Starmer given standing ovation at conference after stressing Israel’s ‘right to defend her people’

Labour leader Keir Starmer drew sustained applause and two standing ovations from the floor at his party’s conference as he delivered a speech that included his belief:”Israel must always have the right to defend her people.”

The party faithful also rose to their feet again as Starmer reiterated his attempts to rip “antisemitism out by the roots” of Labour.

In a keynote speech seen as critical to sealing the deal with the electorate, Starmer concentrated mainly on his ambitions to transform the country for working people if elected to No.10.

But in a carefully worded section he said “Conference I am shocked and appalled by events in Israel.

“I utterly condemn the senseless murder of men, women and children, including British citizens, in cold blood by the terrorists of Hamas.”

He then added:”This party believes in a two state solution. A Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.”But this action by Hamas does nothing for Palestinians.

“And Israel must always have the right to defend her people.”

Earlier speaking of his attempts to change the party from that under Jeremy Corbyn, Starmer, said that this was why he had “ripped antisemitism out by the roots.”

At the end of his lengthy address Starmer was joined on stage by his wife Vic, whose red dress he had praised.

After the speech Labour’s shadow health secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the significance of both Starmer’s speech and his message on Israel.

Speaking to Jewish News, Streeting said:”This is a party under leadership which not only stands against antisemitism, but stands with Israel against terrorism and gives unequivocal support for Israel’s freedom and Israel’s right to defend itself. “

He added:”This is a changed Labour Party and Keir deserves so much credit for the leadership which he has shown to give people their party back, and to be in a position to give Britain its future back.

“It was a remarkable moment that I hope is seen by everyone in Israel that is currently fearing for their freedom and for their security knowing that in Britain however divided our politics have been we have got political parties that are standing with Israel at this time of such horrendous events.”

The speech began with an ugly moment when a protester emerged from behind the stage and manhandled Starmer before throwing glitter into the air.

Taking off his jacket and composing himself for a few moments, Starmer said actions like that would never stop him from speaking.Starmer was expected to attend a Labour Friends of Israel reception on Tuesday evening, along with many of the party’s shadow cabinet.

Earlier at the Liverpool conference Sarah Sackman, Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Finchley and Golders Green was applauded from the floor of the main arena as she said:”Conference, for me and others here, the last few days and this incredible atmosphere has also felt unreal and difficult.

“We have watched in horror at the events unfolding in the Middle East on our newsfeeds and family WhatsApp groups are full of painful stories of women and children crouched in their homes in fear, hostages taken and some killed. Young people who went to a music festival and never came back. 

“”I welcome and reaffirm the words of Keir Starmer and David Lammy, standing firmly in support of Israel and being unequivocal in their condemnation of Hamas.

“I am proud that today the Labour Party stands with the Jewish community. We should all recognise the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people but make no mistake: no one watching those images should do anything other than condemn these vile acts of terrorism.”