Chris Williamson re-admitted into Labour Party after suspension over anti-Semitism comments

Chris Williamson has been allowed back into the Labour Party following his suspension over comments regarding anti-Semitism. 

Mr Williamson was suspended in February pending an investigation after he claimed Labour had been “too apologetic” in response to complaints on the issue.

The MP for Derby North was issued with a “notice of investigation for a pattern of behaviour” and a decision was later taken by the party’s general secretary Jennie Formby to suspend him.

The disciplinary investigation has since concluded and he has now returned to the Party. 

Party sources confirmed he had been given a formal sanction, by a National Executive Committee anti-Semitism committee. The source said he could face further action if he makes similar comments in future. 

A source said: “An NEC panel, advised by an independent barrister, found Chris Williamson had breached the Party’s rules and gave him a formal sanction. He could face further, more severe, action if he repeats any similar comments or behaviour.”

The decision was met with criticism.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews vice president Amanda Bowman called it a ‘disgrace’, adding: “Despite years of baiting the Jewish community, Chris Williamson has reportedly been readmitted to the Labour Party.

“This is yet more damning evidence for the EHRC’s inquiry into anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.”

Gideon Falter, Chief Executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: “The decision to reinstate him shows that the Labour Party’s leadership holds British Jews in contempt and demonstrates that the Equality and Human Rights Commission was right to act on our referral and open a full statutory investigation into Labour’s antis-Smitism crisis.”

Labour MP Margaret Hodge tweeted: “Ignoring Chris Williamson’s vile track record of antisemitism just for a vote is disgusting! He should have been kicked out of the party for good months ago.”

Independent MP Ian Austin tweeted: “It’s a disgrace that Chris Williamson is let off with a warning. It shows the extent to which a party which had a proud record on racism has been poisoned under Jeremy Corbyn. The only question is when decent Labour MPs will finally say enough is enough and do something about it.”

Mr Austin cited a “culture of extremism, anti-Semitism and intolerance” when he quit Labour in February.

Boris Johnson tweeted: “Shameful that Labour have reinstated this key Corbyn ally back into their party after his appalling remarks. We must never allow these apologists for anti-Semitism anywhere near government.”

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously, which are investigated in line with our rules and procedures. We can’t comment on individual cases.”

Mr Williamson has been contacted for comment.