The early day motion (EDM) is a much-used device to publicise the views of individual Members of Parliament, and to demonstrate the extent of support among MPs for a particular cause or point of view. Early day motions (EDMs) are formal motions submitted for detail in the House of Commons. An MP can add their signature to an EDM to show their support. They can also submit amendments to an existing EDM. For more information about EDMs, visit the EDM website.
Members of PSC can support our parliamentary lobbying work by encouraging their MPs to sign EDMs that support Palestinian rights. Regular information about EDMs will be posted on this website; or contact PSC to make sure that you are on our email list to receive this information.
Below are some of the Early Day Motions tabled this year. Please check by clicking the link to see if your MP has signed these EDMs and write to them if they haven’t, urging them to do so. You can find out who your MP is at www.theyworkforyou.com
On the Israeli blockade of Gaza ‘considers that this blockade is a form of collective punishment in fundamental breach of international law; calls upon the Government to insist on the immediate ending of the blockade of the Gaza Strip’.
On arms exports to Israel notes that ‘arms exports to Israel in the first half of 2008 to be in excess of £20 million; and calls for a complete ban on all such sales to Israel until a permanent peace agreement is signed with the elected government of Palestine.’
On allegations of Israeli war crimes in Gaza ‘calls on the British Government to propose a resolution to the United Nations Security Council calling on the Security Council to refer allegations of war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza to the International Criminal Court.’
On government policy on Israeli settlements ‘endorses the call by President Obama for a full and complete freeze on all Israeli settlement building in occupied territories, including natural growth’
On the Israeli army’s use of white phosphorus asks for Israel to ‘agree to the investigation of this issue by the UN Human Rights Council.’
On Mordechai Vanunu – calls for the lifting of restrictions on Mordechai Vanunu’s freedom of speech and movement, imposed for a sixth year following his release in April 2004 after serving a full 18-year sentence for revealing details of Israel’s nuclear weapons’ programme.’
