Golders Green is angry - but I watched as one man defended the PM to a frustrated crowd. I witnessed tense scenes the day after the Golders Green stabbing - but while I heard anti-Starmer chants, others defended the Prime Minister, with one saying 'give the guy a break' says the Mirror's Chief Reporter Andy Lines.
Starmer Faces Protests in Golders Green
There were tense scenes as Sir Keir Starmer arrived to speak to local Jewish leaders today. A crowd of around 200 people greeted the PM in Golders Green, some surging forward and held back by dozens of police officers. They waited outside as the Prime Minister spent an hour-and-a-half inside the community centre - a much longer time than was expected.
Some were surprised and expressed their gratitude at his decision to come to Golders Green and to spend so long there. But much of the crowd was angry, and just like yesterday when they heckled Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, they took their frustrations on anyone in the establishment.
Defender Steps Up
Today it was Starmer's turn. I stood behind the crowd and watched as one man turned on some protestors and defended Starmer. He became furious as cries of 'Keir Starmer is a joker' rang out. The man snapped: 'what's the point of these chants? They are just not helpful. You are representing a community - what you say has meaning with all these cameras and press around. Please be more careful with what you say. Starmer's doing his best in difficult circumstances.'
Bemused police officers watched on as the blazing row went on for 20 minutes which only ended when Starmer's car emerged through the black gates to make a return to Downing Street.
Organised Protests and Counter Voices
The protests were well organised with football-style chants being sung as the Prime Minister's convoy drove into Pearl House in Golders Green shortly after mid-day following the short ride from No 10. Some sang 'Keir Starmer's a traitor.' A group of teenage boys chanted: 'we're on the charge with Nigel Farage.' But some immediately hushed them and urged them, whatever their anger at the recent attacks, not to turn to the Reform leader who had visited the area this morning.
Another group - of middle aged women - sang 'Keir Starmer's a coward.' Others carried banners proclaiming 'Keir Starmer Jew Harmer'. After Starmer's car went in police chiefs immediately brought in a squad of 40 extra officers to ensure he was allowed to leave safely.
Two young women yelled at Starmer: 'Show your face' but others immediately countered. One said: 'What do you expect him to do? He's inside taking time to speak to our people - give the guy a break.' After the protest finished some stayed behind to thank the police.
