Labour MP apologises for branding Israeli government 'fascist' in Parliament
A Labour MP has been forced to apologise after branding the Israeli government "fascist" in the House of Commons.
Kim Johnson's remark was branded "completely unacceptable" by Keir Starmer's official spokesman, and she is expected to be spoken to by the party's chief whip.
A fellow Labour MP said her colleague's comments were "unacceptable and dangerous".
Ms Johnson later issued an apology, admitting her comment was "particularly insensitive given the history of the state of Israel".
The MP, who has represented Liverpool Riverside since 2019, earlier told the Commons that since Benjamin Netanyahu's return as Prime Minister, there has been a rise in human rights violations against Palestinian civilians.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
It has been branded an "apartheid state" by Amnesty International, the Commons heard during PMQs.
The Labour backbencher told MPs: "Since the election of the fascist Israeli government in December last year, there has been an increase in human rights violations against Palestinian civilians, including children."
She was met with jeers as she asked Rishi Sunak: "Can the Prime Minister tell us how he is challenging what Amnesty and other human rights organisations are referring to as an apartheid state?"
Keir Starmer's spokesman branded the comments 'unacceptable' (Getty Images)Following PMQs, Mr Starmer's official spokesman told reporters: “Kim Johnson’s words were unacceptable.”
He added that Ms Johnson should withdraw her remarks, and it is understood that Labour chief whip is expected to talk to her today
A short time later she raised a point of order to say sorry. Ms Johnson said: "I would like to apologise unreservedly for the intemperate language I used during PMQs. "I was wrong to use the term 'fascist' in relation to the Israeli government and understand why this was particularly insensitive given the history of the state of Israel."
Mr Sunak earlier said he would "strive for peace" between Israel and Palestine.
The PM told the House of Commons: "It is important in this matter to remain calm and urge all sides to strive for peace, and that is very much what I will do as Prime Minister and in the conversations that I have had with the Israeli prime minister."
Labour MP Margaret Hodge tweeted::”This language is unacceptable and dangerous.
“With violence escalating in recent weeks, this careless remark only makes it harder to bridge the divide.
Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'
“Not to mention a complete insult to Louise Ellman’s legacy.”
Dame Louise Ellman was Ms Johnson's predecessor in the Merseyside seat and chaired Labour Friends of Israel until 2020.
In a statement today Amnesty accuses the Israeli government of a series of deadly raids, including one on a refugee camp in Jenin that killed 10 on January 26.
The following day seven Israeli civilians were killed in a revenge attack, the human rights group said in a statement.
Amnesty has accused the Israeli government of stepping up "collective punishment" as a result of these killings.
Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said in a statement today: “The devastating events of the past week have exposed yet again the deadly cost of the system of apartheid.
"The international community’s failure to hold Israeli authorities to account for apartheid and other crimes has given them free rein to segregate, control and oppress Palestinians on a daily basis, and helps perpetuate deadly violence.
"Apartheid is a crime against humanity, and it is frankly chilling to see the perpetrators evade justice year after year."
The Mirror has contacted Ms Johnson's office for comment.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
