Corbyn still backs boycott

JEREMY CORBYN has reiterated his support for boycotts of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

He outlined his position in a letter to the Board of Deputies this week.

Gillian Merron, Board chief executive, had written to both Mr Corbyn and Owen Smith, his challenger for the Labour leadership, asking them to commit to the group’s “Jewish manifesto”.

MrCorbynsaidhecouldnotfullysupport the document. He singled out a proposal asking candidates to “resist boycotts that divide communities”.

Mr Corbyn wrote: “I am not in favour of the academic or cultural boycott of Israel,andIamnotinfavourof ablanket boycott of Israeli goods.

“Idosupporttargetedboycottsaimed at undermining the existence of illegal settlements in the West Bank.”

Mr Corbyn had initially outlined his pro-boycott stance in July last year.

Ms Merron said boycotts were not “at all helpful in the pursuit of peace”.

On antisemitism in Labour, Mr Smith said:“AnymemberorLaboursupporter found to have undertaken this kind of abuse should be kicked out of the party for good.”