Labour, Israel and the problem of David Lammy: Opinion

Keir Starmer, at his first prime minister's questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, spoke at length about UK aid to Ukraine, and a Russian attack on a hospital two weeks ago. He then turned to the Middle East, reaffirming his support for Israel's "right to security" and the need for a ceasefire, but failed to mention the many hundreds of Palestinian men, women and children slaughtered in Gaza and the West Bank by Israel since then. 

The new government's first King's Speech was overshadowed this week by a crackdown on left-wing Labour MPs for defying the whips on capping child benefits, seven of whom were suspended, a move that has shocked some Labour supporters.

Like Boris Johnson five years ago, who as a new prime minister expelled 21 moderate Conservative MPs, Starmer has started his government with a purge, in line with the authoritarian streak he has displayed since he became Labour leader. This intolerant approach to dissent could store up problems in the future.

Continuity with Conservative policies also applies to the Labour government's approach to the Middle East and Israel. There was barely a soon-to-be-banned cigarette paper between Rishi Sunak and Starmer at PMQs.

It appears that the Starmer government will not meaningfully shift UK policy on Gaza and the escalating regional conflict. It's been argued that this is due to the “structural realities" of declining British power and influence, and its need to remain close to the US and Europe in supporting Israel, despite the horrors it has inflicted on Palestinians.

READ MORE: Labour, Israel and the problem of David Lammy, Opinion by Joe Gill