A significant motion asserting that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza has been approved at the Labour Party conference, backed primarily by major trade unions. The resolution calls on the UK government to take immediate and substantial measures, including suspending arms sales and trade agreements with Israel.
The motion, introduced by Unison and supported by Aslef, passed due to strong affiliate support, despite indications that a majority of delegates in the hall favored a more cautious alternative proposed by the party leadership. The leadership’s version had referred only to a “risk” of genocide, a wording critics described as misleading and insufficient.
The approved text urges the government to “employ all reasonable means to prevent genocide” and to “fully suspend the arms trade with Israel and the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement.” It also calls for ensuring that UK individuals and corporations are not complicit in the alleged atrocities.
The debate grew heated as delegates critical of the motion were given speaking time, leading to accusations that the party was attempting to suppress dissent. A union source described the discussions as civil, with “respectful disagreement,” while activists hailed the vote as a landmark moment that should push the government to align with international findings.
The UN Commission of Inquiry has concluded that “genocide is occurring in Gaza,” a determination that the motion now urges the UK to formally accept. This development comes as ministers are reviewing an official assessment on whether there is a “serious risk” of genocide—a report already delayed by several weeks.
Under the Genocide Convention, the UK is obligated to act if such a risk is confirmed. However, the government has so far described the situation in Gaza as “grotesque” but has stopped short of using the term genocide, citing the high legal threshold for proving intent.
The Israeli government has consistently denied allegations of genocide, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently telling the UN that Israel is not driving Palestinians out of Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023.
