Bomber Starmer

Starmer’s Labour government stands accused of complicity in Israel’s ongoing assault on Palestinians, with critics pointing to its refusal to meaningfully challenge occupation, apartheid, genocide and mass civilian suffering. Meanwhile, U.S. B-52 Stratofortress bombers operating out of RAF Fairford underline the UK’s deep entanglement in U.S.-led military power and imperialism in the Middle East.

Keir Starmer has backed this alignment, echoing Washington’s framing of military action as “defensive,” even as critics argue it fuels escalation, including in relation to Iran. At home, his response to dissent raises further alarm: following a recent tragedy, Starmer floated the idea of restricting protests, amid pressure to curb pro-Palestinian demonstrations against genocide. This signals a willingness to trade away civil liberties to silence opposition.

By fusing Starmer’s image with the looming presence of a strategic bomber, this photomontage delivers a stark piece of visual satire. I hope it’s one that challenges viewers to confront the links between political leadership, militarism, and the growing suppression of protest in the UK.