Keir Starmer, the man who casts no shadow, because he is not really there. He is nowhere.

In Israel/Palestine there has just been a one-week truce although Starmer spent weeks declaring that no more than a brief pause was possible or desirable. His strategy was junked by Israel and Hamas, but he makes no comment.

The world’s press is reporting that only the blind could have been unaware of Hamas’s build-up to the 6^th October attack from Gaza and speculating on the reasons for Israel’s deliberate ignoring of all the signs: any excuse for a blitzkrieg counter-attack, strengthening of the starvation siege and ramping up the ethnic cleansing of Gaza and the West Bank.  Comment on this from Starmer? Not a word.

The Labour Front bench continues to bless everything Netanyahu says and does. Say not a word that might frighten the horses.  Keep a deathly hush and wait for the unpopularity of the Tories to land the premiership in his lap.

Say nothing that might upset the brain-dead readers of the Daily Mail comic and hope that no Labour MP commits a financial or sexual  indiscretion.

Breathe not a word in support of any strike. Do not be too radical over carbon reduction. Nary a hint of tax rises, even for the stinking rich. Be not too supportive of the NHS, joining the siren chorus for reform, rather than more money.

Continue to be largely mute over immigration.

Of course the Parthenon sculptures should be returned to Greek ownership, just as all other stuff stolen by the pirates of the British Empire should go back to its rightful owners, but as a Knight Commander of the British Empire, Starmer perhaps feels duty bound to protect all of its pinched treasures. Besides, there are no votes in altruism, but plenty of votes for blatant greed.

And for the same reason do not propose an end to right-to-buy, although the scheme has been a Thatcherite scam and ending it would be  a contribution towards easing the housing crisis.

Say nothing that might upset the pro-Israeli funders of the Labour Front Bench.

Cash, tainted or otherwise, is needed to replace the subscriptions of the thousands of Party members who have resigned, drifted away, or have been expelled.