‘Don’t believe Labour will be any different’: UK citizens skeptical on change in Gaza policy

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Across the British capital, reactions to the Labour Party’s election victory have ranged from outright skepticism and disappointment to cautious optimism, particularly on the new government’s stance on Israel’s war on Gaza and the Palestinian cause.

“Honestly, I don’t believe the Labor government will be any different from the Conservative government, but it remains to be seen,” Lisa, a London resident, told Anadolu.

“I know that there are Labour MPs that do support the Palestinian cause. I just hope that there will be change, that there will be positive change, and a cease-fire.”

One of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first conversations was with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, which he used to stress the “clear and urgent need for a cease-fire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians,” according to his office.

During his time as opposition leader, Starmer faced fierce criticism for not calling for a cease-fire, even opposing a Parliament resolution, before finally caving into public pressure in February.

One particular incident that sparked immense backlash was an interview Starmer gave last October, where he said Israel “has the right” to cut off water and electricity to Gaza.

He also faced allegations of denying tickets to pro-Palestine Labour members, including the party’s former chief Jeremy Corbyn, who was among at least five pro-Palestine independents who won seats in the elections.

Labour also felt the impact in several of its once-reliable strongholds, such as Leicester South, where shadow minister Jonathan Ashworth was defeated by independent Shockat Adam.

The party saw its vote share drastically cut in constituencies with substantial Muslim populations – an average drop of 11 points in areas where over 10% of the population identifies as Muslim.

Labour lost five such seats, four to independent candidates and one to the Conservatives.

Overall, the turnout in the July 4 general election was around 60%, one of the lowest since 1885. The only lower turnout in recent times was roughly 59% in 2001, when Tony Blair secured a second term as prime minister.

Fiona, a Londoner, said it was amply clear that “the Labor Party isn’t doing enough for the people in Gaza.”

“I think it’s really evident through the fact that they lost seats to independent candidates who are pro-Palestine,” she told Anadolu.

“So this government needs to change their attitude and change their policies towards helping people in Gaza, and calling for a cease-fire.”

Jo, another voter, was particularly critical of Starmer, describing him as “just another neoliberal prime minister.”

“I have no time for Keir Starmer. He’s told lies, he’s betrayed his friends, he’s moved to the right and he’s broken promises,” she said.

“I was very disappointed with the election result in many ways, because although I hate the Tories, I don’t think the Labor Party is very different.”

For others, the Labor victory has sparked some hope for bringing a halt to Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, which has now killed at least 38,200 Palestinians and wounded nearly 88,000 others.

“I’m hoping that this election will bring a cease-fire to Palestine. I’m hoping that the narrative will change and people will understand that Palestinians are people too,” said a citizen who wished to remain anonymous.

“I’m hoping the British government will show their Britishness by actually coming forward and doing something about it, rather than aiding and abetting a genocide.”