Corbyn hinted 7/7 bombings linked to UK support for Israel, days after attacks
A column by Jeremy Corbyn in the wake of the 7/7 terror bombings appears to link the attacks with Britain's foreign policy
Jeremy Corbyn appears to have hinted that the 7/7 London bombings were linked to British support for Israel – days after the tragedy took the lives of 52 people.
Writing for the Morning Star in July 2005, Corbyn cited a report by the think tank Chatham House, which found the invasion of Iraq to have “given a boost to the al-Qaida network”.
The column, which was written before Corbyn became Labour leader, was discovered by investigative reporter Iggy Ostanin, as reported by the Jewish Chronicle.
“The government was sent into a flat spin on Monday by the publication of an analysis stating that the London bombings were linked to the terror attacks,” it reads.
“Think tank Chatham House’s report merely merely echoed what has been common analysis for years – that the behaviour of the US, with British support, in Afghanistan and Iraq, was bound to have a consequence in the US.”
It continues: “It also holds that a widely held belief that the US and Britain are supportive of Israel, despite the plight of the Palestinian people, is a major factor influencing opinion all over the Middle East.”
“People denied hope and opportunity do things that are crazy and appalling. In the crossfire, wholly innocent people are killed.”
A Labour Party Spokesperson, said: “Jeremy Corbyn rightly identified the role of British foreign policy in the Middle East, its invasion and occupation of Iraq and its support for Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories in fueling terrorism.
“This argument was subsequently supported by heads of British security and intelligence services.
“That assessment in no way reduces the guilt of terrorists who must be held to account for their actions.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
