SIR Keir Starmer today slapped down Sir Sadiq Khan and declared that Gaza “from the river” chants ARE antisemitic.
The London Mayor sparked fury after insisting there is nothing racist about protesters parading through the city chanting “from the river to the sea Palestine will be free”.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood andPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speak to members of the Jewish community at the Community Security Trust in LondonCredit: Reuters
The PM today slapped down Sir Sadiq Khan and declared that Gaza “from the river” chants ARE antisemiticCredit: Reuters
British Jews say the chant is antisemitic as it calls for the annihilation of , the world’s only Jewish state.
Visiting the Community Security Trust charity, which provides security to synagogues across the country, the PM said: “I take a strong view on this, and we’ve dealt with cases in my own party where people have used that expression and we’ve taken action against them.”
Pushed on the position of Mr Khan, Sir Keir told the Jewish Chronicle : “I’m not just saying it to you here today. That is the history, that is the record that I have as leader of my party.”
The PM also announced that he has ordered an urgent review of antisemitism and in the .
It follows a string of incidents where doctors have publicly made outrageously racist comments towards Jewish people – and still been let off by the medical regulator.
A probe into NHS staff wearing political pins, such as Palestine flags, will also take place.
Sir Keir said: “The discrimination staff and patients have faced because of their race or religion goes against everything our country stands for.
“The NHS was built on the principle that everyone should be treated equally and with respect, and I am determined to restore this to the heart of the service.
“That’s why I have asked Lord Mann to root out this problem and ensure perpetrators are always held to account.”
It came as Home Secretary told Jewish community leaders in London that ministers must do more to tackle the threat of Islamist extremism.
Devoutly Muslim Ms Mahmood said: “I was very clear in the Commons that the synagogue attack in was inspired by Islamist ideology.
“I’m not scared of calling out Islamism.”
