Conservative MP condemned for repeating far-right, antisemitic conspiracy theory about 'cultural Marxism'

Suella Braverman accused of using 'deeply disturbing' language and repeating 'antisemitic trope' after claim about 'cultural Marxism'

A Conservative former minister has sparked fury after promoting a conspiracy theory heavily linked to antisemitism.

Suella Braverman, who resigned as a Brexit minister last year, was criticised by Jewish groups and anti-racism campaigners after claiming the UK was under threat from “cultural Marxism”.

The term refers to a conspiracy theory often repeated by far-right groups. It claims that Marxist academics in Frankfurt in the 1930s devised an ongoing plot to undermine western democracies. Many of the scholars were Jewish, and the conspiracy claims have been linked to historic antisemitic tropes about the alleged influence of Jews on world affairs.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said Ms Braverman, a vocal Eurosceptic, should explain what she meant and vow not to use the term again.

Labour MPs said she should have the Conservative whip withdrawn if she refuses to apologise.

Speaking at an event organised by the anti-EU think tank The Bruges Group, Ms Braverman suggested “cultural Marxism” was to blame for attacks on freedom of speech.

She said: “We are engaging in many battles right now. As Conservatives we are engaged in a battle against cultural Marxism, where banning things is becoming de rigueur, where freedom of speech is becoming a taboo, where our universities – quintessential institutions of liberalism – are being shrouded in censorship and a culture of no-platforming.”

She defended her use of the term when it was queried by a member of the audience, who pointed out that it had been used by far-right terrorist Anders Breivik, who killed 77 people in Norway in 2011.

Ms Braverman said: “I do believe we are in a battle against a cultural Marxism, as I said.

“We have culture evolving from the far left which has allowed the snuffing out of freedom of speech, freedom of thought. No one can get offended any more, we are living in a culture where we are putting everyone in cotton wool, a risk-averse mentality is now taking over.

“And that instinct for freedom, for risk-taking, for making mistakes, for innovation, for creativity, is being killed. And it’s absolutely damaging for our spirit as British people, and our genius, whether it’s for innovation and science, or culture and civilisation; whether it’s for statecraft.”

She added: “I’m very aware of that ongoing creep of cultural Marxism, which has come from Jeremy Corbyn.”

Responding to the claims, a spokesperson for the Board of Deputies said: “Suella Braverman MP may not have been aware of it, but the term ‘cultural Marxist’ has a history as an antisemitic trope. We would ask for her to clarify the remarks and undertake not to use the phrase in future.”

Labour MP Wes Streeting said: “Members of parliament should know better and she should apologise immediately or the whip should be removed.”

And Joe Mulhall, senior research at anti-racism group Hope Not Hate, said: “This is deeply disturbing and disappointing language to hear from a Conservative MP. In fact, it’s worrying that a mainstream politician would even have heard of such a phrase, which is usually championed by those on the extreme right.”