THE PETITIONERS’ REQUESTS
The petitioners have formulated seven specific requests to His Majesty’s Government. These are designed not only to recognise historical responsibility but to begin a process of reconciliation, justice and reparation:
Consider the petition, together with the evidence on which it is based, in accordance with Government commitments to re-evaluate evidence of moral and unlawful wrongdoing in Britain’s colonial past.
Conduct a search for any remaining documents, evidence and information not yet released into the UK National Archives that support the claims of the petition, make them publicly available, and take them into account.
Reach a view on the petition that is consistent with frankness, transparency and candour, in keeping with public commitments to honour the rule of law, including international law.
Respond to the petition fully and publicly.
Acknowledge the wrongful acts committed by the UK during the period and promote national understanding of the adverse consequences of that history.
Provide an official public apology in the form of a statement to be read in the House of Commons by the Prime Minister.
Investigate in good faith what forms of accountability, reparation, satisfaction and investment in the Palestinian people and State of Palestine are appropriate in light of the wrongful acts and Britain’s acknowledged responsibility.
For more on the ways reparations can begin to address colonial atrocities, see this recent briefing by Human Rights Watch.