Peers blast Corbyn in full-page ad

MORE THAN 60 Labour peers this week took out a full-page advert in the Guardian accusing Jeremy Corbyn of “allowing antisemitism to grow in our party and presiding over the most shaming period in Labour’s history”.

Representing roughly a third of Labour’s members in the House of Lords, the signatories added that Mr Corbyn had “failed the test of leadership” over antisemitism.

The statement was supported by a number of former government ministers, including Beverley Hughes, John Reid, Jack Cunningham, Peter Mandelson and Peter Hain.

It came amid a backlash within the party after last week’s Panorama exposé, which highlighted interventions by Mr Corbyn’s aides in the handling of antisemitism complaints.

The 64 peers argued that the style of Mr Corbyn’s office and his followers is to “deny the truth of the message and shoot the messengers”, making reference to complaints raised by party members and whistleblowers.

The letter read: “The Labour Party welcomes everyone* irrespective of race, creed, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation. (*except, it seems, Jews.)

“This is your legacy Mr Corbyn… We are not asking if you are an antisemite. We are saying you are accountable as leader for allowing antisemitism to grow in our party and presiding over the most shaming period in Labour’s history.

“We cannot stay silent while younger, braver party workers and members speak out. You have failed to defend our party’s anti-racist values. You have therefore failed the test of leadership.”

Responding, a party spokesman told the Guardian that Mr Corbyn and Labour “stand in solidarity with Jewish people”.