UK’s Starmer has handled Gaza war “badly”, survey reveals

A survey from the Labour Muslim Network (LMN) shows that 82% of Muslim Labour Party representatives believe UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dealt with Israel’s conflict with Gaza inadequately, Middle East Eye reported on June 5th.

The survey, which used responses from more than 220 Muslim representatives, also found that two-thirds of respondents believe Muslim members do not receive equal treatment within the Labour Party, compare to non-Muslims.

The study highlights a deep rift between Muslim Labour representatives and the party’s leadership. A majority, 64%, said Labour has a “hierarchy of racism”, while 58% felt the party has “represented Muslims badly”. Over half, 53%, believe Labour fails to take Islamophobia seriously.

A third of those surveyed reported a direct experience of Islamophobia within the party and described Labour as systemically Islamophobic. Most Muslim representatives want a sharp change in foreign policy too, 82% backed sanctions against Israel, and 97% supported immediate recognition of the state of Palestine.

The survey also reveals a strong objection to Labour’s boycott of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). Some 83% of Muslim representatives want the party to end its policy of non-engagement. Despite the MCB’s broad network of over 500 organisations, including mosques, schools, councils, and advocacy groups, Labour has continued to ignore its communications, including during last year’s far-right riots.

The LMN called the findings “groundbreaking” and demanded urgent structural reform. “Muslims in the Labour Party are fundamentally treated differently,” the group stated.

The LMN added: “The Labour Muslim Network presents this report as a call to action. A renewed commitment to Muslim representation, rooted in equality and justice. The party must urgently address the structural issues identified in this report or face the moral and political consequences to come.”

The survey is another reminder for Starmer of the discontent among Muslim members of the Labour party. This was reflected in last year’s election. Despite a remarkably successful night for Labour, the party lost 5 seats to pro-Palestinian independent candidates, where the constituencies had large Muslim populations, Anadolu Agency reported on July 5th 2024.

However, The Jewish chronicle reported on March 17th this year that Labour overwhelmingly shows far too much sympathy to Muslim extremism. The pressure also mount on Labour from 380 influential British and Irish writers, who condemned what is taking place in Gaza as “genocide,” according to The New Arab and agencies on May 28th. 

The Labour Party, in response to the survey’s findings, emphasised its pride in diversity, citing the increase in Muslim MPs, the appointment of Shabana Mahmood as Lord Chancellor, and Sadiq Khan’s tenure as Mayor of London.

A spokesperson said Labour treats all complaints of discrimination, including Islamophobia, seriously and handles them through its independent complaints process.

Middle East Eye, Anadolu Agency, The Jewish Chronicle, The New Arab and agencies