Starmer’s Gaza test has only just begun

Sir Keir Starmer’s position on the Gaza conflict is now being challenged from within his shadow ministerial team. The resignation from the frontbench of Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East, is probably no great surprise to the Labour leader given the now backbencher’s vociferous criticism of the policy. Sir Keir may be concerned, however, that this exit from the shadow cabinet will not be the last. 

The line Sir Keir is seeking to hold is to be in favour of a humanitarian pause in the conflict to allow food and medicines to be brought to the people of the Gaza Strip, while being opposed to a ceasefire. 

The latter is seen as effectively letting Hamas withdraw, regroup and perpetrate fresh horrors on Israel in the future. Its leaders have said as much. For their own security, the Israelis have no choice but to finish off the terrorist organisation once and for all.

In pursuing this aim, there have been – and will be – many fatalities. According to Hamas, they number 10,000 so far, though this figure is contested by the Israel Defence Force. Nonetheless, it is clear that a lot of people are dying, not least because Hamas fighters have embedded themselves among civilians and are effectively holding them hostage, preventing their departure south to safer areas.

Sir Keir is essentially taking the same line as the British Government, the Americans and most European nations. This may change depending on what happens in Gaza, but for someone who aspires to be prime minister his stand is the right one.

Many of the Labour MPs and councillors who have objected to the leadership’s policy are Muslims or have a high proportion of Muslim voters in their areas. Some in the party will be concerned that they will abandon Labour if the leadership does not change course.

But Sir Keir would also risk electoral opprobrium were he to buckle now under pressure. It could suggest that he is unable to hold a principled position on a matter of national importance, and will instead be pushed around by internal Labour factions or relatively small groups of voters. 

Sir Keir is right to stick to his position. But it is going to be harder for him as the Middle East war advances. How he handles it will give the country an idea of the sort of prime minister he would make.