More than 100 Muslim Labour councillors have urged Keir Starmer to end all arms sales to Israel.
In an open letter, the Prime Minister was told by politicians from his own party that he had a ‘moral obligation’ to act given the growing death toll in Gaza.
Their demand comes despite Sir Keir taking steps against Israel since his party lost several seats at the election to pro-Palestinian independents.
The Government last month suspended 30 out of 350 British arms export licences to Israel – such as parts for fighter jets, helicopters and drones – over fears they could be used to break international humanitarian law in Gaza.
But the letter published yesterday by the Labour Muslim Network stated: ‘We are writing to you as Muslim Labour Councillors… to call for an immediate and complete suspension of arms sales to Israel.
A woman walks past destroyed buildings in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on October 17, 2024
Palestinian Civil Defence rescuers extract the body of a victim from a hole underneath the rubble of a collapsed building in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on October 2, 2024
Boys crowd together under an umbrella as they sit by the rubble of a collapsed building in the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on October 1, 2024
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking during a Civil Society reception at 10 Downing Street on October 17, 2024 in London
The tragic human toll we have seen has been unimaginable. We must not be complicit in these clear violations of international humanitarian law.’
Chairman of the Labour Muslim Network Ali Milani told LBC: ‘To have more than 100 councillors, cabinet members and chairs of different departments…sign it really speaks to the strength of feeling.’
Employment Minister Alison McGovern responded: ‘We want an end to this dreadful war that has seen so much damage to humanity.’
