Muslim voters abandoned Labor to favor pro-Palestinian candidates

Is the war in Gaza changing British policy and influencing votes? This is what happened, to a certain extent, on Thursday May 2 during the local elections in the United Kingdom. British Muslims, historically loyal supporters of Labour, this time voted in favor of independent or local candidates who included in their campaign the issue of the war in Gaza and the Palestinian cause.

“We will not be silenced. We will raise the voice of Gaza. We will raise the voice of Palestine. Allah Akbar!” These are the words spoken by environmentalist Mothin Ali when he learned last Thursday of his election in Gipton and Harehills, two districts of Leeds in the north of England. Representing the Green Party, he gathered more than 3,000 votes, 747 more than his Labor rival. An elected official responsible for various local issues but who, like around forty other local elected officials, centered his campaign around a war which is nearly 5,000 km away.

Muslims await new promises

Labor leader Keir Starmer has sent a word to those who have abandoned his party over its stance on Gaza. “I heard you, I listened. And I am determined to address your concerns and regain your respect and trust in the future.” In areas where the Muslim population exceeds 20%, the Labor Party actually lost nearly 18% of votes.

For the spokesperson for the Labor Muslim Network, the country’s four million Muslims are waiting for new promises. “We have so much work to do to regain the trust of Muslim voters, and that starts with calling for an immediate arms embargo on Israel,” did he declare. The Labor Party is, however, favorite for the legislative elections. According to a latest poll, he is 30 points ahead of the ruling conservative party.