Kevin Maguire, an Associate Editor at the Mirror and a politics columnist, is a regular guest on Good Morning Britain and various TV programs. He also contributes to the New Statesman and previously held the role of chief reporter at The Guardian. Maguire is a supporter of Sunderland AFC.
The United States provides military support to Israel, so for Keir Starmer’s alliance with Donald Trump to be effective, the Prime Minister must urge Trump to increase pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu.
Although Britain alone cannot halt the severe starvation and daily violence in Gaza, there is a misconception among MPs from both ends of the political spectrum regarding the country’s global influence, which is moderate at best.
Starmer has made several missteps in addressing this conflict, from initially failing to condemn the unlawful blockade of essential resources to continuing arms sales to Israel. Despite internal pressure, he has resisted recognizing a Palestinian state.
However, Starmer has taken steps such as halting some military supplies, imposing sanctions on extreme elements within Netanyahu’s government, and rejecting calls to oppose international warrants for war crimes, including against PM Netanyahu.
Starmer’s genuine dismay over the Palestinian casualties has been evident. Encouraging Trump, during his visit to Scotland, to exert pressure on Netanyahu could lead to a significant breakthrough in ending the conflict and ensuring the safety of Israeli hostages.
By negotiating with Trump, Starmer could potentially convert Israel’s temporary ceasefire in parts of Gaza into a permanent end to the 22-month conflict with Hamas, thereby preventing further bombings.
Furthermore, Starmer can highlight a trade agreement that mitigates the impact of the US President’s tariffs as a benefit of maintaining a positive relationship with him. However, increased UK military spending is a drawback, particularly with Ukraine’s Zelensky preferring Biden or Harris in the White House.
While pushing Trump to influence Netanyahu is challenging, the potential outcomes could outweigh the difficulties, as it aligns with the values of compassion and peace that Britain and the Prime Minister stand for.
The upcoming general election, with six significant national parties and seven in Wales and Scotland, is expected to introduce significant uncertainty. The emergence of Jeremy Corbyn’s new party poses a threat similar to Reform UK’s impact on the Conservatives in the previous election.
The fragmentation of left-wing support, akin to Reform’s effect on the right, could lead to Nigel Farage’s victory, just as Starmer secured a historically low 34% of the vote to become Prime Minister.
The electoral landscape, with Labour, Greens, Lib Dems, Tories, Reform, Corbyn’s party, Plaid Cymru, and the SNP competing, will challenge the traditional two-party system’s credibility like never before.
Starmer must address concerns from the left rather than disciplining MPs advocating for the disabled and the environment. Corbyn may not become Prime Minister, but even a small share of Labour’s vote could disrupt British politics significantly.
A potential outcome could be Starmer losing his position and potentially paving the way for Farage. The current state of British politics is marked by unprecedented volatility and unpredictability.
