Over 100 Muslim Labour councillors have united in a letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling for an immediate halt to arms sales to Israel. The letter, organized by the Labour Muslim Network, highlighted Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law, citing recent attacks on Palestinian children and families. The councillors emphasized the need for the UK government to suspend all arms sales to Israel until international humanitarian law is upheld.
Signatories include mayors such as Shakil Ahmed and Usman Ahmed, showing widespread support within the Labour Party. The pressure on the government to take action against Israel is mounting, with Labour National Executive Committee member Yasmine Dar also endorsing the letter. While the government recently suspended some arms export licenses to Israel, critics argue that more decisive measures are necessary.
Additionally, 51 British MPs from various parties have backed a motion calling for stronger actions against Israel, including a ban on military exports and goods from illegal settlements. Keir Starmer is considering sanctioning Israeli ministers for their comments deemed abhorrent, aligning with former Prime Minister David Cameron’s stance on imposing sanctions.