Pro-Israel influence inquiry petition to be debated on June 22

A petition demanding a public inquiry into pro-Israel influence on UK politics and democracy will be debated in Parliament on 22 June 2026, according to an update published on the Petitions Committee’s page on 21 May 2026.

The petition reads:

We feel that the horrific devastation in Gaza, the ongoing suppression of Palestinians in the West Bank, and the UK’s political response underline the urgent need to scrutinise how pro-Israel organisations, networks, and lobbying efforts may shape government decisions, party policy, and public debate.

Petition debates cannot change the law or force a vote, but they can raise awareness and put pressure on the government.

The petition was launched in January and has now passed 115,000 signatures.

A petition is eligible for a debate if it reaches 100,000 signatures, though the committee has discretion over whether to schedule one.

Israel: Starmer government does not support public inquiry

The government responded on 17 April 2026, stating it does not support a public inquiry.

It said it already takes foreign influence seriously and is taking action, including transparency measures and the recent Rycroft review into foreign financial interference.

Notably, the Rycroft review does not mention Israel or the United States at all. It focuses instead on Russia, China, and Iran.

At least half of Keir Starmer’s front bench accepted Israeli or pro-Israel cash. If any cabinet MPs like David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, or Yvette Cooper show up to this debate, colour us surprised.

The Starmer government has shown less than zero interest in holding Israel to account for its crimes. Under Starmer, the UK has operated near-daily spy flights over Gaza from December 2023 onwards.

Just recently, the Foreign Office (FCDO)  closed down its unit that tracked Israeli atrocities and breaches of humanitarian law in Gaza and Lebanon.

Don’t hold your breath for any meaningful action on 22 June.

Featured image via Getty/Charles McQuillan

By The Canary

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