Labour Party faces criticism

SIR Keir Starmer and the Labour Party are facing intense pressure to cancel an anti-Israel event scheduled to take place at their party conference. The event, titled "What a Labour government should mean for Palestinians' rights," is being hosted by Labour Friends of Palestine.

Controversial event amid recent events

Opposition to the event comes in light of the recent full-on invasion of Israel by Palestinian terrorists, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives. The event, which is part of the official conference programme, claims that Israel's far-right government is responsible for worsening health and human rights conditions for Palestinians.

Conservative Party voices concerns

Nickie Aiken, Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party, has expressed deep concern over the event and called for its cancellation. Aiken argues that the Labour Party should sever ties with the left-wing group that organized the event, citing a coordinator's praise of the invasion as deeply troubling.

Keir Starmer urged to act

Pressure is mounting on Sir Keir Starmer to take action, with calls for him to tell Labour MPs to distance themselves from the left-wing group involved in organizing the event. Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and left-winger Zarah Sultana both serve on the group's council, along with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Condemnation of celebratory rhetoric

Lord John Mann, an independent adviser to the government on Antisemitism, called on those associated with the event to disassociate themselves from the celebratory rhetoric surrounding the invasion. Similarly, Mike Katz, national chair of Jewish Labour, emphasized that anyone celebrating the murder of civilians or failing to condemn terrorists cannot be considered progressive.

Demands for action

Deputy Chair Nickie Aiken and former No10 adviser Gabriel Milland have demanded that the Labour Party review its relationship with the organizations involved in the event and cancel it. They argue that the violence in Israel is horrific and must be condemned, making the association of Labour MPs with such comments deeply concerning.

Labour Party response

A spokesperson for the Labour Party emphasized that they condemn acts of terror committed against Israel and stated that they have no relationship with the group organizing the event.