Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Rochdale candidate Azhar Ali apologises for comments against Israel

Azhar Ali had suggested Israel had intentionally “allowed� a deadly Hamas attack on October 7

Rochdale candidate Azhar Ali apologises for comments against Israel

Azhar Ali, Labour's Rochdale by-election candidate, has issued an apology following controversial comments about Israel, which were disclosed in a secret recording published by the Mail on Sunday.

In the recording, Ali suggested Israel had intentionally “allowed” a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, remarks he now acknowledges as "deeply offensive, ignorant, and false," the BBC reported.


The Tories have urged Labour to halt its by-election efforts and to expel Ali from the party, although the deadline to replace him as a candidate has already passed.

Labour's national campaign coordinator, Pat McFadden, denounced Ali's remarks as incorrect and unrepresentative of the party's stance, confirming, however, that Ali will still run in the upcoming Rochdale by-election.

On October 7, Hamas militants launched a significant assault from Gaza into southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 civilian deaths and approximately 250 hostages.

The incident has prompted scrutiny of Israeli security measures, especially amidst reports of prior warnings from Egypt about potential violence.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refuted claims of intelligence warnings as "absolutely false."

Ali's apology emphasised the sole responsibility of Hamas for the attack and called for the release of hostages.

Despite his apology, Tories Party Chairman Richard Holden has challenged Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to revoke Ali's membership and suspend the party's campaign activities.

Ali's comments have also drawn criticism from the Jewish community, with the Board of Deputies of British Jews expressing skepticism about the sincerity of his apology.

The controversy comes amidst internal Labour debates over the party's stance on Israel, highlighted by some MPs' and councillors' resignations and disagreements over calls for a ceasefire.

Ali has affirmed his support for Keir Starmer's leadership and the transformative agenda he attributes to the Labour Party under Starmer's guidance.

This incident has occurred in the lead-up to the Rochdale by-election, triggered by the death of the former MP Sir Tony Lloyd.

The Green Party's candidate, Guy Otten, also announced his withdrawal from the race due to past social media posts, though his name will remain on the ballot due to the timing of his decision.

More For You

Bhim Kohli Murder Trial: Teenager's Admission of Guilt Revealed to Jury
The attack took place on 1 September last year in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, Leicestershire. (Photo credit: Facebook)

Bhim Kohli murder: Teenager on trial said ‘I did it’, jury told

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy accused of killing an 80-year-old man in a Leicester park told police, “I had my reasons, but I did it,” a court heard.

The boy is charged with murdering Bhim Kohli at Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, in September last year. A 13-year-old girl, also on trial, is accused of manslaughter. Both were 14 and 12 at the time and cannot be named due to their ages.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mark-Carney-Reuters

Carney said he would stand up for Canada’s way of life and push back against American actions affecting trade. (Photo: Reuters)

Mark Carney vows to fight US trade war as Canada's next prime minister

MARK CARNEY, Canada's incoming prime minister, has pledged to take on the United States in an escalating trade dispute, vowing to defend the country’s interests against US president Donald Trump’s policies.

Speaking to supporters in Ottawa after being elected leader of the Liberal Party, Carney said he would stand up for Canada’s way of life and push back against American actions affecting trade.

Keep ReadingShow less
uk fog

Temperatures are set to drop across the country. (Representational image: Getty)

Met Office issues yellow warning for fog in north England

THE MET OFFICE has issued a yellow weather warning for fog across parts of the North East and Yorkshire, including Durham, Newcastle, and York.

The warning is in effect for over 10 hours, from 10:40 pm on Sunday until 9:00 pm on Monday.

Keep ReadingShow less
International Yoga Festival 2025 kicks off with Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

The Honourable Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami graced the inaugural event

Parmarth Niketan

International Yoga Festival 2025 kicks off with Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

The International Yoga Festival 2025 commenced on Sunday (9) at Parmarth Niketan with a sacred Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the holy Ganges. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the event, which also featured soulful kirtan performances and inspiring talks by spiritual leaders.

Inaugration Ceremony of International Yoga Day 2025Parmarth Niketan

Keep ReadingShow less
India under pressure as Trump claims victory in tariff dispute
Modi shakes hands with Trump before a meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 25, 2020. (Photo: Getty Images)

India under pressure as Trump claims victory in tariff dispute

INDIA's government faces mounting questions after US president Donald Trump claimed the country has agreed to "cut tariffs way down" ahead of his 2 April deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs on trading partners.

The controversy erupted after Trump's remarks from the Oval Office, where he accused India of charging "massive tariffs" that make it "almost restrictive" to sell American goods in the country.

Keep ReadingShow less