Sir Keir Starmer is facing one of the most significant backbench rebellions of his leadership as nearly 40 Labour MPs and peers have broken ranks to support the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. The move signals a profound internal rift within the party over its stance on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Parliamentary Motion Sparks Internal Conflict
The rebellion was triggered by an SNP-led parliamentary motion calling for the UK government to formally recognise Palestine as an independent state. In a dramatic display of dissent, prominent Labour figures including former shadow ministers Jess Phillips and Rachel Hopkins defied the official party line to back the motion.
The depth of the division became apparent as MPs signed multiple early day motions supporting recognition, with many explicitly criticising the leadership's position as insufficient amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Leadership's Cautious Stance
While the Labour leadership acknowledges that Palestinian statehood is an essential component of a two-state solution, it has maintained that recognition should occur at the appropriate time as part of a peace process, rather than immediately. This cautious approach has frustrated many within the party's ranks who demand more decisive action.
A Labour spokesperson stated: "We support the recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a peace process, but we must ensure this happens at the right time in the negotiations rather than simply making the gesture unilaterally."
Growing Pressure on Starmer
The rebellion represents more than just a policy disagreement—it reflects growing impatience with Starmer's leadership on international humanitarian issues. Backbenchers are increasingly willing to challenge the leadership on matters of conscience, particularly concerning the devastating human toll of the Gaza conflict.
This internal conflict comes at a sensitive time for Starmer, who has worked to present a united front since becoming leader. The scale of this rebellion suggests he may face continued challenges in maintaining party discipline on foreign policy matters that engage strong moral convictions among MPs.
The parliamentary motion, while unlikely to immediately change government policy, serves as a powerful indicator of shifting sentiments within British politics regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and adds to the mounting international pressure for a resolution.
