Who is Zarah Sultana? MP Takes Stand Against Keir Starmer and Labour Party

Zarah Sultana, the MP for Coventry South, has shocked the political world by announcing she is leaving the Labour Party. She said she will help start a new political party with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other independent MPs.

Sultana was suspended from the Labour Party last year. This happened because she supported ending the two-child benefit cap, which the Labour leadership did not agree with. Even after suspension, she stayed a party member. But now, she says it is time to form a new party to challenge the “broken” system in Westminster.

Jeremy Corbyn has been contacted by the BBC about this new party. He has not confirmed anything yet. However, recently Corbyn said on ITV’s Peston show that there is a “thirst for an alternative” and that a new political group will “come together.”

Why is Zarah Sultana Leaving Labour?

Zarah Sultana says the Labour Party, under Keir Starmer, has failed to help people. She strongly criticized the government’s policies on welfare and the cost of living. In a social media post, she said the government is “an active participant in genocide” in Gaza.

Sultana claims Labour and other politicians smear people who speak against the situation in Gaza as terrorists. She said, “The British people oppose it.” Israel denies these genocide accusations.

Keir Starmer called the Gaza situation “appalling and intolerable.” He asked for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Some MPs want him to go further and officially call it genocide. This is a topic under review by the International Court of Justice.

Sultana also criticized the government’s welfare bill, especially its impact on disabled people. She said the government wants disabled people to suffer but cannot decide how much.

She referred to Prime Minister Starmer’s speech about immigration, calling it “an island of strangers.” Starmer later said he regretted those words. Sultana said at the next election, the choice will be “socialism or barbarism.”

Labour Party Responds to Sultana’s Resignation

A Labour Party spokesperson defended the party’s record. They said Labour has increased wages, added NHS appointments, opened breakfast clubs, secured trade deals, and lowered mortgage payments.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said Sultana always had different views. Cooper said the government is making real changes that improve people’s lives. She mentioned shorter NHS waiting times, more police officers, free school meals, and renters’ rights.

Support and Criticism From Others

Former Labour MP John McDonnell, also suspended over the two-child benefit issue, expressed sadness about Sultana leaving Labour. He said the party needs to ask why young, talented socialists like her feel they have no home in Labour.

However, McDonnell will not join the new party.

Jeremy Corbyn’s New Alliance

Last year, Jeremy Corbyn and four other independent MPs formed an alliance in Parliament. These MPs won seats by opposing Labour candidates with a strong pro-Palestinian message. Their group focuses on peace and offers a clear alternative to the main parties.

Corbyn said they will “come together” and build a party based on “peace rather than war.” The alliance includes MPs Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, and Iqbal Mohamed.