Portrait of Angela Rayner
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Angela Rayner on Israel

Anti-BDS, cautious on law (moderate)

TL;DR

Angela Rayner strongly opposes boycotting Israel while advocating for humanitarian aid and adherence to international law.

Key Points

  • She voted No on the second reading of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill concerning BDS in January 2024.

  • She publicly stated that the Labour party completely opposes a policy of boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel in January 2024.

  • She refused to state whether she believed Israel was breaking international law, asserting that determination rests with the International Court of Justice.

Summary

Angela Rayner, as a senior Labour figure, has taken a position that explicitly rejects the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, stating the party completely opposes such a policy. She has framed this stance as necessary to avoid targeting one state, particularly the world's only Jewish state, and to prevent the abuse of these issues to stir up prejudice. Simultaneously, she has expressed clear concerns regarding the humanitarian situation, demanding that aid must be allowed into Gaza and calling for the violence on the West Bank to cease.

In response to specific questions about whether Israel is breaking international law, she has deferred the determination to the International Court of Justice, emphasizing that the UK upholds international law. Her voting record in Parliament suggests a position of non-participation or opposition to several motions related to sanctions or ceasefire enforcement against Israel. Furthermore, Rayner has maintained that while holding strong concerns, the UK should not question Israel's status as an ally following criticism from its prime minister.

Key Quotes

“Let me start by making clear that the Labour party completely opposes a policy of boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Angela Rayner's position is mixed; she strongly opposes the BDS movement against Israel but also stresses the need for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. She upholds the view that Israel should be held to international law, though she avoids making the final determination herself.

No, Angela Rayner has refused to call the Gaza war a genocide despite pressure from figures within her political sphere. She stated that such a determination is for the relevant international bodies, not for her to make.

Angela Rayner has clearly stated that the Labour party completely opposes the campaign for boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel. She views this policy as wrong, especially when it targets the world's only Jewish state.