Keir Starmer tells protesters not to 'ruin' mourners' moment with Queen

Anti-monarchy protesters must not "ruin" the Queen's funeral or state for mourners, Keir Starmer said.

Speaking on Wednesday, the Labor leader said protesters should show "respect" for people who have makes a "tremendous effort" to queue.

Sir Keir said the protest was a 'great British tradition' but that hundreds of thousands of people wanted to have a 'moment' with the Queen.

It comes after the criticism of examples of the brutal crackdown on peaceful anti-monarchy protesters across the country has drawn criticism from civil liberties campaigners.

Sir Keir said the country's response to the Queen's death had been "very moving" and had been an "incredible moment" for the country.

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He was speaking ahead of the transfer of the Queen's coffin to Westminster Hall this afternoon, accompanied of the king and other members of the royal family.

Members of the public will be able to view the coffin to pay their respects from 5pm, with Westminster Hall open 24 hours a day until the morning of September 19.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast Sir Keir was asked about the good protest and said: 'The word I would use on this issue is respect.

'I think if people have spent a long time waiting to show up to have that moment when the coffin passes or whatever, I think I respect that, because people have made a huge effort to come and have that private moment to say thank you to Queen Elizabeth II.

"Obviously we have to respect that some people disagree. One of the great British traditions is the ability to protest and disagree, but I think if this can be done in the spirit of respect.

"Respect that hundreds of thousands of people want to come forward and experience this mo ment, don't spoil it for them."

He added that he would later return to Westminster Hall with his family to pay his respects in private to the late monarch.

"Today 'today I'll be there as part of the reception committee to receive the casket," he said.

"Then later this evening in a private capacity, because my wife and our children ...they want to come in, and as a family we will then pay personal tribute to a remarkable sovereign."

His comments come after reports that Labor MPs received an email from Sir Starmer's office and their said not to speak publicly about anything other than the Queen. In emails apparently sent from the leader's office, MPs were instructed to do "no media except your own tribute to local media".

Emphasis put by the Labor leader in contrast to civil liberties campaigners and others, who have expressed concern over the police response to anti-monarchy protesters, including the heckling of Prince Andrew in Edinburgh and a lawyer holding a white sign in London.

Former Tory minister David Davis wrote to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on Wednesday expressing concern yesterday that protesters had been charged by police .

Mr. Davis said he was writing to a "strong monarchist" who "nevertheless" hoped that "members of the public will remain free to share their opinions and protest on issues that matter to them".< /p>

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Alastair Carmichael said that while he disagreed with the protesters, in an open and democratic society they "must have the right to 'express their views peacefully'.

And Labor MP Zarah Sultana said: 'No one should be arrested for simply expressing republican views. Extraordinary - and shocking - that it has to be said."

Met Deputy Deputy Commissioner of Police Stuart Cundy said: "The public absolutely has a right to protest and we have it. made clear to all officers involved in the extraordinary police operation currently in place and we will continue to do so. »

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