Keir Starmer faces pressure to sack MPs calling for ceasefire in Gaza after Tory MP fired over comments

Tory MP fired for calling for ceasefire in Israel

SIR Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, is facing fresh calls to take action after a Conservative MP was fired from his government role for calling for a ceasefire in Israel. Paul Bristow, the MP for Peterborough, wrote a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week urging a "permanent" end to hostilities. Bristow expressed concern for the safety of innocent Palestinians and called for a ceasefire, arguing that they should not suffer for the crimes of Hamas.

Pressure on Starmer to discipline Labour MPs

The firing of Paul Bristow has increased pressure on Keir Starmer to discipline Labour MPs who have also called for a ceasefire. Several Labour MPs, including shadow ministers, have defied the party line and expressed support for a ceasefire. This has led to infighting within the party, with Starmer facing criticism for not backing a flat-out ceasefire and instead calling for a "humanitarian pause".

Controversial comments spark outrage

At a pro-Palestine rally, Corbynista backbencher Andy McDonald used the incendiary phrase "between the river and the sea", which has controversial connotations. John McDonnell, a veteran left-wing politician, defended McDonald and suggested that Israel should have responded to Hamas with "negotiation" instead of a "large-scale attack". These comments have sparked fury and accusations of trolling the Jewish community.

Call for action from Starmer

Tory MPs and others are calling on Keir Starmer to take action against the Labour MPs who have defied the party line and expressed support for a ceasefire. They argue that Starmer needs to assert his leadership and make it clear whether he or the "Hamas appeasers" in his party are in charge. The controversy has also raised concerns about Labour's support for Israel's right to defend itself against antisemitism.

Shadow foreign secretary to visit Middle East

Today, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy is set to begin a three-day visit to the Middle East. Lammy will be calling for a humanitarian pause to allow aid to reach Gaza.