Man who glitter-bombed Starmer at the Labour conference joins forces Armistice Day protesters

A protestor storms the stage and throws glitter over Labour party leader Sir Keir Starmer

A protestor storms the stage and throws glitter over Labour party leader Sir Keir Starmer

GETTY
Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 10/11/2023

- 22:29

Pro-Palestine protesters have sparked outrage by plotting to continue to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on Armistice Day

An eco-zealot who glitter-bombed Sir Keir Starmer at last month’s Labour Party conference is plotting to cause chaos in the capital on Armistice Day by joining pro-Palestine protesters.

Yaz Ashmawi, 28, crashed the Labour leader’s conference speech to demand more action to tackle climate change.


He has since used the controversial “from the river to the sea” phrase during a Zoom call about the Remembrance protests.

Sit-ins have been planned at Charing Cross, Waterloo and Victoria in a further blow to poppy sellers trying to raise funds for the Royal British Legion’s campaign.

WATCH NOW: A protester stormed the stage during Sir Keir Starmer's conference speech

Tens of thousands of demonstrators are expected to arrive in London for pro-Palestine protests.

However, organisers have confirmed the demonstration will start after the 11am Armistice Day silence and marchers will steer clear from the Cenotaph.

Ashmawi told a Zoom call of his plans, including bringing stations to a standstill at 3pm.

He said on the call: “This emergency emerging in Gaza is a shocking display of innocent life.

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Pro-Palestine protestors in LondonPro-Palestine protestors are planning to demonstrate on Remembrance weekend in LondonPA

“In the climate space, we have a commitment to climate justice which requires us to seek justice everywhere. It's enabling what's happening today.

“What's being inflicted on Palestine is a war crime. At Charing Cross, we were loud. It felt right to shout ‘Free Palestine’.

“That's a phrase which speaks to this land where all people from the river to the sea must be equal and free from this apartheid rule.

“We were there to show solidarity. It's important because we have a responsibility to be visible. We're standing up against violence.”

A protestor storms the stage and throws glitter over Labour party leader, Sir Keir Starmer

A protestor storms the stage and throws glitter over Labour party leader, Sir Keir Starmer

GETTY

The group calls itself Ceasefire Now and is emulating the tactics used by despised Just Stop Oil to try to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault, breach of the peace, and causing a public nuisance following his glitter protest at Labour Party conference.

Ashmawi issued a statement after he was released by the police.

He said: “I want to apologise to Mr Starmer if he felt physically in danger at any point.

There are a growing number of people participating in pro-Palestine protestsThere are a growing number of people participating in pro-Palestine protestsGETTY

“That truly was not my intention whatsoever, and I respect that MPs often face real threats to their wellbeing.

“Nonviolence is about acting to prevent further harm, not making people feel frightened or at risk.

“I hope he can recognise the need for the UK public to contribute to the big decisions that determine whether we live or die.”

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