London (Parliament Politics Magzine) – PM Sir Keir Starmer has expressed the “sparks” from the confrontation in the Middle East “light touch papers in our neighbourhoods here at home” as he called out ”vile hatred” that has been witnessed against Jews and Muslims since October 7.
PM Sir Keir called on all players involved in the conflict to
“act with restraint and return to political, not military solutions”.
He said:
“The flames from this deadly conflict now threaten to consume the region. And the sparks light touchpapers in our communities here at home.”
Why is Sir Keir Starmer concerned about violence?
He contended:
“There are always some who would use conflict abroad to stoke conflict here. Since October 7, we have watched vile hatred against Jews and Muslims rise in our communities.”
Earlier this week, Sir Keir voiced his concern that the “region is on the brink” following Iran’s missile raid on Israel. Sir Keir stated that a
“direct Iran-Israel conflict would have devastating outcomes for the people of the Middle East and across the world. “
“All sides must do everything in their power to step back from the brink and avert it,”
he stated.
“No security will be seen in greater destabilisation. A better future will not be succeeded by traumatising, orphaning and replacing another generation.”
How are the October 7 attacks affecting current tensions?
The Associated Press news agency noted that Israel expanded its bombardment in Lebanon, striking Beirut’s southern suburbs. Amid the escalating brutality, the last currently scheduled charter flight for Britons hoping to flee Lebanon is due to depart. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stated that more than 250 people have been able to depart so far on the three chartered flights that have already departed Beirut.
There are no more planned charter flights, the FCDO said, due to a demand reduction, but this will be kept under consideration. Announcing the flight, Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated:
“The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, so I am glad that we have helped the many people who have heeded our advice to leave the country immediately.”