Corbyn Calls Starmer To Account On Gaza

MPs from parties across Parliament have joined Jeremy Corbyn's campaign for a Chilcott-style inquiry into the Starmer government's involvement in Israel's ongoing slaughter in Gaza.

Even nine of Starmer's 'own' MPs have joined the call - Diane Abbott, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussein, Kim Johnson, Jon Trickett, Nadia Whittome, and notably, two new Labour MPs who gained their seats in 2024, Brian Leishman and Steve Witherden.

Thirty-seven parliamentarians have so far signed Corbyn's letter to Keir Starmer, including suspended Labour MP Zarah Sultana and MPs from the Independent Alliance, SNP, the Greens, Plaid Cymru, Sinn Fein, other Northern Irish parties, and peers from the House of Lords.

The letter from the former Labour leader to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer demands a full inquiry into possible government breaches of international law relating to the conflict.

It asks if the UK should continue to provide weapons that may fuel conflict in Gaza. The signatories want ministers to answer for their actions - particularly since the MoD refuses to clarify exactly what RAF personnel were doing during their many overflights of Gaza 'on behalf of Israel', launched from the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus.

Corbyn's letter to Starmer

The Independent Alliance, founded by Corbyn in September 2024, is now the fifth-largest group in Parliament; so far comprising Corbyn, Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, and Iqbal Mohamed.

The increasingly active group has asked the government to stop arms sales to Israel and to review funding that goes to support conflict. They also call on the government to end the two-child benefit cap and to rethink austerity measures.

In Parliament, Corbyn's group seeks to bring the debate to the front line. The group also asks that funding be restored to the United Nations relief body for Palestine. Their aim is to start a debate on both defence and domestic policies.

The campaign follows recent events after the suspension of seven Labour MPs who opposed the party line on Gaza. Those MPs raised similar concerns over the government’s foreign policy. Their removal has strengthened the resolve of Corbyn and his supporters. The new group now invites more MPs to join them. They say that more voices are needed to change the nation’s stance on arms, welfare, and foreign aid.

Ireland has limited its arms deals with countries in conflict. The Irish government has started to question its role in the international arms trade. In Germany, MPs have pushed for more oversight of arms exports and have called for discussion on how money can be better spent on humanitarian aid. French officials have moved to shift some defence funds toward aid in conflict regions.

These moves match the calls made by Corbyn and his group in the Commons. Other European nations have also stepped back from arms exports in a way that raises similar questions on the use of public funds in defence and aid.

The inquiry seeks to answer if UK policy should change in light of global moves. The calls for review in Parliament come at a time when others in Europe take similar steps. The campaign faces the challenge of turning debate into clear action. The MPs stress that the government must answer for its links with conflict and rework its domestic policies. Their drive may shape the nation’s future both at home and on the world stage.

Keir Starmer has not as yet given any response to the letter.