Watson fury over anti-Semitism row
TOM Watson has confronted Labour’s general secretary about the “truly shocking and distressing” Panorama programme on antiSemitism in the party.
The party’s deputy leader told Jenny Formby in a letter that Labour’s treatment of whistleblowers was unacceptable. He added: “Only sunlight can disinfect Labour of anti-Semitism.”
Eight former officials told Panorama they were undermined while trying to tackle anti-Semitism in the party.
Before the programme went out, Labour officials said those who spoke to Panorama were “politically motivated” and had “axes to grind”. They claimed the programme was one-sided and “seriously inaccurate” and accused its journalists of making up quotes and editing emails to change their meaning.
But Watson told Formby that those who spoke had been “very brave”, and added: “The way they have been smeared, including by Labour spokespeople, is deplorable.
“Even if some in the party did not want to hear what they had to say, it is unacceptable to attempt to undermine their integrity and characters.”
A Labour spokesman said: “Despite claims made in the programme, Labour is taking decisive action against anti-Semitism.”