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Archiv: London (city)
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy Joint Press Availability
QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, Mr. Foreign Secretary. Secretary Blinken, could I ask you about a couple of aspects on the Middle East? The Israel Defense Forces just a moment ago released an investigation, or released a preliminary – some preliminary findings to the death of an American citizen, Ms. Aysenur Eygi. Could you say – they said that she was killed most likely by Israeli fire, but unintentionally. Are you confident of that assessment? Does the United States want to see anything further? Are you confident with the assessment that this was unintentional, and what more do you want Israel to do? Could there be repercussions?
For both of you, could I ask you about the International Criminal Court? The – it seems that in the coming days there could be a formal decision on whether to seek an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Netanyahu, among others. Mr. Foreign Secretary, the Labor government, of course, has taken a slightly different stance from your predecessors, from the Conservatives, on this. Could you say what your position is, whether you support going ahead? And is there unity between the two allies on this? Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Shaun, thank you very much. With regard to the tragic killing of Aysenur, I think what we saw of this investigation is it seems to show what eyewitnesses have said and made clear: that her killing was both unprovoked and unjustified. No one – no one – should be shot and killed for attending a protest. No one should have to put their life at risk just for freely expressing their views.
In our judgment, Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way that they operate in the West Bank, including changes to their rules of engagement. We’ve long seen reports of the security forces looking the other way when extremist settlers use violence against Palestinians. We’ve seen reports of excessive force by Israeli security forces against Palestinians. And now we have the second American citizen killed at the hands of Israeli security forces. It’s not acceptable. It has to change. And we’ll be making that clear to the senior-most members of the Israeli Government.
Now, we’re looking carefully at the results of this investigation, but even on an initial read and even accepting it at face value, it’s clear that there are serious issues that need to be dealt with. And we will insist that they be dealt with.
FOREIGN SECRETARY LAMMY: I think the important thing to stress in great democracies such as ours is our belief in the separation of powers. There is an important forum for lawyers and the judiciary and our courts, and then there is also an important forum for politicians and those who represent the people.
We’ve always been clear in the UK in our belief in the international rule of law, the rules-based order, and in IHL issues which are fundamentally important. And we took a decision last week in relation to arms exports that were quasi-legal on the basis of our law as they stand. We believe in international law, we believe in the Statute of Rome, but these must be decisions for the international courts to determine. I don’t want to comment on the assessment that they will reach. I’m qualified as a lawyer in part because of the great Harvard Law School. But I’m going to leave it to the lawyers to determine these very complex matters.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you.
FOREIGN SECRETARY LAMMY: Thanks a lot.
Extracts from some of the great speeches at today‘s London Gaza protest
Organised by PSC and its partner Palestine-supporting groups
Tens of thousands protest in London, demanding arms supply cessation
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestine protesters marched in London, demanding a „renewed call to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza“ and an „immediate and full cessation of arms supplies to Israel“. The protest was the 19th national march in London since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza.
War on Gaza: Pro-Palestine marches held in European cities on Land Day
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators have taken to the streets in several European cities on Saturday, including London, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen and Amsterdam, as well as elsewhere.
Marches called for allowing aid into the besieged Gaza Strip and demanded a ceasefire, as they also commemorated the 48th anniversary of Land Day.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters in central London for ‚global day of action‘
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters have marched through central London – a day after the UK joined the US in attacking Houthi bases in Yemen.
How many innocent Palestinian civilians have been killed by UK arms?
Great picture of #UCU banners with trade unionists for #Palestine on Saturday’s #CEASEFIRE_NOW march in London. #Gaza
(10.12.2023)
Another absolutely huge demonstration in London for #Palestine. Stretching all the way from Bank to Whitehall! Sunak, Starmer and co listen up: we will continue to march until there‘s a ceasefire and justice for the Palestinians.
(November 9, 2023)
Beautiful tribute to Refaat Alareer in London this evening, as hundreds recite his poem “If I must die”
Cease-fire now: Tens of thousands in London hold rally in solidarity with Palestine
During the demonstration, protesters shouted against Western leaders like Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden, criticizing their support for Israel.
The protest also saw many pro-Palestinian signs, including: „Bombing kids is not self-defense,“ „Cease-fire now,“ and „No peace, no justice.“
Jewish demonstrators also protested the actions of Israel’s government with banners saying “Jews say stop genocide of Palestinians“ and „Jews for a free Palestine.“
Leonardo supplies Israel with Apache Helicopters and parts for their F-35 fighter jets, used to bombard Gaza. Today, we’re shutting them down in London!
Palestine Action Strike Britain’s Foreign Office and Occupy Leonardo On Balfour 106
Today, on the 106th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, activists from Palestine Action targeted Britain’s foreign office and are currently occupying the weapons firm Leonardo at their London HQ. Leonardo’s London offices have been covered in red paint, to symbolise the Palestinian bloodshed by their weaponry, whilst one activist remains on top of the company’s front overhang. Elsewhere, the Foreign Office in London was sprayed in messages including ‘Britain Guilty’ and ‘Fuck Balfour.
This must be the end of Rishi Sunak’s green obsession
It was Sadiq Khan’s extension of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) to outer London that won it for the Tories. This diabolical scheme to penalise drivers of older cars and van-owning tradesmen in the outer suburbs has aroused a level of rage which must now be a lesson to all serious contenders in the general election. The ramifications go far beyond this single, apparently anomalous, success for the Conservatives.
By-election results live: Scrap 2030 petrol car ban, Tories urge Sunak
Rishi Sunak has been urged to scrap the ban on new petrol and diesel cars scheduled for 2030 after a surprise Tory by-election win was driven by a green scheme revolt.
While the Tories fell to substantial defeats in the Selby and Ainsty and Somerton and Frome polls, their victory in Boris Johnson’s former constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip came after a campaign centred on opposing the expansion of Sadiq Khan’s ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez).
What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone?
If your vehicle doesn‘t meet the ULEZ emission standards and isn‘t exempt, you will be required to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive inside the zone. This charge can amount to over £4,500 a year, per vehicle.
When does Ulez expand? How Sadiq Khan’s expansion of the zone helped to decide the Uxbridge by-election
Sadiq Khan’s controversial Ulez scheme has been described as the deciding factor in the Conservatives holding onto Boris Johnson’s old seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
The cleaner-air levy has faced opposition since it was introduced 2019, with the intention of purifying London’s air. Drivers of more-polluting vehicles are subject to a £12.50 tax in the ultra low emission zone, in a move similar to the congestion charge.
Israelis Set to Take to the Streets and Protest Netanyahu‘s Judicial Coup for 10th Consecutive Week
Protests are also planned to take place at several cities across the globe, including Tokyo, London and Los Angeles.
Live: Zelensky to meet with Macron, Scholz in Paris following address to UK parliament
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the Élysée Palace in Paris Wednesday evening. The Ukrainian leader’s visit to France comes hours after he addressed a joint session of the British parliament in London, where he thanked the British people for their support from “day one” of Russia‘s invasion.
Zelensky in the UK: Ukrainian President thanks Britain for its ‚big support‘ since Russia‘s invasion as he holds talks with Rishi Sunak in No10 before meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace – as PM vows to train Kyiv‘s fighter jet pilots
Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Britain‘s ‚big support‘ for Ukraine today as he held talks with Rishi Sunak in Downing Street.
The Ukrainian President said he was ‚honoured‘ as he met the PM in Downing Street – where he is thought to have again made the case for more weaponry to face down Vladimir Putin.
The pair shared a warm embrace earlier as Mr Zelensky landed at Stansted Airport in Essex for his surprise visit.
Free Assange Human Chain Oct 8 – Surround UK Parliament on October 8th.
We need your help to be part of this huge protest in support of Julian Assange and a free press. Please do sign up to pledge that you’ll be at Parliament to be part of the chain of support that will go from the front of parliament over Westminster bridge, along the south bank of the Thames and back over Lambeth bridge. Please be a link in the solidarity chain. Sign up here:
Be part of the historic Human Chain to free Julian Assange this Saturday, October 8th at 1pm, Parliament Square, London
More Details: https://dontextraditeassange.com/human-chain/
#HumanChain #FreeAssangeNOW
DC rally: Hands off Assange!
On October 8, 2022, supporters of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange in England will join hands to form a human chain surrounding Parliament in London. In solidarity, US-based supporters will hold a rally at the Department of Justice in Washington DC, calling on Attorney General Merrick Garland to drop the charges against Assange.
On 8 October thousands will join together to form a #HumanChain to #SurroundParliament to free Julian Assange – Be part of history and join this once in a lifetime event
Details: https://dontextraditeassange.com/human-chain/ #SurroundParliamentAssange #SurroundParliament #FreeAssangeNOW
Free Assange Human Chain Oct 8 – Surround UK Parliament on October 8th.
We need your help to be part of this huge protest in support of Julian Assange and a free press. Please do sign up to pledge that you’ll be at Parliament to be part of the chain of support that will go from the front of parliament over Westminster bridge, along the south bank of the Thames and back over Lambeth bridge. Please be a link in the solidarity chain. Sign up here:
More than 3000 people have already pledged to form a human chain to surround parliament in support of Julian Assange on October 8th #SurroundParliament #FreeAssangeNOW Pledge to join now:
https://dontextraditeassange.com/human-chain/
Mike Pompeo summoned by court to explain alleged US government plot to assassinate Julian Assange, say Spanish media reports
Spanish National High Court Judge Santiago Pedraz summoned Pompeo and former US counterintelligence official William Evanina as witnesses to explain the alleged assassination plot and whether they received information through the security firm.
Evanina allegedly previously confessed to having access to security camera footage and audio recordings from inside the Ecuadorian Embassy, Assange‘s lawyers claimed in letters seen by Spanish outlet The Objective.
Germany will stop importing Russian gas ‘very soon’, says Olaf Scholz
The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has said his country is doing all it can to wean itself off Russian energy, but declined to endorse a claim by Boris Johnson that it would stop importing Russian gas by the middle of 2024.
Kanzler zu Besuch in London: Scholz und Johnson bekunden Einigkeit
Scholz kündigte an, dass Deutschland noch in diesem Jahr die Importe von russischem Öl stoppen werde. Selbst Großbritanniens Premier Boris Johnson sprang seinem Gast bei, als er sagte, es sollten doch die großen Schritte bedacht werden, die die Europäische Union, die Deutschland bereits unternommen hätten, um sich von der Abhängigkeit zu lösen. „Großbritannien importiert lediglich einen kleinen Teil des verbrauchten Gases aus Russland. Die mit Abstand größten Lieferanten sind Norwegen und Konzerne, die in der britischen Nordsee Gas fördern.“
Dame Cressida Dick forced to quit Met Police after string of Scotland Yard scandals
But it comes after Scotland Yard has been rocked by multiple scandals in recent months, including the force‘s handling of partygate, Sarah Everard‘s murder and repeated claims of a culture of misogyny and racism.
Dame Cressida Dick forced out of role as Met Police chief
Country‘s most senior police officer says Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, ‚left her with no choice‘ but to quit
NHS staff throw their uniforms at Downing Street #londonprotest #DoNotComply
Protests in #UK #England #London January 22, 2022
#NoGreenCard
#NoVaccineMandates
#NoVaccinePassports
#WeWillAllBeThere
BUT protests w/o disobedience will go nowhere.
STOP complying!
No masks! No tests! No vax!
UK – England – London [Dec 18, 2021] Massive protest against the vax passport at the #londonprotest
‚No Vax Passports!‘ a huge crowd marches through Oxford Street – London
#londonprotest
Sarah Everard‘s killer Wayne Couzens swapped ‚vile‘ racist, sexist and homophobic WhatsApp messages with other police officers as Met probes 16 officers and Cressida Dick fights to keep her job
– Three serving Met officers are among six in WhatsApp group being investigated
– They allegedly shared horrific content with Couzens in months before murder
– The police watchdog is investigating a total of 16 officers linked to the case
– They include a probationer on the cordon at scene where her body was found
Met Police investigate whether Wayne Couzens struck BEFORE: Detectives reveal ‚on-going‘ probe into killer cop and urge women to come forward – as criminologists say his ‚experienced behaviour‘ hints that Sarah Everard may not have been his first victim
– Wayne Couzens, 48, showed so much experience in his awful crimes experts say he must have acted before
– The rapist officer learned today he will die in jail serving a whole life sentence for killing Sarah Everard
London 18th September Worldwide Freedom Rally l Anti Lockdown/Apartheid Protest l Camden
Live from Android using Streamlabs!
Fantastic Festivals In London: Autumn 2021
GREENWICH + DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: The ever-creative (and, even better, free!) GDIF returns, with family-friendly outdoor events including a recreation of the Northern Lights, a riverside fire garden, and a giant birdcage roaming the streets at dusk, with video projections of birds released onto the streets. Greenwich and surrounds, 27 August-11 September
YAM CARNIVAL … … … … …