London, November 30, 2025
Zarah Sultana, UK MP for Coventry South and co-founder of Your Party, delivered a contentious speech at the Your Party conference, condemning the British monarchy, criticizing Israel, and labeling the Labour Party as ‘pathetic’. Her remarks underscore her push for systemic change within the UK’s political left and reflect ongoing factional tensions in her party.
Criticism of the Monarchy and Labour Party
During her address, Sultana delivered a robust critique of the British monarchy, reiterating her long-standing republican views and calling for the abolition of all monarchies. She also took aim at the Labour Party, describing it as ‘pathetic’ and insufficiently progressive. Her speech highlighted a clear disillusionment with the traditional political establishment, signaling her intent to distance Your Party from Labour and the UK’s institutional frameworks.
Stance on Israel and Foreign Policy
Sultana intensified her speech by criticizing the UK government’s support for Israel. She tabled an amendment to the King’s Speech urging the suspension of arms sales to Israel, demanding an end to government backing. This position reflects her engagement in foreign policy debates, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, presenting a distinctive stance within the UK left-wing scene.
Internal Party Conflicts
Sultana’s role in Your Party’s recent internal conflicts has been significant. She boycotted the first day of the party’s conference to protest the expulsion of Socialist Workers Party members, a left-wing faction within Your Party. She condemned the expulsions as a “witch hunt,” pointing to broader tensions and ideological fractures within the party. This infighting illustrates challenges faced by emerging left-wing groups breaking away from Labour, grappling with identity and alliances.
Context and Political Significance
As a prominent left-wing figure, Sultana’s positions exemplify a faction advocating for radical change and a reorientation of UK politics away from established parties and institutions. Her speech and actions reflect a deliberate effort to forge a separate path for Your Party, emphasizing republicanism, anti-establishment rhetoric, and a critical foreign policy outlook.
The unfolding dynamics within Your Party, coupled with Sultana’s public statements, highlight the complexities facing left-wing politics in the UK today. Her push for a constitutional shift and explicit critique of foreign policy align with a broader appetite among some voters and activists for transformational policies and a redefined political landscape.
This episode may influence ongoing debates among policymakers, business leaders, and academics about the future direction of left-wing politics in the UK, especially as factions consolidate their positions ahead of future elections and policy decisions.