Labour frontbenchers may quit over Starmer Gaza row

Sir Keir Starmer is battling to convince Labour MPs he has taken the right stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict - with up to four members of the shadow cabinet said to be on resignation watch as of last night.

- ADAM FORREST

The Labour leader is facing growing unrest among his own MPs, with dozens having signed a motion urging the British government to call for an immediate ceasefire. Sir Keir was forced to hold crunch talks with a group of Muslim Labour MPs to address anger at his handling of the crisis – including comments in which he appeared to back the cutting of power and water to Gaza.

Sarah Owen, the shadow minister for faith, and Rachel Hopkins, shadow Cabinet Office minister, are among up to four frontbenchers considering whether to quit, according to The Times. Frontbencher Yasmin Qureshi, a shadow equalities minister, also defied the leadership by calling for a ceasefire at PMQs this week. A Labour spokesperson did not say whether she would be disciplined. Meanwhile, more than 150 Muslim Labour councillors have signed a letter to Sir Keir urging him to back a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.