LONDON – A growing number of Conservative MPs are quietly backing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s firm stance on the Gaza war, according to senior Tory MP Mark Pritchard, reported by Arab News. He said the Labour leader is “on the right side of history and humanity,” as calls for Israel to stop its military actions grow louder.
Speaking to LBC Radio, Pritchard, who describes himself as a long-time supporter of Israel, expressed deep concern for the suffering in Gaza. “Half the population of Gaza are children,” he said. “They are being bombed to bits and slowly starved. It’s time to stand up for them.”
The UK, along with France and Canada, recently warned Israel of “concrete actions” if it does not change course. The nations condemned what they called “egregious” actions by Israeli forces. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the three countries of siding with injustice.
Despite internal party tensions, Pritchard refused to criticize Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who questioned the UK’s new sanctions on violent Israeli settlers. Still, he stood by Starmer, saying more Conservative MPs quietly support the prime minister’s strong message.
Pritchard also voiced support for recognizing Palestine as a state. “It might be symbolic,” he said, “but it sends a powerful message of peace and hope.”
The Gaza war, now dragging on for months, has brought suffering to millions. With children’s lives hanging in the balance, voices across party lines are beginning to rise — calling for an end to the bloodshed and a new path forward.
