Corbyn insists Labour doesn’t tolerate anti-Semitism ‘in any form whatsoever’
Party leader says he's got no 'direct control' over disciplinary procedures bring brought against Jewish MP Margaret Hodge after she accused him of being an 'anti-Semite'
Jeremy Corbyn has insisted that Labour does not tolerate anti-Semitism “in any form whatsoever”.
And he said he had no “direct control” over disciplinary procedures being brought against prominent Jewish MP Margaret Hodge after she allegedly accused him of racism.
The Labour leader was speaking as he came under increased pressure from his own MPs to include an internationally recognised definition of anti-Semitism in full within the party’s new code of conduct.
The Parliamentary Labour Party agreed on Monday to stage a vote in September on whether to demand the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, including its examples of behaviour deemed to be prejudicial.
Mr Corbyn and other members of his senior team did not attend Monday night’s meeting, the last before Parliament rises for the summer recess.
Labour’s new code of conduct on anti-Semitism reproduces much of the IHRA definition word for word, but its list of potentially prejudicial behaviour omits four examples covered by the international body, mostly relating to criticisms of the state of Israel.
The omission sparked anger among Jewish organisations and some Labour MPs, but the party insisted that the same points were covered elsewhere in the document.
Challenged on the issue following a speech in Birmingham, Mr Corbyn said: “Anti-Semitism is simply wrong in any circumstances whatsoever – it’s not tolerated in any form whatsoever in my party and should not be tolerated in any form whatsoever within our society.
“We have adopted the definition by the IHRA and we’ve adopted most of the examples and put forward a very comprehensive and full code of conduct within the party, which has been approved by our National Executive.
“We are continuing to consult and discuss with the Jewish community and Jewish organisations to ensure it operates in the best way possible.”
Labour’s general secretary, Jennie Formby, has told Dame Margaret she faces investigation for “abusive conduct” in relation to an incident in a Commons corridor in which she allegedly called Mr Corbyn “an anti-Semite and a racist”.
The long-serving Barking MP, who lost relatives in the Holocaust, was also warned that “any further behaviour of a similar nature” could result in disciplinary action.
Asked whether he had personally complained about Dame Margaret’s behaviour, Mr Corbyn said: “I do not have any direct control over what happens with disciplinary processes within the party – although I am obviously a member of the National Executive.
“I think it’s right that any complaints are dealt with independently of me and that the party process has to take place on that.”
He added: “I think within the party and in public life people should always treat each other with respect, listen to what people say and express their point of view in a calm way.”
Lawyers for Dame Margaret questioned the “fairness and legitimacy” of a disciplinary investigation and said the party had failed to set out what she is accused of.
In a letter to Ms Formby, solicitors Mishcon de Reya said that a threat of suspension over unspecified future behaviour represented “a fundamental breach of natural justice” and appeared to be “a veiled attempt to silence her”.
The law firm said it was “perverse” that the same rule used to deal with anti-Semitism in the party is now being invoked against Dame Margaret “for voicing her concern that anti-Semitism has not been properly dealt with”.
And it added the result of the disciplinary action against the MP “appears to be pre-
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.
