Keir Starmer is struggling to maintain control within the Labour Party over the Gaza conflict, with four shadow ministers reportedly ready to resign in the coming days and up to ten others on 'resignation watch'. The Labour leader faces a rebellion from as many as a dozen shadow ministers who are prepared to quit rather than vote against a ceasefire in the Middle East, which Starmer has refused to endorse.
Several Labour MPs say they are under intense pressure from party members and constituents to take a firmer stance against the Israeli invasion of Gaza, as tens of thousands are expected to attend pro-Palestinian protests in London this weekend. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the protests would proceed, backing Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley in his public dispute with Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who accused the Met of being more lenient towards pro-Palestinian groups.
A Labour official said party leaders are monitoring up to 15 shadow ministers with large Muslim constituencies for signs they might resign, following the departure of Imran Hussain on Tuesday. One Labour frontbencher told the Guardian: 'My position has always been that the only way forward is a ceasefire. The pause will not solve the problem.' Another said: 'I have over 600 emails on this, more than any other subject ever, including Brexit and Covid.'
The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has surpassed 10,000, and the Biden administration has warned Israel against reoccupying Gaza. Starmer angered many in his party last month by suggesting Israel had the right to withhold electricity and water from civilians, though he later clarified his remarks and expressed support for Palestinian statehood. However, his refusal to back a ceasefire, instead calling for a 'humanitarian pause', threatens to reopen internal divisions.
The Scottish National Party is considering forcing a vote on a ceasefire during next week's King's Speech debates. Labour whips have told MPs not to support such a motion, but several frontbenchers are reportedly willing to resign to do so. One said: 'The vote is going to be the moment. The death toll is far too horrific.' Those considering resignation say they do not wish to bring Starmer down, but multiple resignations would pose the biggest threat to his authority since his early leadership days.
Starmer could avoid a confrontation if the Commons speaker refuses to call a ceasefire vote. He said last week that a ceasefire would embolden Hamas, but he might change his position if the international community, led by the US, shifts first. The Biden administration has recently toughened its stance towards Israel, with National Security Spokesperson John Kirby stating that 'reoccupation by Israeli forces of Gaza is not the right thing to do.'
