Corbyn spotted patting ‘Jew-baiter’ Williamson

JEREMY CORBYN faced claims he “couldn’t care less about eradicating anti-Jewish prejudice” after he was overheard calling suspended Labour MP Chris Williamson his “comrade”.

The Labour leader sparked fury as he was seen patting the Derby North MP on the back after he approached Mr Williamson on the floor of the House of Commons during a packed vote on Brexit negotiations on March 14.

Mr Williamson — who has repeatedly appalled the Jewish community with his remarks — was suspended last month after claiming the party had been “too apologetic” over antisemitism.

Mr Corbyn could be seen weaving his way past MPs in the packed Commons last Thursday and then approaching Mr Williamson, who was in conversation with Labour colleague Clive Lewis at the time. He clearly placed an arm around Mr Williamson before patting him on the back.

Witnesses say he was heard saying to both parliamentarians: “How are we, comrades?”

Although Mr Williamson is suspended by his party, he is still free to take part in wider votes.

He had been in the Commons to vote on an amendment put forward by Mr Corbyn, which eventually failed to pass.

Ian Austin, the MP for Dudley North, who quit Labour last month, told the Mail on Sunday: “If any more proof were needed that the Labour leader couldn’t care less about eradicating anti-Jewish prejudice in his party, this is it.”

Labour said Mr Corbyn’s actions represented “basic politeness”.