UK Prime Minister dismisses politician who called for a ceasefire in Gaza

As Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip continue since October 7, Paul Bristow, the Parliamentary Private Secretary to UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan, has been dismissed by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement issued by the UK Prime Minister's Office, it was stated that "Paul Bristow has been asked to leave his position in government following comments that were not consistent with the principles of collective responsibility."

“I CAN NOW SPEAK FREELY”

Speaking to the British press after his dismissal, Bristow said, "I completely understand the Prime Minister's decision. I regret leaving a job I enjoyed. However, I can now speak freely about an issue that many of my constituents care deeply about."

“THOUSANDS HAVE BEEN KILLED AND OVER A MILLION DISPLACED”

In a letter he wrote to Prime Minister Sunak last Thursday, Bristow stated, "My constituents and I are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking and devastating humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Gaza. Thousands have been killed and over a million have been displaced. It is difficult to see how this makes Israel safer or makes anything better," and emphasized that Palestinians should not be collectively punished for Hamas's attacks. Stating that a permanent ceasefire would save lives, Bristow noted that a ceasefire would ensure aid reaches those who need it most.

18 PERCENT OF BRISTOW’S CONSTITUENCY IS MUSLIM

While many opposition MPs support calls for a ceasefire, a small number of Conservative MPs have backed it. According to the latest census, approximately 18 percent of Bristow’s constituency, Peterborough, is Muslim.