Slough Lib Dems welcome UN resolution calling for Ceasefire but argue it doesn’t go far enough.

News of a UN Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza for Ramadan is welcomed by the Liberal Democrats in Slough who were among the first to make such calls, back in November 2023.

However, while the UN’s resolution only demands a ceasefire for a limited period of time, Slough Lib Dems continue to campaign for a permanent ceasefire to enable a constructive dialogue with the ultimate aim of reaching a two-state solution and a free, and independent Palestine.

In addition to the demands for a ceasefire, the resolution also called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. This is a call we echo and believe this, too, should be of the highest priority for our international representatives as civilian hostages and their families continue to suffer.

Our inspirational MP and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Layla Moran who herself has had relations trapped and starving in Gaza, said it best at the recent Liberal Democrats conference: “This war is not serving the interests of long-term security, and it’s certainly not serving the interests of peace and two-states”. In a powerful speech, which went much further than most western politicians, Layla argued that “this is not a fight between Israelis and Palestinians, this is a fight between the extremists and the peacemakers” and that ultimately, “if we are forced to pick a side, we pick the side of humanity, compassion, and peace”.

Our Parliamentary Candidate, Chelsea Whyte, said “At the upcoming general election, I am proud to be representing Slough Lib Dems who are campaigning so strongly for a ceasefire in Gaza. As Lib Dems, we strive to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and our internationalism means this extends beyond borders.

“The Slough local Lib Dems have been continuously campaigning for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a constructive dialogue towards a two-state solution in the middle east. This echoes the sentiment of local people and we will continue to listen to what the residents of Slough want, whether that’s on a local issue or an international one.”

See Layla’s speech in full here: