Why real change for Palestine can't come from the fringes | Naz Shah

Just days out from a historic general election expected to usher in a Labour government for the first time in 14 years - we speak to one of its most vocal and fiery MPs - Naz Shah.

Shah has been the MP for Bradford West since 2015 - after beginning her career as a carer with the NHS and a community advocate - campaigning among other things for the release of her own mother from prison.

In November, she broke ranks with the Labour Party leadership to support a call for a ceasefire in Gaza - and resigned from her position in the shadow cabinet.

She wasn’t alone - 55 other Labour MPs did the same - in one of the biggest challenges to the leadership of Keir Starmer, who’s been heavily criticised over remarks he made supporting Israeli military action.

But despite her public positions, and a long track record of speaking out for Palestine and Islamophobia - Naz Shah hasn’t evaded criticism - as calls among Muslim voters grow to boycott all Labour candidates at the upcoming general election.

This week on The Big Picture Podcast, we sit down with Shah to talk about lobbying for Palestine inside the Labour Party, why she thinks boycotting Labour is a mistake, and what it would take to push Keir Starmer in the right direction.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode, and any guests you'd like us to have on our show. Reach us by email at mh@middleeasteye.org or find us on instagram @BigPictureMee.

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