Support for Israel and Islamophobia
It seems that the main political parties in Britain, the Labor and Conservative parties, may be regretting their stance on Israel and their failure to address Islamophobia. This could potentially cost them the support of Muslim voters and impact their chances in the upcoming elections.
Conservative Party's Support for Israel
The Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, recently declared its unwavering support for Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This announcement came after more than 100 days of war in Gaza. Independent journalist Peter Oburn criticized the government's strong statement, suggesting that it disregarded the atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza.
Labor Party's Support for Israel
The Labor Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, also expressed its unconditional support for Israel. Starmer made this clear in a speech to the Jewish labor movement in north London. Oburn found it strange that Starmer chose this moment to publicly abandon support for Palestinian statehood, especially considering Netanyahu's rejection of a two-state solution.
Criticism from Political Leaders
Some political leaders in Britain have criticized both parties for their positions on the Gaza war. Former Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned his own party's rejection of calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Both the ruling Conservative Party and the main opposition Labor Party faced criticism for their stance.
Declining Muslim Support
A recent poll conducted by the Muslim Census, a British organization, revealed that only 5% of Muslim participants would vote for the Labor Party in the next general election. This is a significant drop from the 71% of Muslim voters who supported the party in 2019. The Conservative Party, which received 9% of the Muslim vote in 2019, is projected to receive less than 1% of the votes from those surveyed.
Lack of Trust and Marginalization
Oburn argues that neither party showed concern for the atrocities committed by Israel or the incendiary language used by Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog. He believes that the parties' alignment on Gaza reflects their disregard for Muslims, and at worst, their targeting and marginalization of the community. This raises doubts about Britain's ability to play a role in peace-building after the conflict ends.
A New Political Consciousness
As the Conservative and Labor parties seem to neglect Muslims and lean towards the right, the author suggests that a new Islamic political consciousness may emerge in Britain. There are also signs that the left has started mobilizing against Starmer, indicating a need for coordination with the Islamic community.
Unity and Cooperation
The writer urges British Muslims to overcome their differences and unite in order to have their voices heard at the national level. Cooperation is essential if they want to make an impact in the political landscape of Britain.
Source: Middle East Eye
