galmuth
It’s more that it’s a tactical choice to avoid polarising people. There’s nothing material to gain by attending the protests, and much to lose in terms of pissing off the far right more and destabilising a precarious situation.
The shit-stirrers like Farage would immediately whip up some bullshit that Labour MPs attending anti-fascist protests is “proof” that the government are choosing to politically punish the far right protesters. The last thing Starmer wants is a resurgence of disorder.
Even though being anti-fascist is an obvious virtue, I presume it’s to avoid the appearance of prosecuting the rioters for political reasons. Starmer wants to make it purely about the lawbreaking rather than their political aims.
We’ll see what he tells parliament, but IMO it’s reasonable for him to follow the science, get more trials done ASAP and approve the medicine if the evidence shows. As long as these kids get appropriate care in the meantime without delay.
Approving medicine counter to scientific advice sets a bad precedent, may cause more issues, and might attract lawsuits from terfs etc.