Labour frontbencher Imran Hussain resigns over party’s stance on ceasefire in Gaza

A Labour frontbencher has resigned to “strongly advocate for a ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas, adding to pressure on Sir Keir Starmer over his position on the conflict.

Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East, said he was stepping back from his role as shadow minister for the New Deal for Working People as it had become clear his view “differs substantially” from the party leader’s.

In a letter to Sir Keir, published on X, he wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to tender my resignation as Shadow Minister for the New Deal for Working People after eight years on the Labour Party frontbench.”

“A ceasefire is essential to ending the bloodshed, to ensuring that enough aid can pass into Gaza and reach those most in need,” he wrote.

In his post on X he added: “I want to be able to strongly advocate for a ceasefire, as called for by the UN General Secretary. In order to be fully free to do so, I have tonight stepped down from Labour’s Frontbench.”

He said he had been “proud” to work alongside Sir Keir and his deputy Angela Rayner in developing a plan for employment rights, but could not “in all good conscience” push for a cessation of hostilities while remaining part of the frontbench.

Mr Hussain said: “It has become clear that my view on the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza differs substantially from the position you have adopted.”

His resignation comes as Sir Keir faces growing pressure from within his party over the conflict, with dozens of councillors quitting Labour in protest.

Many of his Shadow Cabinet have also broken ranks to back calls for a ceasefire in the region.

Sir Keir has announced a compromise position of backing a ceasefire once Israelis taken hostage taken by Hamas are freed.

He attracted criticism shortly after Hamas first attacked Israel last month when he appeared to suggest Israel had a right to limit essential supplies, including water and electricity, to Gaza.

Last month, 150 councillors jointly signed a letter to Sir Keir and deputy leader Angela Rayner requesting that Labour back a ceasefire.