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More than 20 councillors have resigned from the Labour Party over Keir Starmer’s position on Gaza
22 October 2023
The Labour Party is facing a full scale rebellion over its position on Israel’s siege and bombardment of Gaza, with more than a dozen of its councillors having resigned their party membership.
At the time of publishing, more than 20 councillors who were elected under the Labour banner have resigned from the party and become independents. The councillors have resigned at various points over the last week, with Keir Starmer’s comments about Israel’s siege on Gaza on LBC being an initial trigger.
Asked by Nick Ferrari whether he thought that the siege on Gaza – including the cutting off of power and water – was appropriate, Starmer said that Israel “does have that right”. In the interview he also said that Israel must act within international law, but failed to acknowledge that the siege on Gaza is illegal by virtue of constituting collective punishment.
Starmer has since claimed that he did not support the siege on Gaza and was merely saying that Israel has a right to defend itself.
Anger has also been caused by the Labour Party previously strongly encouraging its elected representatives not to attend demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Councils to have seen resignations include Cambridge, Gloucester, Haringey, Islington, Kensington, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham and Stroud.
Eight councillors in Oxford have left Labour, leaving the party without a majority for the first time in over a decade. Six of these resignations came at a meeting of Oxford and District and Labour Party on October 20.
In a speech announcing her resignation at the meeting, Oxford City Councillor Imogen Thomas said: “The Labour leadership, locally and nationally, has sought to actively silence members and representatives who have acted to highlight violations of international law, banning motions, as we’ve seen, from branches, strongly advising councillors against attending demonstrations.”
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Image credit: Rwendland – Creative Commons
The Labour Party is facing a full scale rebellion over its position on Israel’s siege and bombardment of Gaza, with more than a dozen of its councillors having resigned their party membership.
At the time of publishing, more than 20 councillors who were elected under the Labour banner have resigned from the party and become independents. The councillors have resigned at various points over the last week, with Keir Starmer’s comments about Israel’s siege on Gaza on LBC being an initial trigger.
Asked by Nick Ferrari whether he thought that the siege on Gaza – including the cutting off of power and water – was appropriate, Starmer said that Israel “does have that right”. In the interview he also said that Israel must act within international law, but failed to acknowledge that the siege on Gaza is illegal by virtue of constituting collective punishment.
Starmer has since claimed that he did not support the siege on Gaza and was merely saying that Israel has a right to defend itself.
Anger has also been caused by the Labour Party previously strongly encouraging its elected representatives not to attend demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Councils to have seen resignations include Cambridge, Gloucester, Haringey, Islington, Kensington, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham and Stroud.
Eight councillors in Oxford have left Labour, leaving the party without a majority for the first time in over a decade. Six of these resignations came at a meeting of Oxford and District and Labour Party on October 20.
In a speech announcing her resignation at the meeting, Oxford City Councillor Imogen Thomas said: “The Labour leadership, locally and nationally, has sought to actively silence members and representatives who have acted to highlight violations of international law, banning motions, as we’ve seen, from branches, strongly advising councillors against attending demonstrations.”
PS. We hope you enjoyed this article. Bright Green has got big plans for the future to publish many more articles like this. You can help make that happen. Please donate to Bright Green now.
Image credit: Rwendland – Creative Commons
Sir Keir Starmer seeks to clarify Gaza remarks following backlash from Labour councillors
The Labour leader said Israel did not have the right to withhold humanitarian aid after previous comments he made in an interview prompted resignations from within the party.
Alexandra Rogers
Sky News
Sir Keir Starmer has sought to clarify remarks he made about Israel's decision to limit supplies to Gaza after they sparked concern and even resignations among Labour councillors.
The Labour leader reiterated today that Israel had a "right to self-defence", but said that did not mean it should withhold humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is home to 2.2 million civilians.
In the immediate days after Hamas launched its surprise attack on 7 October, Sir Keir gave an interview to LBC in which he appeared to suggest that Israel had a right to limit essential supplies, including water and electricity, to Gaza.
Politics latest: Starmer says Labour 'humble' in victory as leaked messages reveal Tory dismay
In the widely shared clip, the Labour leader was asked what a "proportionate" response would look like, to which Sir Keir replied that responsibility "lies with Hamas" and that Israel "has the right to defend herself".
Presenter Nick Ferrari interjected: "A siege is appropriate? Cutting off power, cutting off water?"
The Labour leader replied: "I think that Israel does have that right. It is an ongoing situation."
He added: "Obviously everything should be done within international law, but I don't want to step away from the core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself and Hamas bears responsibility for the terrorist acts."
Sir Keir's comments sparked criticism among some Labour councillors, several of whom resigned over his remarks - including Amna Abdullatif, the first Arab Muslim woman elected to Manchester City Council, Russell Whiting in Colwick, Nottinghamshire, and Mona Ahmed, a Labour councillor in Kensington and Chelsea.
A source with knowledge of the situation told Sky News that councillors wanted an apology and retraction from Sir Keir and that the anger was "palpable".
This morning a number of pro-Palestine activists held a protest outside the Labour Party's headquarters in London over Sir Keir's previous comments.
But speaking today, the Labour leader denied he had suggested withholding supplies was appropriate, saying: "I know that LBC clip has been widely shared and caused real concern and distress in some Muslim communities so let me be clear about what I was saying and what I wasn't saying.
"I was saying that Israel has the right to self-defence, and when I said that right I meant it was that right to self-defence. I was not saying that Israel had the right to cut off water, food, fuel or medicines.
"On the contrary. For over a week now, I have been leading the charge calling for that humanitarian aid to come in.
"We all know there are innocent civilians in Gaza in a humanitarian crisis, a million children that aid urgently needs to get in.
"So I was saying yes, they have the right to self-defence - that right they do have - but not the right to withhold that humanitarian aid that needs to get in. It is now absolutely urgent."
In a bid to address the concern, Sir Keir wrote to Labour councillors earlier this week in which he expressed sympathy for the situation of civilians living inside Gaza.
In the letter, seen by Sky News, the Labour leader said Gaza was facing a "humanitarian emergency".
"This is an urgent situation and innocent Palestinians need to know the world is not simply watching, but acting, to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe," he added.
The discontent felt among some councillors is understood to be shared by some Labour MPs, a number of whom backed an early-day motion in parliament calling for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Sky News has seen a letter written to MPs by Labour's chief whip, Sir Alan Campbell, in which he tells them to be cautious about going to vigils related to Palestinians.
Sir Alan said "colleagues should use their own judgement about whether or not to attend" community events and vigils.
Read more:
Sir Keir Starmer 'renewed' by double by-election win
Israel-Hamas war: Eight children killed after blast reduces Gaza block to rubble
Instagram apologises after inserting 'terrorist' into some Palestinian profiles
But he said MPs should be "especially careful not to put themselves in a position where they could be seen to share a platform with, or are close to, people that would undermine the Labour Party in any way".
In a sign of possible discontent with the positions adopted by the government and Labour, 59 MPs have now signed an early day motion calling for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Both the Tories and Labour have dismissed calls for a ceasefire.
In response to a question from the SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, the prime minster said Israel has a "right to defend itself, to protect its people and to act against terrorism and ensure that the awful attack we've seen from Hamas cannot happen
The Labour leader said Israel did not have the right to withhold humanitarian aid after previous comments he made in an interview prompted resignations from within the party.
Alexandra Rogers
Sky News
Sir Keir Starmer has sought to clarify remarks he made about Israel's decision to limit supplies to Gaza after they sparked concern and even resignations among Labour councillors.
The Labour leader reiterated today that Israel had a "right to self-defence", but said that did not mean it should withhold humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is home to 2.2 million civilians.
In the immediate days after Hamas launched its surprise attack on 7 October, Sir Keir gave an interview to LBC in which he appeared to suggest that Israel had a right to limit essential supplies, including water and electricity, to Gaza.
Politics latest: Starmer says Labour 'humble' in victory as leaked messages reveal Tory dismay
In the widely shared clip, the Labour leader was asked what a "proportionate" response would look like, to which Sir Keir replied that responsibility "lies with Hamas" and that Israel "has the right to defend herself".
Presenter Nick Ferrari interjected: "A siege is appropriate? Cutting off power, cutting off water?"
The Labour leader replied: "I think that Israel does have that right. It is an ongoing situation."
He added: "Obviously everything should be done within international law, but I don't want to step away from the core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself and Hamas bears responsibility for the terrorist acts."
Sir Keir's comments sparked criticism among some Labour councillors, several of whom resigned over his remarks - including Amna Abdullatif, the first Arab Muslim woman elected to Manchester City Council, Russell Whiting in Colwick, Nottinghamshire, and Mona Ahmed, a Labour councillor in Kensington and Chelsea.
A source with knowledge of the situation told Sky News that councillors wanted an apology and retraction from Sir Keir and that the anger was "palpable".
This morning a number of pro-Palestine activists held a protest outside the Labour Party's headquarters in London over Sir Keir's previous comments.
But speaking today, the Labour leader denied he had suggested withholding supplies was appropriate, saying: "I know that LBC clip has been widely shared and caused real concern and distress in some Muslim communities so let me be clear about what I was saying and what I wasn't saying.
"I was saying that Israel has the right to self-defence, and when I said that right I meant it was that right to self-defence. I was not saying that Israel had the right to cut off water, food, fuel or medicines.
"On the contrary. For over a week now, I have been leading the charge calling for that humanitarian aid to come in.
"We all know there are innocent civilians in Gaza in a humanitarian crisis, a million children that aid urgently needs to get in.
"So I was saying yes, they have the right to self-defence - that right they do have - but not the right to withhold that humanitarian aid that needs to get in. It is now absolutely urgent."
In a bid to address the concern, Sir Keir wrote to Labour councillors earlier this week in which he expressed sympathy for the situation of civilians living inside Gaza.
In the letter, seen by Sky News, the Labour leader said Gaza was facing a "humanitarian emergency".
"This is an urgent situation and innocent Palestinians need to know the world is not simply watching, but acting, to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe," he added.
The discontent felt among some councillors is understood to be shared by some Labour MPs, a number of whom backed an early-day motion in parliament calling for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Sky News has seen a letter written to MPs by Labour's chief whip, Sir Alan Campbell, in which he tells them to be cautious about going to vigils related to Palestinians.
Sir Alan said "colleagues should use their own judgement about whether or not to attend" community events and vigils.
Read more:
Sir Keir Starmer 'renewed' by double by-election win
Israel-Hamas war: Eight children killed after blast reduces Gaza block to rubble
Instagram apologises after inserting 'terrorist' into some Palestinian profiles
But he said MPs should be "especially careful not to put themselves in a position where they could be seen to share a platform with, or are close to, people that would undermine the Labour Party in any way".
In a sign of possible discontent with the positions adopted by the government and Labour, 59 MPs have now signed an early day motion calling for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Both the Tories and Labour have dismissed calls for a ceasefire.
In response to a question from the SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, the prime minster said Israel has a "right to defend itself, to protect its people and to act against terrorism and ensure that the awful attack we've seen from Hamas cannot happen
again".
Resigning Oxford City councillors say Starmer ‘complicit in war crimes’
“As Starmer has said, ‘Israel has that right’ to continue deadly attacks on Gazans. This is complicity in war crimes."
“As Starmer has said, ‘Israel has that right’ to continue deadly attacks on Gazans. This is complicity in war crimes."
by Joseph Connor
2023-10-21
Six Labour councillors on Oxford City Council have resigned after remarks from Sir Keir Starmer on the Israel-Hamas conflict sparked concern.
Councillors Imogen Thomas, Edward Mundy, Paula Dunne, Duncan Hall, Dr Hosnieh Djafari-Marbini and Jabu Nala-Hartley said on Friday they were stepping down from the party in the wake of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer appearing to suggest that Israel has “the right” to withhold energy and water from Gaza.
The councillors said in a statement: “At a time when it’s been crucial to call for an immediate ceasefire and a de-escalation, and to insist Israel abides by international law, Keir Starmer and the shadow Foreign Secretary have instead endorsed collective punishment, blockade, siege and mass civilian casualties.
“As Starmer has said, ‘Israel has that right’ to continue deadly attacks on Gazans. This is complicity in war crimes.
“The Labour party leadership has sought to silence members and representatives who have sought to highlight these violations of international law, banning motions from branches, and strongly advising councillors against attending demonstrations.
“This is a direct threat to our democratic rights.”
The statement continued: “In light of both the abdication of the Labour Party’s historic responsibility to stand for international law and human rights, and the typically authoritarian and undemocratic manner in which this position was enforced, we no longer feel we can serve as Labour councillors.
“We have been proud to represent our communities and do not take the decision to resign from Labour lightly.
“In a choice between serving our parties or justice, we have chosen justice.”
Starmer’s comments were made in an interview with LBC in the wake of Hamas launching a murderous assault on Israeli civilians.
But Starmer argued on Friday that he had intended to say that Israel has the right to defend itself and retrieve the around 200 hostages being held – “within international law”
2023-10-21
Six Labour councillors on Oxford City Council have resigned after remarks from Sir Keir Starmer on the Israel-Hamas conflict sparked concern.
Councillors Imogen Thomas, Edward Mundy, Paula Dunne, Duncan Hall, Dr Hosnieh Djafari-Marbini and Jabu Nala-Hartley said on Friday they were stepping down from the party in the wake of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer appearing to suggest that Israel has “the right” to withhold energy and water from Gaza.
The councillors said in a statement: “At a time when it’s been crucial to call for an immediate ceasefire and a de-escalation, and to insist Israel abides by international law, Keir Starmer and the shadow Foreign Secretary have instead endorsed collective punishment, blockade, siege and mass civilian casualties.
“As Starmer has said, ‘Israel has that right’ to continue deadly attacks on Gazans. This is complicity in war crimes.
“The Labour party leadership has sought to silence members and representatives who have sought to highlight these violations of international law, banning motions from branches, and strongly advising councillors against attending demonstrations.
“This is a direct threat to our democratic rights.”
The statement continued: “In light of both the abdication of the Labour Party’s historic responsibility to stand for international law and human rights, and the typically authoritarian and undemocratic manner in which this position was enforced, we no longer feel we can serve as Labour councillors.
“We have been proud to represent our communities and do not take the decision to resign from Labour lightly.
“In a choice between serving our parties or justice, we have chosen justice.”
Starmer’s comments were made in an interview with LBC in the wake of Hamas launching a murderous assault on Israeli civilians.
But Starmer argued on Friday that he had intended to say that Israel has the right to defend itself and retrieve the around 200 hostages being held – “within international law”
Sir Keir has met with councillors as he works to repair the damage caused by the remarks on the politically fraught subject (Joe Giddens/PA)
Speaking to broadcasters, the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to “clarify precisely what I was saying” during the “grave and urgent” situation for more than two million Palestinians.
“I know that LBC clip has been widely shared and caused real concern and distress in some Muslim communities, so let me be clear about what I was saying and what I wasn’t saying,” he said.
“I was saying that Israel has the right to self-defence, and when I said that right I meant it was that right to self-defence. I was not saying that Israel had the right to cut off water, food, fuel or medicines.
“On the contrary. For over a week now, I have been leading the charge calling for that humanitarian aid to come in.”
Starmer has met with councillors as he works to repair the damage caused by the remarks on the politically fraught subject.
The most recent resignations come after fellow Oxford City councillors Shaista Aziz and Amar Latif also said they would resign over the comments.
All eight councillors will continue to serve as independents.
Their resignations mean Labour is now down to 24 councillors on Oxford City Council, with 24 in opposition.
You may also like: Protesters say Labour has blood on its hands outside party’s HQ
Tags: keir starmer
Speaking to broadcasters, the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to “clarify precisely what I was saying” during the “grave and urgent” situation for more than two million Palestinians.
“I know that LBC clip has been widely shared and caused real concern and distress in some Muslim communities, so let me be clear about what I was saying and what I wasn’t saying,” he said.
“I was saying that Israel has the right to self-defence, and when I said that right I meant it was that right to self-defence. I was not saying that Israel had the right to cut off water, food, fuel or medicines.
“On the contrary. For over a week now, I have been leading the charge calling for that humanitarian aid to come in.”
Starmer has met with councillors as he works to repair the damage caused by the remarks on the politically fraught subject.
The most recent resignations come after fellow Oxford City councillors Shaista Aziz and Amar Latif also said they would resign over the comments.
All eight councillors will continue to serve as independents.
Their resignations mean Labour is now down to 24 councillors on Oxford City Council, with 24 in opposition.
You may also like: Protesters say Labour has blood on its hands outside party’s HQ
Tags: keir starmer
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