1. Home
  2. TetleysTLDR Blog
  3. The case against Sir Kier Starmer

The case against Sir Kier Starmer

TetleysTLDR
04 Apr
The case against Sir Kier Starmer

Israel is again trampling over the concept of a ceasefire in Gaza, bombing Palestinians with impunity while barely pretending to justify its relentless slaughter. This rogue state, armed to the teeth and backed by Western cowardice, continues its campaign of bloodshed without consequence. And what of the UK government? Nothing but deafening silence, save for the occasional mealy-mouthed statement about Israel’s 'right to defend itself,' as if an occupying force pummeling a besieged population constitutes self-defence. The Labour Government, spineless as ever, refuse to even acknowledge the sheer brutality unfolding before them, too busy groveling at the feet of their allies to spare a word for the countless Palestinian lives being snuffed out.  

Lets clear two points first before we go any further.  

  • Firstly, Whatever HAMAS has done, whatever atrocities were committed on October 7th, the children in Gaza were third party to this.  These were innocents.  They were not part of HAMAS, nor were their mothers and as such they are non combatants that are supposed to be protected by international law. They are not legitimate targets, they are not collateral damage - they are human beings who had every right to live their lives, just as the Israelis who lost their lives on October 7th had every right to live theirs.
  • Secondly, Israel is neither a default representative body of worldwide Jewry, nor do Jews have affiliation or bear responsibility for the actions of Israel unless they choose to do so; many do not. With this in mind legitimate criticism of the policies of the Israeli Government carried out by the IDF are not the criticism of Jews per se, or even of a Jewish nation, but of a political entity carrying out politicial actions.  Nor does such criticism demonstrate a hatred of jews in general. Therefore, no matter how much Israel and its supporters like to conflate it as otherwise, said criticism of the actions of the political state of Israel, even if it considers itself a Jewish homeland, are not in itself anti-Semitic.  And it is disingenuous and an abhorration to claim otherwise.

Keir Starmer, who parades himself as a human rights lawyer, has proven himself to be nothing more than a hypocrite and an accomplice in the face of monstrous human rights violations. From the outset of the Gaza conflict, he has shamefully sided with the Israeli state's brutal tactics, including the infamous 'Amalek' statement, where the Israelis invoked the book of Samuel and said from the outset they were going to treat the entire population like subhumans to be slaughtered. Rather than being hyperbole in the heat of the moment, it became quickly apparent it was statement of intent.   Starmer doubled down on this when he said it was Israels right to cut off services to Gaza and when it was pointed out that this was collective punishment and as such illegal in international lad he gaslighted the nation claiming that isn't what he said.  We heard you Keef - we saw you say it you lying shit.  This collective punishment you were so keen to support under the guise of self-defence led to the inevitible loss of Israeli hostages and the mass slaughter of innocent Palestinian civilians, including tens of thousands of inocent women and children. Starmer's rhetoric of defending human rights crumbles in the face of his unwavering support for a genocide that continues to unfold. His actions reveal a chilling complicity in the atrocities, exposing his true priorities: power, political expediency, and the unwavering backing of imperial violence.

The reasons behind the events of October 7th 2023 and the events that occurred on that day are a false equalent to Irsraels subsequent actions.  No one misses the fighters in HAMAS or Hezbollah that were legitiamate targets, but quite frankly, Israel went berserk and made no distinction between combatants and non-combatants.  And Starmer was with them all the way.

The Israeli hostages still held in Gaza remain a tragic consequence of this brutal war, victims of a cycle of violence that Israel itself has fuelled for decades. But while their families plead for a negotiated release, the Israeli government seems more interested in using them as political pawns than actually bringing them home. Netanyahu’s regime has repeatedly sabotaged ceasefire talks, choosing relentless bombardment over diplomacy, ensuring both Palestinians and Israeli hostages continue to suffer. Meanwhile, Western leaders selectively moralize, shedding tears for Israeli captives while ignoring the thousands of Palestinian civilians, many of them children, rotting in Israeli prisons or buried under the rubble of their homes. If this war has proved anything, it’s that human lives only seem to matter when they serve the right political narrative.  This is especially dark when you look at the Trump plan for Gaza which involves the wholesale ethnic cleansing of the strip to turn it into some sort of fucked up Trumpist Benidorm.  No mention of course is made of the huge gas reserves of the coast of Gaza.  

And let's just for one moment forget the horror that the Palestinians are enduring, right through the war the IDF has systematically hunted down and assassinated journalists and UN workers in Gaza, silencing those who dare to expose its crimes. Reporters are being bombed in their homes, gunned down in the streets, and picked off with sniper fire, all for the “threat” of telling the truth. This isn’t collateral damage; it’s an execution campaign designed to erase Palestinian voices and ensure Israel’s atrocities go unchallenged. And yet, the so-called defenders of press freedom in the West offer nothing but empty platitudes, if they acknowledge it at all. The message is clear: Israel can murder journalists and aid workers in cold blood, and the so-called 'free world' will look the other way.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties among aid workers and journalists. According to a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in November 2024, at least 337 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since October 2023. This figure includes 330 Palestinians and seven foreign nationals, comprising 251 UN staff members, 247 of whom were with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), 33 Palestine Red Crescent Society staff and volunteers, and at least 53 other aid workers from national and international NGOs. AL-Monitor+4TASS+4Anadolu Ajansı+4

Journalists have also faced significant risks and casualties during the conflict. For instance, an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza reportedly killed several aid workers and journalists, as noted by the UK-based charity Al-Khair Foundation. Additionally, the tragic case of Wael al-Dahdouh, Al Jazeera's bureau chief in Gaza, highlights the personal losses suffered by journalists; he lost multiple family members in Israeli airstrikes. Latest news & breaking headlinesThe Guardian These incidents underscore the severe dangers faced by both aid workers and journalists operating in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.Al Jazeera

Despite insurmountable evidence of Israel's human rights violations, the UK has persisted in its arms sales to the nation. In September 2024, the UK suspended 30 arms licences to Israel but that still leaves 315.  These exports have been linked to the oppression and harm of Palestinian civilians. Starmer's failure to oppose or even address these sales underscores a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law and the ethical obligations of his leadership.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza since October 2023.  The charges include the use of starvation as a method of warfare, murder, inhumane acts, and persecution. IFEX+6Workers World+6IFJ+6Just Security

These warrants obligate the 125 member states of the ICC, including the United Kingdom and France, to arrest the named individuals should they enter their territories. International Commission of Jurists+2Wikipedia+2Findlaw+2

The Labour Party, under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, has veered sharply from its foundational principles of justice and human rights. Starmer's actions and affiliations suggest not just passive complicity but active participation in supporting Israel's oppressive actions against Palestinians. 

Recent reports have unveiled that the UK's Royal Air Force conducted reconnaissance flights over Gaza, providing intelligence to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with over 500 recorded sorties from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.  https://www.tetleystldr.com/tetleystldr-blog/we-need-to-talk-about-starmer-war-crimes-cyprus-raf This collaboration implicates the UK in Israel's military strategies, which have been widely condemned for resulting in significant civilian casualties and potential war crimes. Starmer's silence and inaction on this matter indicate tacit approval, aligning him with these controversial military endeavors.

The UK has witnessed a disturbing crackdown on peaceful anti-war demonstrations. Notably, individuals like Steven Kapos https://www.tetleystldr.com/tetleystldr-blog/we-need-to-talk-about-stephen-kapos and groups such as the Quaker Meeting House 6 have faced unjust suppression. This authoritarian approach to dissent reflects a broader trend of stifling voices critical of Israel's policies, a stance that Starmer has neither challenged nor condemned.

The tenure of Jeremy Corbyn was marred by allegations of anti-Semitism, many of which have been scrutinised and challenged for their validity. Corbyn was a lifelong supporter of Palestinian rights and the Israelis clearly interfered in British politics to prevent him gaining power. Investigations have revealed that Shai Masot, a former Israeli embassy official, played a pivotal role in funding and supporting MPs who opposed Corbyn. This foreign interference not only destabilized the Labour Party but also manipulated public perception, diverting attention from legitimate critiques of Israel's policies.  This was comprehensively covered in Al Jazeeras, the Labour Files:

Leaders such as Jonathan Arkush and Marie van der Zyl of the Board of Deputies led the attack on Corbyn and have positioned themselves as the definitive representatives of British Jewry. However, their perspectives often align with right-wing, pro-Israel agendas that do not reflect the diverse views of British Jews. The media's uncritical amplification of their voices has marginalized progressive Jewish organizations, who've been labelled as 'the wrong kind of jews' and 'self hating-jews'.  Forinformation these groups aren't in any way self-hating but what they do hate is being associated with a genocide they want no part of.  This conflation skews public discourse on Israel and Palestine.

Under Starmer's leadership, there has been a targeted campaign against groups like Jewish Voice for Labour and Jewdas. These organizations, which offer critical perspectives on Israel and advocate for Palestinian rights, and have faced unwarranted scrutiny and marginalisation within the party, leading ultimately to explulsions and proscription.  This internal repression highlights a broader intolerance for dissenting views on Israel by a party that seems to be all but owned by Israel.  Think about this for a second, no other country would find it appropriate for another Government from a third party to be pulling the strings in the corridors of power, but that's exactly what is happening here.

The British government’s stance on Israel defies logic, morality, and even basic political pragmatism. While no one denies Israel the right to defend itself,  Starmer and Lammy have gone far beyond supporting legitimate self-defense, they have become cheerleaders for an unfolding genocide. Their rhetoric mirrors Israeli government propaganda, refusing to acknowledge the grotesque realities of mass civilian casualties, targeted strikes on hospitals, and the deliberate starvation of Palestinians. Instead of pushing for accountability, they double down on uncritical support, twisting international law beyond recognition to justify war crimes. Add to this the contempt they have shown for protests about Israeli activity and they revealed their true colours. This isn’t about justice or security, it’s about political expediency, ideological loyalty, and a deep-seated refusal to confront the truth, no matter how many Palestinian children lie buried beneath the rubble.

Sir Keir Starmer's leadership has not only betrayed the core values of the Labour Party but has also implicated him in actions that may constitute war crimes. His unwavering support for Israel, suppression of dissent, and entanglement with pro-Israel lobbyists demand rigorous scrutiny.

As usual, the best way to analyse a response in Government is to follow the money.  An investigation by Declassified UK has revealed that approximately 20% of current Labour MPs have accepted financial contributions from pro-Israel entities, including lobby groups and individuals such as Sir Trevor Chinn. Declassified Media Ltd

Allegations have surfaced regarding Starmer's acceptance of donations and benefits from pro-Israel sources. Such financial entanglements raise serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the impartiality of his stance on Middle Eastern affairs.

The infiltration of pro-Israel interests into the Labour Party is deeply troubling. Figures like Sir Trevor Chinn and individuals associated with the Lubner family have made substantial donations to Labour MPs, raising questions about the influence of foreign entities on British politics. The Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) has also benefited from significant financial support, further entrenching pro-Israel sentiments within the party. These relationships, cultivated during Jeremy Corbyn's tenure, were instrumental in orchestrating campaigns that undermined his leadership.

Sir Trevor Chinn, has donated a total significant amounts to various Labour MPs. Notably:

Declassified Media LtdDeclassified Media Ltd

Funding from Labour Friends of Israel (LFI):Labour Friends of Israel, a parliamentary lobby group, has funded trips to Israel for several Labour MPs. These trips often had additional expenses covered by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Beneficiaries include:Declassified Media Ltd+3Declassified Media Ltd+3Declassified Media Ltd+3Declassified Media Ltd+1Declassified Media Ltd+1

Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) states that its work is supported by donations from members of the Jewish community and others who share their commitment to Israel. They explicitly mention that they do not receive funding from the Israeli government or its embassy, nor do they make donations to Labour MPs. thelibertybeacon.com+3lfi.org.uk+3Declassified UK+3

However, LFI does not publicly disclose detailed information about its donors. This lack of transparency has led to scrutiny and criticism. For instance, a 2024 article from Declassified UK highlighted concerns about LFI's undisclosed sources of income and its close relationship with the Israeli embassy. Declassified UK+2Declassified UK+2Declassified UK+2

Additionally, reports indicate that several Labour MPs have accepted funding from pro-Israel lobby groups, including LFI, for trips to Israel. According to Declassified UK, since 2002, LFI has spent over £150,000 on such trips, with over 60 delegations organized in the past decade. lfi.org.uk+7Declassified UK+7Declassified UK+7Declassified UK+1Declassified UK+1

While LFI asserts that its funding comes from private donors supportive of Israel, the organization's lack of detailed financial disclosure has raised questions about the exact sources and potential influence of its funding.

Gary Lubner, a South African entrepreneur known for his role in vehicle window repair, has been a significant benefactor to the Labour Party. In 2023, he contributed £4,527,500, marking the largest single donation to the party that year.  Since 2021, Lubner has made 17 donations to Labour, including £900,000 during the general election campaign.  While individual MPs' receipt of donations from Lubner isn't publicly detailed, his substantial contributions have bolstered Labour's national campaign efforts.BBC+1BBC+1BBC+1BBC+1

Other notable pro-Israel donors include Stuart Roden, a British businessman and chairman of the Israeli venture capital firm Hetz Ventures, has donated over £1 million to the Labour Party since 2023. His contributions include £570,000 registered with the Electoral Commission after the announcement of the snap general election in 2024. Declassified UK+2Breathing+2Declassified UK+2

Roden's motivations for these substantial donations have not been publicly detailed, and he did not respond to inquiries regarding his reasons.  However, his professional and philanthropic activities suggest a strong commitment to pro-Israel causes. He co-founded Hetz Ventures, which focuses on investing in early-stage Israeli startups, alongside individuals with backgrounds in Israeli special forces and political connections. Additionally, Roden is the primary funder of I-gnite, a Zionist educational program in Britain aimed at supporting students, teachers, and parents in discussions about Israel and antisemitism. Declassified UK+1Breathing+1

These activities indicate that Roden's financial support for the Labour Party may be aligned with his interest in promoting pro-Israel perspectives within British politics. He also donated who has donated £80,000 supporting the office costs of Bridget Phillipson and Lisa Nandy. Declassified Media Ltd+1Labour Heartlands+1

These financial contributions highlight the significant influence pro-Israel lobbyists have within the Labour Party.

A question that needs to be asked about Labout Friends of Israel, and for that matter Conservative Friends of Israel as well: When a country is clearly out of control, it begs two questions (i) why exactly do you want to be friends with them? (ii) why isn't LFI and CFI proscribed?

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court stipulates that individuals complicit in war crimes, through direct or indirect means, bear criminal responsibility.

There have been efforts to investigate UK politicians for alleged complicity in war crimes related to the Gaza conflict. In October 2023, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) issued notices to Labour Party leaders, including Keir Starmer, Emily Thornberry, and David Lammy, indicating their potential criminal liability for supporting actions that could be construed as aiding and abetting Israeli war crimes.  The ICJP's complaint, submitted in May 2024, expanded the list of suspects to five senior British ministers, accusing them of complicity in crimes such as the use of starvation as a weapon of war. ICJP+1ICJP+1Latest news & breaking headlines+2ICJP+2Latest news & breaking headlines+

Additionally, in October 2024, the UK government expressed its willingness to provide intelligence gathered from Royal Air Force surveillance flights over Gaza to the International Criminal Court (ICC) if requested, acknowledging the ICC's ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes by both Hamas and Israel.  This, however, backfired, as it shone a light on just how invovled the RAF has been in reconnaissance over Gaza, a service that it would be laughable to suggest was not directly assisting the IDF.  BBC News+1BBC+1

Furthermore, in November 2024, campaigners from the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and Al-Haq sought an emergency High Court injunction to halt UK sales of F-35 jet engine parts to Israel. This action followed the International Criminal Court's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others for alleged war crimes. The campaigners argue that continuing arms sales to Israel is unconscionable and unlawful. The Guardian+1Reuters+1These developments highlight ongoing legal and political debates concerning the UK's role and the positions of its politicians regarding the conflict in Gaza.

The situation remains complex, with legal proceedings and international diplomatic considerations ongoing.  This may change as several countries led by South Africa are keen to pursue this. Especially against David Lammy and Sir Kier Starmer. For justice to prevail, the International Criminal Court must investigate and, if warranted, indict Starmer for his complicity in these grievous violations of international law. https://www.declassifieduk.org/starmer-and-lammy-are-monstrous-war-criminals-palestinian-lawyer/

Israel hasn't poured millions into the Labour Party out of sheer goodwill or some abstract commitment to democracy, it’s an investment, plain and simple. The Israeli state through its agents and 'donors, advocacy groups and its lobbyists aren’t handing out cash to Keir Starmer and his allies because they admire their debating skills; they expect political returns. Just like as with private healthcare, our MPs are bought and paid for: every donation, every all-expenses-paid trip, every cushy networking event is designed to secure unwavering British support for Israel’s apartheid policies, its military operations, and its systematic oppression of Palestinians. This isn’t charity, it’s influence-buying, and Starmer has shown time and again that he’s more than willing to play the role of a loyal asset to a foreign power.

And it fucking stinks.



The world has gone mad.  If you enjoyed reading this, please feel free to look at the rest of the blogs on www.TetleysTLDR.com. They're free to view, there's no paywall, they aren't monetised and I won't ask you to buy me a coffee.  Also please free to share anything you find of interest, we only get the message out if people are aware of it.  Just a leftie, standing in front of another leftie, asking to be read.  All the best, Tetley




Labour Party Starmer Lammy Israel Netanyahu War Crimes F35 ICC Register of Members Interests LFI Sir Trevor Chinn Gary Lubner Stuart Roden Shai Masot Palestine Gaza
08Mar
We need to talk about Israel, the Labour Party, anti-Semitism and the rise of the far-right
13Mar
Starmer needs to learn: you can't do business with warmongering madmen
20Mar
We need to talk about the fucking Labour Party
Comments
* The email will not be published on the website.