Warwick and Leamington MP decides against public meeting on Gaza in open letter response

Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western has decided not to hold a public meeting on Gaza after receiving an open letter signed by over 80 of his constituents.

While US-brokered ceasefire negotiations are underway and a major hostage transfer has been secured, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is still an ongoing concern.

Leamington resident Angela Walsh penned the letter following several failed attempts as an individual to arrange a public meeting on Gaza.

She told the Leamington Observer: “I do not feel that my voice is being heard, or that my questions are answered, and I am certainly not alone in feeling that.”

It is vital that elected members of Parliament do not hide away from the scrutiny of those who they work for and represent

Angela Walsh, Leamington resident

These failed attempts included Walsh contacting Mr Western, as well as attending several events and protests in hope of his attendance and engagement with his constituents.

She added: “It is vital that elected members of Parliament do not hide away from the scrutiny of those who they work for and represent.”

The letter, referencing the horror felt among the signatories due to “the suffering of the Palestinian people” and the “inadequate response from the Government”, stated that “it is vital that we hear directly from you in respect of this matter”.

Another signatory, Liam Noonan of Warwick, said: “Mr Western has been willing to hold public meetings in the constituency in the past, but seems reluctant to hold one on the urgent issue of Gaza.”

The letter acknowledges that signees “have received emails from [Mr Western] on this issue”, despite their belief that “given the severity of the ongoing and escalating situation […] a public meeting is necessary”.

Matt Western told The Boar: “I do not intend to hold an open, public meeting on the policy decisions relating to Israel and Gaza.”

He explained: “I do not believe that hosting a one-off public meeting on policy for 80 or so constituents would be an effective way of listening and responding to the wide array of concerns that so many people in the constituency have about the actions Israel has taken against the Palestinian people.”

I would be more than happy to meet […] any signees of the open letter on a one-to-one or small group basis. Should they wish to do so, they can contact my office

Matt Western MP

Despite this, Western stated: “In the constituency, I have attended vigils, spoken one-to-one with many constituents in surgeries, and regularly met with the influential Justice for Palestinians (Leamington Spa) group every six weeks or so.”

Regarding his engagement with the signatories, he clarified: “I have also met with, and written to, many of the signatories in the open letter about their concerns and to update them on the action I have been taking. I will continue to respond to all correspondence I receive on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.”

Western also cited personal safety concerns as having played their part in his decision.

“Recent attacks on MPs’ offices and the personal accusations directed at me online have made it increasingly difficult to participate in public events with the confidence that everyone’s safety can be assured. This is deeply regrettable, and I remain committed to finding ways to engage meaningfully and safely with the community.”

He concluded: “I would be more than happy to meet Angela and any signees of the open letter on a one-to-one or small group basis. Should they wish to do so, they can contact my office.”

Students living in the Warwick and Leamington constituency can contact Matt Western’s office at matt.western.mp@parliament.uk.