UK Muslims drift away from parties over support for Israel's Gaza war
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The British political landscape is experiencing a seismic shift as voters express their discontent over the UK government's unqualified support for Israel's war on Gaza. The fallout is particularly evident among British Muslims, a traditionally strong support base for the Labour Party, as well as a broader cross-section of society.
The controversy ignited when British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak openly backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Tel Aviv in mid-October. The support has persisted despite the devastating consequences of the conflict, with over 21,000 Palestinians, including more than 8,000 children, losing their lives in Gaza.
As Israel's bombings continued, a coalition of diverse groups, including political activists, worker's unions, students, healthcare professionals, journalists, and ordinary citizens, rallied against the war.
The response from the British Muslim community, constituting 6.7% of the population, has been particularly critical. A survey conducted by the Muslim Census revealed a significant drop in support for the Labour Party, with only 5% of Muslim respondents expressing their intention to vote for the party in the next general elections.
This marks a sharp decline from the 71% support the Labour Party garnered in 2019. The Conservative Party's share of the Muslim vote also plummeted from 9% in 2019 to less than 1%.
YouGov's broader survey of public sentiment on November 15 indicated a significant shift in attitudes towards the UK government's stance on Israel's war. A third of participants called for the government to oppose Israel's military actions and advocate for a ceasefire, while another quarter urged a limited ceasefire. Only 9% supported continuing Israel's military aims without any ceasefire.
Despite mounting public dissatisfaction, key figures in both major parties, including Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Cameron, have maintained their unwavering support for Israel.
Starmer's refusal to back an immediate ceasefire has triggered internal strife within his party, with front-bench MP Imran Hussain resigning over the issue. Hussain emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, denouncing Israel's actions as war crimes and collective punishment.
The reluctance of the Labour leadership to criticize Israel is seen by some as a response to fears of anti-Semitism allegations, echoing concerns raised during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. However, this stance has led to a crisis of credibility, prompting defections from Labour councillors and a growing sense of disillusionment among voters.
Yet, amidst this political turbulence, there is a glimmer of hope on the streets. Young people, including schoolchildren, have taken to the streets in protest, embodying a growing sentiment of pro-Palestinian solidarity. Polls indicate that the younger generation in the UK overwhelmingly supports Palestine, providing a potential catalyst for change.
