Labour leader Keir Starmer has written to all Labour councillors across the country to clarify the Party position on the escalating crisis in Gaza. In it he emphasises that Israel has the right to defend itself, to keep its people safe and bring hostages home but that Israel’s defence must be conducted in accordance with international law. He also stresses that the pain and suffering that has been unleashed is the responsibility of the terrorists of Hamas but makes clear that Hamas are not the Palestinian people, and the Palestinian people are not Hamas. He further reminded members that Labour’s commitment to a two state solution – a secure Israel, and a viable Palestine – is unwavering. Keir Starmer concluded by demanding that Hamas immediately release all hostages, that all parties to act in accordance with international law, and protect civilian life, for the immediate humanitarian access of food, water, electricity and medicine to Gaza, for the safe humanitarian corridors for those fleeing violence and for solidarity with all those faced with the barbarism of Hamas.
Starmer’s Letter to Labour Councillors in full
I know this will be an incredibly challenging time for many of you, with communities across the UK shaken by ongoing events in the Middle East. I want to thank you for your dedicated service and to share my deepest sympathies for those who have friends and loved ones caught up in the conflict.As I write, the world is once again watching with horror; the murder of innocent men, women and children; hostage taking; and unimaginably difficult stories and images emerging every hour. As a father, I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like for parents in the region, and for their families here.We must never forget that at the heart of this are millions of innocent lives: Palestinians and Israelis, men, women and children. People who want no part in this destruction, who want nothing more than security for their families, whose greatest desire is the prospect of a future that is not dictated by hatred and war. We will have their safety, their protection, their lives at the forefront of everything we do.In the last few days, I have met with representatives from the Jewish community at my local synagogue. The work they are undertaking with other faiths to show that these heinous acts will not divide their community was emotive, and commendable.I have also met with representatives from organisations leading humanitarian efforts in Palestine. Gaza is now facing a humanitarian emergency and innocent civilians are terrified for their lives. There must be humanitarian corridors and humanitarian access, including food, water, electricity and medicines. And there must be proper protection for all those who work selflessly so aid can be delivered to victims.
Humanitarian catastropheI was moved by the tragic circumstances they described and the heroic acts of aid workers. Their experiences will stay with me, and their work must be supported; it will be by Labour. This is an urgent situation and innocent Palestinians need to know the world is not simply watching, but acting, to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.I am acutely aware of the shocking rise in Islamophobia, and antisemitic attacks that have been seen on too many British streets over the last few days. I know some of you have yourselves been victims, and all of you have played your role dealing with these most difficult of circumstances.So, I want to thank all Labour councillors for everything you’re doing across faiths and communities to kick out hate and to carry out your vital role in promoting local community cohesion. Labour will never shy from playing our part in protecting the pride and tolerance that is Britain. We fully support police action to pursue those who commit offences.Our country is made stronger and richer by the presence and contribution of Jews and Muslims alike. We will have zero tolerance for hatred, no matter whose name or what cause it is committed in.Families are grieving, across Israel and Gaza, and here in the UK. This is a terrifying and distressing time for everyone – Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim and Jew.
International LawLabour has been clear; Israel has the right to defend herself, to keep its people safe and bring hostages home. Israel’s defence must be conducted in accordance with international law.We are also clear, the pain and suffering that has been unleashed is the responsibility of the terrorists of Hamas. Hamas are not the Palestinian people, and the Palestinian people are not Hamas.Indeed, Hamas have no interest in the future and freedom of the Palestinian people, nor in peace – causes they have willingly, deliberately, murderously set back. Labour’s commitment to a two state solution – a secure Israel, and a viable Palestine – is unwavering.You have my word; Labour will continue to call for: • Hamas to immediately release all hostages
• all parties to act in accordance with international law, and protect civilian life
• immediate humanitarian access of food, water, electricity and medicine to Gaza
• safe humanitarian corridors for those fleeing violence
• solidarity with all those faced with the barbarism of Hamas.My statement in the House of Commons can be found here.I understand and thank you for the important role that councillors play in ensuring our party’s position is communicated to constituents concerned by recent events.If there is any support you need as councillors during this difficult and distressing time, do not hesitate to contact the Party.
Labour Councillors on Somerset Unitary Council
Absolutely agree Gary Bowman, with everything you say. Starmer nothing more than a Tory in disguise. anybody would think that the Gaza crisis has just come about, the bullying of the Palestinians by Israel has been going on for years – ask Jeremy !!
Is that what he said originally? After a lifetime of voting Labour, i won’t be doing it again until the Tory in chief is removed. I don’t know if his mission was to destroy the Labour movement in this country, if it was he has done a brilliant job! When even his mates in the Haldane Society dismiss him for “not being a socialist” (2017) and for his abysmal approach to the Gaza crisis(2023). It tells me everything I need to know. I tore up my membership card the day he was elected, the darkest day in Labour history. He will be prime minister (or president, in his own mind) not because Labour win the election but because the Tories lost it and under our present system all we can do is vote for the least worse, unfortunately this time around, there’s no least worse. The two parties are now so closely aligned, they may as well become one!