There was a British pub owner, in a moment that helped draw international attention, who confronted a political leader at his establishment and asked him to go away. Although the incident happened in 2021, it resurfaced online in 2024 after Keir Starmer became the UK Prime Minister. Many of the people who viewed the video mistook Starmer’s being thrown out of a pub following his arrival on the job. The footage in question was actually from when he was the opposition leader, and the fight had to do with his position on COVID-19 lockdowns.
A Controversial Scene:
A video of the owner of a pub ordering a prominent British politician to leave his pub went viral, rekindling discussions of leadership, accountability and public protest. The man in the footage was Rod Humphris, the landlord of The Raven pub in Bath, England. The politician was Keir Starmer, who at that time was leader of the Labour Party. The incident took place in April 2021, when Starmer visited locals and talked about issues connected to the pandemic.
Bravo! A pub owner tells the British PM to get out of his pub because he has failed to do his job.
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) January 12, 2026
Imagine if a restaurant owner were to similarly throw out our PM from his restaurant, what would happen to him? pic.twitter.com/o3g7xnmobt
What Happened at the Pub?
Rod Humphris was angry about how the UK government and opposition were dealing with COVID-19 restrictions. When Starmer entered the pub, Humphris confronted him, saying that he had failed to stand up for civil liberties and had supported lockdowns hurting small businesses. The landlord accused Starmer of not doing enough to oppose government policies which he felt were damaging. His situation rapidly got out of hand. Humphris physically blocked Starmer from entering further.
Why Did It Go Viral Again?
In July 2024, Keir Starmer became the UK Prime Minister after the Labour Party’s victory in the general elections. After that, the old video resurfaced on social media, and many users misread it as something that was happening again. Some posts added false titles, claiming the pub owner was opposing the policies of Starmer who was then Prime Minister. Fact-checkers swiftly confirmed that the video was from 2021 and had nothing to do with Starmer’s current role.
Public Response and Political Symbolism:
It resonated with millions. Several people praised the pub owner for refusing to submit to an influential figure, saying it was a brave show of protest. Others faulted the landlord for being disrespectful; it’s “no good in the context of having these kinds of confrontations.” It went on to become symbolic of how regular citizens sometimes feel ignored by politicians. It reminded people that public spaces such as pubs can be outlets for expressing frustration and demanding accountability. It also was a reminder of the need for verifying information you share online, especially during politically sensitive times.
What if That Were Not the Case Elsewhere?
Indian lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan had written on the video imagining what would potentially ensue if a restaurant owner in India did the same to the Prime Minister. Such an act could go as far as police action or harassment, he suggested in a tweet. The comparison also prompted discussion about the freedom of speech and risk of dissenters in other states.
A Moment That Echoes Beyond Borders:
It should also remind us that leadership is not only about policies but also about listening to your people, especially if they disagree with you. In the UK, India and elsewhere, moments like these challenge us to consider how we deal with dissent and ask ourselves if our societies actually make space for ordinary voices.
