Bedford Borough Labour councillors have said they are “deeply distressed” by the loss of innocent lives in Israel and Gaza.
Labour councillors across England have resigned their party membership citing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s “refusal” to condemn the “collective punishment of Palestinians” in the conflict in Gaza.
Sir Keir said he meant only that the country [Isreal] had “a right to self-defence”.
According to the BBC, over 150 Labour Muslim councillors have written to the Labour leader urging that the party leadership calls for an immediate ceasefire in the region.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked if any members of the Bedford Borough Labour Group considered leaving the party based on Sir Keir’s comments.
In a statement, the Labour Group said: “This is a highly upsetting time of uncertainty and pain and we must do our utmost to bring about togetherness, peace, and rejection of division and the hatred that strokes it.
“We condemn the massacre of Israeli civilians and the taking of hostages by Hamas.
“Any Israeli response must take all steps to avoid the death and suffering of innocent Palestinians.
“We endorse the call for an immediate de-escalation, the release of Israeli hostages, and the urgent protection of innocent civilians in Gaza in accordance with international humanitarian laws.
“To help the Palestinian people, there must be access to Gaza for humanitarian aid, water, electricity and medical supplies. The international community and the United Nations must immediately provide safe corridors to allow in these supplies, and allow foreign nationals to leave the area.
“There is no place in Britain for anti-Muslim hate or for antisemitism.
“Our communities are stronger when we live and work alongside one another in peace.
“Now more than ever the international community must redouble its efforts to work with governments in the region towards a permanent and peaceable two-state solution.
“There must be a strong and assertive stance that supports an equitable solution and advocates for the rights and well-being of all parties involved.
“Bedford Borough Labour Group Councillors call for peace, urgent humanitarian action and the protection of innocent lives.”
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
