Since October 2023, more than 37,000 Palestinian civilians—including thousands of children, have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s health authorities. Countless more have been injured, displaced, or left without access to food, clean water, or medical care. Leading international organisations including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations have raised alarm bells, with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) finding that there is a “plausible case” that Israel is committing genocide under international law.

This is not about picking sides in a political debate. This is about standing up for basic human rights and the rule of law.

“We stand against antisemitism. And we also stand against the policies of a government that is defying international law and continuing illegal settlement expansion, apartheid practices, and now illegal cross-border attacks like those on Iran, risking a regional war.”

What the Motions Say

The first motion, outlined the following key points:

• Bradford’s role as a City of Sanctuary makes us a place that supports those fleeing war and oppression. That tradition must include standing in solidarity with Palestinians.
• Local impact matters. Schools, colleges, and youth services across Bradford have reported rising distress among young people due to what they see as a failure of global leaders to stop the suffering in Gaza. Many are experiencing trauma, anxiety, and political disillusionment.
• The actions of the Israeli government, including the killing of civilians, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and use of starvation as a weapon—have been condemned by human rights experts as war crimes and potentially genocide.
• Israel’s recent military strike on Iran risks wider regional war and further destabilisation. This aggression has been described as illegal by legal experts, including the UK’s own Attorney General.

The motion calls on Bradford Council and our MP's to press the UK Government to:

• Suspend all arms exports to Israel
• Support international investigations into war crimes and genocide
• Recognise Palestine as a sovereign state
• Stand by the rulings of the ICJ and the International Criminal Court (ICC)
• Reaffirm the right of local councils to speak out on matters of international justice

The second motion, echoed these demands and added that the UK should push for an immediate ceasefire, provide humanitarian aid via the United Nations, and bring in targeted sanctions against members of the Israeli government responsible for illegal actions.

The Liberal Democrat group supported both motions.

Why This Matters

Bradford is home to a large and diverse community, including many with family in Gaza, the West Bank, and across the Middle East. For them, these atrocities are not abstract news items, they are personal tragedies.

Our young people are watching. Many feel disillusioned when they see world leaders fail to act. They wonder why some lives seem to matter more than others. They are asking whether international law means anything if it can be ignored so easily.

“This is not about taking sides in a conflict, it’s about taking sides with the law, with humanity, and with the principles we claim to uphold.”

Supporting these motions was about making sure Bradford’s voice is heard loud and clear, that we will not be silent while war crimes are committed. That we will not look away.

What Liberal Democrats Believe

The Liberal Democrats have a long-standing commitment to human rights, international cooperation, and the protection of civilians in conflict. We have consistently supported:

• The recognition of Palestine as a sovereign, independent state
• A two-state solution based on peace, justice, and mutual recognition
• An end to illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank
• Stronger international action against war crimes and breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which protects civilians in times of war

We also believe the UK has a legal obligation under the Genocide Convention not only to prevent and punish genocide, but to stop arms sales to any state credibly accused of committing one.

That’s why we’re calling on the Government to end arms sales to Israel, support the international courts, and stand on the side of peace and accountability.

Bradford Must Lead With Principle

“Let Bradford speak with one voice: No to genocide. No to complicity. Yes to peace, justice, and accountability.”

We are proud that our council passed these motions. We are proud to stand with communities demanding justice for Gaza. And we are committed to continuing this work, not just in words, but in action.

Bradford’s values are clear: we are a city that believes in dignity for all, peace for all, and justice for all.