Labour MP calls for UK to provide Israel with means to defend itself

Labour MP Graham Stringer has said he believes Jews who live in Israel have an absolute right to defend themselves.

He also said his party and Muslim leaders needed to “think out their position” after the election of pro-Gaza MPs in July.

Speaking on GB News he said: “Jeremy [Corbyn] went past any possible defence of him and his politics when he laid a wreath for Black September in Tunisia. Black September, you'll remember, were a group that murdered Israeli athletes of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.

“They murdered them because they were Jewish for no other reason. It was a racist murder. So I think that put Jeremy beyond the pale.

“He's always referred to Hamas in Gaza as ‘friends’ so I suppose he is happier now he wouldn't have to dance on the head of a pin about whether he really is friends with terrorist organisations or not.

“‘Pro-Hamas’, I think, rather than Palestine. Many of us would make that distinction, who want justice for the people who live in Gaza, but that's impossible while they are repressed by the terrorist organisation Hamas.

“I didn't go to any of those constituencies during the General Election, but I have talked to people who did. And it was straightforward politics of telling people in the mosques to support them, that the Labour Party was anti-Muslim, which we're not, and to vote for them because they were supporting Hamas and the Palestinians in Gaza.

“And all the other issues that those constituencies have, those constituencies, not only have large numbers of Muslims, there are other problems of, obviously, an education in those constituencies that weren't dealt with.

“And I don't know the man, but I watched the maiden speech of the member of Leicester South, and it was quite simply appalling. It was a massive distortion of what had actually happened in that election.

“If you listen to the speech, it was all peace and light; all the candidates were friends. It was nonsense and offensive.

“I know that the UK probably provides less than 1% of Israel's defence, and most of it is not used in the conflict with Hamas or Hezbollah for that matter.

“So I don't know the details, but when Hamas and Hezbollah and Iran have as their policy the eradication of Israel and the murder of Jews, then Israel and the Jews who live in Israel have an absolute right to defend themselves.

“They're our allies, and we should provide them with the equipment to defend themselves.

“I think there is a serious rethink that many of the leaders of the Muslim community and of the Labour Party need to think about our relationship. The vast majority of Muslims in this country have voted for Labour. Quite frankly, they believed that the Conservative Party was racist, and probably 30 or 40 years ago, they were right.

“That's changed, and the world has changed. Within the Muslim community, Gaza is an issue that worries them. They are angry about it.

“I represent a large number of Muslims, so I think the leadership of the Muslim community and the Labour Party have to think out their position. But it must be based on firm principles, not just vote for us, because we'll do what you want us to.

“I have had some very robust conversations with the Muslims I represent, saying that actually, just because they have their view and there are a large number of Muslims, doesn't mean I can necessarily support them.

“Decisions I make as a Member of Parliament, and I assume for the vast majority of other Members of Parliament, has to be based on our judgement of what is right for this country, and what is right in the most general terms, for our constituents.”

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