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As it happenedended1524588383

Westminster today - as it happened: Jeremy Corbyn to meet Jewish leaders to address antisemitism in the Labour party

Follow all the latest updates from Westminster

Ashley Cowburn
Political Correspondent
Tuesday 24 April 2018 17:46 BST
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Holocaust survivor Susan Pollack explains on what Jeremy Corbyn needs to do to help eradicate antisemitism in the Labour Party

Jeremy Corbyn is expected to meet with Jewish leaders later today for talks following a row within the party over accusations of antisemitism.

Organisations representing Jewish communities will call on Mr Corbyn to use his “personal authority” to drive through changes to wipe out the problem in the party.

It comes after the Labour leader apologised in an article in the London Evening Standard, saying his party had "not done enough" to tackle the issue and admitted that Labour method's of dealing with antisemitism were "not fully fit for purpose".

Jewish people “deserve an apology”, he said, adding that he was “sorry for the hurt and distressed caused”.

He continued: “Antisemitism is a poison that must be challenged wherever it raises its head, across Europe and at home. Hatred and bigotry towards Jewish people has no place in our society, whether on the streets or online. And that of course goes for the Labour Party too."

“We have not done enough to get to grips with the problem, and the Jewish community and our Jewish members deserve an apology. My party and I are sorry for the hurt and distress caused.”

Admitting the party's current structures are “simply not fully fit for purpose” when it comes to dealing with anti-Jewish abuse, he outlined a series of steps Labour will take to address the problem. These include a “programme of political education” to help party members recognise and tackle antisemitism, and the appointment of a legal expert to advise on disciplinary matters.

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'We have not done enough': Jeremy Corbyn apologises for antisemitism in LabourJeremy Corbyn has apologised for antisemitism in the Labour Party ahead of a crunch meeting with Jewish community leaders.  The Labour leader said his party had “not done enough” to tackle the issue and admitted the Labour’s methods of dealing with anti-Jewish abuse were “not fully fit for purpose”. Jewish people “deserve an apology”, he said, adding that he was “sorry for the hurt and distressed caused”.

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