Andy McDonald: Senior Labour MP suspended over ‘deeply offensive’ feedback at pro-Palestine rally

A senior Labour MP has been suspended from the parliamentary occasion following “‘deeply offensive” feedback he made at a pro-Palestine rally over the weekend.

Andy McDonald held varied shadow ministerial roles below Jeremy Corbyn, and served below Sir Keir Starmer’s management earlier than resigning from the entrance bench in 2021 over a disagreement in coverage with the management.

Over the weekend, he attended a pro-Palestine rally, wherein he stated: “We won’t rest until we have justice. Until all people, Israelis and Palestinians, between the river and the sea, can live in peaceful liberty.”

He went on to shout “free Palestine”.

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Downing Street stated it was “not acceptable” for individuals to chant “from the river to the sea” – a phrase referring to the land between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea – as it’s “deeply offensive” to many.

While Mr McDonald didn’t instantly face penalties for his phrases, he was later suspended on Monday night.

Sir Keir and his occasion have been removed from united on their response to the battle within the Middle East, with the chief calling for “humanitarian pauses” however not a ceasefire, whereas different Labour MPs – together with shadow ministers – have referred to as for a cease to the combating.

A Labour spokesperson stated: “The feedback made by Andy McDonald on the weekend had been deeply offensive, significantly at a time of rising antisemitism which has left Jewish individuals fearful for his or her security.

“The chief whip has suspended the Labour whip from Andy McDonald, pending an investigation.”

The chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” has been heard throughout current demonstrations.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has beforehand stated the slogan is antisemitic, including that she thinks it’s “widely understood” to name for the destruction of Israel.

Pro-Palestine campaigners contest this definition.

Mr McDonald’s suspension got here shortly after Tory MP Paul Bristow was sacked from his authorities job for calling for a everlasting ceasefire – as the federal government coverage is similar “humanitarian pauses” as Sir Keir is advocating.