Starmer, Farage, Badenoch and Davey unite to slam Tel Aviv fans ban | Politics | News
Political leaders of Britain’s major parties have united to condemn him after West Midlands Police banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a match in Birmingham. Last night Aston Villa said the city’s Security Advisory Group had warned the Israeli club’s fans would not be allowed to attend next month’s Europa League match.
West Midlands Police said they supported the decision on public safety grounds and described it as “high risk”. The move sparked immediate political backlash, with leaders of Britain’s four main political parties coming together to condemn the decision. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the move was antisemitic, while Kemi Badenoch described it as a “national disgrace”.
Sir Keir said: “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.”
“The role of the police is to ensure that all football fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation.”
Conservative Party leader Ms Badenoch asked: “How did things get to this point?” he asked.
“Starmer has promised that Jews are welcome and safe in Britain, that he will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community and will use the full force of his government to prove this.
“Will he back up those words with action and guarantee that Jewish fans can enter any football stadium in this country?
“Otherwise it sends a terrible and shameful message: there are some places in Britain that Jews cannot go.”
In a follow-up message this morning, Ms Badenoch condemned the Prime Minister’s “weak” response and accused him of “failing to stand up for the UK”.
Drawing a parallel to the ongoing Chinese spy controversy, he tweeted: “Jewish fans banned from football match, Keir Starmer says ‘it’s wrong’.
“Keir Starmer does nothing when told a case against alleged spies is about to collapse.
“Our weak Prime Minister is waiting for others to decide. He lacks the backbone to defend Britain.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said West Midlands Police had made a “serious mistake”. “You can’t fight antisemitism by banning its victims. This decision must be reversed.”
Nigel Farage added: “This takes racial discrimination to a whole new level.”
Robert Jenrick said the police action vindicated his comments about the failure of integration in Birmingham during the Tory conference.
The Shadow Justice Secretary said: “I was attacked last week for pointing out that parts of Birmingham were failing to integrate.
“But Israeli football fans were banned from watching their team play at Villa Park because the police could not guarantee their safety. Maybe I was not wrong.”
UEFA told the Reuters news agency: “In all cases, the competent local authorities will remain responsible for decisions regarding the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory.”
