Keir Starmer is facing a growing rebellion within the Labour Party over his stance on the Gaza conflict, with four shadow ministers prepared to quit in the coming days and up to ten others on 'resignation watch'. The Labour leader is under pressure from a dozen shadow ministers who are ready to resign rather than vote against calling for a ceasefire, which Starmer has refused to back.
Several Labour MPs report intense pressure from party members and constituents to take a firmer stance against the Israeli invasion of Gaza. This comes as tens of thousands are expected to participate in pro-Palestinian protests in London this weekend. The situation has been exacerbated by the resignation of Imran Hussain on Tuesday night.
A Labour frontbencher told the Guardian: 'My position has always been [that] the only way forward is a ceasefire. The pause [as advocated by Starmer] will not solve the problem. Someone needs to say enough is enough.' Another MP noted they had received over 600 emails on the issue, more than any other subject including Brexit and Covid.
Starmer angered many in his party last month when he stated that Israel had the right to withhold electricity and water from civilians in Gaza. He later clarified his remarks and expressed full support for Palestinian statehood, but his refusal to back a ceasefire—instead calling for a 'humanitarian pause'—threatens to reopen divisions. The Scottish National Party is considering forcing a vote on a ceasefire during next week's king's speech debates, and Labour whips have instructed MPs not to support such a motion, though some frontbenchers are willing to resign to do so.
The Labour leader has argued that a ceasefire would embolden Hamas, but he may change his position if the international community, led by the US, shifts first. The Biden administration has recently toughened its stance, warning Israel against reoccupying Gaza. A Labour party spokesperson said: 'Labour fully understands calls for a ceasefire. Everybody wants this conflict to end and we are committed to working with international partners to find a lasting solution.'
