Jess Phillips, a Labour MP, has resigned from the frontbench due to Keir Starmer’s position on Gaza. She voted for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict during a Commons session.
The MP for Birmingham Yardley stated that she resigned from her position as shadow minister for domestic abuse and safeguarding for the Labour party with a feeling of sadness.
On Wednesday night, she, along with 55 other Labour MPs and eight members of the shadow cabinet, voted in favor of the amendment brought by the Scottish National Party to the king’s speech. Her complete letter is as follows:
Dear Keir,
This past week has been particularly challenging in the realm of politics since I first became a member of parliament. Despite my efforts to prevent it, I am saddened to announce that I will be stepping down from my position in the shadow Home Office team.
For this instance, I am compelled to cast my vote based on the opinions of my constituents, my own thoughts, and my emotions that have been deeply affected by the devastating events in Israel and Palestine over the past four weeks.
I can see no route where the current military action does anything but put at risk the hope of peace and security for anyone in the region now and in the future.
Unfortunately, I am stepping down from my position as shadow minister for domestic abuse and safeguarding. However, I will continue to work towards this cause. Collaborating with Yvette Cooper on the goal to decrease domestic abuse by 50% within 10 years under a Labour government has been a privilege. I am proud that the Labour party and hopefully the government have made it a priority to bring about significant changes in women’s safety, not just through small adjustments in legislation, but through systemic changes in areas such as housing, health, welfare, and the criminal justice system.
I am dedicated to working towards achieving a Labour government and making tangible progress in ensuring women’s safety. As a member of the backbenches, I am committed to being a valuable contributor to the realization of a brighter future and a Labour government that my constituents are eager to see.
Yours sincerely,
Jess Phillips
Source: theguardian.com
