Keir Starmer Hit By Massive Rebellion As Dozens Of Labour MPs Back Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Keir Starmer has suffered the biggest rebellion of his leadership after dozens of Labour MPs backed calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Eight frontbenchers were among the 58 MPs who defied their leader to back an SNP call for an end to the hostilities.

They now face being sacked as shadow ministers.

Despite the rebellion, the Commons voted by 293 votes to 125 against a ceasefire.

One rebel, Yasmin Qureshi, resigned as shadow women and equalities minister shortly before the vote.

She said: “The scale of bloodshed in Gaza is unprecedented. Tonight, I will vote for an immediate ceasefire.

“We must call for an end to the carnage to protect innocents lives and end human suffering.”

Speaking after the vote, Starmer said: “I regret that some colleagues felt unable to support the position tonight. But I wanted to be clear about where I stood, and where I will stand.

“Leadership is about doing the right thing. That is the least the public deserves. And the least that leadership demands.”

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: “Tonight, the SNP voted in line with our values for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel. SNP MPs will be able to look themselves in the mirror knowing they did the right thing.

“It’s shameful that a majority of Tory and Labour MPs blocked calls for a ceasefire – and have condoned the continued bombardment of Gaza, which has killed thousands of children and civilians, in breach of international law.”