Daily Mirror

Sorry for the hurt

Corbyn’s pledge to act over Jews row

- BY BEN GLAZE Deputy Political Editor ben.glaze@mirror.co.uk

JEREMY Corbyn has finally apologised to Jews for the “hurt” they have suffered from anti-Semitism in Labour.

The leader yesterday admitted there was an issue in the party ranks and warned those who denied it were “contributi­ng to the problem”.

His comments came after deputy Tom Watson claimed the party faces being swallowed in a “vortex of eternal shame” unless it addresses the Jewish community’s concerns.

Mr Corbyn said in an online video: “Driving anti-Semitism out of the party for good and working with the Jewish community to rebuild trust are vital priorities. I am sorry for the hurt caused to many Jewish people.

“People who hold anti-Semitic views have no place in the Labour Party. People who use anti-Semitic poison need to understand – you do not do it in my name or the name of my party. You are not our supporters.

“And anyone who denies this has surfaced within our party is wrong and contributi­ng to the problem.”

But Campaign Against Antisemiti­sm chairman Gideon Falter said: “Jeremy Corbyn has released yet another bland statement devoid of any apology for his own anti-Semitism or promises of specific actions.”

Earlier, Mr Watson had told the Observer the party needed to take a “long, hard look at ourselves”.

The latest row was sparked by Labour’s failure to incorporat­e the full Internatio­nal Holocaust Remembranc­e Alliance definition of antiSemiti­sm in its code of conduct.

 ??  ?? WARNING Watson VIDEO Corbyn in his online message
WARNING Watson VIDEO Corbyn in his online message

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom