What's happened
Labour MPs and party members are divided over the party's position on the Israel-Gaza conflict, with some calling for a ceasefire and others supporting the leader's stance.
Why it matters
The internal divisions within the Labour Party over the Israel-Gaza conflict could have significant implications for the party's electoral prospects and its ability to present a united front on foreign policy issues.
What the papers say
The New Statesman reports that a significant number of Labour MPs, including frontbenchers, are demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, while The Times highlights the collapse of discipline on Keir Starmer's front bench and the pressure he faces from MPs to back a ceasefire. The Mirror discusses George Galloway's potential bid to challenge Sadiq Khan as London Mayor, citing Labour's haemorrhaging support among Muslims due to Starmer's stance on the conflict. The sources provide different perspectives on the internal divisions within the Labour Party over the Israel-Gaza conflict, with The New Statesman and The Times focusing on the party's internal dynamics, while The Mirror highlights the potential electoral implications.
How we got here
The Labour Party's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict has been a point of contention, with some MPs and party members calling for a ceasefire, while others support the leader's position. The issue has led to resignations and internal pressure on Keir Starmer, with potential electoral consequences.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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The Labour Party is a centre-left political party in the United Kingdom that has been described as an alliance of social democrats, democratic socialists and trade unionists.
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Shabana Mahmood is a British Labour Party politician and barrister serving as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Ladywood since 2010. She has served in the Shadow Cabinet of Keir Starmer as the Labour Party National Campaign Coordinator since 2021.