Starmer’s election manifesto also promised Labour would recognise a Palestinian state as part of the peace process, although no timetable was given. Shah said the party wanted to “go further” and promised to push for immediate recognition if re-elected.
But a Labour source who was granted anonymity and was authorized to speak publicly suggested the admission would only be “effective” as part of a “wider process”.
“Previous unilateral declarations by individual countries have not yet led to the meaningful diplomatic progress we all want to see,” the official said, noting that recognition of Palestinian statehood by Ireland, Norway and Spain has sparked Israeli ire.
Instead, a Britain led by Starmer is likely to explore possibilities for cooperation with allies such as France, Australia and Canada when the timing is right.
Seats to watch
Labour officials are painfully aware that many areas across Britain are embroiled in fighting over Gaza.
In Rochdale, a city in northwest England with a large Muslim community, Labour was forced to withdraw its support for a candidate in a by-election in February after the candidate was caught on video saying Israel had “allowed” Hamas to attack.
The result was a landslide victory for George Galloway, a left-wing firebrand and pro-Palestinian activist with a history of shocking Labour, who this time around hope to win back the seat.
Shabana Mahmood, one of Starmer’s most trusted allies and the nominee for justice secretary, faces real pressure in the Birmingham Ladywood constituency, Britain’s second-largest city. Her allies are confident she will win, but her majority is slashed.
Attention will also be focused on Islington North in London, where hundreds of left-wing activists are helping Jeremy Corbyn retain the seat he has held for more than 40 years. The former leader is running as an independent against Labour after being expelled from the parliamentary party over allegations of anti-Semitism. The polls are not at all clear on which way the seat will swing.
Privately, senior Labour figures acknowledged there was a long way to go to rebuild burnt bridges and communities that were once loyal, but said there was “no denying that this seat is closer than it has ever been”.
“It’s clear that there is a rebuilding need between the Labour Party and Muslim voters,” the second official said. “The way Labour governs, the way it influences the seats that are under threat, will be really important.”
Given Starmer’s huge lead in the polls, it seems unlikely that Gaza will actually lose the election, or even cost him many MPs. But it will send a clear message nonetheless.
In the last British election in 2019, voters in Labour’s former strongholds in the North and Midlands gave a sharp warning that they should not be taken for granted. In 2024, a very different Labour voter will demand that their voice be heard.
Noah Kitt reported further.
