In spite of Labour’s landslide success in the recent UK general election, analysis of the results reveals two surprising facts. First, despite appearances, there was no surge of popular support for Labour, rather a rejection of the 14-year-old Conservative administration; and secondly the results were affected fundamentally by a new political force.

Traditionally, general elections in Britain turn on domestic issues. The economy and the National Health Service are usually to the forefront of voters’ minds, together with the record of the incumbent government. This time around, though, for one bloc of voters a foreign war taking place 3000 miles away was more important than all the usual domestic concerns.

The activities of a brand new organization calling itself The Muslim Vote cost the Labour party five seats, slashed Labour majorities in a fair number of other constituencies, and has placed a caucus of rabidly anti-Israel MPs in the new House of Commons. They have effectively become the sixth largest party in parliament, equal with Reform.

The Muslim Vote was set up in May by an activist named Abubakr Nanabawa. It was a response to the Labour Party’s initial decision to support Israel’s right of defense against the pogrom carried out by Hamas. An alliance of 23 activist organizations, its aim was to unseat those MPs not sufficiently hostile to Israel, particularly Labour party members.

The new body was conceived as a political outlet for those opposed to Labour’s hesitancy is advocating a ceasefire in Gaza. It announced its intention to create a list of approved candidates for Muslims to vote for in the general election. They........

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