City MPs admit anti-Semitism in Corbyn’s Labour But many disagree over extent of problem and their leader’s plans to stamp it out
BIRMINGHAM’S Labour MPs agree the party has a problem with prejudice against Jews – but disagree about how widespread the problem is.
The latest row comes after it emerged leader Jeremy Corbyn defended an anti-Semitic mural, which was taken down in London following complaints it showed Jewish bankers playing monopoly on the backs of the poor. The claim Jews secretly control the world through control of banks is a common antiSemitic theme.
Mr Corbyn said he did not realise the mural was anti-Semitic when he made the statement, adding: “I sincerely regret that I did not look more closely at the image I was commenting on, the contents of which are deeply disturbing and anti-Semitic.”
Following the row a number of Birmingham MPs spoke out, with several revealing more confidence in Mr Corbyn’s plan to stamp out antiSemitism than others.
Jess Phillips (Lab, Yardley) said: “Anti-Semitism is not something I see in the party in Birmingham. It’s never come up in any of our meetings in Yardley.
“But, yes, I think the party has a problem with anti-Semitism.
“I only have to look at my Twitter feed at the moment, with people telling me I am being paid shekels, or that I am part of the ‘Jewish lobby’.
“On one occasion I did have somebody thrown out of the local Labour Party who sent me a thing talking about the ‘alleged Holocaust’.
“So yes, there is a problem with anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.”
She said Mr Corbyn should “call out” those of his supporters who said claims of anti-Semitism had been invented to damage the leader.
“What they are saying is that we are making up anti-Semitism,” added Ms Phillips. “And while he is benefiting from this, he needs to call them out as well.”
Jewish groups have said Mr Corbyn must do more to stamp out antiSemitism. The Board of Deputies of British Jews, which represents many synagogues and Jewish community organisations, this week held a protest outside Parliament.
Nick Lowles, chief executive of anti-fascist organisation Hope not Hate, said there had been “a series of blunders concerning anti-Semitism and Holocaust deniers that have dogged his lead
ership”. Bi r mi n g h a m MP Jack Dromey (Lab, Erdington) also said the re had been incidents of anti-Semitism within Labour.
“Our whole history has been one of robust opposition to the evil that is anti-Semitism,” he added.
“Jeremy Corbyn is right to acknowledge that there are pockets now within Labour who are antiSemitic.
“That is a scandal that shames us and we have to root it out.”
But MP Khalid Mahmood (Lab Perry Barr) said Mr Corbyn was dealing with the problem.
He said: “There has been an issue. It would be stupid to say that there is no issue in the Labour Party “But we have been dealing with it. “We have to acknowledge it. Jeremy has got it right.”
Colleague Roger Godsiff (Lab, Hall Green) said Labour as a party was firmly opposed to anti-Semitism, and he had not witnessed any examples of the problem. “I don’t think the party has any sort of problem with anti-Semitism. The party, that is. Whether certain individuals do is another matter,” he added.
“I cannot personally say to you that I have come across people in the Labour Party who are anti-Semitic.”
Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill (Lab) said Labour was also failing to deal with other issues.
“There is an opportunity now for the Labour Party to work with the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Labour Council and address whatever the issues are on both sides,” she explained. “Because we are saying as a party that this is our stance and we are very committed to it, but people feel there are things we are not doing. We need to sit down and have that conversation.”
Yes, I think the party has a problem with anti-Semitism Labour MP Jess Phillips, right