LABOUR-RUN Lambeth council has voted against a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza.

Twenty out of 58 Labour councillors were absent for the vote, with just two joining one Liberal Democrat to vote for the motion put forward by the Greens at a full council meeting on Wednesday.

Green councillor Nicole Griffiths said: “Our motion was not controversial – it was thoroughly researched, carefully considered and crucially, based on humanitarian principles.”

Cllr Scott Ainslie, also of the Greens, added: “If national government and major opposition parties fail to do the right thing then let local and regional governments do it.”

Lambeth council was contacted for comment.

Union leaders earlier this month warned that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is risking alienating millions of Britons over his position on Gaza.

Mr Starmer reportedly responded saying that he wanted Western countries to work towards a “sustainable ceasefire” rather than calling for one to be declared immediately.