Labour Councillors and Young Labour BAME Officer Quit Following Starmer's Comments on Gaza

Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer delivers his keynote speech at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, England, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023

LABOUR councillors and Young Labour’s Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) officer have quit their posts over party leader Sir Keir Starmer’s “appalling” comments on Israel’s treatment of Gaza.

Sir Keir said earlier this week that Israel “has the right” to withhold power and water from the besieged coastal enclave in response to the ongoing attacks by Hamas fighters.

Lubaba Khalid, a Palestinian woman who has family members in Gaza, resigned from her role as Young Labour BAME officer, saying in her statement: “I am absolutely appalled by the comments.

“Collective punishment is a war crime under international law.

“I have spent the last few days worried about the safety of my family.

“I have received zero support from the Labour Party, a common theme experienced by other Muslim and Palestinian members.”

Ms Khalid said Sir Keir’s comments had been “the last straw,” adding: “I can only conclude that the Labour Party is no longer a safe space for Palestinians and Muslims.”

She said she had received a “tone-deaf message” from the party leader’s team in response to her resignation.

Oxford councillors Shaista Aziz and Dr Amar Latif also stepped down and will now sit as independents.

Dr Latif, who represents the city’s Cowley ward, said: “We’re obviously upset and appalled by the violence on both sides, including the innocent killing of Israelis and Palestinian civilians.

“Though it’s unfortunate that the Labour leadership hasn’t been in a position to condemn the blockade in Gaza.”

The pair said they had asked for an explanation from the local and national leadership following the comment, but “no clarification has been forthcoming.”

In a statement, they said: “We are appalled at the lack of humanity and regard for the rights of Palestinian people, the upholding and protection of international law and protections of civilians and civilian infrastructure.”