The Labour Party is confronting a crisis of confidence among Muslim voters ahead of the Rochdale by-election on 29th February, with charges of Islamophobia and unsatisfactory responses to the Gaza conflict. Keir Starmer, who previously defended Israel's actions in Gaza, including cutting off water and electricity, faces backlash from constituents and political adversaries. Labour's Rochdale candidate, Azhar Ali, was questioned by 5Pillars journalists Roshan M Salih and Robert Carter for evasive answers regarding the party's stance. Endorsements from figures like Lee Harpin, accused of Islamophobia, have intensified doubts about Labour's dedication to Palestinian issues. The shadow justice secretary, as reported by Dominic McGrath, acknowledged a sense of lost trust in the Muslim community over Labour's Gaza policy, while Starmer highlighted the importance of achieving a sustainable ceasefire. George Galloway and the Workers' Party have seized on this dissatisfaction, advocating a boycott of Labour and condemning their alleged support for genocide in Gaza.
Labour backed the genocide in #Gaza_Genocide Never forgive never forgive that. #BoycottLabour #RochdaleGenocide https://t.co/AOcYo9Aof9
This is peak “Muslim washing” by the genocide enabling Labour Party. Even more shameful is that @CllrAzharAli is allowing himself to be used like this. If what he says in the video is true, how can he in all good conscience serve in a party led by Starmer? #RochdaleByElection🥀 https://t.co/kd6YSzsyzi
Labour’s shadow justice secretary said there had been a “sense of a loss of trust” in the Muslim community over the party’s stance on the conflict in Gaza ✍️: @McGrathDominic https://t.co/UrpDAEzzGs
When asked if Labour has lost the trust of Muslim voters over its policy on Gaza, Keir Starmer replied: 'There's a lot of concern about the situation in the Middle East' He said the way to address that is to 'get to a sustainable ceasefire' https://t.co/4td6uJlaP7
The @JewishChron claims Labour candidate @CllrAzharAli in Rochdale has raised millions & is a trustee of a mosque with extremist preachers. Some have supported terrorists, attacked Zionism & Asrar Rashid said Hamas should "boot out" Jews in Israel & should support the Houthis.… https://t.co/iRm0gEvM80
A Tower Hamlets resident in London, UK, challenges Labour campaigners on their support for Keir Starmer. He accuses the leader of the Labour Party of being “an open Islamophobe,” amidst criticism of the party's stance during the war in Gaza. https://t.co/dfwIyFjEQE
A resident in Manchester turns away a Labour Party campaigner in response to criticism of the party's stance on the war in Gaza. Last year, Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, defended Israel’s decision to shut off water and electricity to Gaza. https://t.co/yhZYCXx6Ml
Lee Harpin endorsing @CllrAzharAli is a red flag for all who care about the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. His endorsement shows Labour are so petrified of a Galloway win that they are pulling out all the stops to support Azhar Ali. It won’t work, Rochdale are done with Labour https://t.co/VGEl3iTEeU
On the 29th February, Rochdale can send a message to the political establishment. That they will not accept Labour and Tory complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. What does Rochdale think of @CllrAzharAli & @georgegalloway 👀 https://t.co/MUuacCthnI
Muslims are struggling to get straight answers from the Labour Party candidate for Rochdale, Azhar Ali. So 5Pillars journalists Roshan M Salih and Robert Carter challenged him outside Labour Party HQ. @RmSalih | @Bob_cart124 https://t.co/Fcxnk1yk0A
Lee Harpin a virulent Islamophobe & Zionist, as well as political editor of the Jewish Chronicle, is tweeting support Azhar Ali in Rochdale by election. Should tell you all you need to know about Labours choice for MP #GazaGenocide @WorkersPartyGB @5Pillarsuk @georgegalloway https://t.co/J1cLawLLRG
Labour Muslims warn Starmer 'nosediving' support is 'full blown crisis’ for party https://t.co/BY4s5NvinS