Conservative Politicians and Business Leaders Plan to Boycott Downing Street Eid Celebration over Gaza Crisis
Some Conservative politicians and leaders in business and charity are planning to boycott the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Eid celebration at Downing Street on Monday in protest of the UK government's support of Israel during its military action in Gaza.
The government has expressed understanding of humanitarian concerns regarding Gaza, but sources in Downing Street are concerned about the number of people who might boycott the reception.
Notable figures including Baroness Warsi and at least two Tory MPs have announced their intention to boycott the event.
A British minister, unnamed in the text, resigned from David Cameron's cabinet in 2014 over the government's policy towards Gaza, which she deemed "morally indefensible." Asif Ansari, a Muslim businessman and charity fundraiser, expressed his disappointment with the British government's support of Israel amid accusations of genocide, war crimes, and the deprivation of essentials leading to starvation among women and children.
Ansari considered the killing of three British aid workers a "red line," but the government continued to supply arms to Israel despite this.
A representative from a charity is attending a protest during Ramadan against UK arms sales to Israel following the killing of seven aid workers in Gaza.
The prime minister defended the UK's "very careful" arms licensing regime, and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron confirmed the sales would not be suspended.
The charity representative believes it's crucial to engage with the government during this conflict.