Staunch allies calling themselves friends of Israel are beginning to realise they are also friends of the murderers of western aid workers, friends of genocide and friends of fascism
Archiv: Whitehall (UK government / war ministry)
Mehr als ein „Abhörskandal“
Mitte letzter Woche gab es noch Ärger zwischen Deutschland, Frankreich und Großbritannien, da Bundeskanzler Scholz angeblich „geheime Informationen verraten“ hatte. Es ging um den Einsatz von Marschflugkörpern, den Scholz ablehnt. Der Kanzler will Deutschland nicht zu einer direkten Kriegspartei machen. „Was an Zielsteuerung und an Begleitung der Zielsteuerung vonseiten der Briten und Franzosen gemacht wird, kann in Deutschland nicht gemacht werden“, so Scholz wörtlich. Franzosen und Briten widersprachen Scholz, das britische Verteidigungsministerium warf ihm gar vor, Falschinformationen zu verbreiten. Wenn die Inhalte des abgehörten Gesprächs der vier deutschen Luftwaffenoffiziere korrekt sind, lügen jedoch die Briten.
The British Government attempts to hide the Assange extradition appeal – a „public hearing“ – behind a baroque set of Kafkaesque rules. My latest article on the latest government stitch-up.
https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2024/02/state-secrecy-and-public-hearings-part-one/
Palestinian human rights organisation @alhaq_org has forced the gov’t to answer a legal challenge and tell the Court why it has kept granting weapons licences to Israel. The response shows why it was necessary. We @GLAN_LAW are proud to represent them – the pressure is building.
NEW: The government hid from Parliament the Foreign Office‘s „serious concerns“ about Israel‘s compliance with International Humanitarian Law in Gaza, according to newly-released court papers. This should be national news – and it should end arms sales to Israel.
The papers show that at the start of the war the Foreign Office set up an internal International Humanitarian Law assessment process.
On 10 November it judged: “the volume of strikes, total death toll, as well as proportion of those who are children raise serious concerns”. 2/12
It also said: „the government’s current inability to come to a clear assessment on Israel’s record of compliance with International Humanitarian Law poses significant policy risks”.
But look at what Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell said to me just 4 days later… 3/12
In Parliament on 14 November, I asked Mitchell if British-made weapons had been used in violation of international law in Gaza.
He replied reassuring me of Israel‘s commitment to international law, even though just 4 days earlier his department registered serious concerns. 4/12
Mitchell said: „The member will know that the President of Israel has made it clear that his country will abide by International Humanitarian Law“.
These court papers reveal that his own department, the UK Foreign Office, doubted the Israeli President‘s words.
War on Gaza: UK‘s Cameron okayed arms sales to Israel despite Foreign Office legal concerns
The Export Control Joint Unit – a cross-departmental body that oversees UK‘s export controls and licensing for military and dual-use items – told Cameron on 8 December that he had three options when it came to advising whether export licenses for sales to Israel should be approved.
He could either not suspend them, but keep them under careful review; suspend where it was assessed items might be used to carry out Israeli military options in the conflict in Gaza; or suspend all licenses.
Cameron decided on 12 December that he was satisfied Israel was committed to complying with international humanitarian law, according to the filing.
A Joint Statement from the Governments of the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom
Let our message now be clear: we call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews. The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways. We remain committed to the international rules-based order and are determined to hold malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks.
Lebanese PM urges UK for ‘maximum pressure’ on Israel
(28.12.2023)
Lebanon’s Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has urged the UK to place “maximum pressure” on Israel to end its campaign on Gaza and the Lebanese border.
In a meeting with UK Foreign Minister David Cameron on Thursday, Mikati warned that the “Israeli provocations in southern Lebanon could lead to deteriorating conditions and a full-scale war in the region as a whole.”
The #RedSea may see a naval operation after more and more ships are attacked by Iran-backed Houthi forces, including one belonging to a German company. German government already looking into US request for a potential mission.
Einsatz der deutschen Marine gefordert
Am Freitag war der Containerfrachter „Al Jasrah“ in der Meerenge zwischen dem Jemen und Dschibuti beschossen und beschädigt worden. Die Besatzungsmitglieder blieben laut Hapag Lloyd unverletzt. Die Bundesregierung verurteilte den Angriff und prüft eine Bitte aus den USA um eine Beteiligung der deutschen Marine an einem Einsatz
This week parliament will debate a #CeasefireNOW and for the UK to #StopArmingIsrael. This couldn‘t be more urgent. Israel‘s bombing of Gaza has already killed over 16,000 Palestinians. Please join me and lobby your MP using @PSCupdates online action
https://palestinecampaign.eaction.online/ceasefireMPdebate
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)
An A400M military transport aircraft—operated by RAF—has just touched down in Tel Aviv. It can carry 116 soldiers, a Chinook helicopter and a payload of 37 tonnes. UK military is refusing to divulge what the dozens of aircraft it has sent to Tel Aviv are carrying onboard.
„Five Eyes“ hinter den Entschlüsselungsplänen des EU-Ministerrats
(29.11.2020)
Gemeint ist ein erster Schritt zu einer EU-weiten Regulation, die Plattformbetreiber de facto verpflichten wird, Ende-zu-Ende-Verschlüsselung mit einem Generalschlüssel auszuhebeln. Dass diese vom britischen Geheimdienst GCHQ vorgeschlagene Methode favorisiert wird, bestätigte de Kerchove ganz nebenbei in einem am Freitag von der Nachrichtenagentur AFP verbreiteten Interview. Ein frisch geleaktes Dokument des Rats dokumentiert die tiefe Involvierung der Spionageallianz „Five Eyes“ in die Entschlüsselungspläne.
(…)
Was de Kerchove, der auch die Gaming-Websites als überwachungspflichtig ins Spiel gebracht hatte, geflissentlich verschwieg, ist, wozu dies in jedem EU-Staat unweigerlich führen wird, dessen Gesetze den Geheimdiensten ein Mandat zum Anzapfen der Glasfaserleitungen zum Zwecke der „Gefahrenverhütung“ bzw. der „Nachrichtenaufklärung“ verleihen.
Cabinet reshuffle latest: Grant Shapps appointment ‚ruffles feathers‘ – as successor for his old job confirmed
Rishi Sunak is reshuffling his top team, with Grant Shapps succeeding Ben Wallace as defence secretary and Claire Coutinho entering cabinet as energy secretary.
Politics latest news: Grant Shapps announced as next Defence Secretary
Mr Wallace, who revealed his intention to quit back in July, said in his resignation letter: “After much reflection, I have taken the decision to ask that I be allowed to step down. I won my seat in 2005 and after so many years it is time for me to invest in the parts of life that I have neglected, and to explore new opportunities.”
UK cruise missiles will ‘enhance’ Ukraine war effort, says Volodymyr Zelensky
(12 May 2023)
Manufacturer MBDA says the Storm Shadow has a range of more than 150 miles, giving Kyiv the ability to strike behind the Russian front line.
Britain is understood to have received assurances that the missiles will only be used defensively against targets in Ukrainian territory being occupied by Vladimir Putin’s forces.
The Government has not provided detail on the number of missiles to be provided to Kyiv.
U.K. sending Ukraine long-range cruise missiles
(May 11, 2023)
Wallace told lawmakers in the House of Commons that Britain is donating Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of more than 155 miles. He didn‘t say how many are being sent. (…)
The missiles give Ukraine capacity to strike well behind the front lines, including in Russia-occupied Crimea. U.K. media reported that Ukraine has pledged not to use the missiles to attack Russia itself. (…)
He said U.K. officials would not comment publicly on whether Britain had placed any limitations on the missiles‘ use.
New Partygate video ‘shows Tories dancing, drinking and laughing at lockdown rules’
At least 24 guests were reportedly at the gathering which was held just a few days before Mr Johnson’s 19 December announcement that Tier 4 Covid curbs would be implemented. This put London and the southeast of England under severe restrictions which meant many could not see their families on Christmas Day.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned,” he said just five days after the party.
Exclusive: First ever Partygate video revealed as Tories drink, dance and laugh at Covid rules
When one man sees he is being recorded, he says: “Oh Christ.” Then another asks: “Are you filming this?” Someone else responds: “It’s for party, erm, party use.”
A man then laughs after declaring: “As long as we are not streaming that we’re, like, bending the rules.”
It was just days after the party that Mr Johnson announced even tighter restrictions which meant people in the areas worst hit by Covid could not see their loved ones over Christmas.
Johnson übergibt WhatsApp-Daten an Regierung
Das von der ehemaligen Richterin Lady Heather Hallett geleitete unabhängige Untersuchungskomitee soll die umstrittene Handhabung der Pandemie unter Johnson aufarbeiten. Der aktuelle Premier Sunak war damals Finanzminister. Spekuliert wird daher, dass er und weitere Kabinettsmitglieder fürchten, in der WhatsApp-Korrespondenz Johnsons könne auch für sie kompromittierendes Material sein.
Boris Johnson hands his unredacted WhatsApps to Cabinet Office
Baroness Hallett, the chair of the inquiry, has threatened the Government with legal action if it refuses to comply with her order for full copies of Mr Johnson’s communications and diaries, and the messages of a key aide, with a deadline of 4pm on Thursday to fulfil her demand.
But last night, Whitehall sources indicated that Mr Sunak would stand firm and refuse to submit unredacted material, from him or any minister, to the inquiry.
Bush ‚is planning nuclear strikes on Iran‘s secret sites‘
(09 April 2006)
Although Iran claims that its nuclear programme is peaceful, US and European intelligence agencies are certain that Teheran is trying to develop atomic weapons. In contrast to the run-up to the Iraq invasion, there are no disagreements within Western intelligence about Iran‘s plans.
This newspaper disclosed recently that senior Pentagon strategists are updating plans to strike Iran‘s nuclear sites with long-distance B2 bombers and submarine-launched missiles. And last week, the Sunday Telegraph reported a secret meeting at the Ministry of Defence where military chiefs and officials from Downing Street and the Foreign Office discussed the consequences of an American-led attack on Iran, and Britain‘s role in any such action.
U.S. Is Studying Military Strike Options on Iran
(April 9, 2006)
In January, the president termed a nuclear-armed Iran „a grave threat to the security of the world,“ words that echoed language he used before the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Vice President Cheney vowed „meaningful consequences“ if Iran does not give up any nuclear aspirations, and U.N. Ambassador John R. Bolton refined the formula to „tangible and painful consequences.“ (…)
Israel is preparing, as well. The government recently leaked a contingency plan for attacking on its own if the United States does not, a plan involving airstrikes, commando teams, possibly missiles and even explosives-carrying dogs. Israel, which bombed Iraq‘s Osirak nuclear plant in 1981 to prevent it from being used to develop weapons, has built a replica of Natanz, according to Israeli media, but U.S. strategists do not believe Israel has the capacity to accomplish the mission without nuclear weapons. (…)
Pentagon planners are studying how to penetrate eight-foot-deep targets and are contemplating tactical nuclear devices.
Britain has delivered long-range ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missiles to Ukraine ahead of expected counteroffensive, sources say
The United Kingdom has delivered multiple “Storm Shadow” cruise missiles to Ukraine, giving the nation a new long-range strike capability in advance of a highly anticipated counteroffensive against Russian forces, multiple senior Western officials told CNN.
UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, calling the donation Ukraine’s “best chance to defend themselves against Russia’s continued brutality,” confirmed the transaction on Thursday after CNN exclusively reported the deal.
Britain moves first to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles
Highlighting what he called the deliberate targeting of civilians, Britain‘s Defence Minister Ben Wallace told parliament: „Russia must recognise that its actions alone have led to such systems being provided.“
Signal would ‚walk‘ from UK if Online Safety Bill undermined encryption
(24.02.2023)
Critics say companies could be required by Ofcom to scan messages on encrypted apps for child sexual abuse material or terrorism content under the new law.
This has worried firms whose business is enabling private, secure communication.
Element, a UK company whose customers include the Ministry of Defence, told the BBC the plan would cost it clients.
Peter Hitchens warns that sending UK tanks to Ukraine could turn Europe into a radioactive graveyard: „The direction we‘re taking could lead us into a much more serious and wide-spread war than the one we now face.“
Army should not be used as ‘ultimate backstop’ in strikes, defence chief says
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the head of Britain’s armed forces, said it would be “slightly perilous” to expect them to be used routinely in the event of strikes by public sector workers.
In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Radakin said the use of armed forces to provide cover for striking workers would not impede operations, but suggested personnel should be allowed to get on with their day-to-day jobs.
WhatsApp is close to disappearing in the UK
WhatsApp is the most popular mobile messenger app in the world, with more than 2 billion users, including around 40 million in the UK.
WhatsApp raises threat of UK shutdown in encryption row
(10.12.2022)
WhatsApp is threatened with a shut down in Britain as ministers press ahead with plans to require easier access to messages for police and MI5, the messaging app has warned.
Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp at Meta, which also owns Facebook and Instagram, told The Telegraph he was prepared to see the app blocked for British smartphone users rather than weaken its security.
Online Safety Bill: WhatsApp bringt wegen Überwachungsgesetz Rückzug aus Großbritannien ins Spiel
Großbritannien plant unabhängig von der EU ein ähnliches Gesetz wie die Chatkontrolle. Sollte der jetzige Entwurf mit seinen Bestimmungen durchkommen, erwägt der weltweit größte Messenger einen Rückzug von der Insel.
There‘s now an entire new industry, aligned with Dems, to pressure Big Tech to censor. Think tanks and self-proclaimed „disinformation experts“ funded by Omidyar, Soros and the US/UK Security State use benign-sounding names to glorify ideological censorship as neutral expertise.
(06.09.2022)
Corrupting the system at every level
‘JULIAN is fighting for his survival and he’s going through hell, that’s the best way to put it,’ Stella Assange says when I ask how he’s doing.
The wife of the world’s most famous political prisoner is speaking to Declassified as part of her relentless battle to save her husband’s life.
Britain warns Russia against escalating the war in Ukraine after false ‘dirty bomb’ claim
Ben Wallace refutes General Sergei Shoigu‘s allegations that the UK is helping Kyiv gather nuclear material to use on the battlefield
Destined for Downing Street? Rishi Sunak could be named PM TODAY after Boris Johnson pulls out of Tory leadership contest and Penny Mordaunt well short of the 100 supporters she needs ahead of 2pm deadline
– Rishi Sunak, who launched his bid yesterday morning, has received public backing of more than 150 Tory MPs
– As of last night, 155 MPs said they are backing Mr Sunak, while 25 had spoken out in support of Ms Mordaunt
– A further 54 who were hoping Mr Johnson would return are yet to publicly reveal to whom they will now back
– Mr Johnson earlier said he had in fact reached the ‚very high hurdle of 102 nominations‘ as he bowed out
– Ms Mordaunt‘s team, though, believe his decision to pull himself from the race will ‚propel her over the line‘
Sie wissen von der Bundeswehr-Beteiligung an der Kriegsflotte im Persischen Golf, oder?
(3. August 2021)
24. Juni 2019: Der damalige U.S.-Außenminister Mike Pompeo fordert eine „globale Koalition“ gegen den Iran. passenderweise vorgetragen bei einem Blitzbesuch Pompeos in Saudi-Arabien.
4. August 2019: Ich lege mich fest und prognostiziere, dass „Bundeswehr-Marine .. noch vor Weihnachten unter Oberbefehl einer ausländischen Macht in den Persischen Golf entsandt“ wird.
(…)
20. Januar 2020: Monate vor der Ausrufung des bis heute andauernden Ausnahmezustands und bereits im Windschatten von SARS II („Coronavirus“), beschließen die Staatsführungen von Frankreich, Deutschland, Griechenland, Italien, der Niederlande, Belgien, Dänemark und Portugal in einer gemeinsamen Erklärung die „European-led maritime surveillance mission in the Strait of Hormuz“ (E.M.A.S.O.H.), von der Sie und 80 Millionen Andere bis heute nie gehört haben.
Eight minutes, four questions and NO apology! Liz Truss makes hasty exit from press conference after U-turning on flagship corporation tax cut after SACKING Kwasi Kwarteng and replacing him with Jeremy Hunt
Under fierce fire from journalists, Ms Truss refused to apologise for ‚trashing‘ the Tories‘ reputation – before abruptly walking out after eight minutes and just four question.
Downing Street will now be waiting anxiously to see if the PM has done enough to cling on, but the early response was not promising, with one former Cabinet minister telling MailOnline the PM had been ‚robotic‘ and made the situation far worse.
Bericht: Torys diskutieren Aus für Truss
(today, 08.36 am)
In der Konservativen Partei nimmt einem Bericht der Londoner „Times“ zufolge der Widerstand gegen die britische Premierministerin und Parteivorsitzende Liz Truss zu. Führende Torys würden eine Ablösung der Regierungschefin nach nur gut einem Monat im Amt diskutieren, schrieb die Zeitung. Es gebe Überlegungen, einen gemeinsamen Kandidaten bzw. eine gemeinsame Kandidatin für die Parteispitze aufzustellen. Das Bauernopfer könnte allerdings Finanzminister Kwasi Kwarteng sein.
Kwasi Kwarteng to be sacked as Chancellor by Liz Truss – live updates
9:28AM
Tory MP: ‚I have lost confidence in the Chancellor and the PM‘
The mood among some Tory MPs is particularly grim this morning.
One tells me they have now lost confidence in Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng and that many MPs now believe the PM needs to be replaced.
They said: “I have lost confidence in the Chancellor and the Prime Minister for that matter. It is a total mess and there is no obvious solution.
“The vast majority of people [MPs] I speak to think she has to go.”
Sie wissen von der Bundeswehr-Beteiligung an der Kriegsflotte im Persischen Golf, oder?
(3. August 2021)
24. Juni 2019: Der damalige U.S.-Außenminister Mike Pompeo fordert eine „globale Koalition“ gegen den Iran. passenderweise vorgetragen bei einem Blitzbesuch Pompeos in Saudi-Arabien.
4. August 2019: Ich lege mich fest und prognostiziere, dass „Bundeswehr-Marine .. noch vor Weihnachten unter Oberbefehl einer ausländischen Macht in den Persischen Golf entsandt“ wird.
(…)
20. Januar 2020: Monate vor der Ausrufung des bis heute andauernden Ausnahmezustands und bereits im Windschatten von SARS II („Coronavirus“), beschließen die Staatsführungen von Frankreich, Deutschland, Griechenland, Italien, der Niederlande, Belgien, Dänemark und Portugal in einer gemeinsamen Erklärung die „European-led maritime surveillance mission in the Strait of Hormuz“ (E.M.A.S.O.H.), von der Sie und 80 Millionen Andere bis heute nie gehört haben.
China thwarts proposal on legitimizing AUKUS‘s nuclear submarine deal at IAEA meeting: envoy
In September 2021, the U.S., the UK and Australia established the AUKUS alliance, under which the U.S. and the UK will assist Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. China and many other countries have repeatedly expressed concerns over the transfer of nuclear weapon materials involved in the trilateral pact.
China vereitelt Vorschlag über Legitimierung des Geschäfts mit den Atom-U-Booten von AUKUS bei der IAEO
Auf der Generalkonferenz der Internationalen Atomenergie-Organisation (IAEO) in dieser Woche schlugen die Vereinigten Staaten, das Vereinigte Königreich und Australien einen Änderungsantrag zu einer IAEO-Sicherheitsresolution vor, um ihr U-Boot-Geschäft im Rahmen des Vertrags über die Nichtverbreitung von Kernwaffen (NVV) zu legitimieren, zogen ihn aber später nach Chinas Widerstand zurück.
Netanyahu congratulates Liz Truss on succeeding Boris Johnson as UK PM
“I am sure that under your leadership the deep friendship between Britain and Israel will be further strengthened in all fields,” tweets Netanyahu.
The former prime minister also adds his thanks to outgoing PM Boris Johnson “for his valued contributions to the excellent relations between our two countries.”
New Prime Minister LIVE: Liz Truss on course to be named next Tory leader at 12.30PM after brutal six-week battle with rival Rishi Sunak to succeed Boris Johnson
Follow updates here as the next Prime Minister is revealed as the winner of the Tory leadership contest is announced at Westminster‘s Queen Elizabeth II Centre:
The US lectures us about a ‘rules based international order’ but ignores rules when it suits – think Diego Garcia
– In 2017 the UN General Assembly voted by a large majority(94-15) to refer the request for an advisory opinion on Diego Garcia to the International Court if Justice.
– In September 2018, 13 of the 14 judges of the ICJ concluded that the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia were illegally separated from Mauritius.
– In May 2019 the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly(116-6) to endorse the Court’s opinion that the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, belonged to Mauritius. Apart from the US and the UK only four countries AUSTRALIA, Hungary, Israel and the Maldives voted in favour of the British neo-colonial claim.
– In November 2019, Britain refused to abide by the ICJ opinion and for the US to leave Chagos/Diego Garcia.
– In 2020 the UN published a map showing Chagos/Diego Garcia as part of Mauritius.
Despite all this, the US sits tight on its key military base of Diego Garcia which is thousands of kilometres from its mainland. In contrast, China’s building of islands in the South China Sea is adjacent to its own territory.
Home Office ‘unlawfully’ approved MI5 bulk surveillance warrants
The Security Service has admitted during the course of legal hearings that it stored the public’s data when it had no legal right to do so, and that it failed to disclose the problems either to the Home Office or to oversight bodies.
According to submissions presented to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, MI5 broke key legal safeguards by unlawfully retaining and using individual’s private data gathered through covert surveillance.
Rishi Sunak ‘dirty dossier’ sent around Tory WhatsApp groups as leadership race turns nasty
The memo circulated on Tory WhatsApp group reportedly attacks the former chancellor personally and accused him of having a “big tax and big spend agenda”.
According to The Telegraph, which first reported the “mucky memo”, the 424-word anti-Sunak missive was written by someone on the Thatcherite right of the party.