Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Labour MP given formal reminder after sharing post about Israel and Keir Starmer

Clive Lewis shared a post from historian Louise Raw

Nina Lloyd
Monday 28 April 2025 23:25 BST
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer before having bilateral talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 10 Downing Street, London (Alishia Abodunde/PA)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer before having bilateral talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 10 Downing Street, London (Alishia Abodunde/PA) (PA Wire)

A Labour MP has been reprimanded for sharing a social media post accusing party leader Sir Keir Starmer of being influenced by Israel.

The post, which Labour condemned for containing "incorrect and unacceptable tropes," prompted a formal reminder of conduct for MP Clive Lewis. The party confirmed that Lewis has "rightly apologised for the offence caused."

The post originated from the X account of historian Louise Raw, who had shared an image of a child along with the words: “Very sorry about the photo but I want to understand how everyone isn’t screaming inside.

“A precious baby still trying to smile and show love. How aren’t you in tears every day @Keir_Starmer? You have kids. How are you still taking Israel’s money & orders? HOW?”

Clive Lewis (Jonathan Brady/PA)
Clive Lewis (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA Archive)

Mr Lewis, who has been the MP for Norwich South since 2015, reposted it before deleting it, Labour said.

A community note added to the post later said the image was “unrelated to Israel’s war on Hamas” and instead showed a young Turkish boy with a rare genetic skin disorder.

A party spokesperson said: “This social media post expresses incorrect and unacceptable tropes.

“Clive Lewis MP has deleted the repost and rightly apologised for the offence caused.

“Mr Lewis has been reminded about the high standards of conduct expected by representatives of the Labour Party.”

The MP has been contacted for comment.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in