Labour defence spokesman says Starmer’s comments have caused hurt
Backbench Labour MPs have announced an all-out assault on Keir Starmer’s anti-ceasefire position in Gaza this morning, announcing a new tactic that may force more shadow cabinet resignations.
A number of hard-left MPs have tabled an amendment to the King’s Speech, delivered yesterday, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
The move risks splitting a fragile Labour Party, with speculation this morning that more shadow ministers may have to quit following Imran Hussain’s resignation late last night.
12 Labour MPs, plus Jeremy Corbyn, have backed the amendment, noting the House’s “regret” that the speech failed “include measures to ensure the Government upholds international humanitarian law and protect civilians in Israel and Palestine”.
The amendment continues, with 20 backers slamming Israel’s “total siege and bombardment of Gaza”.
“The urgent priority must be to stop civilian deaths and suffering; welcome the growing calls for a ceasefire, including the United Nations Secretary-General… and therefore call not he Government to urgently press all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire”.
The amendment almost certainly wouldn’t pass, but if called by the speaker could put a number of senior Labour MPs in tricky positions.
14 shadow ministers have called for a ceasefire, in contradiction to the Labour Party’s official position.
This morning the Express looked into who may now also have to resign following Imran Hussain.
The Labour MPs’ ceasefire amendment in full
20 MPs – including 13 Labour backbenchers – have signed the amendment below demanding a ceasefire.
They’re hoping to tack it on to the King’s Speech and force a vote.
While it would be unlikely to pass, it may force some Labour frontbenchers who have demanded a ceasefire into a tricky position.
Full list of Labour frontbenchers backing a ceasefire
With Imran Hussain having left Labour’s frontbench to campaign for a ceasefire, we’ve taken a look at all the other shadow ministers currently breaking collective responsibility.
There are 14 in total, some of whom have shared statements from others calling for a ceasefire, others who have been bolder and demanded one themselves.
Among them are Jess Philips, Naz Shah and Yasmin Qureshi.
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