EIGHTY MPs and peers have written to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging decisive action to uphold Palestinian rights and impose comprehensive sanctions on Israel.

The cross-party group of politicians demanded in an open letter today that Britain recognise the UN’s findings on genocide and implement the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in full.

They also called for the imposition of sanctions, including a full arms embargo and a ban on trade that supports Israel’s illegal settlements.

PSC deputy director Peter Leary said: “This timely letter from MPs and peers echoes the views of millions of people across Britain.

“For far too long the British government has wilfully ignored its responsibilities under the Genocide Convention and the findings of the International Court of Justice while actively supporting Israel’s atrocities against the Palestinian people.

“If Andy Burnham really intends to break from the toxic legacy of his predecessor, he must start by imposing wide-ranging sanctions against Israel, including a full arms embargo and a total ban on all trade that aids or assists Israel’s violations of international law.”

The open letter follows pressure on Mr Burnham to step in and block the prosecution of leading human rights barrister Rajiv Menon over his defence of Palestine Action activists.

Mr Menon faces trial for contempt of court next week over a closing speech he made in defence of the activists at their trial for a protest at the Bristol factory of Israeli arms company Elbit.

Former Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle said: “This needs to end.

“The immoral proscription of Palestine Action has led to the farce of trying to prosecute the lawyers who defended them.

“This is an assault on our justice system and our civil liberties. The new government must step in.”

Former Labour candidate Faiza Shaheen commented: “If Burnham is serious about making a break from Starmer, he needs to end all prosecutions of those that stood against the proscription of Palestine Action.”

The head of the Criminal Bar Association, Riel Karmy-Jones KC, warned the prosecution would leave lawyers afraid to properly represent defendants.

The prosecution of Mr Menon is believed to be the first time a barrister has faced charges over the content of a closing speech in defence of clients.