MPs call for recall of parliament
A group of MPs, former ministers and party leaders have today called for parliament to be recalled to allow the proper discussion of the crisis gripping the Middle East.
In a letter to the leader of the House of Commons, Jack Straw, the 20 signatories warn there is “massive concern” about the hostilities between Israel and Hizbullah and say the UK’s elected representatives must be allowed to debate the issue.
“There is huge concern in the country about the current Middle East crisis, and fear that the early failure to insist that Israel and Hezbollah observe an immediate ceasefire has cost many innocent lives and may continue to do so,” the letter says.
It continues: “Given the massive concern in the country about these matters, we believe that it is right to allow the Commons to meet in order that the government’s strategy can be fully discussed.
“Parliament is seriously hamstrung at times of crisis by the fact that only the government can recall parliament. It should be noted that 202 cross-party members of parliament have signed a petition calling for an immediate ceasefire.”
Among the signatories are former Home Office minister John Denham, former international development secretary Clare Short, Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell, SNP leader Alex Salmond and Plaid Cymru leader Elfyn Llywd.
No Conservatives have signed the letter but one backbencher, Roger Gale, told politics.co.uk this morning that he fully supported the move – although he warned it should have been done three weeks ago when hostilities first began.
“The situation in the Middle East is very serious, probably one of the most serious situations the world has faced for a long time,” the Tory MP said. “The UK parliament must have a voice in that.either parliament is sovereign or it is not.”
Today’s letter, which urges Mr Straw to take “urgent” action in calling for the Commons speaker to recall parliament, is also signed by 21 campaign groups, including Amnesty, Christian Aid, Unison, Save the Children and the Muslim Council of Britain
They want parliament to vote for an immediate ceasefire of hostilities in the Middle East, something that Tony Blair has so far refused to do, insisting it would be no use without a plan for a lasting peace in the region.
A large number of Labour MPs are thought to join today’s call for a recall, and one of the main driving forces behind it is Jon Tricket, chairman of the Compass group of leftwing MPs.
“In this crisis, parliament needs to speak for the nation,” he told the Guardian.
“We are living in a 24/7 society, yet our parliament seems so ossified that it goes into recess for 11 weeks and there seems no way for backbenchers to bring MPs back.”
Downing Street is thought to be unwilling to recall parliament early, although reports suggest some cabinet ministers feel it might be necessary if the current discussions over a UN resolution collapse.
The prime minister finally left for his summer holiday yesterday, after delaying it for three days to work on the resolution. Both he and the US have expressed hope that an agreement can be reached this week, although no vote is now expected until Friday.
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