Suspension following pressure from PM
Sir Keir Starmer has suspended hard left Labour MP Andy McDonald, two days after he referenced the "river to the sea" chant at a pro-Palestine rally. This comes after Rishi Sunak sacked an MP ministerial aide for calling for a ceasefire in Israel.
Offensive comments spark fury from British Jews
Andy McDonald faced backlash from British Jews after telling tens of thousands of Palestine protestors: "All people, Israelis and Palestinians, between the river and the sea, can live in peaceful liberty." Community leaders argue that the "river to sea" chant is a call for Israel, the world's only Jewish state, to be wiped from the map.
Labour whip suspended pending investigation
A Labour spokesperson stated that McDonald's comments were "deeply offensive, particularly at a time of rising antisemitism which has left Jewish people fearful for their safety." As a result, the Labour whip has been suspended from Andy McDonald, pending an investigation.
MP sacked for calling for a ceasefire
Paul Bristow, a parliamentary private secretary, was sacked after writing to Rishi Sunak last week urging a "permanent" end to hostilities. Bristow stated that he regrets being sacked but believes he can better represent his constituents' views from the backbenches than on the government payroll.
More Labour MPs defying party line
The pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to discipline the Labour MPs calling for a ceasefire has increased. Corbynista backbencher Andy McDonald and veteran leftie John McDonell have both faced criticism for their comments regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Labour divided over ceasefire stance
The Labour party is experiencing infighting due to Sir Keir Starmer's refusal to back a flat-out ceasefire and instead calling for a "humanitarian pause". The issue continues to cause division within the party.
