Starmer out of step on Gaza

Labour leader Kier Starmer’s stance on Gaza is out of step with unions, with many joining calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.

Last month, Starmer instructed Labour MPs to abstain from voting on an SNP amendment to the King’s Speech calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Fifty-six Labour MPs broke ranks to vote in favour of the amendment, with 10 frontbenchers resigning or sacked from his team.

For example, the UNISON public services union called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel while the Unite general union demanded “an immediate unconditional ceasefire by all parties in Israel and Gaza”. The Wales TUC called on the Wales first minister to lend his support to calls for a ceasefire.

The GMB general union echoed “with urgency the United Nations Secretary-General’s call on ‘all countries with influence on parties waging war to do everything possible for the ceasefire to become a reality’.”

The CWU communications union urged the British government and all political leaders to demand an immediate ceasefire and for a mediation and negotiation to bring about a just settlement based on United Nations resolutions and international law.

And the FBU firefighters’ union called on the UK government, Labour Party leadership and all MPs to support amendments to the King’s Speech that clearly call for an immediate ceasefire.