Edward Torsney

Corbyn Demands Independent Inquiry Into UK’s Role in Gaza Conflict, Accuses Government of Complicity in “Genocide”

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for an urgent independent inquiry into the UK’s alleged complicity in Israel’s military operations in Gaza, accusing the government of enabling a “genocide” that has claimed over 61,000 lives, destroyed 92% of housing, and left 110,000 injured. In a scathing letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer dated March 3, 2025, Corbyn likened the government’s secrecy to the Iraq War cover-up exposed by the Chilcot Report, demanding transparency over arms sales, intelligence sharing, and the use of British military bases in Cyprus to support Israeli forces.

Corbyn’s letter, made public today, warns that “history is repeating itself” as the UK faces allegations of violating international law through its support for Israel’s assault on Gaza. Citing a report by the British Palestinian Committee, Corbyn detailed the UK’s role in supplying components for F-35 fighter jets, providing intelligence, and permitting Israel to use RAF bases in Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Cyprus. These actions, he argued, have directly facilitated a humanitarian catastrophe now under scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Independent MP for Islington North accused the government of “evasion, obstruction, and silence” in response to repeated demands for clarity on its legal definition of genocide and the extent of military collaboration. He highlighted the refusal to disclose legal advice guiding the government’s stance, leaving the public “in the dark” about potential breaches of international law. “Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of democracy,” Corbyn wrote, vowing to collaborate with cross-party allies to force an inquiry.

Drawing parallels to the Chilcot Inquiry, which exposed systemic failures in the UK’s decision-making during the Iraq War, Corbyn warned that without a robust investigation, the government risks being implicated in “the gravest breaches of international law.” The 2016 Chilcot Report condemned Tony Blair’s government for ignoring public opposition and intelligence warnings—a pattern Corbyn insists is resurfacing as Starmer’s administration stonewalls scrutiny.

Downing Street has yet to respond to Corbyn’s demands, which include full disclosure of decisions made since October 2023 and cooperation from ministers. Legal experts warn that UK officials could face prosecution if an inquiry confirms complicity in genocide, a charge intensified by Gaza’s staggering civilian toll. Over 1.4 million displaced Palestinians now face famine and disease, with reconstruction estimates exceeding $40 billion.

Corbyn’s intervention amplifies growing domestic and global pressure on the UK to justify its alliance with Israel amid what human rights groups label a campaign of collective punishment. With the ICC actively investigating and public outrage mounting, the call for an inquiry tests Starmer’s commitment to ethical foreign policy—and threatens to unravel a legacy of secrecy critics equate to historic imperial blunders. As Corbyn declared: “These charges will not go away until the truth is uncovered.”