Pro-Palestine activists suggest a “sea change” in the Labour party’s approach to the Middle East crisis is imminent, which could lead to a tougher government stance on Israel. This potential shift is attributed to a possible leadership change from Keir Starmer and electoral pressure following a surge by the Green Party in local elections.
Why do activists expect a shift in Labour’s policy?
Brian Brivati, a historian and executive director of the British Palestine Project, believes a leadership election will trigger a “major shift” in the party’s approach. Brivati noted that the “electoral maths” is becoming obvious to MPs following the Green Party’s performance in local elections.
Internal party pressure is also increasing, according to recent data. A poll of Labour members by Medical Aid for Palestinians showed that 87% support a ban on trade with illegal settlements, while 78% back a total ban on all arms shipments to Israel.
Did You Know? A recent poll by Medical Aid for Palestinians revealed that 78% of Labour party members support a total ban on all arms shipments to Israel.
How do the potential Labour leaders differ on Palestine?
Both Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, the frontrunners to replace Keir Starmer, have previously urged the party to provide more support for Palestine. However, their specific positions and actions vary according to recent reports.
In July 2025, Streeting wrote that Israel’s “rogue state behaviour” justified applying sanctions to the state itself, rather than just individual ministers. While he has refused to describe Israel’s actions as genocide, he has accused the state of committing war crimes.
In contrast, while Andy Burnham has also urged more support for Palestine, he has not yet detailed specific unilateral or concerted actions the UK should take in Gaza. Like Streeting, Burnham has also declined to use the term “genocide” during recent debates.
Expert Insight: The convergence of high membership support for arms bans and the electoral threat from the Green Party creates a significant political incentive for any future leader to adopt more assertive Middle East policies.
What has the UK government done regarding Israel and Palestine?
The most significant government actions to date include a partial suspension of arms exports to Israel in September 2024 and the recognition of Palestine as a state one year later. Most recently, the government imposed sanctions on additional settler groups.
Ministers also recently backed a new international peace fund designed to support grassroots initiatives. This move follows a letter signed by Labour select committee chairs that proposed various practical actions, including a ban on the trade of goods made in illegal settlements.
What are the criticisms of current UK diplomacy?
Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, stated last week that Labour has “failed the Palestinians.” She noted that the government lost momentum following the act of recognition last autumn, describing the current situation in Gaza as “intolerable.”
Other commentators have expressed frustration with the current diplomatic tone. Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding, criticized the use of “vacuous press releases” that express varying levels of concern without delivering results.
Former Israeli negotiator Daniel Levy suggested that the UK needs to focus on impacting what Israel can and cannot do. He argued that sanctioning specific leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu or Bezalel Smotrich may be viewed as a “badge of pride” by those leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving the predicted “sea change” in Labour policy?
The shift is attributed to a potential leadership change, the Green Party’s surge in local elections, and high levels of support among Labour members for arms shipment bans.
What did the Medical Aid for Palestinians poll reveal?
The poll showed that 87% of Labour members support a ban on trade with illegal settlements and 78% support a total ban on all arms shipments to Israel.
What recent actions has the UK government taken?
The government has imposed sanctions on more settler groups and backed an international peace fund to support grassroots community trust-building.
How should the UK balance its diplomatic relations with Israel against the shifting political priorities of its own electorate?
