The departure of Labour MP Imran Hussain from Sir Keir Starmer’s shadow ministerial team was precipitated by his fervent support for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
Mr. Hussain served as the New Deal for Working People’s shadow minister.
Labour’s Position on Gaza
His position on Gaza, he said, “substantially” diverged from that of Sir Keir; however, he remained committed to the Labour agenda.
A spokesperson for the Labour Party stated that a humanitarian respite was the most practical solution to the crisis.
Support for Ceasefire
A ceasefire, according to Sir Keir, would enable Hamas to launch additional attacks, and the “only credible approach” would be to demand a humanitarian hiatus that would permit the delivery of aid into Gaza.
Differing Opinions Within Labour
Bridget Phillipson, the shadow education secretary for Labour, supported her leader’s stance, contending that a ceasefire “would temporarily halt the conflict.”
She stated that a ceasefire could potentially enable Hamas to regroup and carry out additional heinous acts of terrorism, which the group has stated it desires the opportunity to do.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell stated that a ceasefire was now endorsed by the “majority” of the Labour party.
Mr. McDonnell demanded that Sir Keir “lead by example” by advocating for a cessation of hostilities.
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In a social media-posted resignation letter, Mr. Hussain stated that he aspired to be a “vigorous advocate” for a ceasefire alongside the United Nations and numerous charitable organisations, describing it as “vital to ending the bloodshed.”
He stated that, in all honesty and conscience, it is evident that I am unable to adequately accomplish this from the frontbench in its present state.
He stated that he had “completely and unequivocally condemned” the October 7 attack by Hamas and that while “every country has the right to defend itself,” that “right should never be used to intentionally violate international law regarding the protection of civilians or to commit war crimes.”
I have repeatedly stressed in Parliament that human rights are universal and that we must expose all those who violate international law.
He further stated that the situation in Gaza had escalated “beyond what one would consider a humanitarian catastrophe” and that a cessation of hostilities would facilitate the safe return of Israeli hostages and the passage of assistance into the territory.
Additionally, he expressed his profound concern over an LBC interview Sir Keir conducted on October 11 regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. He stated that although he valued Sir Keir’s subsequent clarification of the remarks, he maintained that the party “needs to take further action and call for a ceasefire.”
Sir Keir was queried during the interview regarding the “appropriateness” of Israel’s decision to cut off Gaza’s water and electricity supplies.
“I believe Israel has every right to that,” he stated. “While it is indisputable that adherence to international law is essential, I remain steadfast in my conviction that Israel retains the right to self-defense.
Subsequently, a spokesman for the Labour leader clarified that he had intended to assert Israel’s universal right to self-defense.
Wider Support for Ceasefire
An increasing number of prominent Labour figures, including the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, Sadiq Khan, and the leader of Scotland, Anas Sarwar, in addition to over sixty Members of Parliament and two hundred and fifty councillors, have now endorsed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Mr. Khan stated that a cessation of hostilities would “grant the international community additional time to avert a protracted conflict and further catastrophic loss of life in the region,” whereas Mr. Burnham emphasized the “critical nature of facilitating the entry of urgent humanitarian assistance and support into the area.”
A Labour spokesperson, however, stated that a ceasefire would “merely freeze this conflict and would leave Hamas and hostages in Gaza with the infrastructure and capability to launch the type of attack that occurred on October 7.”
“Labour demands humanitarian cessation of hostilities in the conflict.” “This is the most practical and optimal approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and our principal allies share this view,” the spokesperson added.
Since September, Mr. Hussain, elected to represent the Bradford East constituency in 2015, has served as the New Deal for Working People’s shadow minister.
Prior to this position, he held the positions of shadow minister for international development, justice, and labour.
Sir Keir Starmer defends ceasefire stance, denies party division.
