Chris Williamson: Labour lifts suspension of MP embroiled in antisemitism row
Thursday 27 June 2019 08:57, UK
Labour has lifted the suspension of MP Chris Williamson, who claimed the party had been "too apologetic" about its handling of antisemitism allegations.
The Derby North MP, an ally of leader Jeremy Corbyn, was suspended in February after a recording of the comments emerged.
The disciplinary case against him has now concluded, with Mr Williamson given a formal warning following a hearing of a National Executive Committee (NEC) antisemitism panel.
A party source said: "An NEC panel, advised by an independent barrister, found Chris Williamson had breached the party's rules and gave him a formal sanction.
"He could face further, more severe action if he repeats any similar comments."
In the video, obtained by the Yorkshire Post, Mr Williamson is heard telling Momentum activists: "I think our party's response has been partly responsible for that because in my opinion... we've backed off too much, we've given too much ground, we've been too apologetic.
"We've actually done more to address the scourge of antisemitism than any other political party."
He was also filmed saying he had celebrated the resignation of MP Joan Ryan, who left Labour in protest at its handling of antisemitism complaints.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews vice president Amanda Bowman branded the decision an "utter disgrace", while MP Margaret Hodge told Sky News: "I think the idea that we have a fair and objective complaints system is for the birds, and today's decision proves that.
"Jeremy Corbyn is the leader of the Labour Party. It's in his power to immediately remove the whip from Chris Williamson. It's in his power to get the decision reversed."
Gideon Falter, chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: "The decision to reinstate him shows that the Labour Party's leadership holds British Jews in contempt and demonstrates that the Equality and Human Rights Commission was right to act on our referral and open a full statutory investigation into Labour's antisemitism crisis."
Independent MP Ian Austin, who left the Labour Party earlier this year over what he called a "culture of extremism, antisemitism and intolerance", said: "It's a disgrace that Chris Williamson is let off with a warning.
"It shows the extent to which a party which had a proud record on racism has been poisoned under Jeremy Corbyn.
"The only question is when decent Labour MPs will finally say enough is enough and do something about it."
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Ruth Smeeth MP told Sky News: "I'm disgusted but not surprised because that seems to be how we treat anti-Jewish hate now in the Labour Party.
"We say that people are guilty of it and then say, oh come back into the Labour party, all's fine and dandy."
MP Stella Creasy suggested the timing could be linked to attempts to get candidates in place for the next general election.
MPs have until 8 July to confirm if they want to seek re-election in their seats.
Ms Creasy said: "The decision to let Chris Williamson back into party in time for him to stand again as a Labour candidate is best example yet of why we need an independent process for antisemitism and sexual harassment complaints and not mates' rates."
A Labour Party spokesman said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously, which are investigated in line with our rules and procedures.
"We can't comment on individual cases."