Rishi Sunak, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, had a barbed response when asked by Piers Morgan if he believed Labour leader Keir Starmer was a "terrorist sympathiser." During an interview on TalkTV, Sunak stated that "the facts speak for themselves" in reference to Starmer's previous legal work for the extremist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir. Sunak criticized Starmer for representing the group, which was recently designated as a terrorist organization in the UK.
Sunak's Criticism of Starmer's Legal Career
Sunak has been vocal in his criticism of Starmer's legal career, particularly his involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir. The Chancellor accused Starmer of being the organization's lawyer during their efforts to resist proscription. In response to Morgan's question, Sunak stated, "We have just proscribed them because we think that is what they are. And these things speak to people’s values, right?" Sunak also highlighted the contrasting actions of banning the group while Starmer continued to work on their behalf.
Labour's Defense of Starmer
Labour's spokesperson defended Starmer's legal work, emphasizing that as a lawyer, he represents and advises clients with differing viewpoints. They pointed out that Starmer provided advice to Hizb ut-Tahrir in a case against the German government and stated, "The nature of being a lawyer is that you represent and give advice to a whole range of clients including people that you don’t agree with."
Sunak's Comments on Abdul Wahid
Piers Morgan also questioned Sunak about Abdul Wahid, the former leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir's UK branch, who has been suspended by the NHS. Sunak acknowledged that the NHS and professional bodies are independently investigating the matter. He reiterated the government's stance on Hizb ut-Tahrir as a proscribed terrorist organization and criticized Starmer for his past support of the group's resistance to proscription.
Watch the full interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored's YouTube channel from 2pm and on TalkTV at 8pm.
