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SNP threaten to force Palestine recognition vote as PM faces pressure over Gaza

Keir Starmer Faces Intense Pressure as SNP Pushes for Gaza Ceasefire Vote in UK Parliament

In a dramatic escalation of tensions within the UK Parliament, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is grappling with one of the most significant challenges to his leadership yet, as the Scottish National Party (SNP) forces a high-stakes vote on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The motion, tabled by the SNP, calls for an end to the fighting in the Palestinian territory, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and accusing Israel of "collective punishment" against the people of Gaza. This parliamentary showdown has exposed deep divisions not only between parties but also within Labour ranks, with Starmer's cautious stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict drawing criticism from his own MPs and the broader left-wing base.

The SNP's initiative stems from growing frustration over the UK government's response to the Gaza conflict, which has raged since Hamas's deadly attacks on Israel in October 2023, followed by Israel's extensive military retaliation. The SNP motion specifically urges the UK to support an "immediate ceasefire" and condemns the displacement of Palestinians, framing it as a moral imperative for Westminster to act. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has been vocal in his condemnation, arguing that the government's position—backing Israel's right to self-defense while calling for humanitarian pauses—falls short of addressing the scale of suffering in Gaza. "The world is watching," Flynn declared, emphasizing that Parliament must send a clear signal against what he described as atrocities unfolding in the region.

Starmer, who has positioned Labour as a party of responsible governance ahead of an anticipated general election, has navigated the issue delicately. Initially, he supported Israel's right to defend itself but has gradually shifted towards advocating for a "sustainable ceasefire" that includes the release of hostages held by Hamas and a pathway to a two-state solution. However, this nuanced approach has not satisfied everyone. Dozens of Labour MPs have openly defied the party line in previous votes, and the SNP's motion threatens to reignite internal rebellions. Reports suggest that up to 100 Labour backbenchers could support the SNP proposal, potentially leading to a humiliating defeat for Starmer if he fails to whip his party into line.

The backdrop to this parliamentary drama is the dire situation in Gaza, where over 30,000 Palestinians have been reported killed, according to health authorities there, amid widespread destruction and a looming famine. The conflict has also claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives from the initial Hamas assault, with ongoing rocket fire and ground operations exacerbating the humanitarian toll. International calls for a ceasefire have intensified, with figures like UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning of a "humanitarian catastrophe." In the UK, public opinion is sharply divided, with pro-Palestinian protests drawing massive crowds in London and other cities, while pro-Israel groups emphasize the need to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities.

Starmer's leadership has been tested on multiple fronts. Critics within Labour, including prominent figures like former shadow ministers and members of the Socialist Campaign Group, accuse him of being too aligned with the Conservative government's pro-Israel stance. This perception was fueled by Starmer's initial comments in an interview where he appeared to endorse Israel's right to cut off water and electricity to Gaza—a remark he later clarified but which has lingered as a point of contention. The SNP motion cleverly exploits these fractures, positioning the nationalists as the moral voice on foreign policy while Labour dithers.

In response, Labour has indicated it may table its own amendment to the SNP motion, seeking to soften the language and align it more closely with Starmer's vision of a ceasefire that ensures long-term peace rather than an abrupt halt that could benefit Hamas. A Labour spokesperson emphasized the party's commitment to international law and humanitarian aid, stating, "We want to see an end to the violence, but it must be sustainable and lead to a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel." This amendment strategy is reminiscent of past parliamentary maneuvers, where opposition parties attempt to outflank each other on emotive issues.

The vote, scheduled for a heated session in the House of Commons, could have far-reaching implications. For the SNP, a successful motion would bolster their credentials as champions of progressive causes, especially in Scotland where support for Palestinian rights runs high. It could also embarrass Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government, which has resisted calls for an immediate ceasefire, preferring to advocate for "humanitarian pauses" to allow aid into Gaza. Sunak has faced his own backbench unrest, with some Conservative MPs expressing unease over the mounting civilian casualties.

Beyond party politics, the debate underscores broader questions about the UK's role in the Middle East. Historically, Britain has been a key ally to Israel, providing diplomatic support and arms exports, but the Gaza crisis has prompted soul-searching among policymakers. Advocacy groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have urged MPs to back the ceasefire, citing evidence of war crimes on both sides. Meanwhile, Jewish community leaders in the UK have voiced concerns that anti-Israel rhetoric could spill over into antisemitism, a fear that Starmer has repeatedly addressed by pledging zero tolerance within Labour.

As the vote approaches, Starmer's team is engaged in frantic behind-the-scenes lobbying to prevent a mass defection. Sources close to the leader suggest he is prepared to allow a free vote or impose a three-line whip, depending on the amendment's wording. The outcome could define Starmer's premiership prospects; a unified Labour front would reinforce his authority, while a rebellion might evoke memories of Jeremy Corbyn's tumultuous leadership, plagued by foreign policy divisions.

The Gaza conflict's ripple effects extend to electoral politics. In constituencies with large Muslim populations, such as those in the Midlands and North of England, Labour's stance has alienated voters who were once loyal supporters. Recent by-elections have shown independent candidates running on pro-Palestine platforms gaining traction, potentially costing Labour seats in the next general election. Starmer, aware of this vulnerability, has ramped up outreach efforts, meeting with community leaders and emphasizing Labour's historical support for Palestinian self-determination.

Internationally, the UK's parliamentary vote is being closely monitored. Allies like the United States, under President Joe Biden, have also called for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate hostage releases and aid delivery, but vetoed UN resolutions for an immediate halt. The European Union remains divided, with some member states pushing for stronger action against Israel. In this context, a strong UK parliamentary endorsement of a ceasefire could influence global diplomacy, adding pressure on Israel to de-escalate.

Flynn and the SNP are framing this as a moment of truth for British democracy. "Parliament cannot stand idly by while innocents suffer," Flynn asserted in a passionate speech. The motion also calls for the UK to drop its opposition to International Criminal Court investigations into alleged war crimes, a move that could strain relations with Israel.

For Starmer, the stakes are personal as well as political. Having rebuilt Labour from the ashes of Corbyn's era, he has staked his reputation on competence and unity. A fractious vote could undermine that narrative, giving ammunition to Conservative attacks portraying Labour as divided and unfit to govern. Yet, Starmer's supporters argue that his measured approach reflects the complexities of the conflict, avoiding the pitfalls of knee-jerk reactions that could prolong violence.

As MPs prepare to cast their votes, the atmosphere in Westminster is charged with anticipation. Protesters from both sides are expected to gather outside Parliament, amplifying the pressure on decision-makers. Whatever the result, this debate marks a pivotal chapter in the UK's engagement with the Israel-Palestine conflict, testing the limits of party loyalty, moral conviction, and political pragmatism in equal measure.

In the broader scheme, the SNP's gambit highlights how foreign policy can disrupt domestic agendas. With the general election looming, Starmer must balance appealing to a broad electorate while addressing the impassioned demands of his base. The Gaza vote is not just about immediate humanitarian relief; it's a litmus test for Labour's soul under Starmer's stewardship, potentially shaping the party's foreign policy for years to come. As the world watches the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, Westminster's response could either reinforce Britain's influence on the global stage or expose its internal fractures to the world.

Read the Full London Evening Standard Article at:
[ https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-snp-palestine-gaza-uk-parliament-b1240201.html ]