SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has criticised Sir Keir Starmer for hosting Israeli president Isaac Herzog at Downing Street amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The Prime Minister is expected to meet Herzog on Wednesday, one day after he condemned Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar.
The Israeli military targeted top Hamas figures in Doha on Tuesday as they gathered to discuss a US proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Starmer said Israel’s attack on Qatar represented “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty” and risked fuelling further escalation in the Middle East.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Flynn called Starmer out for hosting Herzog at No 10.
“Gaza is a graveyard, but rather than end arms sales, extend sanctions and stand by International law, the Prime Minister will today welcome into his home the man who called for the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and who signed artillery shells that destroyed their homes, families, and friends,” Flynn said.
“Would he invite Vladimir Putin into No 10? Would he invite Benjamin Netanyahu into No 10? What does it say of this Prime Minister that he will harbour this man whilst children starve?”
Starmer said it would be the “politics of students” not to meet with the Israeli President during his visit.
The Prime Minister said the UK has suspended the sale of arms that could be used in Gaza, sanctioned extremists, and suspended trade talks.
“We all want an outcome that ensures peace, that the hostages get out, that aid gets in under a two-state outcome,” Starmer said.
“It is the only way we will get peace in a region that has suffered conflict for a very, very long time.
“I will not give up on diplomacy; that is the politics of students.”
Starmer faced PMQs amid Labour’s deputy leadership contest and cabinet reshuffle.
Angela Rayner’s resigned as deputy prime minister last week after it was reported that she had underpaid tax on an £800,000 seaside flat earlier this year.
Her resignation triggered a shake-up of Starmer’s cabinet on Friday morning.
As a result, Ian Murray was sacked as Scottish secretary and replaced by Douglas Alexander.
David Lammy was appointed deputy prime minister and handed the justice brief.
As the deputy prime minister can be a separate person from the party’s deputy leader, Labour’s deputy leadership contest to replace Rayner is ongoing.
As of Tuesday, several MPs have publicly entered the race, with MP Bridget Phillipson emerging as the early frontrunner.
It’s unclear whether or not Lammy himself will run.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
