Arab Barghouti, son of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, has called on the British government to prioritize his father’s release as part of efforts to renew Palestinian democracy. Speaking at a meeting in London, he warned that the UK’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state would amount to false hope unless backed by diplomatic action to secure his father’s freedom. He argued that Marwan Barghouti, despite being jailed since 2003, remains a unifying figure capable of advancing a peaceful two-state solution and democratic reform.

A cross-party group of UK MPs has been campaigning for Barghouti’s release, describing him as a potential bridge toward peace and a legitimate successor to Mahmoud Abbas. The Foreign Office, however, has declined to support the calls, limiting its stance to endorsing Red Cross access to Palestinian prisoners. Barghouti’s 2003 trial, which resulted in multiple life sentences, was criticized by an Inter-Parliamentary Union inquiry for failing to meet fairness standards.

Arab Barghouti said his father has been held in solitary confinement and assaulted since October, urging the UK to act in defense of international law and to help enable genuine Palestinian political renewal.