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Sir Keir Starmer tells packed JLM Labour leadership hustings he 'would not describe' himself as a Zionist

But frontrunner also reveals he has extended family in Israel, saying: 'We feel this every day'

February 14, 2020 08:26
The candidates at Thursday's JLM hustings with host Robert Peston
5 min read

Labour leadership hopeful Sir Keir Starmer has told a packed Jewish Labour Movement hustings that he would not "describe myself as a Zionist" but insisted: "I understand and I sympathise and I support Zionism."

Speaking to an audience of more than 750 people at St Johns Wood Liberal Synagogue, the Shadow Brexit Secretary added: "I don't know how many people know this - my wife's family are Jewish and we have got extended family in Israel. We feel this every day."

In a surprising development Sir Keir was the only leadership candidate not to describe themselves as a "Zionist" after being put on the spot by ITV political editor Robert Peston, who hosted Thursday's event.

“I believe in the state of Israel so therefore I am a Zionist,” Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry said.