Eight Labour MPs vote against internationally recognised definition of antisemitism

'Unlike the National Executive Committee of the party, the PLP passed the definition without any unnecessary and damaging caveats,' says president of Board of Deputies of British Jews

Labour MPs have voted to fully adopt an internationally-recognised definition and examples of antisemitism.

The overwhelming majority of MPs, 205, backed the definition in a secret vote, while eight people opposed the measure and 12 spoiled their ballots.

It comes after Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) agreed to incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, including all its examples, into the party’s code of conduct.

The NEC's move was accompanied by a statement saying the party will ensure the changes do “not in any way undermine freedom of expression” on Israel or the rights of Palestinians, a remark that angered Jewish groups.

Jeremy Corbyn was also attacked for his unsuccessful call for the NEC to accept a clarification saying it should not be considered antisemitic to describe Israel as racist.

Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, welcomed the PLP vote, saying: "We would like to thank the Parliamentary Labour Party which has adopted the full International Holocaust Remembrance Holocaust Alliance definition of anti-Semitism with all of its illustrative examples.

"Unlike the National Executive Committee of the party, the PLP passed the definition without any unnecessary and damaging caveats or addendums."

Dame Margaret Hodge, a Labour backbencher who has publicly criticised Mr Corbyn over antisemitism in the party, said the leader had “sullied” the adoption of the IHRA definition by trying to amend it.

During Prime Minister's questions on Wednesday, Theresa May called on Mr Corbyn to apologise for saying for saying some Zionists do not understand English irony.

"Jewish people living in this country should feel safe and secure and not have to worry about their futures", she said.