Rising Pressure on Keir Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly under increasing pressure from within his own party to recognize Palestinian statehood, with some Labour MPs suggesting that the decision may come sooner rather than later. The pressure is said to be coming from Angela Rayner, who is being described as the “real Prime Minister” by some within the party. This development has sparked discussions about the potential shift in power dynamics within the Labour leadership.
According to one Labour MP, Rayner’s strong stance on the issue has positioned her as a key figure in the party, even surpassing Starmer in terms of influence. The MP stated, “In response to Israel’s actions in Gaza, it’s Rayner – not Starmer – who’s acting like the real PM. There’s no way Keir can hold the line on this. Angela speaks for Labour MPs and members on this.”
This pressure comes amid a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where UN agencies have warned that the territory is running out of specialized food needed to save severely malnourished children. Despite this, Sir Keir has maintained his position that recognizing Palestine’s statehood must be part of a broader ‘pathway to peace’ in the region.
In a recent social media post, Sir Keir emphasized the need for Israel to allow aid into Gaza, stating, “Israel must allow aid in over land to end the starvation unfolding in Gaza. The situation is desperate.” However, this message has been met with criticism from Israeli officials, including the Israeli ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, who argued that recognizing a Palestinian state would “reward” those responsible for the October 7 attacks.
The debate over statehood has taken on added significance as Donald Trump prepares for a four-day visit to the UK. His arrival has raised concerns that the statehood issue could overshadow discussions between him and Sir Keir regarding a potential trade deal. Trump has already expressed disapproval of French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent declaration that France will recognize Palestinian statehood in September, stating that such statements do not carry much weight.
Internal Party Dynamics
The internal pressure on Starmer has intensified following reports that over 130 Labour MPs, nearly a third of the parliamentary party, support immediate recognition of Palestine. This has led to speculation that Starmer may soon be forced to act, especially given the growing influence of Rayner within the party.
One Labour MP noted that Rayner’s position on Gaza is just one example of her increasing power within the party. He remarked, “Her importance in keeping Starmer’s Government going is only matched by her clear ambitions to replace him. Everybody knows what Angie is doing. She is sending a clear message that she is ready when the time comes.”
Rayner has also been vocal on other issues, such as illegal immigration and economic insecurity. Recently, she presented the findings of a year-long study that highlighted the risks posed by illegal immigration to social cohesion in Britain’s poorest communities. She urged Cabinet ministers to acknowledge the concerns of the public regarding these issues.
In addition, Rayner gained favor with many Labour backbenchers earlier this year after suggesting the possibility of raising taxes by up to £4 billion a year ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Spring Statement. However, she has also publicly denied any desire to challenge Starmer for leadership, stating in May, “I do not want to run for leader of the Labour Party. I rule it out.”
Despite these assurances, the growing influence of Rayner and the pressure from within the party suggest that the political landscape within Labour is shifting. Whether or not Starmer will ultimately succumb to this pressure remains to be seen, but the current momentum seems to favor a change in policy.
