Sir Keir Starmer has suspended hard left Labour MP Andy McDonald after he referenced the controversial "river to the sea" chant at a pro-Palestine rally. The decision came after pressure from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who recently sacked an MP ministerial aide for calling for a ceasefire in Israel.

Offensive Chant Sparks Outrage

Andy McDonald faced backlash from British Jews after he addressed tens of thousands of Palestine protestors, stating that "All people, Israelis and Palestinians, between the river and the sea, can live in peaceful liberty." The chant has been interpreted by community leaders as a call for Israel, the world's only Jewish state, to be wiped off the map.

Suspension and Investigation

A Labour spokesperson described McDonald's comments as "deeply offensive" and announced that the chief whip has suspended the Labour whip from the MP pending an investigation. This action follows the sacking of Peterborough MP and parliamentary private secretary Paul Bristow, who called for a "permanent" end to hostilities in a letter to Rishi Sunak.

Increasing Pressure on Sir Keir

The sacking of Paul Bristow has intensified pressure on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to discipline the numerous Labour MPs who have defied the party line and called for a ceasefire. The party has been plunged into infighting as Sir Keir has refused to back a complete ceasefire, instead opting for a "humanitarian pause".

Controversy Continues

Corbynista backbencher Andy McDonald and veteran leftie John McDonell have faced criticism for their remarks, with McDonell suggesting that Israel should have responded to Hamas' attacks with "negotiation". As the situation unfolds, the Labour Party faces ongoing challenges in maintaining unity and addressing the concerns of various factions.