Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire from the Catholic Church following controversial remarks made during an interview with Al Jazeera, where he drew parallels between the suffering in Gaza and the Virgin Mary.
Church Condemns 'Inappropriate' Comparison
Senior Catholic figures have criticised Starmer for what they describe as an "ill-judged" analogy, arguing that it trivialises both the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the religious significance of the Madonna.
Interview Sparks Political Backlash
The remarks, made during a wide-ranging discussion about international conflicts, have also drawn criticism from political opponents who accuse the Labour leader of insensitive rhetoric during a delicate diplomatic period.
Starmer's Office Responds
A spokesperson for the Labour leader has since clarified that Starmer was attempting to highlight universal themes of suffering and resilience, not to make direct religious comparisons. However, the explanation has done little to quell the growing controversy.
The incident comes at a sensitive time for Starmer, who has been working to position Labour as a government-in-waiting ahead of the next general election.
