Lib Dem Friends of Israel: Party could be ‘natural home’ to ex-Labour voters

Israel’s supporters within the Liberal Democrats say the party should be appealing to Labour voters disillusioned over the party’s ongoing anti-Semitism crisis.

The argument was aired at a private dinner following a packed fringe meeting organised by Lib Dem Friends of Israel (LDfI), in which 120 delegates discussed Donald Trump’s potential impact on peace in the Middle East.

Debating whether Trump was “a dangerous maverick or potential peace-maker” were Deputy Israeli Ambassador Sharon Bar-li, Lord Monroe Palmer, Baroness Sarah Ludford and LDfI chair Gavin Stollar.

“Many felt that Trump’s approach may actually give him more leverage when it comes to Israel and a viable peace plan, in particular after the embassy move,” said Stollar. “It was surprising to hear from a Liberal audience.”

He added that thoughts had later turned to how the party may best reach out to Labour voters. “There are many who are disillusioned, and the thought was that we should be saying the Lib Dems could be your natural home now.”

LISTEN to this week’s episode of the Jewish Views podcast: