Corbyn will not back down over terror group ‘ friends’
JEREMY Corbyn yesterday refused to withdraw his description of two antiSemitic terrorist groups as “friends” as the racism crisis engulfing the party deepened.
In furious exchanges, David Cameron five times demanded Mr Corbyn disassociated himself from Hamas and Hezbollah, having shared platforms with them.
But each time Mr Corbyn refused to condemn them even though Mr Cameron pointed out they believe “in killing Jews, not just in Israel but around the world”.
The clash at Prime Minister’s Questions came as Labour admitted it had suspended two more councillors over alleged anti- Semitic comments.
Miqdad Al Nuaimi, a councillor in Newport, South Wales, and Terry Kelly, who sits on Renfrewshire Council, have been removed pending a probe.
The anti- Semitism furore was ignited over Bradford MP Naz Shah’s suggestion that Israel be transported to the US. Then ex- London mayor Ken Livingstone claimed Hitler was a Zionist who supported the creation of a Jewish state.
Suspended
At least 50 Labour members have been suspended and the scandal has derailed its campaign in today’s council and assembly elections.
MPs will consider a leadership challenge if more than 150 council seats go.
In an angry PMQs session, Mr Cameron reminded Mr Corbyn of when, before he was leader, he said it was an “honour” to host an event with his “friends” from Hezbollah and Hamas.
Mr Cameron demanded: “If he wants to clear up the problem of anti- Semitism in Labour, now is a good time to start. Withdraw the remark that they are your friends.”
Mr Corbyn, refusing to mention Hamas or Hezbollah, replied: “I have made it very clear Labour is an anti- racist party and that there is no place for anti- Semitism within it.”
A Labour spokesman later said the word “friend” was used in “a diplomatic situation”.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis yesterday said Labour had a “severe” problem with anti- Semitism.
He added: “If this inquiry turns out to be a sticking plaster, the problem will surely get worse not better.”