Labour has ruled out around 30 motions about Palestine from being debated at its party conference later this month, prompting accusations that it is attempting to stifle debate on the issue. The conference arrangement committee, composed of Labour elected representatives and officials, deemed the motions out of order, mostly on grounds that the matter was already addressed by the National Policy Framework report in August.
Some of those who submitted the motions may appeal against the decisions by Sunday, with appeals heard on Monday. The moves come as the prime minister prepares to recognise Palestine as an independent state, but many Labour members and MPs want further action, including a halt to all arms trade and military cooperation with Israel.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), which has support from some Labour MPs, accused party officials of attempting to block debate. The group noted that many proposed motions focused on events after the August NPF report, such as Israel's announced plans for a military occupation of Gaza City on 8 August and the killing of five Al Jazeera journalists on 10 August. The motions also raised new issues, including comprehensive sanctions and a ban on trade that aids Israel's alleged violations of international law.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, a PSC supporter, said: 'With more than 30 motions on Palestine submitted to this year’s Labour party conference, it is clear that party members see Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people as a major issue that needs to be raised on the conference floor. The government should join those including Sadiq Khan who have spoken out this week to make clear that what we are witnessing in Gaza is genocide and urgently implement sanctions, including a full arms embargo and a ban on all trade that aids or assists Israel’s crimes against the Palestinian people. Delegates must not be prevented from discussing these issues at conference.'
Ben Jamal, the PSC's director, added: 'Just days after a UN commission of inquiry confirmed that Israel has committed and is committing genocide in Gaza, it is shocking that Labour officials are trying to block a large influx of motions in solidarity with Palestine from being debated at this year’s party conference.' Israel has consistently rejected all accusations of genocide, citing its right to self-defence. A Labour spokesperson said: 'A wide range of topics will be debated and discussed at annual conference. The democratically elected conference arrangements committee rules on whether motions to conference are in order, in line with Labour party rules. All party procedures have been followed.'
