British Muslims Feel Alienated by Labour and Tory Stance on Gaza Conflict

In what is becoming a striking example of political alienation, British Muslims are reassessing their support for the UK’s two largest political parties, the Conservatives and Labour, over their positions on the recent Gaza conflict. Visiting Tel Aviv in mid-October, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's unqualified support alongside the Israeli PM Netanyahu has led to over 21,000 Palestinian deaths. This stance has caused unease within the UK, particularly among its Muslim community, which makes up 6.7 percent of the population.

Ala Sirriyeh, a senior lecturer at Lancaster University, echoes the sentiments of many when she expresses her sense of betrayal by the major political parties, stating that it will affect her future voting behavior. Despite mounting civilian casualties in Gaza, the response from the UK has been lackluster, with calls for ceasefire meeting with political silence or opposition.

The dissatisfaction among the British Muslim community is apparent in recent survey results, with a stark decline in the intent to vote for Labour — from 71 percent in 2019 to merely 5 percent when asked in late October. The Conservative Party fairs even worse, expected to receive less than 1 percent of that vote. Another survey underscored this disillusionment, with two-thirds of Muslim respondents expressing dissatisfaction with the government's response to the Gaza assault.

Among the general British population too, there is a noteworthy shift in opinion, with a third advocating opposition to Israel's war efforts and only 9 percent against a ceasefire, according to a YouGov poll.

The situation is compounded by the actions of Labour Party leader Keir Starmer who has faced internal revolt due to his refusal to unambiguously call for a ceasefire, with members and councillors resigning or being threatened with expulsion over disagreement with his stance.

Human rights organizations and UN experts have raised concerns about potential war crimes being committed by Israel, further complicating the UK's position on the international stage. Nevertheless, the political response remains tepid, with Foreign Secretary David Cameron and his German counterpart avoiding the call for an immediate ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the streets of the UK reflect a different mood, with a coalition of various groups — including vibrant participation from the younger generation — voicing strong opposition to the war in Gaza and calling for justice for Palestinians.