Zarah Sultana, the Muslim MP for Coventry South, has announced her departure from the Labour Party and revealed plans to co-found a new political party alongside independent MPs and campaigners. Her initiative aims to challenge what she calls a "broken" Westminster system.
Sultana, whose parents are originally from Pakistan, lost the Labour whip last year after supporting the abolition of the two-child benefit cap. She criticized Labour's current direction under Keir Starmer and accused the political establishment of failing the public.
In a social media statement, she cited deep concerns over the government’s role in the Gaza conflict, poverty levels, welfare policies, and the rising cost of living. “This government is actively complicit in genocide,” she wrote, condemning how figures like herself are labelled for standing against it.
Although former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has not officially confirmed his involvement, he recently hinted at the possibility of launching a new political movement, suggesting there is public demand for an alternative to current party politics.
The International Court of Justice is currently reviewing claims of genocide in Gaza. While Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called the situation there "appalling and intolerable," some MPs continue to pressure him to go further in his condemnation.
Israel strongly denies committing genocide or any genocidal actions.
