LONDON, U.K. — Labour select committee chairs signed a letter proposing policy measures on trade and settlements with Israel. Pro-Palestine activists anticipate a significant shift in Labour party policy that could result in a stricter stance on Israel.

Polling data indicates Labour party members favor a ban on all arms shipments to Israel. A survey published by Medical Aid for Palestinians showed 87% of Labour party members support banning trade with illegal settlements, while 78% of members support a complete ban on arms shipments to Israel. The UK partially suspended arms exports to Israel in September 2024, formally recognized Palestine as a state in September 2025, and imposed sanctions on additional settler groups recently.

Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, questioned why the UK has not exercised diplomatic leverage to resolve negotiations regarding Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank. She also stated that government diplomatic momentum declined following the recognition of Palestine. "Recognition was a first step. Where is the second and 10th step?" Thornberry said. She added, "What is happening inside Gaza is intolerable yet we tolerate it."

Neither Wes Streeting nor Andy Burnham has published detailed policy proposals for Gaza. Both individuals have previously advocated for increased Labour support for Palestine. Streeting has accused Israel of committing war crimes and distributed a dossier compiled by British doctors in Palestine to the UK cabinet. Keir Starmer alleged that Streeting circulated the dossier to facilitate a leak. Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham have not characterized Israel's military actions as genocide.