Activist Yaz Ashmawy burst onto the stage shouting about voting reform and threw glitter at Keir Starmer. Photo: PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
Sir Keir Starmer said it was “not my job” to deal with security issues after he was brilliantly attacked by a protester while speaking at the party conference.
The Labor leader managed to give a speech in Liverpool on Tuesday. when activist Yaz Ashmawy burst onto the stage shouting about voting reform before being dragged away and arrested.
Sir Keir took off his jacket and made his speech wearing a white shirt with sequins visible on the cuffs. on his shirt, and also in his hair.
It comes after delegates complained about «absolutely appalling» security during the conference, including minimal bag checks and no requirement for visitors to empty their pockets.
When asked how the incident could have happened, Sir Keir told BBC Breakfast: “I mean, look, I don't deal with security issues. My job was to go on stage and give this speech, and I went out and gave this speech.
“Many people have said to me, Keir, we know the Labor Party will reassure you that you understand stability, but can you build a foundation of hope on that? And that's what I was doing yesterday, saying, «Look, we don't need to continue what we've had, the years of decline.» .jpg» />
In a separate interview, Sir Keir called Mr Ashmawi an «idiot» and said he would not be deterred from trying to make the Labor Party successful after two election defeats under Jeremy Corbyn, his predecessor.
He said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme: «My overwhelming feeling was this: I've waited four years to get the Labor Party from where we found ourselves in 2019 to make this speech, which is so important in making a positive case for Labour.» . And I wasn't going to deviate from that.
“That's why I took off my jacket, rolled up my sleeves and continued speaking, even though I had glitter in my hair. and on my shoulders too.”
Nick Robinson, presenter of the Today programme, asked Sir Keir whether the interruption had given him «pause» after the murders of two MPs in recent years.
Jo Cox, Labor MP for Batley and Spen, was murdered in 2016, and Conservative MP Sir David Ames was fatally stabbed during an operation in his constituency in 2021.
Sir Keir replied: “Well, I wouldn't, and I don't want to, equate it with what happened to David or Joe, which, you know, was shocking.
“But what was pulsing through me body, there was a feeling: “I'm not going to be distracted by anyone from making this speech.”
At the annual reception hosted by the Mirror newspaper on Tuesday night, Sir Keir joked: “I think karaoke will start a little later , I shone my hair for this occasion.
“I'm not sure what song I'll get and I might have to leave it to Wes Streeting to keep it going. But I have to say that when this guy walked on stage, I thought — you will not stop working for four years in this party to get to where we are today.
'Sparkle with Starmer'
While Sir Keir left the event shortly after his speech, Mr Streeting, his shadow health secretary, sang George Michael's Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.
Meanwhile at Labour's official store Products appeared with the message «Shine Bright» Starmer T-shirts went on sale for £20 within hours of the incident.
Party members received an email saying: «Shine bright like Starmer. Keir's speech at the conference was received brilliantly. Well, Team Labor is releasing exclusive, limited edition merchandise.
“Unleash your inner glow and radiance with our new exclusive 'Sparkle with Starmer' t-shirt.»
The t-shirts proved so popular that by the morning Wednesday they were no longer available.
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