Deputy leader confronted by Gaza protester
LABOUR’S deputy leader Angela Rayner was confronted during a speech at a Stockport hotel by a man who lost five loved ones in bombing in Gaza.
Pro-Palestinian protesters, calling for the party to support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, were ejected from the £35-a-ticket fundraising event at around 9.30pm on Thursday.
Seven people were removed, police said.
The fundraising event, at the Village Hotel in Cheadle, was also attended by Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds; MP Andrew Gwynne, who represents Denton and Reddish and Stockport MP Navendu Mishra.
A ‘pre-planned’ demonstration was earlier held outside, Greater Manchester Police said.
Videos show Dalloul al-Neder later approaching the stage and shouting during Ms Rayner’s speech.
The 31-year-old lost his mum, brother, pregnant sister-in-law and two nieces during bombing in December.
He spoke to our sister paper the Manchester Evening News at the time, saying he was ‘broken.’
In one clip, Ms Rayner is seen speaking to guests and being applauded as she says: “Tameside is going to save the world.”
Mr al-Neder is then seen approaching the stage and interrupting Ms Rayner, shouting about the need for a ceasefire and the circumstances surrounding his loved ones’ deaths.
He appears to show her a picture before being ushered away by a police officer.
Others then begin shouting. Mr al-Neder, a takeaway owner who lives in Burnage, spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service following the incident.
He said: “I went there to give a voice to Palestinian people.
“It’s not just about my mother, the five members of my family killed, but about the thousands who have been killed in Gaza. I went to ask for a ceasefire.
“The Labour Party must take action and vote for a ceasefire, rather than against one. I went with two friends from Manchester Palestinian Action. The others protesting were not connected to us, but they obviously care passionately, too.”
Ms Rayner told him: “Thank you, you’ve made your point.”
Natasha Khan, 33, from Bramhall, said her wrist was hurt as police dealt with her. Another video shows her being led away.
She told the LDRS she attended the event with friends to call on Labour to support calls for a ceasefire.
Speaking about the way she claims officers handled her as she was escorted out, she said: “I barely said anything. I wasn’t resisting, I was walking out. The only thing I tried to do was pick up my flag.”
Miss Khan said she has complained to Greater
Manchester Police. The M.E.N. understands the force is aware of the complaint and an assessment will be made.
A GMP spokesperson said the force was ‘aware of footage circulating online showing GMP officers and event security staff escorting people from [the] event.’
“Police were present in response to a pre-planned demonstration outside the venue,” they added. “During the evening, it became apparent that a number of protestors were inside and in attendance at the event.
“Officers assisted venue management in escorting seven people from the premises due to disruptive behaviour and in order to prevent a breach of peace. No arrests were made in connection with this incident.”
The Labour Party declined to comment.