Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to dismiss Labour MPs who criticized the defensive strikes on Houthi terrorists. During a pro-Palestine march, Labour MP Apsana Begum described the US and UK strikes as "horrifying." Corbynite MP Zarah Sultana called it an "assault" with potentially devastating consequences, while former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell labeled it an "attack on Yemen" that he does not support. Senior Tories have urged Sir Keir to take action against these hard-left MPs. Rishi Sunak confirmed that there is no evidence of civilian casualties resulting from the strikes.
Labour MPs criticize defensive strikes on Houthi terrorists
During a pro-Palestine march, Labour MP Apsana Begum expressed her horror at the defensive strikes on Houthi terrorists by the US and UK. She described the action as "shameful," "deplorable," and "beyond unacceptable." Zarah Sultana, another Labour MP, labeled the strikes as an "assault" with potentially devastating consequences. Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell criticized the targeting of terrorist infrastructure as an "attack on Yemen" that he does not support. These comments have sparked calls for Sir Keir Starmer to sack the MPs.
Pressure mounts on Sir Keir to take action
Senior Tories have called on Sir Keir Starmer to remove the whip from Labour MPs who criticized the government's actions against Houthi terrorists. Tory Chairman Richard Holden accused Labour of being the party of protest with no plan for the country. He argued that Sir Keir should have already withdrawn the Labour whip if he truly had a plan. Former minister Brendan Clarke-Smith questioned whose side these Labour MPs are on and criticized the party for not standing up to their own backbenchers.
Sir Keir reiterates Labour support for targeted military action
In the House of Commons, Sir Keir Starmer reiterated Labour's support for targeted military action in self-defense against Houthi pirates who are committing war crimes. He described the Houthi attacks as unacceptable, illegal, and warned of a devastating rise in the cost of essential food in impoverished countries if left unaddressed. However, Labour has not confirmed whether there will be any disciplinary action against the hard-left MPs who spoke out against the strikes.
