There were a number of Parliamentary votes against the Iraq War but probably the most important was on 18th March 2003. Parliamentary approval for Britain to back Bush’s war in Iraq wasnt required but to his credit in this respect Blair sought it.
The vote was carried with 84 of 412 Labour MPs voting against- 20% of the Parliamentary Party. 69 abstained. There was one frontbench resignation that of the late Robin Cook.
On 15th November 2023 there was a Parliamentary vote on an SNP amendment to the King’s Speech to support a ceasefire in Gaza. 56 Labour MPs voted against-28% of the Parliamentary Party (currently at 198). There were at least 8 frontbench resignations and sackings. Like Blair, Starmer was determined to place support for the US’s position on Gaza above party unity.
These votes did not and will not end well for the many Iraqs and Palestinians who were or will be victims of war. It didn’t end well for Blair after 2003. Starmer hasnt yet learnt that lesson even though he opposed the Iraq War twenty years ago
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