Local MPs have slammed protesters who mobbed Sir Keir Starmer, stating that it is a “basic right” for MPs to represent constituents “without fear”.
The Labour leader was rushed into a car yesterday (February 7) after he was surrounded by a mob of people who were heard shouting about claims Sir Keir failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile, as well as protesting about Covid measures.
On at least two videos posted to social media yesterday, a man and a woman were heard shouting about Savile to the Labour leader, as he walked with shadow foreign secretary David Lammy.
Video grab image courtesy of Conor Noon of clashes between police and protesters in Westminster as officers use a police vehicle to escort Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to safety.
Responding to the news, Watford MP Dean Russell said: “The scenes outside Parliament last night which involved the Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer MP and David Lammy MP were shocking.
“There is no place in society for behaviour such as this, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Police for acting so swiftly and effectively to ensure their safety.”
Dean Russell says that MPs should be able to act their role without fear
South West Hertfordshrie MP Gagan Mohindra said: “I was thoroughly shocked to hear of the appalling actions of an anti-vax mob and we should all be clear that this behaviour is wholly unacceptable to any politician of any opinion.”
He added it is important to both champion “free speech and the rule of law” but elected representatives should be able to carry out their work “without fearing dreadful harassment”.
Gagan Mohindra has also backed what MP Dean Russell said
Mr Lammy said it was “no surprise the conspiracy theorist thugs who harassed” Sir Keir and himself had “repeated” Mr Johnson’s slurs.
Sir Keir apologised while director of public prosecutions in 2013 for the CPS having failed to bring Savile to justice four years earlier.
There is, however, no evidence that Sir Keir had any personal role in the failure to prosecute the man who was one of Britain’s most egregious sex offenders before his death in 2011.
Sir Keir Starmer was met with protesters
The Prime Minister tweeted: “The behaviour directed at the Leader of the Opposition tonight is absolutely disgraceful.
“All forms of harassment of our elected representatives are completely unacceptable.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel