Labour, 2024
by Steven Taylor
We’re already killing Houthis
With lawful explanations
They needed showing
That we mean business
Labour is agreeable. Complicit
The shipping lanes are sacrosanct
Like pilgrim routes for Christians
Previously, we killed Syrians
Libyans, Iraqis, former
Yugoslavians, Afghans
Not the hounds, just the people
Irish
The list is partial
And does not include
Refugees
Asylum seekers
Those who drown off Dover
The cockle pickers in Morecambe
Tribes and revellers
A wedding party waving
From a rooftop
Civilians, accidentally
Palestinians under rubble
Being starved of food and water
Medicines. Warmth and shelter
We supplied the weapons
Lethal, indiscriminate
No excuses
Labour’s ready for government
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The Fruits of Starmer’s Labour: The Bread and Roses Anthology 2023,  is available here
