New Labour mayor calls for Israel arms embargo

LABOUR’S new West Midlands mayor has called for an arms embargo on Israel as debate raged over the party’s attempts to win back lost Muslim voters.

Richard Parker said he was already in discussions over the move – which is not current party policy – but critics said his role has nothing to do with foreign affairs.

The businessman narrowly beat Tory incumbent Andy Street in last Thursday’s election, having lost almost 70,000 votes to a pro-Palestine candidate.

On Monday, his first proper day in the job, he faced a backlash for posting on social media about the planned offensive in Rafah before he set out his ideas for Birmingham.

Then yesterday he was asked about his fears for what Israel might do.

‘I am incredibly concerned, and I made a very clear statement that they mustn’t go into Rafah,’ he told LBC radio. ‘I’ve called previously for a ceasefire, we need to ensure that we get aid into Gaza, that the international community works collectively to create a two-state solution and we need the recognition of a Palestinian state.’

Asked if he supported an arms embargo on Israel he replied: ‘ I’m currently discussing that approach with a number of MPs. I think it’s unlikely to be achieved in the short term.

‘I think what is possible in the short term is a ceasefire and a route to long term peace in the Middle East.’

His position is more hardline than that of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who have said that arms exports should only be blocked if the Government gets legal advice that Israel has broken international law.

In response to their stance, activists daubed Labour HQ in red paint and a separate group held a protest outside Sir Keir’s home with a banner reading ‘Starmer stop the killing’.

Mr Parker was also asked how his party leader should respond to a list of 18 demands by pressure group Muslim Vote, including apologising for his past comments and imposing sanctions on Israeli politicians.

He replied: ‘I’ll be working with council leaders here, with councillors, with our MPs across all parties to rebuild trust with our Muslim community and hoping to ensure that they come back to Labour.’ Pressed on whether they should give in to the demands, he said: ‘I don’t at all.’

Last night Tory MP Andrew Percy said: ‘The new Mayor was elected to address economic development and other issues in the West Midlands, not to pontificate on international affairs over which he has no competence.’