Labour leader Keir Starmer’s visit to Duchess China in Longton yesterday (27 June) was disrupted by a pro-Palestine protest.
Starmer was visiting the Stoke-on-Trent pottery factory as part of his election campaign. During his visit, he talked about Labour’s support of apprenticeships.
The protest was noisy but peaceful. Police formed a line in front of the factory entrance.
Hamza Basharat, a protestor who lives on Spring Road, Longton, stated: “We’re here to stage a peaceful protest after Keir Starmer voted against calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and said Israel had the right to shut off water, food and electricity. I don’t think many Muslims are going to vote for Labour. I’m going to vote for any independent.”
He also said: “If Keir Starmer was a man he’d come out here and tell us why we should vote for him, instead of just hiding behind the police.”
The UK General Election will take place on Thursday 4 July.
Experienced writer and journalist James McKean leads the daily editorial output at StaffsLive. To contact him, email news@staffslive.co.uk
