A Shadow Over Freedoms: An Interview with a Critic of UK Policy on Palestine
The recent shift in public discourse surrounding the conflict in Palestine has been met with both cautious optimism and deep skepticism. While some point to actions like the potential recognition of a Palestinian state and restrictions on arms sales to Israel as signs of progress,others see them as calculated maneuvers masking a continued complicity. We spoke with a prominent voice critical of UK policy, a filmmaker with decades of experience, about the current climate and the growing restrictions on dissent within the United Kingdom.
“Everything has finaly been demonstrated as a great lie,” he stated, referencing the initial narratives surrounding the conflict. ”But they managed to terrorize many.” He cited the case of Ken Loach, a long-time collaborator, who faced accusations of antisemitism from factions within the Labor Party and pro-Israel groups. “I know ken very well, there isn’t a molecule of antisemitism in his body. He’s been accused of creating an atmosphere conducive to Holocaust denial – an absolute fabrication.”
When asked about recent developments under the Starmer government, such as the potential recognition of a Palestinian state, he remained unconvinced. ”Here in Edinburgh, the Leonardo UK factory continues to supply weapons to a consortium that includes Israel. This ultimately feeds into NATO, and the government claims they can’t remove Israel from the arrangement without compromising national security.” He vehemently dismissed the notion as another deception.”Leonardo UK continues to provide components for the F-35 fighters bombing Gaza. They’re simply trying to appear to be moving, responding to the growing accusations of complicity in what many believe constitutes genocide, as defined by articles 1 and 3 of the 1951 Genocide Convention.”
He argued that recognizing palestinian statehood isn’t a gift to be bestowed, but a right already enshrined in international law. ”The Palestinian people have the right to self-determination, irrespective of whether the United Kingdom acknowledges it. It’s implicit, not a favor. Especially considering this country’s historical obligation stemming from the Balfour Declaration, which fundamentally undermined Palestinian rights.” He characterized the current conditions attached to potential recognition as a ”smoke curtain.”
The conversation then turned to the increasing restrictions on freedoms within the UK, specifically referencing the criminalization of groups like Palestinian Action. He recounted a disturbing anecdote: ”A friend of mine, a professor at a UK medical school, wanted to commission shirts for a demonstration. She wanted ‘I oppose the genocide’ on the front and ‘I oppose the illegalization of Palestinian Action’ on the back. she was refused by three print shops, the last telling her they were too afraid. is it illegal for a teacher to publicly express her opinion?” He lamented that civil liberties are being eroded “before our very eyes,” creating a climate of fear within workplaces, institutions, and academia.
While acknowledging that even moderate voices on the right have expressed concern over the arrests of peaceful protestors, he questioned the broadening definition of “terrorism.” “Terrorism, by any legal definition, involves murder, injury, mutilation, hostage-taking – real terror. To equate throwing paint at a bomber, during a time of genocide, with terrorism is a disgrace.” He revealed that he himself has been accused under Section 15 of the 2000 Terrorism Act and is due in court on September 18th, for wearing a shirt stating ”Genocide in Palestine. Time to act.” He affirmed his intention to ”justify each of those seven words and defend each of them.”
Despite the intimidating legal challenges, he expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. “I move in a circle of political friends, of course, but it’s ordinary people – in supermarket conversations – who tell me they are utterly disgusted with the situation and what has happened to me. ‘We can’t believe this is happening before our eyes,’ they say.” He highlighted the swift statement of support from the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain, adding, “The truth is, I have been overwhelmed with support, both here and in Spain.”
