KEIR Starmer was met by dozens of protesters ahead of his visit to Bute House on Sunday evening as he spoke with the First Minister John Swinney.
The new Prime Minister’s car convoy was surrounded by pro-Palestine supporters who were waving flags and placards which read “ceasefire now”.
The Labour leader has been criticised over his stance on Palestine as he had previously refused to call for a ceasefire.
There was no photo between Swinney and the Starmer on the steps of Bute House because of the loud chanting. of the protesters.
The chanting from the crowds was apparently so loud that the cries and yelling were easily picked up by broadcasters filming the first conversation between Swinney and the new Prime Minister.
According to reports, Starmer then avoided the protesters once the meeting had finished as he exited through the back gates.
Starmer said he had spoken to both the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday morning.
According to a Downing Street spokesperson, the Prime Minister told his Israeli counterpart that he “looked forward to further deepening the close relationship” between the UK and Israel.
He also said he was “committed to continuing the UK and Israel’s vital cooperation to deter malign threats”.
The spokesperson added: “Turning to the conflict in Gaza, the Prime Minister reiterated his condolences for the tragic loss of life following the October attacks.
“He then set out the clear and urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid reaching civilians.”
(Image: PA)
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