Labour’s Internal Strife: Dissatisfaction Over Israel Arms Ban and Winter Fuel Payment Debates Intensifies

Labour's dual positions on arms trade with Israel and winter fuel allowances

David Lammy's proposed arms embargo aimed to placate the Labour Party's left-wing faction or was a response to demonstrations supporting Gaza, it seems to have fallen short.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Monday, September 2, 2024, 10:

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As the new session began at Westminster, Sir Keir Starmer found himself immediately confronted with challenges from two fronts within his own Labour Party ranks.

Initially, a limited prohibition on arms sales to Israel, criticized by detractors as a concession to pro-Gaza factions within the Labour Party, ultimately satisfied no party involved.

During a crowded meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, top cabinet members endured an extensive questioning session about winter fuel payments.

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In a statement to the Commons, Foreign Secretary David Lammy declared that 30 of the UK's 350 arms export licenses to Israel have been suspended.

He highlighted the distinct possibility that their deployment could lead to or assist in a severe breach of international humanitarian law.

He emphasized that it was not an all-encompassing prohibition or a weapons embargo, noting that UK arms exports to Israel represent merely 1% of the overall total.

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Upon returning to parliament, MPs should anticipate a busy schedule filled with numerous legislative items.

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Is it merely symbolic? That seems to be the consensus among lawmakers from various political groups.

That was indeed the verdict reached by Labour's adversaries in the political arena.

The shadow foreign secretary, Andrew Mitchell, remarked that it seems to be something crafted to appease Labour's backbenchers.

Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick criticized the move as a "disgraceful attempt to placate the far left."

Earlier in the day, during discussions in the Commons following Mr. Lammy's announcement, Sammy Wilson of the DUP criticized the decision, warning Mr. Lammy that it was a mistake he would come to regret.

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Mr. Wilson stated, "I think it's sadly due to the strain Labour MPs are experiencing in their districts from pro-Gaza demonstrations."

Mr. Lammy responded, "I haven't taken measures as extreme as those Margaret Thatcher implemented in 1982. Administrations from both sides, including those under Vince Cable, a Liberal Democrat, and Gordon Brown, have faced tough choices like these."

Certainly. Mr. Lammy, albeit reluctantly, conceded to Conservative veteran Sir Julian Lewis, stating: "I've come to this decision with regret. It's with sadness, not with anger."

From the back rows of the Labour Party's left-wing faction, Kim Johnson demanded sanctions, similar to those she noted the US had already put in place. Meanwhile, Andy McDonald advocated for additional measures.

Apsana Begum posed the question: "Will the UK government guarantee that it is not implicated in any war crimes committed by Israel, and will it halt all arms sales to Israel?"

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If Mr. Lammy's action aimed to placate the Labour left or was a response to pressure from pro-Gaza demonstrations, it has not been successful.

Subsequently, the atmosphere among the Parliamentary Labour Party was described as "collegiate" by a senior MP, as backbenchers inundated ministers with inquiries regarding the application of means-testing to winter fuel allowances for the elderly.

The inclusion of prominent figures such as Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner, alongside the work and pensions secretary and education secretary Bridget Phillipson, indicated unease among the Labour leadership.

The chancellor, confronting possible rebellion over cuts to fuel subsidies, claimed to Sky News – not very persuasively – that the PLP remained "united" as she exited the meeting. Is that so?

Similar to the ongoing situation between Israel and Gaza, the dissatisfaction among Labour MPs regarding fuel payments is expected to persist for weeks, if not months. Moreover, this was just the first day of the new session.

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