The Labour Party's fragile relationship with its progressive core was laid bare in October 2023 when then-opposition leader Keir Starmer inadvertently sparked outrage among Muslim communities and left-leaning voters. In an ill-judged LBC interview, Mr Starmer appeared to condone Israel's withholding of basic necessities from Palestinian civilians during the Gaza conflict, only for his team to later clarify that international law was intended to be upheld. However, the damage had been done, with dozens of Muslim councillors threatening to leave the party and eight frontbenchers resigning in protest over a vote on a ceasefire.
The controversy marked a stark reminder of Labour's longstanding conundrum: how to balance its historical commitment to social justice – including supporting Israel's creation – with its more recent shift towards solidarity with Palestinians. The issue has dogged the party for decades, with some criticism of Israel veering into antisemitism during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. Mr Starmer sought to address this with a zero-tolerance approach, but his initial response to Gaza merely complicated matters further.
The aftermath of Mr Starmer's LBC interview saw Labour lose support among key demographics: young people, middle-class graduates, and Muslim communities. Many have since defected to the Green Party or backed pro-Gaza independent candidates in local elections. Activists report that the issue of Gaza remains a constant concern on doorsteps during campaigning, underscoring its enduring salience among voters.
Against this backdrop, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's apology for Labour's initial response to Gaza and his pledge to apply more pressure on the Israeli government represent an attempt to recalibrate the party's approach. Seen by some as a "reset moment" and a "tonal shift", the move is likely intended to mend divisions and recapture lost progressive support.
While Mr Burnham's intervention marks a significant development in Labour's attempts to reconnect with its core voters, it remains to be seen whether this apology will be enough to stem the party's decline among key demographics. The issue of Gaza is complex and deeply divisive – one that has bedevilled Labour for decades – and any attempt to address it must carefully navigate the competing interests and perspectives at play.