Labour leader’s shift raises questions about previous pledge on saudi arms sales

In a surprising twist, Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, appears to backtrack on a previous commitment to cease arms sales to Saudi Arabia if Labour secures power in the next election. Despite pledging to “immediately suspend” sales of arms to Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen in the 2019 manifesto, Starmer now emphasizes a more cautious approach, opting for a comprehensive “review” of all British arms sales.

During the 2020 Labour leadership campaign, Starmer declared his stance against arms sales to Saudi Arabia, stating, “I want us to go further and review all arms sales, as well as halting the sales to Saudi Arabia that are creating the horrifying humanitarian suffering in Yemen.” However, recent comments on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg suggest a shift in his position, prompting questions about the consistency of his stance.

The UK, according to the Campaign Against the Arms Trade group, has licensed over £8 billion in arms to Saudi-led forces since the onset of Yemen’s civil war in 2015. Starmer’s decision to merely conduct a review raises concerns among critics who expected a more decisive approach.

Pressed during the interview about his commitment to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia, Starmer replied, “We will review the situation, and the review will give us the answer to those questions.” This response has triggered reactions from both supporters and detractors, with many highlighting the apparent departure from the 2019 manifesto promise.

Additionally, Starmer faces scrutiny for his support of recent strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen, a move seemingly at odds with his earlier promise to give the Commons a say before authorizing military action. Starmer, in response, asserts that there is “no inconsistency” and emphasizes the distinction between isolated operations and sustained military campaigns.

As the political landscape navigates these developments, questions linger about Starmer’s commitment to his initial promises and how the electorate will perceive this apparent shift in stance.