Labour Party Rebels Against Starmer on Israel-Gaza Ceasefire
56 MPs defy leader's orders, voting for immediate end to conflict
In a major blow to his authority, Sir Keir Starmer has faced a significant rebellion within his party over his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. 56 Labour MPs defied his orders and voted in favor of an amendment calling for an immediate ceasefire.
MPs Criticize Starmer's Lack of Leadership
The rebels, including prominent figures such as Jess Phillips and Afzal Khan, criticized Starmer for failing to take a strong enough stand against Israel's actions in Gaza. They argued that his refusal to support a ceasefire sent the wrong message and undermined Labour's commitment to human rights.
In a statement, Phillips said, "I cannot in good conscience support a government that is committing war crimes. The Labour Party must stand up for the rights of all people, regardless of their religion or nationality."
Starmer Defends His Position
Despite the rebellion, Starmer has defended his position, arguing that it is important to maintain a balanced approach and avoid taking sides in the conflict. He also expressed concern that a ceasefire would not be effective without a wider political solution.
The vote is a significant setback for Starmer, who has been under pressure from both within his party and the wider public to take a more critical stance towards Israel. It remains to be seen how he will respond to the rebellion and whether it will have a lasting impact on his leadership.
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