Not good enough

 I signed up quite some time ago to one of those mass letter writing campaigns to MPs—this about the catastrophe in Gaza, which continues to be worse than dire (if that’s possible). MPs of course know when they are getting a letter crafted by a campaign group—many identical letters all arrive at the same time. In these circumstances it is perfectly reasonable for the MP to send a standard reply to all interlocutors representing their party’s position. I confess to almost having forgotten this instance, but I have just had an email from my MP which disappointingly reads like a totally untouched head office boilerplate reply. MPs even today should try to tweak their standard response a little to show that are not exactly the same as their other loyal colleagues (almost said clones).
 
Here is my MP’s response in full:
 
‘Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns about the ongoing situation in Israel, Gaza, and the wider Palestinian territories. Many constituents have written to me expressing deep distress about the scale of civilian suffering, the humanitarian emergency in Gaza, the continued threat to Israeli civilians, and the urgent need for a credible path toward peace. I want to assure you that I take these concerns extremely seriously, which is why I am sending another update.
 
We have now seen the hugely welcome agreement of President Trump’s peace plan, and it is vital that the UK now plays its part – alongside our international partners – in supporting the implementation of that plan, an objective recently affirmed by a UN Security Council Resolution, supported by the UK, our European allies and Arab states.
 
The immediate priority must be to maintain the ceasefire, secure safe and unrestricted access to Gaza for the UN relief teams and other humanitarian organisations and get aid flooding into Gaza at the pace and volume that is required to match the scale of the current crisis. The Prime Minister announced at the Egypt peace summit that the UK will allocate an extra £20 million of humanitarian support to provide water and sanitation to those in need, taking the total last year to £100 million. 
 
On 30th December, the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland signed a joint statement on the Gaza Humanitarian Response, expressing serious concerns about the renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza which remains catastrophic. The letter called the Government of Israel to take the following urgent and essential steps:
 
Ensure that international NGOs are able to operate in Gaza in a sustained and predictable way. 
Ensure the UN and its partners can continue their vital work.
Lift unreasonable restrictions on imports considered to have a dual use. This includes urgently needed medical and shelter equipment. 
Open crossings and boost the flows of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 
 
The UK is helping to lead transitional governance arrangements in Gaza, working closely with the Palestinian Authority on ensuring implementation of the vital reforms they have committed to make. We will also work with partners to ensure security in Gaza, through a ceasefire monitoring process, planning for the International Stabilisation Force, decommissioning of Hamas weapons and capabilities (based on lessons learned in Northern Ireland), and helping build the capacity of the Palestinian Security Forces.
 
In September, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the UK recognised the State of Palestine joining France, Australia, Canada and over 150 countries in doing so. This is an historic decision, taken by a Labour government, to protect the two-state solution and affirm the rights of Palestinians, delivering on our manifesto commitment. 
 
We remain steadfast in our belief that a two-state solution is the only path to justice for Palestinians and enduring security for Israelis. 75 years ago, we were rightly proud to recognise the State of Israel, and our commitment to the security of Israel and its people remains unwavering. Now, we recognise Palestinian statehood, as the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
 
There is a long way still to go to preserve the ceasefire, and to bring the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to an end, but the UK will continue to do all that we can to seize this chance for a better future and to secure lasting peace and security in the region, both for the people of Israel and the people of Palestine.
 
I recognise the deep concern many residents feel about the prospects for peace and justice in the region. It is clear that only a credible political process, one that recognises the legitimate rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians, can deliver lasting security and stability. I will continue to support efforts that prioritise de‑escalation, humanitarian relief, and a renewed commitment to a negotiated two‑state solution.
 
I understand how personal and painful this issue is for many people in our community, and I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their views with me. Please be assured that I will continue to raise these concerns in Parliament and to advocate for a response that reflects our shared values of humanity, compassion, and respect for international law.
 
Thank you again for writing to me on this important issue.’
 
Searching my sent emails I can’t find the original campaign email, which came from the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, but I’m willing to bet that it asked my MP to DO SOMETHING—not just about me ‘sharing my concerns’ and earning a pat on the head. Whilst it is true that what is happening in Gaza (and the West Bank) is an ‘ongoing situation’ that is such management speak in the current circumstances it beggars belief. Oh! I am outraged by the ‘ongoing situation’ - is this a line from ‘The Office?’ Then we read that the ‘two state solution' is the way forward for everyone’s security, even though Netanyahu, backed by his cabinet has absolutely ruled it out (so has Trump, effectively) and in both Gaza and the West Bank Israel’s military colonialist venture continues. As regards the ‘Trump peace plan’ this is dead in the water—everyday Palestinians are being murdered and their land being stolen. Starmer didn’t act on his decision to diplomatically recognise Palestine. We will have to wait and see whether Burnham does anything concrete on that front—such as stopping all support for the genocidal regime. So, I can’t say I am much impressed by my MP’s response, which is cliché ridden and detail free and was possibly written a few months ago. I'd have been embarrassed to send it out.