Hamas Attacks and Labour Party Controversy: A Growing Concern for Keir Starmer
In a controversial move, Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has refused to suspend an MP who openly supported the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) following their protest against the Israeli embassy in response to the recent Hamas attack. Apsana Begum, a known supporter of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, was pictured at the Labour conference standing with the PSC, just after they had announced their plans for the event.
The chairman of the Conservative Party, Greg Hands, immediately responded by writing a letter to Anneliese Dodds, his counterpart in the Labour Party, expressing concern over the situation. He stated that the Jewish community had valid concerns regarding past instances of anti-Semitism within the party and warned that failing to take action against an MP associated with an organisation known for its anti-Semitic rhetoric could further erode trust and support within the community. Hands called for the immediate suspension of the MP in question and the removal of the PSC from the Labour conference.
However, a representative for Sir Keir Starmer argued that the MP would not face any disciplinary action as the PSC was not a proscribed organisation. Despite this, Sir Keir has previously vowed to address the issue of anti-Semitism within the party, especially after the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s findings that Jewish individuals had been unlawfully harassed during Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure as leader.
Interestingly, the controversy continued to unfold at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, where a pro-Corbyn event witnessed the applause of Hamas terrorists who had perpetrated numerous civilian killings. Over 100 people attended the event, organised by Momentum’s parallel conference, The World Transformed. During the gathering, Yasmin Elsouda from the Palestinian Youth Movement referred to the deceased Palestinians as “martyrs” and proclaimed that the Palestinian resistance had surprised the “failed Zionist entity” with their declaration that enough is enough.
Jeremy Corbyn, when asked by Channel 4 News about condemning Hamas for their attacks on Israel, repeatedly refused to do so, stating that all attacks are wrong. A spokesperson for the Labour leader defended Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to transforming the party, asserting that the current Labour Party is unrecognisable from the one rejected by the public in 2019.
Meanwhile, Husam Zomlot, the head of the Palestinian Mission to the United Kingdom, made controversial statements at a fringe event scheduled to be alongside David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary. Zomlot claimed that the massacre of Israeli civilians by Hamas was a consequence of Israel’s actions and warned that more tragedies were to follow.
Despite growing concerns regarding the Labour Party’s association with the PSC, and Apsana Begum being publicly thanked by the organisation on Twitter, Sir Keir’s spokesperson reiterated that the PSC is not a proscribed organisation. Furthermore, the spokesperson claimed to be unaware of any statements made by Begum regarding the Hamas attack on Israel.
Both Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy officially condemned the recent attacks, with Sir Keir describing them as “appalling” acts of terrorism. Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, issued a warning that those who support Hamas or engage in anti-Semitic behavior in the UK will face the full force of the law. As tensions continue to rise, the Metropolitan Police announced increased patrols in London to provide reassurance, as images of people celebrating the Hamas action and waving Palestinian flags circulated on social media platforms. Story Source
