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Grassroots rebels for Gaza: councillors are key in challenging Starmer
Demonstrators outside Chatham House in central London, following a speech by Labour leader Keir Starmer on the situation in the Middle East. Picture date, October 31, 2023.

THE mass movement of solidarity with the Palestinian people has already had serious ramifications for Britain’s domestic politics.

It has forced the resignation of far-right home secretary Suella Braverman and stimulated the biggest Labour parliamentary rebellion against the leadership of Keir Starmer.

But perhaps the most profound impact has been felt at the local level. Getting on for 100 Labour local authority councillors have resigned from the party in protest at Starmer’s backing for Israel and opposition to a ceasefire in Gaza.

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