Labour Party Members Vote to Recognise Gaza Genocide at Conference
Members of the United Kingdom's Labour Party voted to recognise that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza during their party conference on September 28, 2025. The decision was made in a move that increases pressure on the UK government to adopt the same position.
The emergency motion, which was strongly supported by trade unions, backed the findings of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, which concluded earlier this month that Israel has committed genocide. Labour leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office did not immediately comment on the decision.
"This is a historic moment for our party," said Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, who supported the motion. "We are sending a clear message to the UK government that we will no longer stand idly by while the people of Gaza suffer under Israel's occupation."
The vote was met with criticism from some members of the Conservative Party, who accused Labour of being anti-Semitic and overly critical of Israel.
"This decision is a betrayal of the Jewish community and a slap in the face to our ally Israel," said a spokesperson for the Conservative Party. "We will continue to stand by our allies and support their right to defend themselves."
The recognition of genocide in Gaza has been a contentious issue within the Labour Party, with some members arguing that it is too extreme a term to use.
"I understand why people are upset about what's happening in Gaza, but I don't think we should be using language like 'genocide' without careful consideration," said a Labour MP who wished to remain anonymous. "It's a serious accusation that can have serious consequences."
The decision by the Labour Party is likely to put pressure on the UK government to adopt a similar position. The UK government has been criticized in the past for its handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"We will continue to work with our international partners to find a peaceful solution to the conflict," said a spokesperson for the UK government. "We understand that this is a complex issue, and we will not be making any hasty decisions."
The Labour Party's decision is also likely to have implications for the party's relationship with its trade union allies.
"The trade unions have been clear in their support for the Palestinian people," said a spokesperson for the Trades Union Congress. "We welcome this decision by the Labour Party and look forward to continuing our work together to bring about justice and peace in the region."
The conference is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming days.
Background:
The United Nations Commission of Inquiry was established in 2020 to investigate allegations of war crimes committed during Israel's military operations in Gaza. The commission's report, released earlier this month, concluded that Israel had committed genocide against the Palestinian people.
Context:
The Labour Party has a long history of supporting the Palestinian cause and has been critical of Israel's treatment of Palestinians. However, the party has also faced criticism for its handling of anti-Semitism within its ranks.
Impact:
The decision by the Labour Party is likely to put pressure on the UK government to adopt a similar position. It may also have implications for the party's relationship with its trade union allies and its reputation within the international community.
Next developments:
The conference will continue in the coming days, and further decisions are expected.
The UK government is likely to face increased pressure to adopt a similar position on the recognition of genocide in Gaza.
The Labour Party's decision may have implications for its relationship with its trade union allies and its reputation within the international community.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
