Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is plotting a parliamentary manoeuvre to put Keir Starmer on the spot over the UK’s role in Gaza. On Wednesday 4 June, Corbyn—a now independent MP—will introduce a Ten-Minute Rule Bill demanding an “independent public inquiry” into UK military, economic, and political cooperation with Israel since October 2023.” His goal? Not just to launch an inquiry, but to force Starmer’s government into an awkward Commons vote.
🎯 What’s a Ten-Minute Rule Bill?
Corbyn gets only ten minutes to plead his case after PMQs, but these Bills are rarely about becoming law. Instead, they highlight contentious issues and measure House sentiment. If two Conservative MPs shout “No” to Corbyn’s speech, the Bill proceeds to a Commons vote—where every MP must decide its fate. Rumour has it some Tories will oppose it, ensuring that moment arrives.
🔥 Pressure on Labour to abstain (or rebel)
Government whips are expected to instruct Labour MPs to abstain or vote against Corbyn’s motion—because Starmer’s administration won’t want to back a Corbyn-led initiative. But tensions run high: just weeks ago, Starmer co-signed a statement condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza alongside Canadian and French leaders. Still, supporting an inquiry tabled by Corbyn could carry serious consequences—given this Government’s track record on rebellions (remember the two-child benefit cap?).
📢 Left-wing support and potential fallout
Brian Leishman, MP for Grangemouth and Alloa and co-sponsor of Corbyn’s Bill, said:
“The UK has questions to answer regarding our involvement in the genocide being perpetrated by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. The British people deserve to know our role in this atrocity.”
Leishman’s backing signals that some Labour MPs are ready to defy the whip. If enough of them vote “Yes,” Corbyn’s Bill could proceed to a second reading—forcing ministers to publicly justify their stance or face political embarrassment.
🏛️ A ticking pressure cooker
Corbyn’s ruse highlights mounting pressure on Starmer to address Gaza. With left-leaning MPs unlikely to back down, the government faces a dilemma: either risk a Commons rebellion or accept an inquiry that could unearth uncomfortable truths.
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