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Labour slammed for adding 'free speech' clause to anti-Semitism definition

The Labour Party has agreed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism in full following a crunch vote of its ruling body.

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Ian Austin

But the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) sparked fury by adding its own clause, which it says aims to protect freedom of expression.

Following a tense meeting during which Jeremy Corbyn delivered a statement on the issue, the NEC also backed a change in its code of conduct to help it investigate, suspend and expel members accused of anti-Semitism.

The Labour Party said in a statement: "The NEC has adopted all of the IHRA examples of anti-Semitism, in addition to the IHRA definition which Labour adopted in 2016, alongside a statement which ensures this will not in any way undermine freedom of expression on Israel or the rights of Palestinians.

"The NEC welcomed Jeremy Corbyn’s statement to the meeting about action against anti-Semitism, solidarity with the Jewish community and protection of Palestinian rights, as an important contribution to the consultation on Labour’s code of conduct."

Speaking as he arrived at the meeting, West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson, Labour’s deputy leader, said he hoped the NEC would endorse the IHRA definition to help repair relations with the Jewish community.

“I hope that is the start of the journey to rebuilding trust,” he said.

However, the Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) group condemned the NEC for including a 'freedom of expression' on Israel clause, which it said was 'unnecessary and totally undermines the other examples the party has supposedly just adopted'.

LFI director Jennifer Gerber said: "It is appalling that the Labour party has once again ignored the view clearly and repeatedly stated by the Jewish community: that it should adopt the full IHRA definition without additions, omissions or caveats."

Richard Angell, director of centre left Labour group Progress, said: "Jeremy Corbyn and the Momentum-dominated NEC have just failed the most basic test.

"A ‘right to be racist’ protection when debating the Middle East is not just wrong, it is harms the cause of peace but it will also continue a culture where Jewish people cannot feel at home in Labour."

Before the meeting NEC members had been greeted by anti-Corbyn protesters attacking the party’s record on anti-Semitism.

Jonathan Hoffman, an adviser to the Labour Against Anti-Semitism group, said: "Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour party do not have the right to tell Jews what is anti-Semitism. They do not have the right to tell any minority what is anti-Semitism."

Another pro-Corbyn group of demonstrators argued there was no need for Labour to adopt all the IHRA examples, claiming that doing so would neuter criticism of Israel.

Jewish Voice for Labour spokeswoman Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi said the Labour leadership had been 'bludgeoned, beaten and bloodied' into accepting the IHRA definition.

The row over anti-Semitism has torn Labour apart in recent weeks. It has seen veteran backbencher Frank Field resign the party whip, MP Margaret Hodge brand Mr Corbyn an 'anti-Semite' and the former chief rabbi, Lord Sacks, compare the Labour leader to Enoch Powell.

The row centred over calls for Labour to adopt the IHRA examples of anti-Semitism word-for-word.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin – who was warned over 'abusive conduct' for addressing anti-Semitism in the party – has condemned Corbyn supporters for plotting to deselect an MP who has spoken out against anti-Semitism.

Joan Ryan, who chairs Labour Friends Of Israel, has been accused of being hostile to the Labour leader by members of her Enfield North party.

She is reported to have been targeted for reselection by local Momentum activists who want to replace her with a hard left candidate.

Mr Austin said it was 'appalling to see another MP targeted for speaking out on anti-Semitism'.

"Joan Ryan is a great Labour campaigner who worked so hard to win a marginal seat off the Tories.

"Attacks like this are disgraceful."