Pro-Palestine activists believe there could be a “sea change” in the Labour party’s approach to the Middle East crisis, potentially leading to a tougher government stance on Israel. Campaigners point to the Green surge in local elections, the likely departure of Keir Starmer from No 10, and new polling showing Labour members support a ban on all arms shipments to Israel.
The relative optimism marks a mood swing for a campaign that has been hit by losing successive high court cases, the labelling of Palestine Action as a terrorist group, and the failure of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace to progress Palestinian self-rule. Both frontrunners to replace Starmer, Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, have previously urged Labour to do more for Palestine, though neither has detailed specific UK actions in Gaza.
Brian Brivati, executive director of the British Palestine Project, said: “There is a sea change about to happen inside government… The electoral maths is obvious to MPs, including new-intake MPs, who have woken up to what will happen in their seat after the Greens’ performance in the local elections.” He cited polling showing 87% of Labour members back a ban on trade with illegal settlements and 78% support a total ban on arms shipments to Israel.
Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, said Labour had failed the Palestinians. “Recognition was a first step. Where is the second and 10th step?” she asked. “What is happening inside Gaza is intolerable yet we tolerate it.” At a British Palestine Project conference, she was heckled for describing herself as a Zionist, but her call for more action reflects a frustrated mood among MPs.
