Kier Starmer, leader of Britain's Labour Party, speaks as he attends a by-election victory event for Sarah Edwards, newly elected MP for Tamworth, at Tamworth football stadium, Tamworth in central Britain, October 20, 2023.
In a hastily arranged speech, Starmer was keen to restore unity to the party after senior figures, such as its London and Manchester mayors and the Scottish Labour leader, called for a ceasefire to ease Gaza's growing humanitarian crisis.
He said what was needed now was an immediate pause to allow aid to be delivered and for people to seek safety, but that nations should be pushing for a resumption of peace and renewed talks for a two-state solution.
"My Labour Party will fight for that cause, we will work with international partners towards the recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a negotiated just and lasting peace," he said.
Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Kirsten DonovanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Kier Starmer, Sarah Edwards, Toby Melville, Keir Starmer, Starmer, Jeremy Corbyn, Elizabeth Piper, Kirsten Donovan
Organizations:
Britain's Labour Party, Tamworth, REUTERS, British Labour, Palestinian, Labour, Chatham House, Scottish Labour, Labour Party, Thomson
Locations:
Tamworth, Britain, Israel, Gaza, London, Manchester