What's happened
On September 29, 2025, the UK Labour Party conference voted to back a non-binding motion recognizing Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and called for suspending arms trade with Israel. This contrasts with the party leadership's stance that genocide determinations should be left to international courts. The motion was supported by trade unions and sparked internal party tensions.
What's behind the headline?
Labour's Internal Divide on Gaza Genocide
The Labour Party's recent conference vote to back a motion labeling Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide marks a significant moment of tension between grassroots members, trade unions, and the party leadership. While the motion, supported by unions like Unison and Aslef, demands a full suspension of arms sales and trade agreements with Israel, senior figures including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy maintain that such determinations must be made by international courts, not politicians.
Political and Legal Complexities
This divergence highlights the complex interplay between political activism and legal prudence. The leadership's insistence on deferring to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC) reflects concerns about the evidentiary standards required to legally define genocide, as well as diplomatic ramifications. However, grassroots and union voices argue that waiting for judicial confirmation risks inaction amid ongoing humanitarian crises.
Broader Implications
The debate exposes deeper fractures within Labour over Middle East policy and the party's identity between protest and governance. The leadership's efforts to control the narrative, including limiting pro-motion speakers, have been criticized as undemocratic, potentially alienating members and activists. Meanwhile, the UK government's delayed genocide risk assessments and reluctance to label the conflict legally complicate the party's position.
Forecast
Labour's stance will likely continue to evolve under pressure from its base and international developments. The party faces the challenge of balancing legal obligations, diplomatic relations, and member demands. This internal conflict may influence Labour's broader electoral appeal and its role in shaping UK foreign policy on Israel-Palestine.
Reader Impact
For UK readers, this story underscores the political tensions shaping national discourse on foreign policy and human rights. It highlights how party politics intersect with international law and humanitarian concerns, potentially affecting government actions and public opinion.
What the papers say
Patrick Wintour in The Guardian details the conference's heated debate, noting that "Christina McAnea, the Unison general secretary, told conference: 'This is genocide. But if we wait for this to be confirmed by a court, it will be too late, because it’s already happening as we sit here.'" Wintour also highlights the leadership's contrasting position, quoting Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy: "It is not for politicians like me to do that," referring to genocide determinations, emphasizing reliance on the ICJ and ICC.
The Times of Israel reports on the Labour delegates' vote backing the genocide motion but notes the absence of Hamas or hostage issues in the motion, quoting Labour Councillor Joshua Garfield criticizing the motion for ignoring Hamas entirely. The article also covers Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's response to US President Trump's Gaza plan, providing broader geopolitical context.
Al Jazeera confirms the Labour conference's approval of the emergency motion supporting the UN Commission of Inquiry's findings that Israel "has committed genocide," while also noting the leadership's reluctance to endorse this view officially.
The Mirror, through Dave Burke, conveys the emotional appeal from Unison's General Secretary Christina McAnea, who urged the party to accept the UN report's findings and act immediately, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis with "65,000 Palestinians have died" and calling for intervention to "stop the slaughter of innocent people."
The New Arab offers a critical perspective on the Labour leadership's handling of the debate, accusing it of silencing delegates supporting the genocide motion and highlighting protests and arrests outside the conference. It also references a report accusing the UK government of complicity in genocide through diplomatic and military support to Israel.
Together, these sources illustrate a Labour Party deeply divided between grassroots activism demanding immediate recognition and action on Gaza, and a leadership cautious about legal and diplomatic
How we got here
The Labour Party conference debated emergency motions amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, where over 66,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023. A UN Commission of Inquiry ruled Israel committed genocide, prompting calls within Labour to act. The UK government is legally required to assess genocide risk under the Genocide Convention, but has yet to declare one.
Go deeper
- What are the main arguments for and against recognizing genocide in Gaza within Labour?
- How is the UK government responding to the UN's genocide findings on Gaza?
- What impact could Labour's internal divisions have on UK foreign policy?
Common question
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Why is Labour divided over Gaza genocide claims?
The debate within Labour over whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza has sparked intense controversy. Some delegates support recognizing the genocide, while the party leadership urges caution and judicial review. This division reflects broader international tensions and could impact UK foreign policy. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this contentious issue and what it means for politics today.
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Stay updated with the top headlines shaping the world right now. From political debates to security incidents and new laws, these stories are crucial to understanding current events. Curious about what's happening and why it matters? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions.
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What is happening in Gaza right now?
The conflict in Gaza has escalated significantly, with Israeli forces tightening their control over Gaza City and ongoing military operations against Hamas. Civilians are facing displacement, and international efforts are focused on negotiating a ceasefire amid rising humanitarian concerns. Many are wondering what the current situation entails and what might happen next. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the latest developments in Gaza.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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The Labour Party, commonly Labour, is one of the two main political parties in the United Kingdom, along with the Conservative Party. It sits on the centre-left of the left–right political spectrum, and has been described as an alliance of social democr
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Christina McAnea is a British trade union leader. She was elected as general secretary of Unison in succession to Dave Prentis, and took up the post on 22 January 2021.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.