Andy Burnham: Jeremy Corbyn has to ‘rebuild trust’ with Jewish community
Mayor of Greater Manchester says Labour leader still has work to do, as "a lot of damage has been done"
The Mayor of Greater Manchester has said how he believes Jeremy Corbyn still has work to do to “rebuild trust” with the Jewish community.
Following Labour’s adoption of the full International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism, Andy Burnham told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The important thing is the definition finally has been adopted in full. That is what has been needed for some time.
“What has to happen now is that Jeremy personally, and leading figures at the top of the party, have to work hard to rebuild trust with the Jewish community.
“There is a lot of damage that has been done here and the party needs to draw a line and begin that work in earnest.”
Senior Labour backbencher Dame Margaret Hodge, who clashed with Mr Corbyn over anti-Semitism, said the adoption of the IHRA definition and examples was only “a start” to resolving the issue.
“Absolutely this is not over,” Dame Margaret told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “This is the start.
“I campaigned for the full IHRA definition to be adopted. I’m delighted by that. I’m saddened it was sullied by this argument over an additional statement. I’m saddened that the leader of the Labour Party chose to try to amend it.
“I now wait and say there has to be further action and there has to be a real commitment.”
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