George Galloway likened Israel to Nazi Germany today, suggesting the country was committing a ‘holocaust’ in Gaza after taking his seat as Rochdale MP.
In a highly inflammatory Westminster press conference after taking his seat he said that the Palestinians were the victims of a ‘genocide’ at the hands of the Israeli military.
He also refused to condemn Hamas, saying they had been chosen by the people of Gaza in an election.
After winning his seat by running on a pro-Palestinian platform he said ‘the text election will be about Muslims’.
He defended his views by telling reporters: ‘If the by-election had been held in 1941, would anyone have condemned me for putting the horrors of the Holocaust at the centre of my campaign?
And in the wide-ranging session Mr Galloway, a former presenter on the now-banned Russia Today television channel refused to back Britain’s support for Ukraine against Russia.
The Workers Party of Britain leader officially took his new seat this afternoon, nine years after last sitting on the green benches. He was accompanied by Alba’s former SNP MP Neale Hanvey (left) and Tory Sir Peter Bottomley.
While being sworn in he exchanged a nod with Levelling Up Minister Michael Gove, who was waiting to take questions.
The Workers Party leader aid he planned to walk into the house alongside Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who is a close political ally. But Mr Corbyn was not there.
Mr Galloway was sworn in today as he made his return to the Commons – but his mate Jeremy Corbyn failed to turn up.
The Workers Party of Britain leader officially took his new seat this afternoon, nine years after last sitting on the green benches.
His arrival after last week’s shock by-election win in Greater Manchester cameamid fears the pro-Palestinian agitator will fuel simmering tension over Gaza inside and outside the Commons.
He had claimed that former Labour leader Mr Corbyn would be one of the two MPs who traditionally escort new members into the Commons.
But in the event he was accompanied by Alba’s former SNP MP Neale Hanvey and Tory Sir Peter Bottomley, who stepped in in his role as Father of the House (longest serving MP) because no one else was prepared to do it.
While being sworn in Mr Galloway exchanged a nod with Levelling Up Minister Michael Gove, who was waiting to take questions. It was a rare occasion when he appeared in public without a hat, as it is against Commons rules.
Mr Galloway could not resist taking a dig at politicians today as the hardline socialist made a chauffeur-drive return to their ranks in Westminster today.
He arrived at Parliament today in a sleek dark Volvo driven by an aide to be greeted by a crowd of photographers and camera crews, telling them: ‘I always loved the building – the people in it, not quite so much.’
Arriving in the Commons this afternoon he said: ‘I swear by almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.’
Mr Galloway shook hands and had a brief chat with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle before exiting the chamber.
It comes amid fears for MPs safety after extreme elements within the Gaza ceasefire protest movement target individual politicians in Westminster and at their homes and constituency offices.
Mr Galloway was due to meet Sir Lindsay this morning ahead of his introduction. One senior source told MailOnline it would be ‘interesting to say the least’ given Sir Lindsay’s focus on MPs’ security.
The Workers Party said Mr Galloway planned to make his first speech since returning at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.
The new MP already appears to be scheming even before his return to the green benches after a gap of nine years.
In an interview conducted just after his election win on Thursday last week, he suggested teaming up with Jeremy Corbyn – who sits as an independent after being kicked out of Labour over anti-Semitism – to form a new party.
Mr Galloway could not resist taking a dig at politicians today as the hardline socialist made a chauffeur-drive return to their ranks in Westminster today.
The newly elected MP for Rochdale had boasted that former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis would accompany him when he takes his seat in the House of Commons. But Mr Davis has declined. It is thought that the longest-serving MP in the Commons, Conservative Sir Peter Bottomley, was asked to take part in the swearing-in ceremony instead.
Both former Labour MPs, they were vocal in their opposition to the Iraq war and are now among the most prominent critics of Israel’s actions concerning the war in Gaza.
Asked what he would say to Mr Corbyn he said: ‘You saw what happened last night. Set up, announce an alliance of the remaining socialists in the country.
‘You lead it, I’ll support it. You be leader, and let’s go! Time is running out, the general election might be three months from now.’
However Mr Galloway faces some embarrassment on his return after a senior Tory snubbed his request to swear him in.
The newly elected MP for Rochdale had boasted that former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis would accompany him when he takes his seat in the House of Commons. But Mr Davis has declined.
Treasury Minister Bim Afolami told GB News: ‘The fact that people don’t seem to want to do it is an indication of the standing with which he’s held in the House of Commons, which is not very high.’
On Friday, Mr Galloway, the leader of the Workers Party of Britain, had told Sky News: ‘David Davis is one of the great parliamentarians of today and this age.’
However, after Mr Galloway’s deputy – former Labour MP Chris Williamson – refused to condemn Hamas’s terror attack on Israel, Sir David had a change of heart.
‘I was happy to introduce George because I’m a believer in free speech,’ he said. ‘But his deputy was trying to justify the October 7 attacks and that crosses the line.’
It is thought that the longest-serving MP in the Commons, Conservative Sir Peter Bottomley, will be asked to take part in the swearing-in ceremony instead, if no others agree.
New arrivals in the Commons are always flanked by two MPs when they are introduced by the Speaker.
Mr Galloway was approached by the Mail for comment.
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