Jez suspends key ally over ‘anti-Semitism’

Williamson probed over comments

JEREMY Corbyn has suspended one of his closest allies for saying Labour has been “too apologetic” over claims of anti-Semitism.

Derby North MP Chris Williamson sparked outrage after he was filmed saying the party had “given too much ground” in the row.

He apologised after pressure from the leadership yesterday but livid MPs said he should be kicked out.

Mr Williamson has lost the party whip while he is probed. Deputy leader Tom Watson said his apology “is not good enough”.

Former leader Ed Miliband added: “This is a test of seriousness... about the whole issue. Disciplinary action, not simply an apology, is required.”

And Ruth Smeeth, vicechair of the Parliamentary Labour Party, said: “He is becoming notorious for Jew-baiting, saying things which are outrageous, aligning himself with people who are offensive.”

Labour officials initially said Mr Williamson would not be suspended but were pressed by MPs and Jewish groups. Just last month, Mr Corbyn said he did not think he was anti-Semitic and was an “anti-racist campaigner”.

The row is in danger of becoming a proxy for a deeper split after nine MPs quit Labour last week – some citing anti-Semitism.

Labour had already branded Mr Williamson’s actions “unacceptable” after he booked a room to screen a film about a suspended activist. But the Yorkshire Post revealed video of him criticising the response to the anti-Semitism row.

He said at a Momentum meeting: “We have backed off far too much, we have given too much ground, we have been too apologetic.”

Mr Williamson said he regrets his “choice of words”, had not meant to minimise the issue and is determined to clear his name.

It came as the Government pledged £14million to help protect Jews after a record 1,652 anti-Semitic incidents last year.

Ex-leader Miliband called for disciplinary action