Sir Keir Starmer was accused of “running scared” of anti-Israel protesters after he pulled out of reception in Birmingham for his West Midlands Mayor candidate Richard Parker this evening at the last minute.
Decision was communicated to attendees at the event at HSBC’s head office with no explanation with a one-line message: “Regrettably, due to unforeseen circumstances Keir Starmer will not be able to join us at the event.”
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves is still attending the event with business leaders in Birmingham, but the Labour leader’s absence has raised speculation that he is trying to avoid anti-Israel protests as the Gaza conflict with Hamas becomes more toxic for his party.
Over the weekend when Mr Parker launched his campaign to be Mayor, it was besieged by angry protesters waving Palestinian flags shouting “shame on you” from the outside.
Footage has revealed how attendees at the launch left quietly through side doors in an apparent attempt to avoid the protesters who filmed the proceedings.
Sir Keir has previously admitted that he is very concerned about threats to MPs caused by extremists militants who have been supporting the mass protests in London and elsewhere.
The Labour leader himself has become a target by defending Israel’s right to defend itself while many of his MPs on the left and from Muslim backgrounds have demanded he backs demands for a ceasefire.
To add to his concerns for this evening a Stop the War coalition protest in Birmingham was due to take place this evening close to where the drinks reception was taking place.
Express.co.uk has asked Labour why Sir Keir has chosen to pull out but received no response.
However, Conservatives believe he is now “running scared” of the protests.
A Tory source said: “This is exactly what Brits have come to expect: when the going gets tough, Starmer goes into hiding.
“Sir Keir will say or do anything when the politics suits him, including running scared from a couple of protestors. If he had any backbone, he would honour his commitments.”
There are concerns that the Labour leader could end up backing down on his support for Israel.
The issue also threatens to engulf the Rochdale by-election with claims that Labour activists are having “doors slammed in their faces” such is the anger from some of their voters in Muslim communities.
Former Labour and Respect MP George Galloway is running on an anti-Israel ticket with some speculating he could win.
