INTERNATIONAL
Corbyn criticises Blair’s proposed Gaza role, points to Iraq war record
British MP Jeremy Corbyn criticised the idea of former prime minister Tony Blair taking part in U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, saying Blair should “be nowhere near Gaza” because of his role in the Iraq War. - Astro AWANI
KUALA LUMPUR: British Member of Parliament Jeremy Corbyn criticised the idea of former prime minister Tony Blair taking part in U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, saying Blair should “be nowhere near Gaza” because of his role in the Iraq War.
Speaking at the Kuala Lumpur Conference on a Just and Humane International Order on Tuesday, Corbyn said Blair’s past actions undermine any credibility in potential reconstruction efforts.
“The Chilcot inquiry exposed his process of decision-making and the deception over the non-existent weapons of mass destruction. I don’t think Tony Blair should be anywhere near the Gaza reconstruction."
Corbyn called the situation in Gaza “a crime against humanity” and accused Western governments, including the UK, the United States and the European Union, of “arming, funding and justifying these atrocities.” He added that ordinary people have been vocal in opposing the violence, while Western leaders have largely remained silent.
He stressed that “the only people that should be deciding for the Gaza reconstruction are the Palestinian people.”
The comments came amid discussion of Trump’s ceasefire-brokered initiative for Gaza, nearly two years into the conflict. Corbyn’s remarks echoed broader scepticism among Global South delegates about renewed Western leadership in post-conflict rebuilding.
The two-day forum, co-organised by Polity, Progressive International and the Third World Network, brought together political leaders and civil society representatives from Malaysia, South Africa and the UK.
Corbyn highlighted Malaysia’s leadership in the Hague group, a coalition of eight Global South nations seeking accountability for alleged war crimes in Gaza, saying it reflects a shift in the global moral centre.
“Malaysia and its partners are asserting international law, while some northern nations continue to flout it,” he said, pointing to a growing rebalancing of global governance.
Speaking at the Kuala Lumpur Conference on a Just and Humane International Order on Tuesday, Corbyn said Blair’s past actions undermine any credibility in potential reconstruction efforts.
“The Chilcot inquiry exposed his process of decision-making and the deception over the non-existent weapons of mass destruction. I don’t think Tony Blair should be anywhere near the Gaza reconstruction."
Corbyn called the situation in Gaza “a crime against humanity” and accused Western governments, including the UK, the United States and the European Union, of “arming, funding and justifying these atrocities.” He added that ordinary people have been vocal in opposing the violence, while Western leaders have largely remained silent.
He stressed that “the only people that should be deciding for the Gaza reconstruction are the Palestinian people.”
The comments came amid discussion of Trump’s ceasefire-brokered initiative for Gaza, nearly two years into the conflict. Corbyn’s remarks echoed broader scepticism among Global South delegates about renewed Western leadership in post-conflict rebuilding.
The two-day forum, co-organised by Polity, Progressive International and the Third World Network, brought together political leaders and civil society representatives from Malaysia, South Africa and the UK.
Corbyn highlighted Malaysia’s leadership in the Hague group, a coalition of eight Global South nations seeking accountability for alleged war crimes in Gaza, saying it reflects a shift in the global moral centre.
“Malaysia and its partners are asserting international law, while some northern nations continue to flout it,” he said, pointing to a growing rebalancing of global governance.