Labour's Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson finds herself at the centre of a political storm after attending a pro-Palestinian conference where a speaker advocated for the "normalisation of resistance" against Israel.
The controversy erupted following her participation in the Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East event, drawing sharp criticism from both sides of the political divide.
Cross-party condemnation
Former US governor Mike Huckabee led the charge, accusing Ms Phillipson of supporting "terrorism" through her attendance. The criticism wasn't limited to international figures, with voices within UK politics expressing concern about the event's tone and messaging.
The conference featured contributions that have been described as inflammatory, including calls that some interpreted as supporting violent resistance against Israel.
Labour's delicate balancing act
This incident highlights the ongoing tension within the Labour Party regarding its position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Under Keir Starmer's leadership, the party has sought to distance itself from the controversies that marked Jeremy Corbyn's era while maintaining support for Palestinian rights.
Ms Phillipson, seen as a rising star in the party and potential future leadership contender, now faces questions about her judgment in attending an event featuring such rhetoric.
Broader implications
The fallout comes at a sensitive time for Labour, which maintains a substantial lead in opinion polls ahead of the next general election. The party leadership has been working to present a united front and avoid controversies that could alienate moderate voters.
This incident raises fresh questions about how Labour manages its approach to international conflicts and the Middle East specifically, an area that has caused significant internal division in recent years.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are on how the Labour leadership will respond to the growing criticism and whether Ms Phillipson will face consequences for her conference attendance.
