A group of MPs has emphasized to Sir Keir Starmer the importance of creating a family visa scheme for Gazans with relatives in the UK, stating that it is now more urgent than ever. In June, 67 MPs and peers initially reached out to Sir Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper, proposing a «Gaza Family Scheme» to reunite Palestinians with their UK-based loved ones until it is safe for them to return. They suggested modeling the scheme after the Ukraine Family Scheme, which allowed Ukrainian nationals to join family members in the UK for up to three years. Despite not receiving a response to their initial request, Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, who coordinated the letter, has sent another letter to the prime minister and current Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, urging for an update on the potential creation of a Gaza family visa scheme. This new letter, sent on 1 October, underlines the urgency of such a scheme to assist the family members of British citizens and residents currently stranded in Gaza. The letter highlights the devastating casualties and destruction in Gaza, expressing the fear and concern of UK-based individuals for the safety of their relatives in the region. It also mentions Israel’s military actions in Gaza City and the British government’s recent suspension of new applications for a refugee family reunion scheme, which includes individuals from Gaza. Marsha de Cordova stressed the critical need for a Gaza family visa scheme in light of the escalating crisis in Gaza, citing the rising death toll, severe famine, and the dire situation faced by family members of British citizens in the conflict zone. She emphasized that such a scheme would offer a lifeline to individuals in Gaza, enabling them to reunite with their families in the UK and start afresh. Additionally, she pointed out the recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by the government as a significant step in addressing the situation. MPs have urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to prioritize the creation of a family visa scheme for Gazans, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. They believe that such a scheme would not only bring people to safety but also align with the nation’s highest values on the global stage. Ghassan Ghaben, spokesperson for the Gaza Families Reunited campaign, expressed concern over the continued separation of Palestinian families due to the absence of a visa scheme, describing it as a devastating setback. He highlighted the refugee family reunion route as a crucial pathway for spouses and children to join their immediate family members in the UK, emphasizing the importance of reinstating this safe and essential route.

Many MPs have urged the prime minister to urgently establish a Ukraine-style family visa for Gazans with relatives in the UK.

In late June, a group of 67 MPs and peers wrote to Sir Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper, the former home secretary, proposing a «Gaza Family Scheme» to reunite Palestinians with their loved ones in the UK until it is safe for them to return.

They suggested modeling the scheme after the Ukraine Family Scheme, which allowed Ukrainian nationals to join family members in the UK to live, work, and study for up to three years.

Despite not receiving a response in three months, Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, who coordinated the initial letter, has sent a follow-up letter to the prime minister and current Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, requesting an update on the potential creation of a Gaza family visa scheme.

The new letter, dated 1 October and exclusively obtained by Sky News, emphasizes the urgent need for the scheme to assist the family members of British citizens and residents currently stuck in Gaza.

The letter highlights the escalating death toll, injuries, destruction of critical infrastructure, and the dire situation faced by medics, rescue workers, teachers, and journalists in Gaza.

It expresses the fears of British citizens and residents with family members in Gaza, who are concerned for their safety due to ongoing military actions.

Israel’s defense minister recently made threatening remarks about those remaining in Gaza City, adding to the urgency of the situation. Additionally, the British government has temporarily halted new applications for a refugee scheme that includes individuals from Gaza.

Marsha de Cordova stressed the urgency of the situation in Gaza, labeling it as a genocide according to the UN, with a rising death toll, famine, and British citizens’ family members trapped in a war zone.

She reiterated the importance of creating a Gaza family visa scheme to provide a pathway out of Gaza, reunite families in the UK, and offer a fresh start to those affected.

She also noted the government’s recent recognition of Palestinian statehood as a significant step forward.

A family visa scheme is a necessary step to bring people to safety and uphold our highest values as a nation on the global stage. Ghassan Ghaben, spokesperson for the Gaza Families Reunited campaign, emphasized the importance of such a scheme, noting that its absence continues to separate Palestinian families. He described the suspension of the refugee family reunion route as a devastating setback, as it was one of the few safe pathways for spouses and children to reunite with their immediate family members in the UK. Pic: Parliament

It is reported that 65,419 people have been killed and 167,160 injured in the conflict, with critical infrastructure destroyed and casualties among medics, rescue workers, teachers, and journalists. The letter expresses concern for British citizens and residents with family in Gaza, who fear for the safety of their loved ones.

Israel’s defence minister has warned that anyone remaining in Gaza City will be considered terrorists or terror supporters. Additionally, the British government has temporarily suspended new applications for a refugee family reunion scheme, affecting individuals from Gaza.

Former shadow cabinet member Marsha de Cordova has spoken out about the situation, calling it a genocide and urging the government to create a Gaza family visa scheme to provide a safe route out of the conflict zone for those trapped. She believes this would align with the UK’s recognition of Palestinian statehood and uphold the nation’s values on the global stage.

Ghassan Ghaben, spokesperson for the Gaza Families Reunited campaign, has criticized the lack of a family reunion scheme, stating that it continues to separate Palestinian families. The suspension of this route is seen as a devastating setback, as it was one of the few remaining safe options for spouses and children to join their immediate family members in the UK. A group of 67 MPs and peers have urged the UK government to establish a «Gaza Family Scheme» to allow Palestinians in the UK to reunite with their loved ones in Gaza. This initiative aims to mirror the successful Ukraine Family Scheme, which permitted Ukrainian nationals to join their family members in the UK for up to three years. Despite their initial plea, the group has not received a response from the government, prompting Labour MP Marsha de Cordova to send another letter to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary requesting an update on the potential implementation of the Gaza family visa scheme.

In their follow-up letter dated 1st October, the MPs emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need to assist the family members of British citizens and residents who are currently stranded in Gaza. The proposed scheme seeks to provide a pathway for reuniting families separated by conflict and displacement, echoing the humanitarian principles that guided the Ukraine Family Scheme. This call for action underscores the pressing need to address the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and uphold their fundamental right to family unity.

The ongoing violence in Gaza, which erupted on 7th October, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and heightened tensions in the region. The UK government’s support for Palestinian basic human rights, including family unity, is crucial in fostering peace and stability in the area. By recognizing the Palestinian state and advocating for concrete measures to safeguard Palestinian families, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to upholding international human rights standards and promoting justice in conflict-affected regions like Gaza.

In response to the escalating crisis, stakeholders have urged the UK government to take decisive action to halt Israel’s aggressive tactics in Gaza, which have led to widespread suffering and loss of life. The indiscriminate targeting of civilians and the continued displacement of Palestinians are violations of basic human rights and must be addressed through diplomatic and humanitarian channels. By engaging with key stakeholders and advocating for peaceful resolutions to the conflict, the UK can play a pivotal role in supporting the well-being and security of Palestinians in Gaza.

As the international community grapples with the complex dynamics of the conflict in Gaza, it is essential for governments to prioritize the protection of civilians and uphold the principles of humanitarian law. The UK’s stance on the situation in Gaza will not only shape its foreign policy agenda but also reflect its commitment to promoting peace, justice, and human rights on a global scale. By standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people and advocating for their rights, the UK can contribute to the resolution of the conflict and pave the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all parties involved.

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