Azar Ali

There are plenty of voters that share his views, it remains to be seen if Labour put an official candidate against him in the GE. If they do it could well split the vote and let another party in

There is a bigger issue here. Is no-one concerned about the number of muslims getting into politics? What does this mean for the future of this country? Are young, white people so disillusioned that they simply don't care?
The situation in the Middle East has shown up the divisions in this country, and it's something which needs to be addressed.
The predictions of Nostradamus are coming true.

George Galloway is surely a happy person,

Dickens

Anniel

I am shocked that anyone would think that Israel allowed the massacre on On October 7th. Nobody in the normal political parties thinks that this crazy idea is true. I never realised that antisemitic views like that were believed by some Grans.

I think it is anti-Netanyahu, rather than anti-Semitic. And I believe it's important to draw that distinction.

Even some of his own country men and women are not happy with the way he is conducting this retaliatory war. Particularly those who have family members who are still held hostage.

Israel did have 'eyes on the border' as this BBC report indicates - but their warnings and reports went unheard.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67958260

Questions do need asking - without making accusations - and it is neither wrong nor anti-Semitic to ask them. When unspeakable atrocities - like those carried out by Hamas - happen, people will naturally ask how it was allowed to happen and / or whether it could have been prevented... that was the whole point of having those "eyes" on the border, whose reports / warnings appear, on the face of it, to have been ignored.

Exactly this.

Questions like this will have to be answered by the Israeli government - the Israeli people deserve answers.

The real problem is that people do not understand the difference between legitimate criticism of actions by a government which must and should be stated, and criticism of a people because of their faith.

So saying that someone who questions the actions of the Israeli government and its motives is anti-Semitic, spectacularly misses the point.

Anniel

I am shocked that anyone would think that Israel allowed the massacre on On October 7th. Nobody in the normal political parties thinks that this crazy idea is true. I never realised that antisemitic views like that were believed by some Grans.

I think it is anti-Netanyahu, rather than anti-Semitic. And I believe it's important to draw that distinction.

Even some of his own country men and women are not happy with the way he is conducting this retaliatory war. Particularly those who have family members who are still held hostage.

Israel did have 'eyes on the border' as this BBC report indicates - but their warnings and reports went unheard.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67958260

Questions do need asking - without making accusations - and it is neither wrong nor anti-Semitic to ask them. When unspeakable atrocities - like those carried out by Hamas - happen, people will naturally ask how it was allowed to happen and / or whether it could have been prevented... that was the whole point of having those "eyes" on the border, whose reports / warnings appear, on the face of it, to have been ignored.

Anniel

I am shocked that anyone would think that Israel allowed the massacre on On October 7th. Nobody in the normal political parties thinks that this crazy idea is true. I never realised that antisemitic views like that were believed by some Grans.

Why were the watchwomen ignored?

The question, and Israel's refusal to answer it is fuelling the debate about how much Israel knew, and at what level.
Do not shut down debate when pertinent questions remain unanswered.
The antisemitic claims play right into Israel's hands. That question must be answered and the answer justified.

Nandy not Mandy!

I'm glad Starmer ditched Ali. Better late than never but he should have done it as soon as the offensive remarks became known. If course Labour were worried about Galloway but that was not an adequate reason to send Mandy and others to support Ali. Politically it makes little difference. Whoever wins the by-election will face a better Labour candidate at a GE.

Allowed babies to be raped ?

I am shocked that anyone would think that Israel allowed the massacre on On October 7th. Nobody in the normal political parties thinks that this crazy idea is true. I never realised that antisemitic views like that were believed by some Grans.

I agree that Starmer was in a difficult position but that's the problem for me, the party isnt just Starmer and there are parts of the party that are so far away from my position they may as well be on the moon. I just dont know how long I can keep saying anything is better than the Tories.

HousePlantQueen

My thoughts too, Dickens. Azir Ali has said no more than many others have, and I was one of those who said as much on GN, namely that I just did not believe that Israel, with their all encompassing security services, did not know that the Hamas attack was coming, that it suits Natanyahu's political career to use this dreadful time as a distraction. It is also fairly public knowledge that radical settlers in Israel would like Palestinian territories cleared for them to live in. BUT, I am not standing for political office, and my opinions are my own. To save anyone posting ; this opinion does not mean I support Hamas or the October 7th atrocities. I am saddened and angered that anyone daring to question what Israel is doing are automatically and publicly accused of anti-semitism.

Thank you for saying that. I agree with you.

Annie1 I fear George Galloway, lots of film of him singing
From The River to The Sea to a very happy crowd

Anniel

I just heard that Labour will not have a candidate in the Rochdale seat as Mr Ali was declared a candidate and Labour cannot choose another Labour representative. Is that really the case? Sir Keir’s decision was indeed a tough one for his party. Please do not elect George Galloway voters of Rochdale!

It was too late for the party to replace Mr Ali as its candidate

The decision means that Mr Ali will remain on the ballot as the Labour candidate for Rochdale, but if he is elected he will sit as a independent MP or join another party.

I just heard that Labour will not have a candidate in the Rochdale seat as Mr Ali was declared a candidate and Labour cannot choose another Labour representative. Is that really the case? Sir Keir’s decision was indeed a tough one for his party. Please do not elect George Galloway voters of Rochdale!

My thoughts too, Dickens. Azir Ali has said no more than many others have, and I was one of those who said as much on GN, namely that I just did not believe that Israel, with their all encompassing security services, did not know that the Hamas attack was coming, that it suits Natanyahu's political career to use this dreadful time as a distraction. It is also fairly public knowledge that radical settlers in Israel would like Palestinian territories cleared for them to live in. BUT, I am not standing for political office, and my opinions are my own. To save anyone posting ; this opinion does not mean I support Hamas or the October 7th atrocities. I am saddened and angered that anyone daring to question what Israel is doing are automatically and publicly accused of anti-semitism.

You never hear about these random politicians until they mess up, big time.
You'd think tact and effective communication would be required above all else.

Dont know what they are Urmstongran, that's just the rumour going round.

Well I think Starmer took his time and realised this man could not stand for Labour. I think it was brave but necessary decision.. He did the right thing.

I've heard this said before - or suggested, anyway. On social media sites.

But if a political candidate, politician or any other person in public life makes that kind of allegation, there has to be some proof - you can't just deduce these things. So he was wrong right from the off and Labour should've withdrawn their support immediately otherwise it just appears as if they're waiting to see if they can get away with it and carry on regardless.

Galaxy
I am not sure it was just the shaming. Apparently further remarks have come to light

Yes, it's hard to think this is just a 'one-off' unfortunate remark.

Please share.

I am not sure it was just the shaming. Apparently further remarks have come to light

Labour were shamed into making this correct decision. They supported him until this evening. Shocking.

Agree Galaxy

Labour are really stretching my patience this week. Starmer has such a job on his hands.