Fury as Keir Starmer posts ‘Chanukah celebration’ message minutes after Bondi Beach attack
The Prime Minister likely pre-timed post has sparked a furious backlash online.
Keir Starmer’s X account posted a rather badly timed message (Image: Getty )
A social media post meant to celebrate a Jewish holiday has sparked a furious backlash online after it was posted in the wake of a terror attack in Sydney, which has left at least 12 people dead. Sir Keir Starmer’s official X account put out a message to mark the start of Chanukah, the Jewish festival of light, sending his “warmest wishes to families across the UK and around the world”.
He added “may the Festival of Lights bring hope, peace and comfort”, before signing off with the traditional Jewish greeting of “Chanukah Sameach”. However, the PM’s post came after gunmen opened fire at around 6.45pm (local time) Sunday in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, where a Chanukah event was taking place.
Two people have since been taken into custody, and 29 people have been taken to hospital. Of the 12 killed, one is said to have been a gunman.
A Jewish Hanukkah celebration had reportedly started in the area of the shooting, according to ABC News, and police have now confirmed it was a targeted attack.
But the timing of Sir Keir’s post has sparked a furious backlash online, with one person noting: “Oh Keir – Your timing…I know it is accidental etc. But for now – just take this down.”
Another added: “Keir, for the love of all that’s holy, check the news and don’t pre-schedule your posts.”
Sir Keir’s post on X at the time of the shooting in Australia (Image: X)
Someone else used some choice language to respond: “I understand this is a timed tweet but f**king hell this could not have been posted at a worse time.”
The Prime Minister has since added another post to his X account this morning (Sunday). It reads: “Deeply distressing news from Australia. The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi beach.
“I’m being kept updated on the developing situation.”
A woman and child at the scene of the attack (Image: Getty )
A hero bystander tackles one of the gunmen (Image: X )
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she would speak with her Australian counterpart later on Sunday about the incident on Bondi Beach.
She told the BBC‘s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show: “I’ve just seen the breaking news as I’ve arrived into the studio here this morning.
“I can fully understand the anxiety this might be causing people here at home about relatives over in Australia, but first and foremost, our thoughts must be with the victims of this attack in Australia and with the Australian people as well.
“We will obviously watch closely as details emerge of what exactly has happened, and I’ll be talking to my Australian counterpart later on today.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing.
“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.
“I just have spoken to the AFP commissioner and the NSW premier.
“We are working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed.
“I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police.”
