Labour MP Rachael Maskell has resigned from her frontbench position following a disagreement with party leader Sir Keir Starmer over his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The York Central MP stepped down as shadow minister for environmental justice, stating she could no longer support the leadership's position on the issue.
Maskell's resignation comes amid growing dissent within Labour ranks, with several MPs expressing concerns over Starmer's approach to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. In her resignation letter, Maskell emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Growing Labour Unrest
The departure marks another challenge for Starmer as he attempts to maintain party unity on foreign policy matters. Maskell is among a group of Labour MPs who have publicly criticised the leadership's reluctance to call for an immediate ceasefire.
"The scale of suffering in Gaza demands urgent action," Maskell wrote in her resignation letter. "I cannot, in good conscience, continue to represent a position that doesn't prioritise civilian lives and international law."
Starmer's Leadership Tested
Sir Keir Starmer has faced mounting pressure to adjust Labour's position on the conflict, particularly after his initial comments were interpreted by some as supporting Israel's blockade of Gaza. The Labour leader has since clarified his stance, calling for adherence to international law and humanitarian pauses in fighting.
Political analysts suggest Maskell's resignation reflects broader tensions within Labour between its traditional left-wing base and Starmer's centrist leadership. The party has seen multiple frontbench resignations since Starmer became leader in 2020, though most have been over domestic policy issues.
As the conflict continues, all eyes remain on how Starmer will navigate these internal divisions while maintaining Labour's position as a government-in-waiting.
