Comments on Israel, Hamas, and International Justice Spark Debate

SNP MSP John Mason has argued that the International Criminal Court (ICC) exhibits bias against Israel, following its decision to pursue arrests of senior Hamas leaders, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and another senior Israeli official for alleged war crimes. The ICC’s recent move has already prompted backlash from the UK and US governments, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticising the announcement as “deeply unhelpful”.

In an email exchange last week, Mason expressed scepticism about the impartiality of international bodies, stating: “You refer to the International Criminal Court but we know that such bodies are not neutral but are biased against Israel.” This comment was part of a broader response to Show Israel the Red Card, a group advocating for a suspension of sporting relations with Israel.

Mason also attributed blame to Iran for its role in fuelling tensions in the Middle East and rejected calls to sever sporting links with Israel, arguing that such measures would necessitate similar actions against other countries with concerning human rights records. He wrote, “Israel is far from perfect but maintains better human rights standards and more democratic governance than many other states. Ceasing links with Israel would demand we also suspend connections with nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, China, India, and Pakistan due to their troubling records.”

The SNP has consistently called for a ceasefire since the conflict intensified following Hamas’s attacks on October 7 last year. Former first minister Humza Yousaf has been vocal on the matter, particularly after his wife’s family was caught up in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

Maree Shepherd of Show Israel the Red Card voiced her dismay at Mason’s remarks, stating: “It is deeply alarming that an elected representative would claim international institutions such as the ICC are biased. Such statements hinder the pursuit of accountability and peace. His comments also fail to address Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestine, severe human rights issues, and recent military actions.”

An SNP spokesperson responded, emphasising the party’s confidence in the ICC’s impartiality while attributing the current crisis to actions by both Hamas and the Israeli government. The spokesperson reiterated the SNP’s calls for recognising Palestine’s statehood, halting arms sales, and pursuing an immediate ceasefire to end the suffering in Gaza.

Party Leader Emphasises Youth-Focused Policies and Endorses Lower Voting Age to 16

Sir Ed Davey has asserted that the Liberal Democrats resonate more with young voters than any other political party, highlighting policies on housing, international issues, and a pro-European stance. Speaking during a campaign stop in Chichester, West Sussex, Davey welcomed Labour’s recent pledge to lower the voting age to 16 but argued that broader political reform is necessary to address the country’s “broken” system.

Davey addressed the party’s past controversy over university tuition fees, noting that although the 2010 coalition government’s policies were a source of disappointment for some, he remains proud of the Lib Dems’ contributions to mental health, same-sex marriage, and renewable energy during that time.

Emphasising key priorities for young voters, Davey pointed to the Lib Dems’ advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza, efforts to improve the rental housing market, commitment to building more council houses, and focus on community policing to tackle issues like knife crime. He argued that these measures demonstrate the party’s alignment with youth interests.

Speaking in Hampshire later in the day, Davey backed Sir Keir Starmer’s call to reduce the voting age to 16, reaffirming it as a long-standing Lib Dem goal. However, he stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of Britain’s political system, including electoral and decentralisation reforms, to deliver meaningful changes across key areas such as healthcare, the economy, and the environment.

Paula Vennells’ Testimony at Horizon IT Inquiry Under Intense Scrutiny

Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells has conceded that her expectation for a mediation programme with subpostmasters was “possibly” to limit compensation payouts. This admission came during her second day of giving evidence at the Horizon IT inquiry, which is investigating miscarriages of justice linked to the flawed Horizon IT system used by the Post Office.

Vennells faced intense questioning regarding an email she sent in August 2013, which indicated that the aim of the mediation process was to “avoid or minimise compensation.” When questioned about the email, Vennells acknowledged that the mediation scheme, initially intended to assist those wrongfully prosecuted, was never designed to offer substantial compensation. She admitted that this was her understanding at the time, although she denied intentionally seeking to offer minimal compensation to the subpostmasters.

The former Post Office boss expressed that her understanding of the mediation scheme evolved over time. Despite this, Vennells accepted that her comments in the email could have been perceived as dismissive of the victims’ experiences, referring to the compensation as a “token payment.”

Further scrutiny also focused on Vennells’ handling of past prosecutions. It was revealed that, in 2013, she followed advice from a communications director to avoid revisiting previous cases involving subpostmasters, fearing the public backlash and media scrutiny. Vennells later admitted that this advice was “grossly improper,” and acknowledged that a review of the cases might have prevented years of suffering for many affected individuals.

Vennells, who has apologised multiple times during the inquiry, claimed she did not realise the full scale of the miscarriages of justice at the time. Over 700 subpostmasters were wrongly convicted between 1999 and 2015 due to errors in the Horizon IT system, which falsely showed discrepancies in branch accounts. Although the government has pledged compensation, many subpostmasters are still awaiting financial restitution.

The Horizon IT inquiry continues to probe the Post Office’s decisions and its handling of the wrongful convictions, with many calling for accountability and a full review of all related cases.

Johnny Mercer Calls for Greater Focus on Popular Government Figures Instead of ‘Average Performers’

Downing Street is accused of clinging to outdated strategies by focusing too much on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, despite his dwindling popularity, according to Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer. In a private memo, Mercer expressed frustration with how No 10 is managing political communication, claiming that the Prime Minister’s media presence is being over-emphasised, as if his approval ratings were still as high as they were two years ago.

Mercer, who represents Plymouth Moor View, argued that more popular figures within the Conservative Party, such as Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch and Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, should be given more visibility instead of “average performers” like Transport Secretary Mark Harper. He criticized the current communication approach, describing it as “haphazard, un-themed and loose” and suggested that key government roles were being filled by underperforming ministers who were failing to engage the public effectively.

Mercer’s memo, which was seen by The Times, also highlighted his concerns over the growing influence of special advisers in No 10, some of whom he labelled as “overpromoted and underskilled.” He noted that despite his close access to the Prime Minister, he felt excluded from key decision-making processes, citing his unsuccessful attempts to push through a veterans’ ID voting initiative as an example of his frustration.

Polling within Conservative circles has indicated that Badenoch and Mordaunt enjoy higher approval ratings than Sunak, with many viewing them as potential leadership candidates in the event of a Tory defeat in the next general election. Mercer’s comments are a stark reflection of the growing division within the Conservative Party, as some ministers openly question the leadership’s direction.

In response, Labour’s Shadow Paymaster General Jonathan Ashworth remarked, “With high-profile Tory ministers exposing their lack of confidence in Rishi Sunak and his weak leadership, it’s no wonder the British public are demanding change.” He argued that a Labour government is the only solution to the current “chaos” in British politics.

Both Johnny Mercer’s office and Downing Street have been approached for comment regarding the leaked memo and the concerns raised.