Politics
Sir Keir Starmer condemns ‘people who hate Jews’ demonstrating against Israel
The Labour leader pledged to keep Britain safe for Jews and said he would fight for the two state solution
January 14, 2024 14:13
By, Felix Pope
1 min read
The Labour leader pledged to keep Britain safe for Jews and said he would fight for the two state solution
January 14, 2024 14:13ByFelix Pope, Felix Pope
Sir Keir Starmer has condemned antisemites protesting against Israel and declared that he would keep Britain safe for Jews while speaking at the Jewish Labour Movement conference.
Addressing attendees on Sunday, the Labour leader restated his support for a “humanitarian truce” in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages.
"The bloodshed in Gaza must stop urgently,” he added.
Sir Keir also announced that five years after she quit the party after facing racism Luciana Berger would take up an official role.
The Jewish former MP will work alongside Shadow Health Secretery Wes Streeting to create a long-term cross-government strategy for mental health.
Referencing pro-Palestine marches in the UK, Sir Keir told JLM members: "I want to say to the Jewish community who look upon these events and can see hate marching side by side with calls for peace, people who hate Jews hiding behind people who support the just cause of a Palestinian state, we see what you see and we understand that to be targeted for who you are, attacked for things beyond your control, for your children to be afraid to walk the street or go to school is the greatest anxiety that a parent or any community could face.”
He continued: "So let me assure you we will never let antisemitism sneak back into the Labour party under cover.
"I see no greater cause in my leadership than this, this is my role. I dragged my party away from the abyss and I will never let Britain go anywhere near it either. This country will be safe for you and your children.”
Sir Keir also repeated his support for the two-state solution. He insisted Labour, "will have to fight for the two-state solution in ways we haven't done for years - the era of lip service and complacency must end.”
Hailing the return of Berger to Labour, Sir Keir said he was “proud” to welcome her back.
In 2019, the Liverpool MP quit the party over its “culture of bullying, bigotry and harassment” before running as a Liberal Democrat candidate.
Last year, she rejoined Labour after Sir Keir apologised for the “intimidation, thuggery and racism” she suffered.
She, Streeting, and shadow mental health minister Abena Oppong-Asare will now lead a review of Labour mental health strategy.
Sir Keir said: "It will be the mission of my Labour government to make sure fewer lives are lost to suicide, with timely support available to all who need it. Luciana is a fierce advocate for mental health and her work will contribute to achieving that mission in government.”
Berger said: "With Keir Starmer's leadership, Labour has turned a significant corner. I am delighted to be back working with my party and helping Labour deliver the change our country really needs."