Two people have been charged in connection with alleged disorder offences following a protest where UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was accused of “facilitating genocide” in Gaza.
On Thursday night, Police Scotland said a man, 33, and a woman, 26, were arrested after Sir Keir was confronted by protesters as he arrived in Glasgow.
Footage showed Sir Keir arriving at Glasgow Central station, where a group of activists were waiting with Palestinian flags.
A 33-year-old man and 26-year-old woman have been arrested and charged in connection with disorder offences following a protest in Congress Road, Glasgow, on Thursday December 7, 2023.
He has faced criticism for refusing to back a ceasefire in Gaza, with the party leadership in favour of calling for humanitarian pauses to allow people to leave Gaza and for aid to enter.
The backlash began during an interview with LBC where he claimed “Israel has the right” to withhold power and water from Palestinian civilians.
Sir Keir was met by protesters as he arrived and footage posted on social media showed activists surrounding a Range Rover and shouting as he got into it.
As Sir Keir arrived, one protester allegedly shouted: “Keir Starmer you are facilitating Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Stop the massacre of over 7,000 babies.
“Freedom for Palestine, stop the genocide. You’re responsible for killing babies in Gaza.”
Another allegedly shouted: “Starmer, why did you vote for continued genocide?”
Others reportedly shouted: “War criminal” and “You should be in prison”.
The protest continued outside the Crowne Plaza hotel, where Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also came in for criticism from protesters.
Police Scotland confirmed the two people who were arrested have now been charged.
A force spokesperson said: “A 33-year-old man and 26-year-old woman have been arrested and charged in connection with disorder offences following a protest in Congress Road, Glasgow, on Thursday December 7, 2023.
“A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
