I’ve criticised Keir Starmer frequently in the past, so it’s only fair to recognise his strong support for Israel the barbaric attacks on October 7. He has been clear and consistent about Israel’s right to defend itself and deal with Hamas.  

His support for Israel’s response has not gone down so well with some in his party. Already 14 shadow ministers have defied party policy and called for a ceasefire.

The pictures from Gaza are horrifying, but the responsibility lies completely with Hamas, which is using civilians as human shields. As long as they are allowed to do so, civilian suffering will continue. 

No one believes for a second the terrorists want peace. A ceasefire would only be used as a pause to plan their next attacks. There is no possibility of peace for Israel and freedom for the poor people of Gaza without Hamas being beaten.

And the quickest and safest way to get fuel and vital supplies to the poor people and hospitals in Gaza would be for Hamas to share its stockpiles with civilians. Hamas has huge stores of fuel but chooses to use it to fire thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians.

Despite that, another 40 Labour MPs have so far signed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire. 

No one should be surprised when longstanding critics of Israel on the Corbyn-supporting hard-left do this, but seeing people who could be government ministers in 12 months’ time speaking out as well is another matter entirely. Their behaviour means this has become a big test for the Labour leader.

Backing down would raise doubts about his ability to take tough decisions and face down internal critics. That is why he must continue to show leadership, do the right thing and stay the course.

Tiring of the mayor

Contrast the Labour leader’s approach with London mayor Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham in Manchester, who both called for a ceasefire at the weekend.

Neither of them has had to put on a uniform and defend their family or country. On what basis do they lecture the Israelis on how they should defend themselves?

It is not possible for the London mayor to say he supports Israel’s right to defend itself and then call for a ceasefire which would prevent them from doing it.

And many Labour MPs and members I speak to are getting very tired of the Manchester mayor’s posturing and grandstanding.

What about peace?

I spent Saturday afternoon watching the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s protest march.

There were plenty of signs with the slogan “From the river to the sea”, which is obviously a call for Israel to be eradicated. And marchers even chanted about a historic massacre of Jews by a Muslim army that translates as “Khaybar Khaybar oh Jews, the army of Muhammad will return”. 

I didn’t see any banners calling for peace or a two-state solution, or hear chants calling for Gaza to be freed from Hamas or hostages to be released. And no will be surprised to learn I didn’t see any mention of the brutal civilian deaths in Syria, the world’s worst humanitarian disaster in Yemen or a million Muslims locked up in Chinese concentration camps.

If the only country you are campaigning against or marching about or want to see abolished is the only Jewish one, don’t tell me you’re not an antisemite.

Writing makes a difference

It is really important that MPs hear from constituents who want them to support Israel’s right to defend itself.

As a former MP, I know it makes a real difference when constituents get in touch on issues like this. It is a quick and easy — just click on the We Believe in Israel website and get your friends and family to do it today as well.

Principled and popular

l Standing up for Israel is the right thing to do. That is why Starmer’s Labour Party must continue to do it.

But if any Labour MPs do need extra persuasion, they should note that all the polling evidence shows it makes sense electorally, too. 

To win a majority Starmer must win back a significant share of those people who voted Conservative at the last election. These are the most important group of voters at the next election. They will decide who becomes our prime minister and the polling shows they overwhelmingly support Israel.

Lord Austin is a former Labour MP and a life peer