Jeremy Corbyn Urges Keir Starmer to Stand Firm on Palestinian Recognition

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has urged Sir Keir Starmer not to abandon the Palestinian cause, following reports that Starmer would delay recognizing the state of Palestine to align with US policy if Labour wins the upcoming general election.

Speaking at an election rally in Islington North, Corbyn criticized Starmer’s decision. Addressing supporters in Finsbury Park, Corbyn stated, “We must recognize the state of Palestine. Not sometime in the future. Not when the time is right. Now.”

This call comes despite Labour’s manifesto commitment to recognize Palestinian statehood before the conclusion of peace talks between Israel and Hamas. Starmer, reportedly concerned about deviating from US policy, believes that such recognition would be most effective if done in coordination with international allies.

A source revealed to The Times that recognizing Palestine would “have the most impact” if executed “in coordination with allies.” However, Corbyn condemned both the Conservative and Labour parties, accusing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of “political and moral cowardice over Gaza.”

Corbyn warned an incoming Labour government, “We won’t let you abandon the Palestinian people” or “turn a blind eye to genocide.” Under Corbyn’s leadership, Labour’s policy was to immediately recognize the state of Palestine, a stance that continued from his predecessor, Ed Miliband.

Now running as an independent candidate in Islington North after being barred from standing for Labour, Corbyn vowed to continue advocating for an immediate ceasefire, adherence to International Court of Justice rulings, and an end to arms sales to Israel.

“A powerful movement of ordinary people is growing around the country,” he said. “It is a remarkable unity of communities supporting the Palestinian people, of all faiths and none united together in pursuit of peace.”

Corbyn declared that Palestine “is on the ballot in Islington North… if you want an MP that stands up for Palestine and opposes the genocide in Gaza, then vote Independent on July 4.”

This statement follows the resignation of 72 Islington North Labour members who announced their intent to campaign for Corbyn. Suspended by Labour in 2020 for remarks on anti-Semitism in the party, Corbyn was later barred from standing again by Labour’s national executive.

Having served as Islington North’s MP for over 40 years, Corbyn expressed gratitude for local support, stating, “We believe in democracy — and we have to stand up for our rights, our community, and the values we share. I may be standing as an independent, but I’m here to represent the people of Islington North with the same principles I’ve had my entire life: equality, democracy, and peace.”

Momentum, a grassroots movement supportive of Corbyn’s policies, criticized Starmer’s stance. A spokeswoman said, “With the death toll in Gaza reaching 37,000, it’s shameful that Keir Starmer has decided to delay recognition of Palestine under the next Labour government. There’s no time for dithering. We need Labour to recognize a Palestinian state, call for a full and immediate ceasefire in Gaza, stand against Israeli arms sales, and condemn the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”

Starmer has faced significant criticism for his support of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Last November 10, shadow ministers and parliamentary aides, including Naz Shah, Paul Barker, and Afzal Khan, broke ranks to call for an immediate ceasefire. Additionally, 56 Labour members defied a three-line whip, backing an amendment to the King’s Speech that demanded a ceasefire.