Labour in new row with Jews

JEWISH groups last night condemned the “deplorable” re-election to a ruling Labour body of a hard-Left activist who said people complaining of party anti-Semitism were “Trump fanatics”.

Peter Willsman sparked fury in July after he was secretly recorded blaming the Jewish community for inventing the anti-Semitism scandal rocking Labour.

But he will now retake his seat on the National Executive Committee – which has a vital role in disciplining activists and picking candidates.

It came ahead of a crucial NEC meeting today where party leader Jeremy Corbyn is under pressure from senior party figures, including his shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry, to adopt the full international definition of anti-Semitism.

Deplorable

Jennifer Gerber, director of Labour Friends of Israel, said: “It is deplorable that Pete Willsman has been re-elected to the NEC and a terrible reflection on Labour’s commitment to tackling anti-Semitism.”

She called on Mr Corbyn to demand that Mr Willsman does not take his NEC seat.

The Jewish Labour Movement tweeted: “We note the election of Willsman.

“It does appear to be one rule for friends of Jeremy & one rule for others.

“Others remain under investigation whilst Willsman faces no further action for insulting community Rabbis representing British Jews.”