Lisa Nandy: Labour leadership ‘cannot support pro Palestine motion’ at conference

Labour’s Lisa Nandy has condemned the pro-Palestinian motion passed at the party‘s conference saying: “We owe it to the people of Palestine and Israel to take a fair and balanced approach that recognises there can only be peace through a safe and secure Israel existing alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state.”

In a statement issued to Jewish News shortly after a one-sided Young Labour motion that was backed by delegates in Brighton savaged Israel, the shadow foreign secretary said: “We cannot support this motion.”

She added:”It does not address the issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a comprehensive or balanced way.

“We remain committed to our position – agreed by the National Policy Forum – that there must be a negotiated, diplomatic settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution – a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. We will continue to be strong and consistent advocates for justice, human rights and international law in this conflict, and to condemn the unacceptable use of violence against civilians on all sides.

“The deterioration in living conditions that many Palestinians have suffered in the last year is not due to a conflict of equals but is a result of the continuing military occupation.  There will not be a just, lasting peace until the occupation is brought to a permanent end, where both Palestinians and Israelis enjoy security, dignity and human rights. We condemns all actions that are making that goal more difficult.”

Nandy’s statement, which was supported by Keir Starmer, is sure to infuriate the anti-Israel activists who represent a sizeable number in the party.