Sir Keir Starmer‘s Labour Party is facing fresh criticism over the Government’s decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced earlier this month thatabout 30 arms licences out of around 350 would be suspended over a “clear risk” they could be used to commit a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
That decision followed a review carried out by the new government and after the previous administration concluded from its own analysis that there was no need to suspend or revoke any licences.
Mr Lammy’s decision sparked condemnation with critics claiming it had in fact nothing to do with humanitarian law and everything to do with appeasing a vocal, left-wing, pro-Hamas minority in the Labour Party.
Daniel Berke, Director for UK Lawyers for Israel, told GB News Labour is “bowing to the mob” at the expense of Israel and the protection of “Jewish rights”.
His criticism came amid a claim he had seen CCTV and drone footage shared by Israel Defence Forces (IDF) of Hamas gunmen “hijacking” trucks carrying food aid meant for civilians in Gaza.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell criticised the timing of the announcement as it came after the deaths of six hostages snatched by Hamas gunmen in the October 7 attacks on southern Israel.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the Labour Government’s “shameful” decision, with his office saying the “misguided” decision will only embolden Hamas.
Meanwhile, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on Liverpool’s waterfront earl;ier today to coincide with the start of the Labour Party conference.
That takes place against a backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East, with Israel having declared a new phase in its war after a series of exploding devices killed at least 37 people and maimed civilians in attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have been pinned on Tel Aviv.
Sir Keir’s “biggest conference ever” will see Labour face renewed pressure over the Israel-Gaza war on top of mounting unease over the Prime Minister and his wife Lady Victoria Starmer’s acceptance of lavish gifts from a wealthy donor even as millions of pensioners saw their winter fuel payment cut.
Sir Keir, his deputy Angela Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have said they won’t be accepting further donations of clothes in a bid to put an end to the criticism.
But the Prime Minister is also struggling to get a grip on rows inside No 10 after reports of tensions between his Chief of Staff Sue Gray and senior officials.
A leaked disclosure showed Ms Gray is paid £170,000, some £3,000 more than the Prime Minister, added to the rumours of behind-the-scenes difficulties in Downing Street.
Before the conference, Sir Keir claimed he was “completely in control” and every day the message from him to his team is they “have to deliver”.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on Saturday defended Sir Keir, saying it was important to demonstrate the Government’s priorities are “the country’s priorities”.
