UK opposition leader kicks off election campaign amid Gaza protests

BIRMINGHAM, England

Britain’s Labour Party leader Keir Starmer gave a general-election themed new year speech in Bristol on Thursday, while dozens of demonstrators protested his stance on Israel.

"Keir Starmer, blood on your hands,” “Keir Starmer you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide,” protesters shouted outside the National Composites Centre.

Starmer has been heavily criticized for repeatedly refusing to demand a cease-fire, particularly after making controversial remarks during an interview in which he said Israel had the "right" to cut power and water supplies to Palestinians living in Gaza.

The party has voted against parliamentary motions calling for a cease-fire, claiming that such a move would harm Israel's "right to self-defense."

In Labour, 19 frontbenchers (senior profiles) have expressed an opinion on the conflict at odds with their leader.

Before the failed cease-fire voting session in November, nine shadow Cabinet ministers resigned from their positions to vote in favor of an immediate cease-fire.

Around 70 Labour MPs have defied their leader’s Israel policies, and nearly Labour 50 councilors have resigned from the party over the leadership's position on the war.

Despite losing support from Muslim minority groups and anti-war campaigners, Starmer is confident of defeating the ruling Conservatives in the upcoming general election, which is expected to be held in 2024 and must be held no later than Jan. 28, 2025.

According to the latest Sky News poll, the support for the Labour Party is at 42.5%, with the Tories at 25.5% - a roughly 17-point lead