Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched a stinging critique of Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, accusing them of abandoning Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
In a statement made earlier today, Boris expressed his concern over what he perceives as a lack of support from the Labour leadership for Israel, which continues to face significant challenges following the October 7th massacre.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy delivered the bombshell announcement in Parliament, revealing that a two-month review had uncovered a “clear risk” that British-made weapons could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
In a move that has sparked fierce backlash, he said Britain will immediately halt 30 arms export licenses to Israel, affecting key components for military aircraft, helicopters, and drones—equipment crucial for Israel’s defence against terrorist threats.
Critics warn that this decision could embolden Hamas and jeopardise the UK’s longstanding relationship with its key ally in the Middle East.
Former PM Boris Johnson slammed Lammy and Starmer in a statement on Twitter / X this morning saying:
“Hamas is still holding many innocent Jewish hostages while Israel tries to prevent a repeat of the 7th October massacre. Why are Lammy and Starmer abandoning Israel? Do they want Hamas to win?”
Boris Johnson’s sharp remarks have sparked immediate reactions across the political spectrum. Conservative MPs and pro-Israel groups have echoed his concerns, suggesting that Labour’s current position could embolden Hamas and undermine Israel’s security.
Mr Johnson’s comments are echoed by former Home Secretary Priti Patel who said:
“Starmer’s decision is appalling. To play politics with Israel‘s security on a day they bury their dead is as saddening as it is disgraceful.
“This decision is purely for the purposes of internal Labour politics and is a total capitulation to his hard-left Labour MPs.
“It’s clear that the Prime Minister doesn’t have the courage to stand up to our enemies, whether that’s Putin or Hamas. Just like on the deportation of foreign offenders, Sir Keir is more afraid by the militant left-wingers in his own party than those who pose a direct threat to our national security.
“This shocking betrayal of a key UK ally is a terrible indication of the UK’s approach to national security under this weak Prime Minister.”
Keir Starmer has also faced some criticism from within his own party, as well as from outside observers, for what some see as an inconsistent or unclear stance on the issue. Starmer has called for a ceasefire and emphasised the need for humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza, but his critics argue that this approach fails to adequately support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the UK government.
A former Conservative MP stated:
“Boris Johnson’s comments highlight a critical issue: the Labour leadership is out of step with the realities on the ground. While Israel is fighting for its survival, Labour appears more concerned with appeasing fringe elements within their party than standing up for democracy and our shared values.”
Critics, including Johnson, argue that by not fully endorsing Israel’s military actions, Labour’s leadership is also effectively weakening the UK’s traditional alliance with the country.
Claire Bullivant, Editor of the Conservative Post said:
“Boris is absolutely right to call out the Labour leadership. At a time when Israel is facing an existential threat from Hamas, we need to stand firmly with our allies. Starmer and Lammy’s hesitation sends the wrong message to both Israel and the international community.”
Rachel Kawesch, a member of the Jewish Community Council told the Conservative Post:
“The Jewish community is understandably concerned about the mixed messages coming from Labour. Boris Johnson’s clear and unequivocal support for Israel is reassuring at a time when we need strong leadership and moral clarity.”
Main Photo: Former Boris Johnson picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/
