UK Labour faces Palestine protest and criticism over broken austerity promises

Thousands gathered in London for the 36th national Palestine demonstration, urging new Labour leader Andy Burnham to end the party’s support for Israel. Protesters called for sanctions, an arms embargo on Israel and the lifting of the Palestine Action ban. Union members from the Institute for Cancer Research also joined, linking labour solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

At the same time, political commentary highlights that former Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government failed to deliver on its pledge to break years of austerity, implementing cuts to disability benefits, winter fuel allowances and retaining the two‑child benefit cap. Critics say Starmer shifted blame to migrants and aligned with far‑right rhetoric, further polarising British politics.