File photo : A man holds up a Palestinian flag while standing atop the rubble of a collapsed building at the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. AFP
Formerly known as the Balfour Project, the BPP is a registered UK charity focused on educating the public about Britain’s historical role in Mandate Palestine and its current responsibilities in addressing "the conflict". The organization advocates for peace, justice, and equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians, and encourages the UK government to recognize the state of Palestine.
During a meeting in London with British members of Parliament, members of the House of Lords, Arab ambassadors, and civil society groups, the BPP launched a nationwide petition to secure 100,000 signatures — the threshold required to trigger a full parliamentary debate on UK policies towards the Israel-Palestine conflict.
On 13 March the organization officially rebranded as the Britain Palestine Project, citing a critical moment in Middle Eastern history amid increasing global efforts to undermine international law.
Public support for a principled UK foreign policy
The BPP highlighted recent opinion polls indicating strong public support for a foreign policy stance based on humanitarian principles and international law in Britain.
“At this pivotal moment for the Palestinian issue, which has been at the root of regional conflicts for decades, it is essential that Britain plays a leading role in seeking a peaceful solution. It must challenge the 'might is right' approach championed by the Trump administration and insist on the rule of law,” said BPP chair Andrew Whitley.
“Given its historical record, Britain should be a leader, not a follower,” he added.
Whitley is the founder and executive director of Geo-Political Advisory Services (GPAS), a UK-based consultancy focused on conflict resolution in the Middle East and Asia. A retired United Nations official, he spent much of his career in the region, including seven years in Israel and occupied Palestine. He is also a former journalist with the BBC and the Financial Times.
UK's endorsement of Arab Plan for Gaza
The BPP noted the UK’s endorsement of the Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by Egypt and unanimously agreed upon by Arab nations at the Extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo as a credible alternative to what it describes as the ethnic cleansing policies pursued by the current US and Israeli governments.
While praising the UK government’s decision, the BPP called for bolder action.
“UK policies towards the conflict should be based on upholding international law, including implementing measures demanded by the International Court of Justice to reject the ongoing illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and prevent annexation,” the charity stated.
Newly appointed Executive Director Dr. Brian Brivati emphasized Britain’s responsibility, given its historical role, to support Palestinian statehood.
“Britain has a duty to play a leadership role in supporting Palestinian statehood. Its responsibility must include the reconstruction of Gaza and justice for the victims of crimes against humanity,” Brivati said.
He also highlighted Britain’s capacity to take on such a role due to its position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
“At the BPP, our mission is to encourage Britain to be a leader for a just and lasting peace in Israel and Palestine,” he concluded.
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