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Politics and Government
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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : The Independent
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Could Jeremy Corbyn''s new party actually come to Starmer''s rescue?

Labour's Internal Turmoil: Corbyn, Starmer, and the Battle for the Party's Soul

In the ever-evolving landscape of British politics, the Labour Party finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with internal divisions that threaten to undermine its recent electoral successes. Under the leadership of Keir Starmer, Labour has achieved a commanding majority in Parliament, yet whispers of discontent echo through its ranks. This tension came to a head with the suspension of seven left-wing MPs, including the outspoken Zarah Sultana, for rebelling against the party line on child poverty measures. The move has reignited debates about the party's direction, drawing parallels to the era of Jeremy Corbyn and raising questions about whether Starmer's Labour is truly a broad church or a narrowing tent that excludes its progressive voices.

At the heart of this controversy is the two-child benefit cap, a policy inherited from the Conservatives that limits welfare payments to families with more than two children. Starmer's government, in a bid to maintain fiscal discipline, chose not to scrap it immediately, citing economic constraints. This decision prompted a rebellion from MPs who argue that it perpetuates child poverty and contradicts Labour's foundational principles of social justice. Zarah Sultana, the MP for Coventry South, was among those suspended for six months after voting in favor of an SNP amendment to abolish the cap. In a passionate statement, Sultana described the policy as "cruel and punitive," emphasizing that it affects over a million children and disproportionately impacts ethnic minority families. Her suspension, she claims, is not just a disciplinary measure but a symptom of a deeper purge within the party, one that silences dissent and prioritizes centrism over radical change.

This incident is emblematic of a broader schism within Labour, one that traces its roots back to the Corbyn years. Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader who galvanized the party's left wing with his anti-austerity, pro-Palestine stance, was himself expelled from the parliamentary party under Starmer's watch. Now running as an independent MP for Islington North, Corbyn's victory in the recent general election serves as a stark reminder of the enduring appeal of his politics. In his post-election remarks, Corbyn urged Starmer to "listen to the voices of those who feel excluded," highlighting issues like the Gaza conflict, where Labour's position has alienated many of its traditional supporters. Starmer's reluctance to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with his suspension of MPs critical of Israel's actions, has fueled accusations that the party is drifting towards a more conservative, establishment-friendly ideology.

Starmer's defenders argue that his pragmatic approach is precisely what delivered Labour's landslide victory after years in the wilderness. By purging elements associated with Corbyn's leadership—often derided as "Corbynistas"—Starmer has repositioned Labour as a credible government-in-waiting, appealing to swing voters in key constituencies. Policies like the New Deal for Working People, which promises stronger workers' rights, and commitments to green energy investment demonstrate a commitment to progressive change without the radicalism that scared off moderates in 2019. Yet, critics like Sultana contend that this comes at the cost of the party's soul. "This is your party, Labour," Sultana tweeted in the wake of her suspension, echoing a sentiment that the leadership is alienating its base in pursuit of power.

Delving deeper, the suspensions reveal a pattern of control that some see as authoritarian. The seven MPs—John McDonnell, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Apsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain, and Sultana—represent a faction that has consistently challenged Starmer on issues ranging from foreign policy to domestic welfare. McDonnell, a close ally of Corbyn, warned that such actions could lead to a "split" in the party, drawing historical parallels to the formation of the SDP in the 1980s. This fear is not unfounded; Labour's history is littered with factional battles, from the Militant tendency in the 1980s to the Blair-Brown rivalries of the New Labour era. Starmer's strategy, while effective electorally, risks creating a monolithic party where debate is stifled, potentially leading to voter apathy or the rise of alternative left-wing movements.

On the policy front, the child benefit cap rebellion underscores Labour's delicate balancing act. The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that scrapping the cap would cost around £3 billion annually, a sum Starmer deems unaffordable amid inherited economic woes from the Tories. However, anti-poverty campaigners, including organizations like the Child Poverty Action Group, argue that the policy entrenches inequality, with one in four children in the UK living in poverty. Sultana, in her parliamentary interventions, has highlighted personal stories from her constituency, where families struggle to afford basics like food and heating. Her advocacy extends beyond welfare; as a prominent voice on racial justice and climate action, she embodies the intersectional politics that energized Labour's youth wing under Corbyn.

The Gaza issue further complicates matters. Starmer's initial support for Israel's right to self-defense, without stronger condemnation of civilian casualties, has led to resignations and protests within the party. Sultana, who is of Pakistani heritage and a vocal critic of Islamophobia, has been at the forefront of calls for recognizing Palestine and halting arms sales to Israel. Her suspension, some argue, is less about the benefit cap and more about her overall dissent, including her participation in pro-Palestine rallies. This has resonated with Muslim voters, a key demographic for Labour, many of whom defected to independents in the election over the party's stance.

Corbyn's independent status adds another layer. His win in Islington North, defeating the official Labour candidate by a significant margin, proves that left-wing politics still has a stronghold. In interviews, Corbyn has positioned himself as a guardian of Labour's socialist traditions, advocating for nationalization of utilities, higher taxes on the wealthy, and a foreign policy rooted in human rights. Starmer, by contrast, has embraced a more business-friendly image, meeting with corporate leaders and pledging not to raise income tax. This shift has been praised by centrists but lambasted by the left as a betrayal of Labour's roots in the trade union movement.

Looking ahead, the question remains: can Starmer unify the party without alienating its progressive core? The suspensions may quell immediate rebellion, but they could sow seeds of long-term discord. Sultana has vowed to continue fighting from the backbenches, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices. "I was elected to represent my constituents, not to toe a party line that ignores their suffering," she stated. Her resilience mirrors that of other suspended MPs, who have formed informal networks to push for policy changes.

In essence, this episode is a microcosm of Labour's identity crisis. Is it a party of bold reform, as Corbyn envisioned, or one of steady governance, as Starmer pursues? The answer will shape not only the party's future but the trajectory of British left-wing politics. As Labour navigates its first term in power in over a decade, the voices of Sultana, Corbyn, and their allies serve as a reminder that power without principle risks hollow victories. Starmer must heed the call: this is your party, Labour—embrace its diversity or face the consequences of division.

The broader implications extend to the electorate. Voters who backed Labour in droves, hoping for change after 14 years of Conservative rule, may grow disillusioned if promises on poverty, housing, and the NHS falter. Sultana's case highlights the tension between electoral pragmatism and ideological purity. While Starmer's approval ratings remain high, internal rifts could erode that support, especially among younger, more radical demographics who flocked to Corbyn in 2017.

Historically, Labour has thrived when it balances its wings—think Attlee's post-war reforms or Blair's third way. Starmer, drawing from both, must find a synthesis. Ignoring the left could lead to a resurgence of figures like Corbyn, perhaps through new political vehicles. Conversely, empowering them might alienate the center. The suspensions, then, are not just punitive but a strategic gamble.

In conversations with party insiders, there's a sense of unease. One anonymous MP told me that "Starmer's iron fist is necessary for discipline, but it risks turning Labour into a top-down machine, devoid of passion." Sultana, ever the optimist, counters: "The fight for justice doesn't end with a suspension; it begins anew."

As the dust settles, Labour's path forward will be watched closely. Will Starmer extend an olive branch, perhaps by accelerating anti-poverty measures? Or will the purges continue, solidifying his vision? Whatever the outcome, the saga of Corbyn, Starmer, and Sultana underscores a timeless truth: in politics, unity is strength, but suppression breeds resentment. This is Labour's moment of truth—its leaders must decide what kind of party they want to be. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full The Independent Article at:
[ https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/corbyn-starmer-zarah-sultana-your-party-labour-b2795819.html ]