£10,000 fine for organiser of Yeshiva gathering of ‘150’
POLICE HANDED out a £10,000 fine after dispersing a large gathering at Hitchin Yeshiva in North Hertfordshire on 20 February.
Police said around 150 people had attended what they described as “a service of remembrance event”.
Under coronavirus rules, a maximum of six people are permitted to attend a wake or celebration of life event, although up to 30 people may attend a funeral.
North Herts Safer Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Jon Roche said: “We sympathise with anyone who is grieving the loss of a relative at this time and understand that it is really difficult not being able to mourn in the way you normally would, but we all have to remember that the rules are in place for a reason and the vast majority of people are doing the right thing.
“The lockdown rules are clear and we all have a duty to play our part. Breaching the regulations sets us all back and is the wrong thing to do when so many others have made sacrifices.”
The £10,000 fixed penalty issued to the organiser of the gathering should act as a “real deterrent”, he said, adding: “We will act and fine those who are blatantly flouting the law.”
MIDDLE EAST Minister James Cleverly has insisted the UK is “working with other countries to bring about positive change” at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after he was warned its recent decision to investigate Israel for possible war crimes against Palestinians leaves Britain’s armed forces also at risk of “vexatious claims”.
Sarah Atherton, Conservative MP for Wrexham, told the House of the Commons that she believed the ICC’s decision earlier this month “not only undermines the Middle East peace process but heightens the exposure of our armed forces to vexatious claims by setting a precedent that non-state actors can initiate proceedings”.
Asked what steps he was taking to ensure the UK was at the forefront of reforms of the ICC, Mr Cleverly said: “The UK respects the ICC’s independence, but we are working with other countries to bring about positive change within the court. The UK was instrumental in the establishment of the independent expert review, which reported in September, together with other state parties.
“Additionally, the UK is driving forward reforms to governance, prosecutorial excellence, and a more rigorous approach to budget control and value for money.”
On Wednesday the ICC announced an inqury into Israeli actions, having ruled last month that it has jurisdiction in Palestine, clearing its chief prosecutor to investigate alleged atrocities.
Mr Cleverly also dismissed claims that the UK is failing to put pressure on the Israeli government over cases involving Palestinians who claim they face eviction from their homes in East Jerusalem.
Stressing how Britain retains a “close and productive working relationship with Israel”, Mr Cleverly told the House of Commons on Tuesday: “When we speak, the Israelis absolutely do listen.”
The minister was responding to a question put to him by the Labour MP Julie Elliot, who suggested his government should do more than just “urge” the Israeli government to “bring to an end this acceptable situation” of forced eviction of Palestinians in the region.
“The Hon Lady dismisses our urgings, but I remind her that the UK’s voice has had an influence on decisions made by the Government of Israel,” added Mr Cleverly.
Speaking during a debate titled East Jerusalem: Forced Evictions and Dispossessions, the minister also stressed how the vast majority of Palestinians receiving UK-funded legal support in the region had actually remained in their homes. He said: “In 96 per cent of cases, those receiving UKfunded legal support have remained in their homes. The UK ambassador joined ambassadors of European states to urge the Government of Israel to cease demolitions. He attended a meeting with Israeli authorities on 25 February.
Mr Cleverly also stressed the UK’s role in attempting to start dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians once again.
“The UK has been working with both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, alongside the United States and international key partners, to progress specific areas of co-operation, including water and gas provision, energy infrastructure and trade facilitation,” he said.
Mr Cleverly also stressed the UK’s role in attempting to start dialogue’