Over 800 Prominent U.K. Lawyers Call for Immediate Sanctions and Other Actions
May 28, 2025—Under mounting evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the strong likelihood of genocide by Israel against Palestinians, the United Kingdom is facing pressure to act to uphold international law. On Monday, over 800 lawyers signed a letter calling on U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to take decisive steps, including sanctions, to uphold the rule of law.
“All States, including the UK, are legally obliged to take all reasonable steps within their power to prevent and punish genocide; to ensure respect for international humanitarian law; and to bring to an end violations of jus cogens norms of international law. The UK’s actions to date have failed to meet those standards,” the letter said.
The attorneys called upon the government to take action:
- Secure a ceasefire “using all available means” and ensure the resumption of aid;
- Reinstitute United Nations Relief and Works Agency as the legal aid agency throughout the occupied Palestinian territories;
- Impose economic sanctions on Israeli government and military officers;
- Review trading relations with Israel and impose trade sanctions; and
- Execute arrest warrants the International Criminal Court has issued.
The list of signatories includes high-ranking members of the King’s Counsel, former justices of the Supreme Court, law professors, and partners in prestigious law firms. They cited not only the military actions by the Israeli government in Gaza but also violations of international humanitarian law in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
“First, genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza or, at a minimum, there is a serious risk of genocide occurring…. Second, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of international humanitarian law are being committed in the occupied Palestinian territories,” the letter said.
U.K. Actions To Date
Protests in London and other cities for the Palestinians have been consistent.
To date, the United Kingdom has taken several tougher steps. On May 19, the U.K. foreign office released a joint statement with Canada and France denoucing Israel’s military operations in Gaza and its expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. The following day, the U.K. government sanctioned individuals, illegal settler outposts, and organizations inflicting violence against the Palestinians in the West Bank. Finally, UK foreign secretary David Lammy suspended negotiations
Today, at the UN Security Council, U.K. UN Amb. James Kariuki said the United Kingdom rejects the Israeli government’s “unacceptable intention to take control of the Gaza Strip” and force mass displacement of the population. Meanwhile, he reiterated the call for the release of hostages.
Israel is facing several trials in the International Court of Justice, including one for genocide and another for its occupation of the Palestinian territories. The U.K., meanwhile, reinstated its call for a two-state solution.
