LABOUR’S grassroots rebellion against Sir Keir Starmer’s refusal to support a ceasefire in Gaza mounted today after a former lord mayor of Newcastle quit the party in protest.
In a blistering attack, councillor Habib Rahman, who became Newcastle’s first non-white lord mayor in 2021, accused Mr Starmer of “advocating for the decimation of the Palestinian people” in his support for Israel.
He joins more than 30 Labour councillors who have quit the party over the leader’s stance.
In a letter Mr Rahman said to Mr Starmer that his “continuous support for the Israeli government, coupled with a lack of compassion, empathy and humanity towards innocent men, women and children in Palestine is unacceptable.
“Your unwavering support for the Israeli government’s bombardment of Gaza is nothing short of advocating for the decimation of the Palestinian people.”
Mr Rahman announced he would now be an independent on Newcastle City Council.
A spokesperson for the Newcastle Labour group said: “As a Labour group we are incredibly sad to hear of Councillor Habib Rahman’s decision today.
“The Labour Party is an anti-racist party, committed to combatting and campaigning against all forms of racism, including anti-semitism and Islamophobia.”
His resignation came as protests calling for a ceasefire showed no sign of losing momentum.
Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) groups are staging a Day of Action for Palestine — Stop Arming Israel — Boycott Barclays protests in 51 towns and cities nationwide tomorrow.
Barclays bank has investments of more than £1 billion in companies arming Israel.
PSC said: “Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are mourning their family members killed — now it’s over 25,000 lives extinguished by Israel’s attacks.
“All the while, Barclays bank executives are making profits through their business dealings with arms companies that supply Israel with the weapons it uses to maim and kill.”
Further protests are planned tomorrow. Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine, representing more than a dozen Palestine campaign groups, will march from Platt Fields at 11.30am and stage a public meeting at 2pm at Manchester Mechanics Institute. Three Palestinians from Gaza will speak about Israel's attacks on the enclave.
