Jeremy Corbyn has been blasted by figures from across the political spectrum this morning, after he chose to condemn Britain and the US for its military action against Houthi extremists.
Responding to the targeted strikes in Yemen, Mr Corbyn blasted the military action, accusing Britain and the US of “a reckless act of escalation that will only cause more death and suffering”.
The hard-left MP added it is “utterly disgraceful that Parliament has not even been consulted”.
He demanded to know: “When will we learn from our mistakes and realise that war is not the answer?”
Mr Corbyn’s controversial statement was echoed by other hard-left MPs, including Labour MP Apsana Begum.
The Poplar and Limehouse MP labelled the West’s retaliation to Houthi attacks “dangerously provocative”, wishfully calling for “de-escalation and peace-building in the region”.
A third hard-left MP, Claudia Webbe, simply tweeted: “Stop the war. Stop bombing Yemen. Recall Parliament now”.
Mr Corbyn’s statement in particular sparked instant outrage, with accusations he has chosen once again to “appease” Britain’s enemies.
Tory vice-chairman Brendan Clarke-Smith told the Express: “If there’s a despotic regime or an unpleasant group of bad actors then you can always guarantee that he will spring into action to defend them ahead of his own country.
“Let’s not forget that Sir Keir Starmer twice tried to make this man Prime Minister.
“Just imagine for one moment that had happened and the resulting effect on British security and defence capabilities.”
Top Conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie also blasted the current Labour leadership, saying: “Let us never, ever forget that Starmer and Labour tried to make this man Prime Minister”.
Abdi Duale, a member of Labour’s national executive committee, pointed out: “Taking action against a terrorist group that’s attacked UK Vessels is in our country’s self defence, Jeremy”.
He added: “Wouldn’t expect a man who always finds himself supporting the wrong side to acknowledge that”.
One-time Corbyn supporter Paul Mason described Mr Corbyn’s condemnation of the strikes as “rubbish” and demanded he “do the right thing and support those risking their lives to keep civilian ships safe from terrorism”.
A prominent Conservative candidate at the next election, Ben Obese-Jecty, said the former Labour leader’s post is “a timely reminder that every member of Labour’s opposition front bench stood on a platform to elect Jeremy Corbyn as the Prime Minister who would have acquiesced in the face of an emerging threat, fail to stand by our allies and would allow British forces to be attacked”.
Ms Begum’s criticism of the military action also caused red-on-red fighting, as former Labour MP Simon Danczuk said it is “quite incredible” that “Britain’s ships are being attacked and Labour think we should not defend ourselves”.
This morning Labour’s shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said the party is supporting the UK’s action.
Mr Healey, who was invited to No. 10 for a briefing alongside Sir Keir last night, told Sky News: “We back the targeted action”.
“It was designed to protect shipping in the Red Sea and to maintain the freedom of navigation in that region.
“We back it just like we backed UK participation in the Maritime Protection Force with a dozen other nations last month.”
Asked how he responds to critics in his own party, Mr Healey said the Labour leadership accepts the timing was “not in the hands of the UK Government”, but they now expect Mr Sunak to come to the Commons on Monday to explain what the action aims to do, and how protection for the freedom of navigation can be maintained.
