News / Politics
Greens focus on Gaza as key issue in Bristol Central
A letter delivered to homes across Bristol Central which features the Palestinian flag and images of destruction appears to be from concerned residents about the ongoing war in Gaza.
You have to look closely at the small print to see that the letter is in fact a leaflet from Carla Denyer and the Green Party, who are hoping that their position calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the suspension of arms exports to Israel will be an election-winning issue.
While the Greens have called for a “full bilateral ceasefire”, Labour backs a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas but not the end of arms exports.
is needed now More than ever
The ‘important letter to Bristol on Gaza’ is in fact a Green Party election leaflet
The authors of the letter, whose 396 names are listed on the reverse, say that they “feel so bitterly let down by Labour, and by our local Labour MP in particular”.
The letter says that Thangam Debbonaire – who is not mentioned by name – “followed Keir Starmer’s order to abstain from voting for a ceasefire in parliament, while so many other MPs rebelled”.
“We want better from our MP,” the letter adds. “The people of Bristol deserve someone who will stand up for what is right. So we urge you not to vote for Labour in the upcoming general election on 4th July.
“In contrast, we have been impressed by the Green Party’s position and their brave and principled stance since the first day of this crisis.
“Many of us will be voting for their MP candidate Carla Denyer here in Bristol Central, who has consistently called for a ceasefire as Leader of the Green Party.
“What we can do to support a ceasefire from here in Bristol, we must.”
There are 396 names on the back of the letter “concerning an immediate, mutual ceasefire for Gaza and Israel”
During a recent visit to Bristol, Guardian columnist Owen Jones located Debbonaire on the campaign trail in Bishopston close to Kings Lawn Tennis Club.
Jones attempted to ask the former Bristol West MP some questions but she gave him short shrift.
“We’re just about to go out canvassing actually,” said Debbonaire, before Jones asked her about her views on an arms sale embargo.
“Owen, if you don’t mind, you’re actually interrupting,” Debbonaire added, before one of her campaign team asked Jones to send an email if he wanted to arrange an interview.
Jones continued to ask questions as Debbonaire walked away to continue canvassing close to King’s Tennis Club.
The Green Party’s letter has been criticised by Labour Friends of Israel board member and former MP for Liverpool Riverside, dame Louise Ellman, as a “disguised political leaflet”.
Speaking to the Jewish Chronicle, Elman said: “This ought to be a time when progressive politicians are working to bring communities together.
“Instead, the Greens are purposefully stirring division, which is made more worrying by vile antisemitic incidents relating to a number of Green candidates, including one in Bristol.”
Naseem Talukdar, who the Green Party announced as their candidate for Bristol East in 2023 but who is no longer a candidate, was recently revealed to have compared the Gaza war to the Holocaust.
Main photo: Rob Browne
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