Board criticised over delay

THE BOARD of Deputies has been criticised over the time it is taking to investigate an allegation that a deputy made racist remarks about Roma and Gypsy communities.

Gabriel Kanter-Webber, a rabbinical student at Leo Baeck College and a former deputy, complained in September to the Board that the comments made during a social media exchange had breached the Board’s code of conduct.

In January, Mr Kanter-Webber wrote to Board chief executive Gillian Merron and Jeremy Sher, chair of its constitution committee, which investigates complaints, saying that “this complaint is now four months old, and as far as I’m aware, no progress has been made with it whatsoever”.

He noted that “we’re very quick to demand swift and robust action” from the Labour party in dealing with allegations of racism.

VHe was told a member of the constitution committee would be in touch. But two months later, he is still waiting to hear what has happened to the complaint.

Stressing he did not blame any members of the constitution committee, Mr Kanter-Webber said: “It is the system — not the personnel — that has to change.”

The Board said it had been “outspoken in support of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, making clear our opposition to the counter-productive proposed criminalisation of unauthorised encampments again this week. Gabriel Webber’s complaint is currently under consideration.”

Mr Kanter-Webber previously represented Liberal Judaism and the Union of Jewish Students on the Board.