UK: Conservative MP Sacked for Urging Ceasefire in Gaza

Facts

• Conservative MP Paul Bristow has been removed from his position as a ministerial aide, after writing a letter to PM Rishi Sunak urging the UK government to change its stance on the Israel-Gaza war and support a “permanent” ceasefire.¹
• Bristow had served as the parliamentary private secretary to Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan. In his letter sent on Oct. 26, the Tory MP for Peterborough wrote that a “permanent ceasefire” in Gaza would save lives and allow aid to reach people in need. He also warned against the “collective punishment” of people in Gaza.²
• However, Downing Street removed Bristow because his statement was “not consistent with the principles of collective responsibility,' a principle that requires all members of the government to publicly support government policy regardless of personal opinion.³
• Meanwhile, the Labour Party has also dealt with internal discord over the Gaza conflict, as MP Andy McDonald has been suspended for his comments that included the controversial phrase, “from the river to the sea.” Labour leader Keir Starmer is also facing pushback for his position, which calls for a “humanitarian pause.”⁴
• Last week, PM Sunak called for a pause in fighting to allow aid to be delivered safely, but he has stopped short of calling for a ceasefire. Despite being removed from his role, Bristow drew support from fellow Conservative Sayeeda Warsi, who commended his stance.⁵
• Following the news, Bristow told the BBC that he could “completely understand the PM's decision” and that he is leaving a job he enjoyed with regret. However, he added: “I can now talk openly about an issue so many of my constituents care deeply about.”³

Sources: ¹Al Jazeera, ²WION, ³BBC News, ⁴FT and ⁵The Guardian.

Narratives

• Left narrative, as provided by Sky News. Divisions over the conflict between Israel and Hamas have spread beyond the British public — they're now undermining the heart of government. While Home Secretary Suella Braverman faces criticism for labelling pro-Palestine protests 'hate marches,' Sunak has been forced to sack an aide for compromising the government's collective responsibility. These are troubling signs for conservative party unity.
• Right narrative, as provided by Spectator (UK). No. 10 has taken quick and decisive action to maintain the integrity of key government principles. Meanwhile, Kier Starmer's labour party is scrabbling to establish its position, and its leader has failed to discipline frontbenchers who have criticized the party-line. Opposition supporters must hope that their leader can demonstrate the same degree of strength in decision making shown by Sunak before the next election.