Muslim discontent grows in UK over Labour's Gaza war response

Muslim voters in the UK are expressing dissatisfaction with Labour's position on the Gaza war. 

Imam Murthaza Qadri of Walsall Central Mosque noted a shift in attitudes within his congregation, with growing political engagement, while talking to The Guardian last week. 

While traditional support for Labour prevails, many are now questioning the party's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly its delayed call for a permanent ceasefire. 

With over 25,000 casualties in Gaza, this stance has strained the relationship between Labour and Muslim voters, reports The Guardian.

A November Savanta poll revealed that although 64% of Muslim voters supported Labour, more than 40% felt less inclined to vote for the party due to party leader Keir Starmer's response to the war. 

In Ilford North, activists have selected a candidate to challenge shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, particularly because of Labour’s position on the war in Gaza.

Walsall, where 11.3% of the population is Muslim, witnessed eight Labour councillors resigning over the issue in November, who are contemplating fielding an independent candidate in the upcoming general election.

Ammar Anwar, a Labour councillor in Kirklees, resigned in tears with a Palestinian flag draped around his neck over the party's stance, signalling a broader trend. 

The resignations extend beyond Walsall, with councillors in Burnley, Oxford, Blackburn and elsewhere stepping down. 

Aftab Nawaz, one of the Walsall resignees, cited dissatisfaction with the party's central control and its response to the war as the tipping point.

Younger members, influenced by what they have seen about the conflict on social media, are vocalizing their concerns, impacting the party's standing. 

Nahid Ahmed, a former Labour member of 15 years who left the party over its stance on Palestine, highlighted the changing dynamics, indicating a shift in Muslim voting patterns. He would vote for an independent candidate or abstain, Ahmed said.

The breakdown in trust between British Muslims and Labour intensified after the party expressed support for Israel in the aftermath of a Hamas retaliation campaign on October 7. 

Despite recent toughening of language by senior Labour figures in response to the Gaza situation, there remains scepticism among Muslim voters. 

Labour’s Wes Streeting emphasized a need for a "sustainable ceasefire," while Keir Starmer called for a "humanitarian truce." 

However, for some, these statements may not be sufficient to regain their trust.

Source: AFP