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Labour chiefs reveal Jeremy Corbyn wants protesters to march on the US embassy over Syria air strikes

The extraordinary statement was made in response to Boris Johnson’s suggestion of protesting outside the Russian embassy

LABOUR chiefs have sparked fury by revealing Jeremy Corbyn wants protesters to march on the US embassy over Syria air strikes.

The hard left Opposition leader’s official spokesman yesterday attacked Boris Johnson’s call for demonstrations outside the Russian Embassy over its pilots’ war crimes.

Jeremy Corbyn's spokesman called for protests outside the American embassy
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Jeremy Corbyn's spokesman called for protests outside the American embassyCredit: Corbis

Mr Corbyn’s senior aide suggested the focus of Brits’ anger should instead be on our closest ally in the fight against ISIS.

Mr Corbyn’s official spokesman said: “The focus on Russian or Syrian army atrocities sometimes diverts attention from other atrocities that are taking place.

“Independent assessments are that there have been very large-scale civilian casualties as a result of the US-led coalition bombing.

The spokesman said the criticism of Russia "diverts" attention away from atrocities by US-led coalition
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The spokesman said the criticism of Russia "diverts" attention away from atrocities by US-led coalitionCredit: Reuters
16 people, including three children, were killed in the latest round of air strikes
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16 people, including three children, were killed in the latest round of air strikesCredit: Getty Images
Yet Corbyn's spokesman focused on protesting the US
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Yet Corbyn's spokesman focused on protesting the USCredit: AP:Associated Press

“People are entitled and at complete liberty to demonstrate not only outside the Russian Embassy, but all the other embassies of those participating, intervening powers.

Asked if that includes the US, he replied “absolutely”.

Irate moderate Labour MPs last night called for the spokesman to lose his job.

Jamie Reed tweeted: “Should be careful not to overreact... but whoever said this should be sacked”.

Brendan Cox, the husband of the MP Jo Cox who campaigned for more aid for Syria, branded the comments "disgraceful."

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As the furious diplomatic spat between London and Moscow deepened yesterday, President Putin’s diplomats hit back at the Foreign Secretary and other MPs who called for protests to brand them “clowns”.

In a tongue in cheek attack, the Russian Embassy issued a statement today that read: “According to British media and law enforcement agencies in recent years in different regions of the country in the dark there are cases of attacks against malicious people in clown suits.

“The purpose of the antics of the British “clowns” - to cause fear and bewilderment.”

East Aleppo has been subject to Russia-backed air strikes since a ceasefire collapsed in September
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East Aleppo has been subject to Russia-backed air strikes since a ceasefire collapsed in SeptemberCredit: Getty Images
He said it 'diverted attention from other atrocities'
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He said it 'diverted attention from other atrocities'Credit: Getty Images
It comes after Boris Johnson called on people to demonstrate outside the Russian embassy
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It comes after Boris Johnson called on people to demonstrate outside the Russian embassyCredit: Getty Images
Jeremy Corbyn was heckled at a conference organised by the Stop the War coalition over not condemning Russia and Assad
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Jeremy Corbyn was heckled at a conference organised by the Stop the War coalition over not condemning Russia and AssadCredit: PA

 

A controversial anti-war activist group also blasted Boris’s demand for them to criticise Russia.

The Stop the War Coalition labelled his appeal on Tuesday “hysteria and jingoism”.

Instead, the left wing movement’s vice chairman Chris Nineham insisted they should only criticise actions by “the West”.

The Foreign Secretary also came under fire for his call for demonstrations from an ex-MI6 chief.

Sir John Sawers warned against them, saying it could lead to reprisals against the British Embassy in Moscow, adding: “We need to be mindful of the consequences”.

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