LABOUR erupted into civil war last night after a Corbynista MP suspended over anti-Semitism was allowed to skulk back into the party.
Chris Williamson was temporarily booted out after being caught on camera saying the party had been “too apologetic” over anti-Jew hate.
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MP Chris Williamson has been allowed to rejoin the Labour Party, having previously been booted out for saying the party was “too apologetic” over anti-Semitism.But he was let off with a warning after MP Keith Vaz said Labour need to hang on to Mr Williamson’s marginal seat of Derby North.
Labour moderates and Jewish groups erupted in fury – and blamed Jeremy Corbyn for ignoring anti Jew hate peddled by his mates.
Labour MP Margaret Hodge, who lost family in the Holocaust, branded the decision “unbelievable.”
She stormed: “This shows that the complaints process is a complete sham. This is not zero tolerance. This is letting your political pals back in and turning a blind eye to Jew-hate.
“Every decent Labour Party member must challenge this.”
Restoring the whip will be received as a punch in the stomach to many Jewish members who’ve stayed to fight anti- Semitism and will reinforce fears that he doesn’t take anti-Semitism seriously.
Wes Streeting, Labour MP
Mike Katz, chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, said the decision “stinks” and “shows the moral turpitude the party finds itself in.”
He added: “How dare the Labour Party deny it is institutionally racist against Jews when it decides to take no action against Chris Williamson?
“It seems the decision to let him off is because he represents a marginal seat and there might be a snap election.”
Tearing into his party leader, Labour MP Wes Streeting, raged: “The decision about whether the Labour whip is restored is a decision for Jeremy Corbyn.
“Restoring the whip will be received as a punch in the stomach to many Jewish members who’ve stayed to fight anti- Semitism and will reinforce fears that he doesn’t take anti-Semitism seriously.”
‘UTTER DISGRACE’
Board of Deputies vice president Amanda Bowman said the move is an “utter disgrace.”
Boris Johnson – the favourite to be Britain’s next PM – said it is “shameful” Mr Williamson has been let back.
The Labour NEC panel rejected recommendations from Labour staff for Mr Williamson to be referred to the National Constitution Committee, which has the power to expel members.
The scandal will heap yet more pressure on Labour, which is being investigated by the equalities watchdog over claims it is institutionally anti-Semitic.
A Labour Party 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.”
Mr Williamson has apologised for his remarks.
