Keir Starmer has written to Labour councillors expressing sympathy for innocent Palestinians and Israelis, amid warnings that dozens could resign over the party's stance on the conflict. Several councillors have already resigned, and at least 20 more are poised to quit, citing the leadership's 'unwillingness to show value to the humanity of Palestinian lives'.
The Labour leader provoked anger after stating that Israel had 'the right' to withhold water and power from Palestinians, though he added that 'everything should be done within international law'. In his letter, Starmer described the situation as 'a terrifying and distressing time for everyone – Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim and Jew', but many insiders feel it is 'too little, too late'.
The Guardian understands that resignations are concentrated in councils with large Muslim communities, including Birmingham, Bradford, Leeds, Manchester, Leicester, Luton, Oldham, Kirklees, Brent, Tower Hamlets, and Redbridge. This could lead to Labour losing control of some councils, with constituents potentially voting elsewhere.
A Labour Muslim Network spokesperson urged Starmer to apologise and retract his comments, stating that 'Muslims across the country see Labour as unwilling to show value to the humanity of Palestinian lives'. The spokesperson added that 'there is still a chance to rebuild trust, but the door is shutting very quickly'.
Starmer's spokesperson clarified that the leader had been answering a previous question about Israel's right to defend itself and had stressed international law in other interviews. However, a Labour source criticised the clarification as insufficient, noting that 'there's been ample opportunity to retract the comments'.
