Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, has announced his decision not to participate in marches against antisemitism amidst a Labour rebellion over calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Telegraph has more.
Darren Jones, the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said he would not attend any demonstrations in the weeks to come, as he represents constituents “who have different concerns and different opinions about this issue”.
He said all peaceful protests should be allowed to go ahead, but repeatedly dodged questions on whether he would join Sunday’s march himself.
Asked directly whether he would attend the demonstration in London, led by the Campaign Against Antisemitism, he said: “I’ve not gone to any marches in the last few weeks and I don’t intend on going [on] any marches in the future weeks, because I represent constituents who have different concerns and different opinions about this issue.
“It’s my job to represent all of them. That’s why I am not going on any marches.”
But he said “of course” he would stand “in solidarity” with his constituents against antisemitism. …
It comes in the wake of a major shadow cabinet split over the crisis in the Middle East, which saw Sir Keir Starmer suffer the biggest rebellion of his leadership to date.
Eight Labour frontbenchers defied their leader over a vote for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on November 15th, exposing damaging rifts at the top of the party.
Sir Keir has backed humanitarian pauses in the conflict but refused to demand a ceasefire, despite pressure from within Labour ranks to change tack.
Mr. Jones said he didn’t know if any Labour MPs would be attending Sunday’s march, but noted that shadow minister Peter Kyle would be in London.
Pressed on whether that meant his colleagues would be permitted to take part, he said: “I’ve not had any guidance from the Labour Party about the demo today or the demo yesterday, in fact, so I’m not sure what it is that you’re referring to.” …
Laura Trott, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, also declined to say whether she would attend Sunday’s march, stressing she was “focused” on her ministerial duties.
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