Roger Waters claims Labour MP who criticised him is acting for ‘masters in Tel Aviv’
Keir Starmer responds to letter from Board of Deputies confirming in his view the ex-Pink Floyd star has 'clearly espoused antisemitic views' and shows 'should not be allowed to go ahead'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Roger Waters has sparked renewed anger during his UK concert tour after claiming a Labour MP who openly criticised him was acting on behalf of “your masters in the foreign office in Tel Aviv.”
The loud cheers from the audience at London’s O2 Arena, the ex-Pink Floyd star insisted:”This hate is being organised from Israel and I’m not afraid to say it…”
Waters latest comments came after Labour leader Keir Starmer responded to a letter from the Board of Deputies to confirm that he believed the ex-Floyd star has “clearly espoused antisemitic views”, which he called “highly disturbing”.
In a letter sent to Board president Marie van der Zyl on June 1st Starmer also wrote:”“The Labour Party stands with the Jewish community and fully condemns Roger Waters”.
He added:” “Many people will think of Roger Waters as famous for being a member of one of the most important bands in history, but he is now more synonymous with spreading deeply troubling antisemitism and that is why I believe this show should not be allowed to go ahead. Views like this should not be given a platform.”
There was much more foul abuse of the Labour MP Christian Wakeford. Here’s why:
“You are making s**t up because you’ve been told to by your masters in the Foreign Office in Tel Aviv. Because this hate is being organised from Israel.”
More cheers. 4/5 pic.twitter.com/ajGK5zUUgq
— habibi (@habibi_uk) June 7, 2023
Communities secretary Michael Gove also wrote to the Board saying that “The Government is clear that everyone has a clear and fundamental right to freedom of speech and artistic expression, so long as they remain within the boundaries set by law.
“There is also a societal expectation placed on people with a significant public profile to behave responsibly and not abuse their platform. This is an expectation of which Roger Waters is reportedly falling short.”
Video footage placed online from Tuesday’s concert at the O2 also showed Waters repeated his claim he was being treated in the same way by the “Israeli lobby” as ex Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was in 2019.
At one point he shouted:”“I watched Jeremy Corbyn being cancelled by the Israeli lobby. That is what happened in 2019.””I’m fighting back!”
Driving home the same point to the audience again he said:”“I’m so pissed off about this Israeli lobby bullshit.”
Waters also continued with graphics at his concerts naming 12 individuals who had said had been killed by “tyrannical racist regimes.”
He made a point of singling out the name of Anne Frank.
The millionaire star also appeared on stage dressed in black leather trench coat, with a red armband. But the stunt, which is meant to be a satirical take down of authoritarianism, did not see Waters don an actual Nazi uniform.
But the claim the Bury South MP is under the control of “masters in Tel Aviv” will spark renewed claims of antisemitism against the 79 year-old musician.
He read out an extract of MP Wakeford’s letter, which was sent to a Manchester concert venue ahead of earlier gigs, focusing on the claim that the current tour featured an inflatable pig prop with a Star of David sketched on it.
This was previously used by Waters, but not on the current tour.
Waters told the audience:”“You are making s**t up because you’ve been told to by your masters in the Foreign Office in Tel Aviv. Because this hate is being organised from Israel.”
He added:”I know Christian Wakeford that what I’m saying is not a lie.”
Jewish News has contacted Labour and Wakeford for comment.
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