Labour’s Gaza stance under scrutiny as 250 Muslim councillors take a stand

Over 250 Muslim councillors demand Keir Starmer calls for ceasefire in Gaza

Labour Party and the Israel-Palestine Conflict

Over 250 Muslim Labour Party councillors have joined dozens of MPs in demanding party leader Keir Starmer to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. In a letter from the Labour Muslim Network, the councillors stressed the urgent need to end the bloodshed and loss of innocent life. This call for a ceasefire comes in response to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, which has intensified over the past two weeks.

Political Backlash and Resignations

The demand for a ceasefire follows the resignation of 25 Labour councillors who were dissatisfied with the party leadership’s response to the conflict. Shaista Aziz, a councillor in Oxford and a contributor to Labour losing its majority on the council, stated that “a line had been crossed” and she saw no way back for the party. This discontent within the party reflects a growing concern among Muslim Labour Party members and raises questions about the party’s ability to maintain Muslim support.

Potential Collapse in Muslim Support

In addition to the resignations, a snapshot survey conducted by the research group Muslim Census indicates a potential collapse in the Muslim vote for the Labour Party in the next general election. The survey, which received over 30,000 responses, revealed a significant shift in sentiment among Muslim voters towards the main political parties. While 71% of respondents stated they voted for Labour in 2019, only 4.9% said they would do so now. This decline in support poses a significant challenge for the Labour Party to regain the trust of Muslim communities.

Labour Party Response and Backlash

Labour MPs have shown support for a motion calling for the government to use its influence to protect civilians and ensure adherence to international humanitarian law. However, criticisms have emerged regarding Keir Starmer’s response to the conflict. In an interview with LBC, Starmer stated that Israel had the right to defend itself, including cutting off power and water to Gaza. While he later clarified that he did not mean to justify these actions, his comments have drawn scrutiny. Starmer was also accused of misrepresenting his visit to a mosque in Cardiff, further challenging his credibility among Muslim communities.

Urgent need for Action

The Muslim Census survey results, as well as the demands from Muslim councillors, highlight the urgency for the Labour Party to take a clear and principled stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The overwhelming negative view of both the Conservative Party and Labour among Muslim respondents in the survey suggests a lack of confidence in the current political leadership. The Labour Party must recognize the depth of anger and hurt within Muslim communities and address these concerns if it hopes to regain Muslim support.

Rebuilding Trust

It is essential for the Labour Party to engage directly with Muslim representatives and communities, rather than solely seeking their support during election seasons. This requires a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by these communities and a commitment to addressing their concerns. Apologizing for Starmer’s comments and ensuring that Muslim representatives within the party are recognized and supported would be crucial steps towards rebuilding trust.

The Labour Party has been contacted for comment, and this news story continues to develop.