Liberal Democrats Shift Toward Pro-Palestine Stance at Conference

The ongoing conflict in Gaza emerged as a central topic during the recent Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth. Although not the primary focus of the party’s agenda, the situation has garnered significant media attention, particularly following party leader Ed Davey‘s strong statements regarding Israel’s actions. During his conference speech, Davey labelled the unfolding events in Gaza as “genocide,” urging the international community to intervene and stop the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Davey’s remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from party members. He emphasized that “nothing – nothing – can justify what the Netanyahu government is doing to innocent men, women, and children in Gaza,” referencing harrowing images of suffering civilians. The leader also spoke at a reception co-hosted by the Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine (LDFP) and the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), highlighting the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in the region.

He described Britain’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state as a “small step” and called for further action, stating, “The big picture is stopping the fighting, getting the food in, getting the water in, getting the medicine in, getting the hostages released, and stopping the appalling illegal actions in the West Bank.” This marks a notable shift in the party’s stance, aligning more closely with public sentiment on the issue.

The LDFP chair, Anne-Marie Simpson, expressed surprise at the timing of Davey’s condemnation of Israel, stating, “We’ve been wanting it for so long.” She noted that the party’s position has evolved significantly, especially following a resolution passed in September 2024 advocating for a full arms embargo on Israel. Simpson emphasized the LDFP’s strong engagement with party leadership, which has strengthened over time.

Deputy leader Daisy Cooper reinforced the party’s commitment to humanitarian principles, asserting that their position on Gaza has been shaped by a desire to advocate for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. “We’re doing it because we’re internationalists, we’re humanitarians,” she said, underscoring the party’s long-standing policy goals.

The conference also featured contrasting views within the party. At an event hosted by the pro-Israel group Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel (LDFI), Israeli Knesset member Shelly Tal Meron objected to the characterization of Israeli actions as genocide, stating it made her “uncomfortable.” This sentiment echoed a broader tension within the party, as LDFI’s claims appeared out of sync with the prevailing views expressed at the LDFP event.

Additionally, speakers at LDFP’s gathering urged the party to take even stronger actions against Israel’s policies. Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, welcomed Davey’s recognition of the genocide but insisted that this acknowledgment carries responsibilities. He urged party members to utilize their influence to push for sanctions against Israel and encourage local councils to divest from Israeli investments.

The discussions at the conference revealed a growing urgency within the Liberal Democrats to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocate for Palestinian rights. Ehab Omar, co-founder of British Palestinian Families, received a warm response when he shared his personal connection to Gaza, reflecting the human impact of the ongoing conflict.

As the Liberal Democrats navigate their evolving stance on Palestine, the party faces the challenge of balancing internal perspectives while advocating for a humanitarian approach to one of the most contentious issues in modern politics. With ongoing discussions and heightened engagement from party leadership, the Liberal Democrats are positioning themselves as a more vocal advocate for Palestinian rights on the international stage.