Two shadow levelling up ministers depart over ceasefire vote

Yesterday, two individuals from the shadow leveling up crew relinquished their positions after supporting the SNP's proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Paula Barker and Sarah Owen, who held positions in the Labour Party's shadow devolution and shadow local government respectively, were part of a group of ten officials who either resigned or were removed from their positions for going against Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Party's leader.

The amendment that proposed “all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire” was declined by MPs who voted 293 to 125 against it. 56 members of the Labour Party voted in favor of the amendment.

Previously, Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour party suggested the need for a temporary cessation of violence for the sake of humanity in the Gaza region.

Ms Barker, who holds the position of MP for the Liverpool Wavertree constituency, publicly announced her resignation by means of a statement that was shared on a certain date, and she made it clear that her decision was due to her conscience leading her to vote for the amendment which requested a ceasefire.

According to her, a lot of people have contacted her office which has put a lot of pressure on her. She is of the opinion that the release of hostages and a ceasefire is the most effective way to create an environment that is calm and will allow all stakeholders to come together and work on a diplomatic solution.

Ms. Owen, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Luton North, issued a joint statement with the other Luton MPs. They expressed that the request for a cessation of violence is in line with the belief of most British people and several esteemed organizations such as the UN, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, Islamic Relief, and faith leaders including the Pope and local mosque leaders.

Other members of the Labour Party who have either voluntarily left or been requested to leave their positions include: