The New Statesman: politics and culture Labour students revolt over Gaza | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Aug 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, journalist Hattie Simpson, who covers the Labour students' revolt, shares insights into the dramatic drop in youth membership within the Labour Party, plummeting from 100,000 to just 30,000. Tensions rise as students voice frustrations over the party's stance on Palestine amid accusations of silencing. Hattie delves into how young activists face pressure and intimidation from leadership, raising concerns about a growing disconnect that threatens the party's future. The conversation highlights the urgent need for Labour to reconnect with its youth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Youth Membership Collapse
- Labour's youth membership dropped from 100,000 to 30,000 under Starmer's leadership.
- That collapse underpins the widening rift between students and Labour HQ.
Students Shift To Other Parties And Movements
- Hattie observed students leaving Labour, cancelling memberships, or stopping canvassing and joining Greens or Action for Palestine groups.
- University Labour clubs have become hubs for alternative activism and organising.
Gaza Became A Moral Breaking Point
- Hattie frames Gaza as a moral issue rather than a tactical policy debate for many students.
- The conditional recognition announcement felt like the final straw for those activists.