Despite the intense pressure by the Israeli government, the government has ruled out any change in law on universal jurisdiction before the general election. This reflects the massive pressure put on the government by those supporting justice and human rights, including many MPs who have been increasingly vocal in their opposition to any attack on universal jurisdiction that will restrict the power of courts here to issue arrest warrants for those suspected of war crimes. So far, 128 MPs have signed Jeremy Corbyn's Early Day Motion

Jack Straw announced today (4 March) that ‘rather than legislating now, we are going to seek views' on changes to the existing law, which allows victims of war crimes to seek justice in British courts. The government hasn't been able to push through a change in parliament before the election because of the strong opposition in parliament and wider to changing the law to hinder those seeking justice for war crimes. This statement follows Gordon Brown's article in the Telegraph.

Your emails, letters and phone calls have been vital so please keep the pressure up - tell your MP and prospective parliamentary candidates that you oppose any attack on universal jurisdiction - no safe haven for war criminals!

Please:

1. contact your MP and prospective parliamentary candidates asking them to oppose any changes in universal jurisdiction, and to sign the pledge for peace and justice for Palestine - click here for the pledge.
2. Respond to the consultation - watch your email inbox, as we will be emailing ASAP with the details

General election: Lobby your future MP - sign the pledge to support Justice for the Palestinians

Who wants to be an MP in your area? With less than nine weeks until the expected date of the general election, the PSC urges you to get in touch with all the Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPC) in your constituency and find out where they stand on the issue of Palestinian self-determination and ending Israel's occupation.

Six questions to ask: Click here for a briefing for lobbyists with useful facts and questions to put to your PPC about Israel's violation of international law; opposing attacks on universal jurisdiction; ending the illegal siege on Gaza; banning imports of settlement goods; suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement and not selling arms to Israel.

Let us know: Keep us informed of what the answers you receive from all the candidates. You may also want to press release your findings to your local media so voters can make an informed choice on where they stand on this issue.

Lobby your MEP: Applying the Goldstone report - charge Israel for war crimes

On March 10 the European Parliament will be discussing the Goldstone report - followed by a debate the following day on breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

We encourage you all to write to your MEP before March 10th asking them to call for the full implementation of the recommendations made in the Goldstone report and that Israel is brought to justice for committing war crimes in Gaza. Find out who your MEP here.

 Harsh Sentencing of Gaza Protestors is clearly ‘Political'

Campaigning groups, including PSC, have condemned the ‘disproportionate' and ‘political' jail sentences being handed down to young people who took part in the mass demonstrations against Israel's attacks on Gaza last year.

Read PSC's full report of the meeting in Parliament here>> 

Opinion: Gareth Peirce on positions for Muslims - Was it like this for the Irish?

BDS: Boycott action 27-30 March - take action!

With the days of action on boycott approaching, we are asking all supporters to take action. For material including 'ban settlement goods' postcards, boycott leaflets and stickers, please contact the PSC office. For ideas on activities, please click here

News: H&M opens six stores in Israel 

Swedish company H&M plans to open the first of six planned stores in Israel - including in the Malcha shopping centre in Jerusalem, a city gradually cleansed of its Palestinian population to be replaced by Israeli settlements. H&M, will also open in Haifa, Petah Tikva, Netanya, and Rehovot.BDS News:  H&M's to open six stores in Israel

PSC has signed a statement calling on H&M to reconsider their decision. Please write to your local H&M store and ask them why the company is opening stores in a country that has no regard for international law and shifting the focus from Israel's war crimes to that of fashion, investments and commerce.

Help the BNC: An Open Call for Volunteer Researchers and Writers

The Palestinian BNC are looking for volunteers who can help with researching companies, draft letters and press releases in support of the work carried out by BDS activists worldwide. Read their call here and get in touch with them if you can help.

 BDS: An open letter to the Pixies - No concert in Israel

The jury, comprised of eminent legal experts and human rights defenders heard two days ofRussell Tribunal on Palestine finds EU states guilty of breaches of international and internal EU law reports from international experts and witnesses on the issues affecting the Palestinians.

Read the full findings here>>

 Arab League backs Middle East talks

Jerusalem Mayor plans to raze Palestinian homes for Tourist Park

Israel Penalizing Nakba Commemoration: One More Step Down the Path of Apartheid

Israeli army tanks open fire on Palestinians in Gaza

In pictures: mud brick houses in Gaza

EVENTS

ELECTION 2010: SPF Lobbying Workshop Day, March 6th, 0930 - 1530, Edinburgh

The Scottish Palestinian Forum has organised a workshop to provide practical activities and experience in how to raise issues effectively with your MPs around the general theme of ‘Land' -- the basis of most injustices occurring in Israel and Palestine.  With John Bradley and Ewan Aitken. See their flyer here>>

100^th International Women's Day - Palestinian Women in the UK

A number of meetings with Palestinain women are taking place around the UK in the next week to celebrate Women's day on the 8^th March.

More information on the CADFA website: http://www.camdenabudis.net/ and the PSC events section

Other upcoming events include:

•-          Welsh tour of "Seven Jewish Children" by Caryl Churchill from 6 March

•-          Loss of Innocence: Gaza Children's Artwork Exhibition in Frome from 8 March

•-          Film: To Shoot an Elephant in Birmingham 11 March

Visit our Events section for many more events around Britain