Labor MPs faced an election backlash from Muslim voters over the party's stance on the war between Israel and the Gaza Strip

Keir Starmer gives a speech at a business conference in London Photo: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

Labour MPs are privately wary that some colleagues may have failed to be re-elected due to a backlash from Muslim votes over the party's position on the conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Palestine supporters have expressed anger at how long it has taken Sir Keir Starmer, leader Labor Party to call for a ceasefire when Israel struck the Gaza Strip following Hamas attacks on October 7.

Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary and former Conservative prime minister, went further than Labor last week , saying Britain is officially considering recognition of a Palestinian state.

One Labor MP estimated that up to four colleagues could lose re-election because Muslim voters in their constituency decide not to vote or end up supporting someone else.

Labour MPs are part of the the number of those targeted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators who believe the party has not taken a strong enough stance in calling out Israel during the conflict.

Some have seen protests take place outside their homes — something the Labor Party leadership has criticized as politicians' families may feel intimidated.

Mike Freer, Justice Secretary and Conservative MP, last week announced he would resign at the next election due to concerns about his safety.

Mr Freer represents the constituency of Finchley and Golders Green, an area of ​​London with a large Jewish population, and has spoken out in support of Israel following the Hamas attacks.

Oppose them in the election

Labor politicians now face being opposed by pro-Palestinian candidates at the next election — something Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, has already faced.

Last week, The Guardian reported that the Labor Party had commissioned a study into how Muslim voters look at the conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip and the party's position on it.

Whether this dynamic results in some Labor MPs failing to win elections will depend on how cohesive their individual majorities are, and perhaps how the conflict plays out further.

< Professor John Curtis of the University of Strathclyde, a BBC election analyst, told the Telegraph: "Most places with large Muslim populations are fairly safe seats for the Labor Party, and they will be even safer in this election. So it must be a fringe with a small Muslim community that can influence the vote.

“The second point to note is the obvious contrast with the Iraq War. So far, the Liberal Democrats have not taken a position markedly different from Labour's. If the Lib Dems come out and say «Israel's approach was wrong» it will potentially make life a little more difficult.»

Sir Keir expressed support for a ceasefire in December, saying there was a need to «get a sustainable ceasefire as quickly as possible.» fire.»