Lammy Says Starmer's Gaza Stance Gave Labour a Bad Start After 2023 Supply-Cut Remarks
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 10
Lammy Says Starmer's Gaza Stance Gave Labour a Bad Start After 2023 Supply-Cut Remarks
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 10
Summary
David Lammy said Keir Starmer's early response to the Gaza war was "problematic" and put Labour on a "bad start" in opposition.
The criticism centers on Starmer's October 2023 LBC remarks that Israel had the "right" to cut off Gaza's power and water, comments his spokesman later said referred only to self-defence.
Andy Burnham, expected to become prime minister later this month, apologized on Thursday for Labour's handling of Gaza, saying the party "didn't get it right" and had caused "huge hurt."
Labour shifted to backing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in February 2024, and Starmer's government later recognized Palestine in September 2025 as it tried to reset its position.