This is Stephen Flynn's first time speaking in his current role, after he took control in London when Ian Blackford was ousted. For now both Labour and the Conservatives are in agreement about what that line is but the question as the situation in Gaza develops, is how long that position can hold.īy Tim Baker, political reporter, at SNP conference in Aberdeenįollowing the SNP's emergency motion on the Middle East, the leader of the group's Westminster delegation addressesd the conference hall. While Labour are under pressure from some in the party to speak up more on behalf of Palestinian civilians, Sir Keir Starmer is determined that no one should say anything that could jeopardise his commitment to 'tear out antisemitism' from the party - his pledge on taking over the leadership from Jeremy Corbyn.įor any UK politicians commenting on the situation – it's a fine balance. Mr Lammy refused to take up Trevor Phillips' invitation to suggest that the UK government had been slow in terms of urging restraint on the Israelis, compared to the US and France, insisting he didn't want to be critical of Mr Cleverly or depart from the cross-party consensus. The pair even hugged when they met outside the Sky studio this morning. In a way what was most striking about this morning's round of interviews was the close and almost unprecedented alignment of two men normally at opposite sides of the political spectrum. Neither the foreign secretary nor his Labour counterpart questioned Israel's right to order the evacuation of 1.1 million people from the north of Gaza, despite concern from the UN that this could lead to humanitarian catastrophe and claims that 'forcible displacement' would be a breach of the Geneva Convention.

While Mr Cleverly said the UK would never give carte blanche to any nation, he was reassured by the 'regular commitments from the Israel leadership' he had received that their operations will be in the accordance with international law. He believes Hamas’s strategy is to escalate conflict in the area into a wider war between the Muslim world and everyone else.Īnd while the SNP's Humza Yousaf has called for a ceasefire in Gaza in order to evacuate civilians and provide humanitarian assistance, both Labour and the Tories are clear in their assurance of Israel's right to take on Hamas in Gaza. He argued that he and the government share the passion of those demonstrating in London for a better life for the Palestinian people, but made the point that it is in Israel’s interest to avoid civilian casualties. There was no criticism of the Israeli response - his comments were very much couched in terms of 'friends talking honestly to friends'- but James Cleverly repeatedly stressed the UK’s commitment to international law and called for restraint and discipline from the Israeli armed forces.

But this morning, the foreign secretary clearly understood he needed to say more about the Palestinian civilians. The PM, unlike Starmer, didn't even mention the situation in Gaza in his statement. What took place was an act of pure evil and Israel has every right to defend itself.' Sir Keir Starmer was in agreement: 'Israel has the right, indeed the duty, to defend herself and rescue these hostages'. The prime minister said: 'To the people of Israel, I say Britain is with you. Last night's statements from the two leaders underscored the point.

Since the horrific attacks last weekend, we've heard the same headline message from both the government and Labour: that the UK stands with Israel - and it has the right to fight back. By Amanda Akass, politics and business correspondent

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