Jeremy Corbyn slammed after wishing the Armed Forces a ‘very peaceful’ New Year
Furious viewers called the Labour leader a “hypocrite” – pointing out his long-standing support for Sinn Fein and calls for an agreement with Argentina over the Falklands
LABOUR leader and IRA sympathiser Jeremy Corbyn was panned yesterday – after wishing the Armed Forces a “very peaceful” New Year.
The arch Leftie - famed for his anti-war protests – praised the “courage” of our troops and their families.
And he lauded the humanitarian work of those serving on HMS Enterprise in the Med – which has helped rescue hundreds of migrants.
But the minute long video on Forces TV sparked an immediate backlash after being posted on social media.
Furious viewers called the Labour leader a “hypocrite” – pointing out his long-standing support for Sinn Fein and calls for an agreement with Argentina over the Falklands.
The Labour leader also last year said taxpayers should be able to opt-out of funding Our Boys.
And SAS hero Andy McNab blasted: “I don’t believe a word of what he says – it’s too little, too late. Someone has obviously told him to go for it and be pro-military.
“He has criticised the actions of the British military in Northern Ireland and praised the Nationalist fighters. I don’t believe a word of what he says.”
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Just two weeks ago, Mr Corbyn hired a Sinn Fein staffer who worked for Gerry Adams to a key post in his office.
And he has enraged his own MPs with his repeated opposition to renewing the Trident nuclear defence system.
In the video, Mr Corbyn said the “courage and professionalism” of troops was an “inspiration to us all”.
Corbyn's army blasts
He went on: “We honour the many sacrifices that you make on our behalf, like being away from your family at this time of year.”
“So I want to wish you all, on behalf of the Labour Party a Merry Christmas and a very peaceful New Year, and for those spending this holiday apart, a happy reunion as soon as possible.”
Labour MPs said it appeared part of a bid by his team to ‘shift’ Jeremy Corbyn’s appeal – to make him more of a “populist”.
But he was savaged online yesterday by critics. One, Peter Harrison, wrote: “Get this two faced hypocrite off here. This man is a danger to every man and woman in the armed forces.”
Another Jeff Thomas wrote: “Communist Corbyn, the IRA terrorists’ friend. A man who would leave this country totally defenceless if he was ever given the chance.”
But some came to the Labour leader’s defence – insisting that on Remembrance Sunday last month Mr Corbyn took time out to talk to veterans.
Keith Jackson said: “Why you lot having a go, the only politician to stay behind and applaud veterans after Remembrance Sunday instead of going to posh meal.”
Tory MP and former Army captain Johnny Mercer said:
“Paying verbal tributes and praising the Armed Forces is the easiest thing in the world.
“We have to move on and do actually do something to help them.”