News Release 30 Sep25 – Flotilla

George calls on Foreign Office Minister to confirm UK government ready to intervene to protect British nationals aboard Gaza aid Flotilla 

West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, has urged Foreign Office Minister, Hamish Falconer MP, to ensure the UK government is prepared to intervene if necessary to protect British nationals (including it is understood one of his constituents) who are part of the Gaza aid Global Sumud Flotilla, and who are due to arrive at the heavily bombed Palestinian strip on October 1st. 

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led maritime mission involving over 50 vessels and participants from more than 44 countries, aims to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the ongoing blockade of Gaza. The flotilla has drawn global attention for its scale, its peaceful objectives, and the risks faced by those aboard, including drone attacks and threats of interception. 

Mr George said: 

“Whether or not a constituent from west Cornwall is participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, I have already joined fellow MPs calling for international governments, including the UK, to help the flotilla face down threats from Israel. I fully respect the right of individuals to engage in peaceful humanitarian and solidarity missions of this kind. 

“Whether or not the Trump initiative represents the beginning of a peace agreement, the genocide and starvation of Gazans by the Israeli government is a shocking and unacceptable humanitarian catastrophe. The international community must do more to uphold international law, protect civilians, and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in desperate need.” 

In response to the situation, Mr George has written to Hamish Falconer MP, the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, urging the UK Government to monitor the flotilla’s progress closely and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of British nationals involved. 

The flotilla set sail from Spain on 1 September, is expected to approach Gaza’s waters in the coming days. Organisers report that the mission has already faced drone attacks and electronic interference but remains resolved to its peaceful objectives.