Labour frontbencher resigns over party’s stance on Gaza
Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly preparing to sack Labour shadow ministers who back a potential vote on a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The SNP has tabled an amendment to the King’s Speech demanding an end to fighting in Gaza which is expected to come to a vote in the Commons tomorrow.
The Labour leader, who has faced a major row within the party over his refusal to call for a ceasefire, is said to believe more than 10 of his frontbenchers could end up supporting it.
One Labour source told The Telegraph: “Support for this motion is not compatible with serving on the frontbench.”
The insider added: “There will be absolutely no dilution in the position not to back a ceasefire.”
Sir Keir has come under intense pressure from within Labour over his stance on the Israel-Hamas war.
The Labour leader is backing a humanitarian pause rather than a permanent ceasefire.
More than a dozen shadow ministers have so far either called for a ceasefire or backed others’ demands on social media, but they have not been sacked.
Meanwhile, a string of councillors have resigned in fury at the leadership’s position.
The SNP amendment calls on the UK Government to “join with the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire”.
It will be for Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to decide if any of the amendments are selected for consideration, which would pave the way for a vote.
The King’s Speech debate comes to an end on Wednesday. It is at this point that votes usually take place.
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