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Sir Keir Starmer fears for family’s safety after Labour MPs targeted with abuse

MPs who refused to back an SNP amendment to the King's Speech backing a ceasefire in Gaza have also received death threats

November 19, 2023 12:43
GettyImages-1746105580 (1)
MARSTON MORETAINE, BEDFORDSHIRE - OCTOBER 20: Labour Party leader Keir Starmer speaks to media after congratulating newly elected Labour MP for Mid Bedfordshire Alistair Strathern on October 20, 2023 in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire. Labour candidate Alistair Strathern overturns Tory majority to win the seat vacated by former Conservative culture secretary Nadine Dorries. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
2 min read

Sir Keir Starmer has said he fears for his family’s safety as MPs are targeted with threats over the Israel-Hamas war. 

The Labour leader said his “biggest concern” was how to protect his wife and children amid divisions in the party over the war in Gaza.

The Labour leadership abstained on a Commons vote on Wednesday to call for a ceasefire in Gaza but Sir Keir suffered the biggest rebellion of his leadership as 56 of his MPs, including 10 shadow ministers and parliamentary aides, defied the party whip to vote in favour.

The Labour leadership has instead called for longer "humanitarian pauses" and for Israel to "protect hospitals" and end the "siege" on water, food and other essentials into Gaza.