The UK’s ruling Labour Party allegedly ordered its MPs not to attend anti-racist demonstrations on Wednesday.
According to journalist Owen Jones, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Chief Whip Alan Campbell made the order “via a virtual call” on Wednesday morning.
Jones is a former member of the party and was part of its left-wing faction before quitting because of Labour’s centrist turn under Keir Starmer.
Even though being anti-fascist is an obvious virtue, I presume it’s to avoid the appearance of prosecuting the rioters for political reasons. Starmer wants to make it purely about the lawbreaking rather than their political aims.
Politicians not making things political is rather ridiculous.
Same politicians that show up to march in pro-israel marches. Liberals will find any excuse to not do the right thing.
It’s more that it’s a tactical choice to avoid polarising people. There’s nothing material to gain by attending the protests, and much to lose in terms of pissing off the far right more and destabilising a precarious situation.
The shit-stirrers like Farage would immediately whip up some bullshit that Labour MPs attending anti-fascist protests is “proof” that the government are choosing to politically punish the far right protesters. The last thing Starmer wants is a resurgence of disorder.
Nothing to gain by showing solidarity against racism?
Appearing racist to appeal to Farage voters isn’t going to fix anthing nor win over any right wing voters. Appealing to right wingers never works they will never vote center when they can vote right.
No, they clearly aren’t trying to appear racist, or even directly court their votes. They just don’t want to actively feed into the idiotic theories that stoke tensions.