The Jewish and Muslim communities in Bury have distinct attitudes towards the Israel-Gaza conflict and the political stance that UK politicians should adopt. With a higher than average Muslim and Jewish population, Bury is divided into two parliamentary constituencies: Bury North (Conservative) and Bury South (Labour). Both seats represent significant targets for the upcoming election.
Although the UK government and the Labour party have launched a motion that calls for a “humanitarian pause” in the conflict, to allow the necessary aid into Gaza and to free Israeli captives, Waheed Arshad, a resident of Bury South, worries that the Labour party has not specifically called for a permanent ceasefire. Waheed, who has previously voted for Labour, argues that Muslim voters feel “taken for granted” by the party and that this sentiment will influence their voting choices and enthusiasm for campaigning.
In addition to Bury, there are 14 marginal seats where Labour hopes to win at the general election where the Muslim population is larger than the Conservative majority. On the other hand, there are five Labour target seats where Jewish voters could play a pivotal role. Laurence Stein, a voter in Hendon, a marginal constituency with a high Jewish and Muslim population, says that he is concerned about some of the views of Labour colleagues as they call for a ceasefire, causing him to lean towards the Conservative party.
While the issue of ethnicity and religion is significant to many voters during the Israel-Gaza conflict, individuals tend to make judgments based on which party or candidate represents them best. Under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, the Labour party was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination related to antisemitism, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. While Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership aims to eradicate antisemitism, Laurence is apprehensive about the views of some Labour colleagues as they demand a ceasefire. He suggests that if Starmer showed support for the Israeli government by visiting Israel, he may have his vote.
Sir Keir Starmer has made an attempt to strengthen his language regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict to prevent further frontbench resignations and to keep ahead in polling, but there are still many who feel that their voices are not being heard by either political party.
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