Starmer Takes Action After Pressure from PM
Sir Keir Starmer has suspended hard left Labour MP Andy McDonald after he referenced the controversial "river to the sea" chant at a pro-Palestine rally. The move comes after pressure from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who recently sacked an MP ministerial aide for calling for a ceasefire in Israel.
Chant Sparks Fury from British Jews
Andy McDonald's comments at the rally, where he stated that "All people, Israelis and Palestinians, between the river and the sea, can live in peaceful liberty," have sparked fury from British Jews. Community leaders argue that the "river to sea" chant is a call for the elimination of Israel, the world's only Jewish state.
Labour Reacts to Offensive Remarks
A Labour spokesperson stated that the comments made by Andy McDonald were deeply offensive, particularly during a time of rising antisemitism. The chief whip has suspended the Labour whip from McDonald pending an investigation.
PM Fires MP for Urging Permanent End to Hostilities
Meanwhile, Peterborough MP Paul Bristow was sacked by the PM after he wrote a letter calling for a "permanent" end to hostilities. Bristow stated that he believes he can better represent his constituents' views on the issue from the backbenches.
Labour Under Pressure to Discipline Defiant MPs
The sacking of Paul Bristow has increased pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to discipline the many Labour MPs who have defied the party line by calling for a ceasefire. The party has been plagued by infighting since Starmer's refusal to support a flat-out ceasefire and instead calling for a "humanitarian pause."
