UK PM Starmer leaves behind mixed record on antisemitism

Keir Starmer announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister on Monday, citing a loss of confidence from his parliamentary party following substantial defeats in the May 7 local elections. His departure comes after the success of rival Andy Burnham in a Manchester parliamentary election, positioning Burnham as a leading contender to replace Starmer.

Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, expressed his intention to run for the leadership, emphasizing the need for an orderly transition. Starmer will remain as caretaker prime minister until a successor is chosen. "I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace," Starmer stated outside 10 Downing Street.

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The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.

The Jewish Labour Movement acknowledged Starmer's efforts, stating the party was "institutionally antisemitic" when he took over from Jeremy Corbyn and now has "a clean bill of health on antisemitism." However, the broader Jewish community voiced criticism regarding his handling of antisemitism, particularly amid a rise in antisemitic incidents, including arson attacks on ambulances and attempted synagogue attacks.

Starmer's tenure also involved navigating the UK's complex relationship with Israel following the October 7 Hamas attacks and the subsequent Gaza war. His government angered Israel by recognizing Palestine as a state and pledging support for the International Court of Justice's potential arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes.

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our party has a clean bill of health on antisemitism.