More than 20,000 Labor members resign over Gaza and green policies

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More than 23,000 Labor members have left the party in the past two months, amid conflicts over its stance on Gaza and a weakening of Green promises.

The opposition still holds a huge lead over the conservatives in opinion polls, despite the sharp decline in membership numbers revealed by figures released by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC). .

Union sources told The Observer that the party's overall financial situation remained strong despite the decline in subscriptions, which are only one source of income for the party.

Sir Keir Starmer's party now derives a large part of its income from donors. with the financial support of unions.

The Labor leader was heavily criticized for his initial refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following Israeli raids on the territory, which were a response to the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7.

Anger within Britain's Muslim community at the Labor Party's handling of the issue was the main reason why thousands of members tore up their pledge cards , party members believe.

Sir Keir and Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, have also been criticized for scaling back the party's £28bn green investment plan, which was seen by some as a key dividing line between Labor and the Conservatives.

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have been criticized for reducing the Labor's green prosperity plan

(Reuters)

Labour's two leaders said the green prosperity plan would be scaled back. at less than £15 billion.

Party membership peaked at 532,000 in 2019 under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. The report to the NEC last week revealed that...