Labour Struggles with Muslim Voters Over Gaza: Party to Recalibrate Campaign Strategy
A senior Labour Party official, Pat McFadden, stated that the party needs to adjust its campaigning strategy to win back voters who oppose Labour's stance on Gaza.
The decline in Labour votes, particularly in areas with large Muslim populations, was nearly 18 percent, according to analysis of the local elections in England and London mayoral race.
McFadden mentioned that the Middle East is a significant foreign policy priority for the Labour Party, and they plan to work towards regaining the support of these voters.
A study conducted by Prof. Will Jennings at the University of Southampton analyzed protests against Labour leader Keir Starmer's stance on Gaza, specifically his delay in calling for a ceasefire.
The Muslim community expressed feelings of betrayal, and Ali Milani, chair of the Labour Muslim Network, voiced concerns about the electoral consequences for Labour MPs in areas with large Muslim populations, such as Bradford, Birmingham, Leicester, London, and Manchester.
The analysis highlighted that Labour is in an uncomfortable position regarding the Gaza situation.
The text discusses the concern among some Muslim voters in the UK regarding Labour Party's stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
However, Ellie Reeves, a Labour MP, stated that the party's position would depend on the situation in Gaza and that they have called for an immediate ceasefire.
She also mentioned that the pattern of Muslim voters' behavior in elections may not be repeated in a general election with fewer small parties and independents.
Previously, Labour leader Keir Starmer has been clear that their position would respond to the situation in Gaza.